A question we’re regularly asked by our customers is: 

“When I’m choosing gloves for our workers what rating under EN388 should I look for?” 

Well, this is our attempt to clear this up for you...... 

(If you’re wondering what “EN388” means then check out explainer blog here or check out our Technical Manager Obe Nunn explaining it) 

It’s really important to get the rating on your gloves right because it means that you can be reasonably assured that your team will get the correct protection (which is a must both legally and ethically).  In addition to this getting the best rating for your workplace/application/hazards also means that you have a strong idea of how the gloves will perform. 

However, working out what that rating should be is no easy feat. 

What’s more: every single company or application will have different requirements and will need to specify a different rating. 

So, to help you find the best specification for your application we’ve compiled a list of tips: 

• Check the HSE website for any guidance documents relevant to your industry or task. 
• Speak to people who are carrying out similar tasks.  What rating do they specify? Why? What challenges have they faced with deciding on the specification? 

• Create a list of the hazards or risks that your employees face whilst carrying out the task for which they need gloves.  Mark each hazard that could affect the hands.   
• Decide which of the 5 main mechanical hazards the above risks fall under (abrasion, cut, tear, puncture or impact). 
• Prioritise the list of relevant risks from highest to lowest.  This gives you a steer on which rating under EN388 to focus on.  We have an explanation of the different ratings here. 
• Using the guide that you have created from the steps above you can then contact a distributor or manufacturer of safety gloves to find out what they have in their range to meet your needs. 
• Once they have given you some options get in some samples to trial. 

• Ask your operatives for specific feedback on the performance of the gloves in chosen “problem” areas.  

You can access a feedback form that you can use on your glove trials right here. 

Once you've undertaken trials, you’ll be in a great position to choose the best specification.  You can use this to ask your supplier/s for quotes. 

If you want to speak to any of our friendly staff about any part of this process or alternatively you need samples then get in touch with us on 01443 741999 or info@pksafetyuk.com.