22 Oct 2025

UNDERSTANDING EN & ANSI STANDARDS FOR SAFETY GLOVES: A COMPLETE GUIDE

Safety gloves are among the most critical pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE). Whether you work in construction, manufacturing, laboratories, or logistics, gloves protect workers’ hands from cuts, abrasions, chemicals, heat, and punctures.

However, not all gloves offer the same level of protection - and without clear guidance, it’s easy to purchase gloves that fail to meet workplace requirements. That’s why international standards such as EN (European Norm) and ANSI (American National Standards Institute) exist.

These safety glove standards define how protection is tested, rated, and certified, allowing employers to select gloves that truly match their risk environment. Understanding these standards is not only technical - it’s essential for regulatory compliance, injury prevention, and cost efficiency.

In this guide, we’ll break down what EN and ANSI standards mean, how to interpret glove markings, and how to choose the right gloves for your workforce.

WHY SAFETY GLOVE STANDARDS MATTER

The purpose of safety glove standards is to ensure consistent, measurable performance across industries and suppliers. They establish benchmarks for protection against different hazards - including mechanical, chemical, and thermal risks - and help employers verify that gloves have been tested under certified conditions.

In recent years, regulators and insurers have tightened PPE compliance rules. A glove that lacks proper certification can lead to injury claims, failed audits, or legal penalties. Understanding these standards helps organisations avoid those risks while promoting worker confidence and safety culture.

Two main systems dominate the global glove market:

• EN Standards (Europe) -  Regulated by CEN (European Committee for Standardisation).
• ANSI Standards (USA) - Developed by the American National Standards Institute in partnership with the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA).

Both classify gloves based on specific test results, but their rating methods differ slightly.

EN 388: THE EUROPEAN STANDARD FOR MECHANICAL PROTECTION

The EN 388:2016 + A1:2018 standard covers gloves used against mechanical hazards - abrasion, cut, tear, and puncture. It’s one of the most recognized glove markings worldwide.

Every EN 388 glove carries a performance code, such as EN 388: 4X43F, where each character indicates resistance to a specific hazard.

🔍 HOW THE TDM TEST WORKS

Introduced in the 2016 update, the TDM (Tomodynamometer) test replaced older methods that struggled with modern fibers. It measures the force (in newtons) required for a straight-edge blade to slice through the glove.

For example, a glove rated “F” in the TDM test offers exceptional cut protection — ideal for metal stamping or glass handling.

🧰 Real-World Example

• A2–A3 or EN 388 Level 3: Suitable for assembly and packaging.
• EN 388 Level 4 or F: Recommended for sheet metal, construction, or recycling operations.

KEY TAKEAWAY: EN 388 ratings provide a precise, numeric snapshot of how a glove will perform against common mechanical hazards.

EN 374: PROTECTION AGAINST CHEMICALS & MICRO-ORGANISMS

When dealing with chemicals or biological agents, gloves must comply with EN 374, which tests for chemical permeation, penetration, and degradation.

Certified gloves display a flask pictogram and, in some cases, three letters (A–T) representing specific tested chemicals, such as:

• A: Methanol
• K: Sodium hydroxide (40%)
• L: Sulphuric acid (96%)

🧪 Understanding Permeation and Degradation

• Permeation measures how long it takes a chemical to pass through the glove.
• Degradation tests how the material deteriorates upon contact.

For instance, a nitrile glove may resist sodium hydroxide (K) for up to 60 minutes but fail sooner if exposed to concentrated acid. Always match the glove’s breakthrough time to your actual chemical exposure duration and concentration.

USE CASES: Laboratories, cleaning services, chemical manufacturing, and healthcare disinfection.

ANSI/ISEA 105: THE U.S. STANDARD FOR GLOVE PERFORMANCE

In North America, glove performance is measured using the ANSI/ISEA 105 standard, last updated in 2016.

This framework classifies gloves by their resistance to cutting, puncturing, abrasion, and chemical exposure. Like EN standards, each category is rated numerically.

⚙️ Cut Resistance Explained

Measured with the TDM-100 test, ANSI’s A1–A9 scale corresponds to specific gram-force levels:

For example, an ANSI A6 glove provides robust protection ideal for metal fabrication or demolition work. This scale allows U.S. buyers to fine-tune selection more precisely than the older five-point systems.

EN VERSUS ANSI: UNDERSTANDING THE KEY DIFFERENCES

While EN and ANSI standards serve the same purpose - ensuring reliable glove performance - they differ in testing methods and presentation.

Many manufacturers now pursue dual certification, displaying both EN and ANSI markings to meet EU Regulation 2016/425 and OSHA 1910.138 standards simultaneously. Independent labs such as SATRA, Intertek, and BSI Group provide cross-standard testing, ensuring that gloves meet global export and compliance requirements.

HOW TO SELECT GLOVES BASED ON STANDARDS

Choosing the right gloves is a balance of protection, comfort, and compliance. Use the following framework:

✅ 1. Identify Hazards

Assess the work environment for mechanical, chemical, heat, or biological risks.

✅ 2. Evaluate Exposure

Determine frequency and duration of exposure. For example, brief handling of sharp edges may require different protection than continuous use.

✅ 3. Match the Right Standard

• EN 388: Mechanical protection (abrasion, cut, puncture).
• EN 374: Chemical or biological protection.
• ANSI/ISEA 105: U.S.-based classification for cut, puncture, and abrasion performance.

✅ 4. Verify Certification

Always check glove packaging or datasheets for verified test results and current standard references.

✅ 5. Train and Review

Even the best gloves are ineffective if used incorrectly. Train staff on glove use, inspection, and replacement schedules. Conduct annual PPE reviews to maintain compliance.

TIP: Gloves should fit snugly but not tightly. Ill-fitting gloves can reduce dexterity and increase the risk of snagging or fatigue.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does EN 388: 4X43F mean?

It indicates a glove’s performance in five mechanical tests — high abrasion (4), cut test not applicable (X), tear (4), puncture (3), and TDM cut level (F, the highest).

How do ANSI cut levels compare to EN 388?

Generally, ANSI A1–A9 maps to EN A–F, but ANSI’s scale is finer-grained. For example, EN “F” roughly equals ANSI “A6–A7”.

Do safety gloves expire?

Yes. Over time, exposure to sunlight, oils, or chemicals can degrade materials. Always follow manufacturer guidance and replace gloves showing wear or stiffness.

Can gloves meet both EN and ANSI standards?

Yes. Many modern gloves are dual-rated, making them compliant in both the U.S. and EU markets.

CONCLUSION: CONFIDENCE THROUGH COMPLIANCE

Understanding EN and ANSI glove standards gives safety professionals the knowledge to choose gloves that genuinely protect. Each marking - whether EN 388: 4X43F or ANSI A6 - represents verified performance based on rigorous testing.

Before purchasing or issuing gloves, confirm they carry up-to-date certifications and fit the hazards of your workplace. The right choice reduces injuries, ensures legal compliance, and fosters a stronger safety culture.

ACTION STEP: Review your current glove inventory today. Verify that every pair meets the latest EN or ANSI standard appropriate for your work environment.

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