European Standard · Hand Protection
EN 388 – Protective Gloves Against Mechanical Risks: The Complete Guide to the European Standard for Hand Protection
EN 388 is the European standard specifying requirements, testing methods and marking for gloves that protect against mechanical risks including abrasion, cutting, tearing, puncture and impact. It is one of the most widely referenced PPE standards in industry, and its multi-digit marking system allows buyers to quickly compare glove performance across different hazards. This guide breaks down the EN 388 marking code and explains how to select and maintain the right gloves for your task.
1. Scope
EN 388 applies to protective gloves of all materials designed to guard the hands against mechanical hazards encountered in manufacturing, construction, warehousing, and general industrial handling. It defines test methods for abrasion resistance, blade cut resistance, tear resistance, puncture resistance, and since its 2016 revision, impact protection and an additional ISO 13997 cut resistance test.
2. Exclusions & Related Standards
- Does not cover chemical or microorganism protection – that falls under EN 374.
- Does not cover thermal or heat-related hazards – that falls under EN 407.
- Does not cover eye or face protection – see EN 166 eye protection.
- Does not cover footwear – see EN ISO 20345 safety footwear.
- Vibration-reducing gloves are covered separately by EN ISO 10819.
3. The EN 388 Marking System
| Digit 1 | Abrasion resistance, rated 1–4 (number of cycles to wear through) |
| Digit 2 | Blade cut resistance (Coup test), rated 1–5 |
| Digit 3 | Tear resistance, rated 1–4 |
| Digit 4 | Puncture resistance, rated 1–4 |
| Letter (A–F) | ISO 13997 cut resistance, a more accurate blade-based test replacing the Coup test at higher performance levels |
| P | Optional impact protection marking for knuckle/back-of-hand protection |
4. Requirements and Testing
- Abrasion resistance measured by cycles of sandpaper rotation until the glove material wears through
- Cut resistance measured using a rotating circular blade (Coup test) and/or a straight blade under load (ISO 13997)
- Tear resistance measured by the force required to tear the material
- Puncture resistance measured by the force required for a stylus to pierce the glove
- Optional impact test for gloves with padded knuckle protection
5. Selecting the Right Gloves
Selecting EN 388 gloves starts with identifying the dominant hazard on the job: general handling and light abrasion suits a lower-rated glove, while glass handling, metal sheet work or blade-heavy tasks require a high cut-resistance rating (level D/E/F). Consider dexterity trade-offs, as higher cut resistance often means thicker material and reduced grip sensitivity. Always check whether the glove is also rated for impact protection if the job involves crushing or pinch hazards.
6. Inspection, Care and Maintenance
- Inspect gloves before each use for cuts, thinning material or exposed stitching
- Replace gloves once cut or puncture resistance is visibly compromised, regardless of remaining lifespan
- Follow manufacturer washing instructions, as some coatings lose grip or cut performance after repeated laundering
- Store away from sharp objects, heat and direct sunlight to preserve material integrity
- Match glove size carefully – oversized gloves reduce dexterity and increase entanglement risk
7. Product Examples
- General purpose abrasion-resistant work gloves
- Cut-resistant gloves for metal fabrication and glass handling
- Impact-protected gloves for oil, gas and heavy equipment work
- Puncture-resistant gloves for waste handling and recycling
- Lightweight high-dexterity gloves for precision assembly work
8. Standard Information
- Status: Active European standard (EN 388:2016 +A1:2018)
- ICS code: 13.340.40
- Committee: CEN/TC 162
- Related standards: EN 166, EN ISO 20345
- See the full EN Standards Library for all safety equipment standards
Frequently Asked Questions about EN 388
What does the EN 388 standard cover?
EN 388 specifies requirements, testing and marking for protective gloves against mechanical risks including abrasion, cutting, tearing, puncture and impact.
How do I read the EN 388 marking on a glove?
The marking shows four digits for abrasion, cut, tear and puncture resistance, an optional letter (A–F) for ISO 13997 cut resistance, and an optional P for impact protection.
What is the difference between the Coup test and ISO 13997 cut test?
The Coup test uses a rotating blade and can be affected by blade dulling on very cut-resistant materials, while ISO 13997 uses a straight blade under increasing load for a more accurate result at higher cut levels, shown as a letter grade A-F.
What cut resistance level do I need for glass handling?
Glass handling typically requires a high cut resistance rating, often level D, E or F, though the exact requirement depends on a workplace risk assessment.
What does the P marking mean on EN 388 gloves?
P indicates the glove has passed an additional impact protection test, usually for padded knuckle or back-of-hand areas, relevant for oil, gas and heavy equipment work.
Can EN 388 gloves protect against chemicals?
No, EN 388 only covers mechanical risks; chemical protection requires a glove separately certified to EN 374.
How often should cut-resistant gloves be replaced?
Gloves should be replaced as soon as cut, puncture or abrasion resistance is visibly compromised, since damaged fibers no longer provide their rated protection level.