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.

MANDATORY

Type 1: The impact force transmitted to the cap must not exceed 4,450 N when a 3.6 kg (8 lb) impact is dropped at a speed of 5.5 m/s (metres per second).
Penetration: A 1 kg penetrator must not come into contact with the false head at a speed of 7.0 m/s.
Flammability: the helmet must not burn with the emission of a fl ame for more than 5 seconds after the fl ame has been withdrawn
Electrical resistance: proof test at 20,000 volts for class E or 10,000 volts for class G. Class C off ers no protection against electrical hazards.
Type 2: In addition to the requirements of type 1, type 2 head protection must also satisfy:
Energy attenuation: the acceleration must not exceed 150 g in the event of a fall onto the cap and sideways using a 5 kg dummy head at 3.5 m/s.
Lateral penetration: At the front, rear and sides, a 1 kg penetrator must not come into contact with the headform at a speed of 5.0 m/s.

OPTIONAL

ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 4 options: low temperature (LT), high temperature (HT), reverse wear position and high visibility.

MANDATORY 

Impact*: This PPE protects against impacts from knocks against structures or objects. It does not protect from the impact of a falling object at all. The
impact energy of the cap at the end of the test reached 12.25 J.
Penetration*: the tip of the mass used in the test (0.5 kg over 0.5 m) must not come into contact with the skull.
* The impact and penetration tests are performed at room temperature, at 50°C and at -10°C.
Should in no way be a substitute for an industry type helmet (EN397).

OPTIONAL

In extreme temperatures: impact and penetration tests are conducted at room temperature at -20°C or -30°C.
Protects against accidental short-term contact with a live electrical conductor up to 440 VAC.
Flammability: the helmet must not burn with fl ame emission more than 5 seconds after removal of the fl ame (F marking).

Mandatory

Electrically insulating helmets for use near energised equipment not exceeding 1000 VAC or 1500 VDC (appliance class 0).
Used simultaneously with other electrically insulating protective equipment, these helmets prevent dangerous currents passing through to the person's head.
These optional electrical insulation tests are more stringent than the EN397 and they complement them. (2 triangle marking, Class 0).