SMI catalogue 2022 - Catalog - Page 104
HAND
PROTECTION
106
HANDLING GLOVES
115
CUT LEVEL
B TO F GLOVES
120
NITRILE GLOVES
125
DISPOSABLE
& CHEMICAL
RESISTANT
128
NEEDLE-STICK
GLOVES
129
SPECIALIST GLOVES
104
We use our hands for every aspect of
our working life, relying on these two
critically-important parts of our body to
perform the most intricate tasks each
day. Having decent hand protection
for your team ensures that risks arising
from cuts, abrasions, use of chemicals or
manipulating machinery and equipment
can be mitigated effectively, keeping these
vital body parts safe from harm.
UNDERSTANDING
EN 388:2016
When it comes to understanding the
various standards and ratings applicable
to hand protection, it can be confusing to
wade through the various classifications
to make an informed choice for your
team. In the UK, a new version of the
existing standards was published,
which built upon the EN ISO:21420
requirements, specifically to oversee the
compliant deployment of gloves and hand
protection.
Previously, fabric swatches which were
tested to determine the degree of cut
resistance used the Coupe Blade Test
as standard. With the new regulations,
there is an EN ISO:13997 Cut Test,
which is favoured as the Coupe Blade
test tended to have a blunting effect
upon the blade while being undertaken.
EN 388:2016 is the 2016 revised standard
for glove markings, and this standard
is mandatory in 2021 – that’s why it’s
important to get clued up and ensure that
your team is compliant before the previous
standard is phased out as best practice.
EN 388:2016 has a number of
additional requirements which
employers need to consider in selecting
the ideal hand protection for their
team. The following summary details
where the revised standards differ
from previous best practice guidance.
THE CUT TEST
CUT LEVELS
In the new guidance, there are now six
different cut level classifications. This has
been amended to ensure that products
featuring a higher degree of protection
may be tested compliantly and identified.
IMPACT PROTECTION
TESTING
The new standard also features a
new marking, specifically designed to
distinguish between levels of Impact
Protection testing,