What gloves to choose for mechanical work? EN 388 standard

Mechanical work gloves are Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) designed to protect against physical risks such as abrasion, cuts, tearing, and punctures. Their manufacturing and resistance levels are regulated internationally under the EN 388 standard. This regulation certifies, through laboratory tests, the exact degree of protection offered by the glove, which is visually represented on the product through a pictogram of a shield with a series of numbers and letters at the bottom. Each of them is arranged in a position that evaluates a specific risk on a scale, where a higher number or letter indicates greater protection.

How to read the EN 388 standard on a glove?

When reviewing the EN 388 shield printed on the glove, you will find a code of up to six characters. The first digit evaluates abrasion, the second cut by blade, the third tearing, the fourth digit puncture or stabbing, and the fifth TDM cut.

• First digit (abrasion): measures resistance to mechanical rubbing (scale of 1 to 4).

• Second digit (cut by blade - coupe test): measures resistance to constant circular cutting (scale of 1 to 5).

• Third digit (tearing): measures the force needed to break the glove (scale of 1 to 4).

• Fourth digit (puncture / stabbing): measures resistance against sharp objects (scale of 1 to 4).

• Fifth position (TDM cut - ISO 13997): is the most precise measurement for cuts with sharp objects under pressure (scale from A to F). If an "X" appears, it means this test was not performed.

• Sixth position (impact): is optional. If the glove protects the knuckles against blows, a letter "P" is included at the end.

Key materials in mechanical protection gloves

In industrial environments, the selection of glove material depends on the level of demand of the job:

Gloves with nitrile support (rough or microporous)

This type of glove is the most versatile, as nitrile provides excellent resistance to abrasion and tearing, as well as superior grip in the presence of oils or greases.

• Applications: Used in industrial assembly, automotive, handling small parts in greasy environments.

Gloves with cut-resistant fibers (Kevlar®, Dyneema® or fiberglass)

When the risk of cuts is high, high-performance fibers are used that offer extraordinary protection without sacrificing flexibility.

• Applications: Metallurgical industry, handling glass, sheet metal, cutting materials with sharp edges.

Suede or cowhide gloves

Leather remains the king of materials when it comes to providing thermal and mechanical resistance. It is ideal for heavy construction work where the glove must withstand extreme conditions.

• Applications: Construction, handling heavy materials, woodworking.

What should I consider when selecting mechanical gloves?

If you are responsible for Occupational Risk Prevention (PRL), consider the following points to optimize protection in your company:

Dexterity vs. protection: Keep in mind that the thicker the glove, the greater the mechanical protection, but the lower the tactile dexterity. Look for a balance according to the precision required in the task.

1. Seamless support: To avoid fatigue and improve comfort during long shifts, prioritize gloves knitted without internal seams.

2. Work environment: Is there the presence of oils? If so, choose a glove with a sandy nitrile coating (foam) that allows for a firm grip under wet or greasy conditions.

Resources and solutions at Sekureco

At Sekureco, we have a wide range of mechanical gloves tested under the highest European standards, used in professional environments such as construction and public works, mechanical workshops, metallurgy and metalworking, logistics and storage, machinery maintenance, mining, and oil extraction, among others. Take a look at the specialized category of mechanical protection gloves for a professional and accurate purchase.

Featured products: gloves for mechanical work (EN 388)

Cut-resistant lined gloves level D TEGERA 8555T

Gray suede leather gloves COFAN

ESD protection anti-static work gloves TEGERA 879

Frequently asked questions about gloves for mechanical risks

1. What does each number under the hammer pictogram in the EN 388 standard represent? 

The hammer pictogram indicates that the glove is certified under the EN 388 standard. Below this, four numbers and, optionally, letters appear that define the level of resistance: the first is abrasion (1-4), the second cut by blade (1-5 or A-F), the third tearing (1-4), and the fourth puncture (1-4). The higher the number, the greater the protection offered by the PPE in that specific category.

2. Can a mechanical glove also protect me against chemical products? 

Not necessarily. A glove designed for mechanical risks (EN 388 standard) does not offer guaranteed chemical protection unless it also displays the "beaker" pictogram certified under the EN ISO 374 standard. It should never be assumed that a cut-resistant glove is impermeable to hazardous substances; contact with chemicals can degrade the mechanical support and compromise the worker's safety.

3. How do I know what level of cut protection I need for my sector? 

The selection depends on the severity of the risk: for tasks involving handling metal parts with sharp edges or sheet metal, it is highly recommended to seek cut levels C, D or E (according to ISO 13997). In light assembly sectors, lower levels may be sufficient, but a prior risk assessment should always be conducted at the workplace.

4. What materials offer the best balance between dexterity and mechanical resistance?

Nitrile, especially with rough or microporous finishes, is the preferred material for its excellent balance between abrasion resistance and tactile sensitivity. For tasks requiring protection against extreme cuts without losing flexibility, high-performance fibers such as Kevlar® or Dyneema® are used, which provide better protection than conventional cotton or simple leather work gloves.

5. When should I mandatory replace my mechanical gloves? 

Replacement is necessary when the glove shows visible signs of degradation, such as complete wear of the grip pattern (essential to prevent slipping), the appearance of cracks in the synthetic coating, or when the inner textile support is exposed. A deteriorated glove drastically reduces its resistance capacity and puts the operator at risk of fatigue injuries or direct accidents.