Reading Work Glove Markings: EN 388, EN ISO 374 and EN 407 Explained
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Work gloves are one of the most frequently ordered PPE items on any site, yet they are often bought on price alone. A cotton glove will not stop a sheet-metal cut, and a general rubber glove may not resist the solvent your team is using. The markings printed on the glove or its packaging tell you what it has been tested against. This guide explains how to read them so you can match gloves to the actual hazard.
Start with your risk assessment
Under Singapore's Workplace Safety and Health framework, employers are responsible for assessing risks and providing suitable PPE. For gloves, list the hazards for each task: sharp edges, abrasion, chemicals, heat, welding spatter, vibration or simple dirt. Then choose a glove tested for those hazards, and remember that gloves are the last line of defence after eliminating or controlling the hazard.
EN 388: mechanical hazards
The hammer-and-shield pictogram means the glove has been tested to EN 388. Under the current version (EN 388:2016) you will see a code of four digits and up to two letters, for example 4X42C.
| Position | Test | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| 1st digit | Abrasion resistance | 0–4 |
| 2nd digit | Cut resistance (coupe test) | 0–5, or X if not tested |
| 3rd digit | Tear resistance | 0–4 |
| 4th digit | Puncture resistance | 0–4 |
| 1st letter | Cut resistance (ISO 13997 TDM test) | A (lowest) to F (highest), or X |
| 2nd letter (optional) | Impact protection | P if passed |
Higher numbers and later letters mean better performance. For cut risk, the letter is the more reliable figure, because the coupe test can be misleading on high-performance cut-resistant fibres. That is why many cut-resistant gloves show X in the second position.
A rough guide to cut levels
- A–B: general handling, packing, light assembly.
- C–D: sheet metal, glass handling, HVAC ductwork, cable tray installation.
- E–F: heavy sheet metal, sharp castings, glass cutting and similar high-risk tasks.
EN ISO 374: chemicals and microorganisms
The flask pictogram shows chemical testing to EN ISO 374-1. Gloves are classified as:
- Type A: resists at least six test chemicals for at least 30 minutes each.
- Type B: resists at least three test chemicals for at least 30 minutes each.
- Type C: resists at least one test chemical for at least 10 minutes.
Letters under the pictogram identify which test chemicals were passed. If the chemical your team uses is not listed, ask the supplier or manufacturer for permeation data, and check the chemical's Safety Data Sheet for the recommended glove material, such as nitrile, neoprene or butyl. A separate biohazard pictogram (EN ISO 374-5) shows protection against microorganisms, which matters for cleaning, healthcare and waste handling.
EN 407 and EN 12477: heat and welding
The flame pictogram shows EN 407 testing, with up to six digits covering limited flame spread, contact heat, convective heat, radiant heat, small splashes of molten metal and large quantities of molten metal. Welding gloves are tested to EN 12477:
- Type A: more protection and less dexterity, suited to MMA and MIG welding.
- Type B: more dexterity, suited to TIG welding where fine control matters.
Fit, comfort and practical choices
- Size: a glove that is too big reduces grip and can be caught in machinery. Stock a range of sizes.
- Coating: nitrile coatings give good grip on oily parts; latex gives grip in dry conditions; PU coatings give dexterity for fine work.
- Heat and humidity: in Singapore's climate, breathable backs improve comfort, and workers are more likely to keep comfortable gloves on.
- Rotating machinery: do not wear gloves near drills, lathes and other rotating parts where the glove could be caught, unless your risk assessment allows it.
- Replace damaged gloves: cut, worn or chemically swollen gloves no longer offer their rated protection.
What to ask your supplier
- The full marking code for each standard the glove is tested to.
- The user information leaflet or data sheet.
- Permeation data for the specific chemicals you handle.
- Available sizes and pack quantities.
Where to start
Browse PPE and safety gear for gloves, helmets, harnesses and hearing protection, and the wider WSH and site safety range for signs, barriers and site equipment.
Request a quotation
Ordering PPE for a team or a new project? Request a quotation. Send us the part number, a photo or the old label and a real person will quote within 24 hours. For technical questions about glove markings or standards, email cs@delight.com.sg.