Buying guide
EN 388 glove ratings explained
What do the numbers and letters on an EN 388 work glove mean?
The short answer
EN 388 is the standard for protection against mechanical risks such as rubbing, cutting, tearing and puncture. The marking shows four numbers in a fixed order, abrasion, blade cut, tear and puncture, followed by a letter from A to F for cut resistance measured by a second method, and sometimes a P if the glove passed an impact test. A higher number or a letter further along the alphabet means a higher result in that test. It says nothing about chemicals, heat or cold, which have their own standards.
How the marking is laid out
Look at the pictogram on the glove or its packaging. It is a small shield with a hammer on it, followed by a short code such as 4 3 4 2 C P. The code is always read left to right in the same order, so each position tells you the result of one test.
| Position | What it tests | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st number | Abrasion resistance | 0 to 4 | How many rubbing cycles before the material wears through |
| 2nd number | Blade cut resistance (coup test) | 0 to 5 | Shown as X where the test is not suitable for the material |
| 3rd number | Tear resistance | 0 to 4 | Force needed to tear the material |
| 4th number | Puncture resistance | 0 to 4 | Force needed for a standard point to go through |
| Letter | Cut resistance (ISO 13997) | A to F | A is the lowest result, F the highest |
| P (optional) | Impact protection | Pass or not shown | Only appears where the glove passed |
Match the letter to the job, not to the biggest number
For handling sharp sheet metal, glass or blades, look at the cut letter first. A glove with a high abrasion number but a low cut letter will last well when rubbed but will not necessarily resist a blade. Higher cut protection often means a stiffer or thicker glove, so choose the level the task needs.
What EN 388 does not cover
- Chemicals and liquids, which are covered by EN ISO 374.
- Heat and flame, which are covered by EN 407.
- Cold, which is covered by EN 511.
- Dexterity and fit, which are covered by EN ISO 21420 for general requirements.
Cut resistant gloves
Cut resistant gloves from the catalogue. The rating each manufacturer states is on the product page.
Cut Resistant Gloves · A622
Cut C13 PU Glove
Despatched within 1-2 working days
Cut Resistant Gloves · AP50
Cut D13 Nitrile Aqua Glove
Despatched within 1-2 working days
Cut Resistant Gloves · A645
Cut D13 Nitrile Green Glove
Despatched within 1-2 working days
Cut Resistant Gloves · A620
Cut B13 PU Glove
Despatched within 1-2 working days
Check against your own risk assessment
A glove rating describes a laboratory test. It does not guarantee protection in every real situation. Your risk assessment should say what level of protection the task needs, and a damaged glove should be replaced.
Common questions
What does an X mean in the marking?
An X means that test was not carried out or was not suitable for that material. It is not a low score, it is the absence of a result.
Why are there two cut tests?
The older coup test can be affected by materials that dull the blade, so the standard added a second method, ISO 13997, which gives the letter. Where both are shown, the letter is the one to read for cut risk.
Does a cut-resistant glove make a blade safe to handle?
No. A glove reduces the risk of a cut, it does not remove it. Safe handling, the right tools and your risk assessment still apply.
Keep reading
Still not sure what you need?
Check the standard against your own risk assessment, and if you are still not sure, call us and talk it through with someone who knows the catalogue.