Specifications of level numbers and requirements relating to the transmittance of filters to protect operators for welding and related techniques. Specification of requirements for welding filters with double number of levels.

Applies to all types of individual protection of the eye which protects from hazards likely to damage the eye, except for nuclear radiation, x-rays, laser emissions and infrared emitted by low-temperature sources. Does not apply to eye protection for which separate standards exist (anti-laser eye protection, sunglasses for general use,…).

The EN388 standard applies to all types of protective gloves with respect to physical and mechanical aggression from abrasion, cutting from slicing, perforation and tearing. Since the 2016 version of the standard, new optional performance have appeared.

Impact resistance on the metacarpal area: if this performance is claimed, the "P" mark appears.

Marking example:

4233X P

Marking example:

4543D ou 4X43D

Cut by blade, 2 test methods:

EN388 6.2.:  For low to middle risk of cutting. A circular blade on which a constant force of 5 N is applied, moves back and forth until the sample is cut. It measures the number of completed cycles and is credited with the corresponding level.

EN ISO 13997:  For materials that blunt the blade during the EN388 6.2 test and/ or are particularly resistant, for high risk of cutting. A straight blade makes a single movement of 20 mm with a force of 2N, the test is repeated with a different force as many times as necessary until the sample is cut. A level corresponding to the force required to cut the sample is assigned. This method better represents the usage situations that present a high risk of cutting.

Standard EN ISO 10819 specifies performance requirements for vibration attenuation through gloves. The vibration-reducing material must also satisfy thickness and consistency requirements. It should be noted that these gloves can reduce but not eliminate health risks associated with handtransmitted vibration exposure.

Vibration transmissibility in one-third-octave frequency bands from 25 to 200Hz must be equal to or less than 0.90. The one calculated in one-third-octave frequency bands from 200 to 1250 Hz must be equal to or less than 0.60.

Specification of the requirements for automatic welding filters, i.e. welding screens with automatic variation of the transmission factor. These screens are intended to protect operators during welding and related techniques..

Specifications of level numbers and of requirements relating to the transmittance of the filters for protection against ultraviolet radiation.

Specification of level numbers and requirements relating to the transmittance of filters for protection against solar radiation, industrial use.

Requirements and test methods for gloves used for manual welding of metals, for cutting and related techniques. Welder gloves are ranked in two types: B when great dexterity is required (e.g.: TIG welding), and A for other welding processes.