Understanding EN388 Protection Levels: The Complete Guide to Cut-Resistant Gloves
🧤 Protecting Hands at Work: Why EN388 Matters
When choosing work gloves, safety starts with the EN388 standard — the European benchmark for measuring mechanical protection. It helps you compare gloves by their resistance to abrasion, cuts, tears, punctures, and impact.
EN388 applies to gloves used in construction, manufacturing, warehousing, waste handling, and more.
🔍 What Is EN388?
EN388:2016+A1:2018 is the current European standard for testing and rating mechanical risks for protective gloves.
Each glove tested under EN388 receives a five-character code, such as 4543C, printed on the glove itself.
| Example marking | Meaning |
| Standard pictogram showing mechanical protection test results |
⚙️ The EN388 Code Explained
Each character represents one protection test result:
| Position | Test | Rating Range | Description |
| 1️⃣ | Abrasion Resistance | 1–4 | How well the glove withstands rubbing and surface wear |
| 2️⃣ | Cut Resistance (Coup Test) | 1–5 | Resistance to cuts from sharp blades under pressure |
| 3️⃣ | Tear Resistance | 1–4 | Strength needed to tear the glove apart |
| 4️⃣ | Puncture Resistance | 1–4 | Resistance against puncture from nails or sharp objects |
| 5️⃣ | Cut Resistance (ISO 13997 Test) | A–F | High-accuracy test using a straight blade; replaces the old coup test when blunting occurs |
| (optional) | Impact Protection | P or X | “P” = Passed, “X” = Not tested |
📈 EN388 Rating Chart
✂️ Understanding Cut Levels A–F (ISO 13997)
| Cut Level | Newtons Force | Typical Application |
| A | 2–5 N | Light handling, packaging |
| B | 5–10 N | General assembly |
| C | 10–15 N | Maintenance, metal handling |
| D | 15–22 N | Sheet metal work |
| E | 22–30 N | Glass handling |
| F | ≥30 N | Extreme cut risk, automotive or glass manufacturing |
Insert Graphic: cut-level-force-graph.png
(Line or area chart showing rising protection from A to F with Newton force labels.)
🧩 EN388 vs EN ISO 13997: What Changed?
EN388:2003 used only the Coup Test, which became unreliable for high-cut materials.
EN388:2016 introduced the ISO 13997 (A–F) rating for greater accuracy.
Both tests may appear on one glove label if both are used.
Insert Comparison Graphic: Split image or infographic showing
left side = Old Coup Test (rotating blade),
right side = ISO Test (straight blade).
🏗️ Choosing the Right Glove for Your Job
| Job Role | Recommended EN388 Rating |
| Warehouse Operative | 4131A |
| Mechanic | 4121B |
| Construction Worker | 4232C |
| Sheet Metal Worker | 4543D |
| Glass Handler | 4544E or 4544F |
Add callouts or product cards linking to your catalogue:
Example Product: Portwest A622
📊 Infographic Suggestion
Title: “How to Read EN388 Ratings in 30 Seconds”
✅ Quick Summary
EN388 = Mechanical protection standard for gloves
5 tests = Abrasion, Cut, Tear, Puncture, Impact
Cut levels A–F = Measured by force in Newtons
Higher letter or number = Better protection
📢 Want Expert Advice?
Colbrook Supplies Direct provides a full range of EN388-certified gloves for all industries — from light assembly to heavy fabrication.
Our team can help you match the correct protection level to your task.
Contact us: [email protected]
Visit: Cut Resistant Gloves