The European standard used to evaluate mechanical risks for hand protection is EN 388. NBR Gloves such as the foamy flex M35NBV seamless nitrile gloves have an EN 388 rating as 4131X. EN 388-rated NBR gloves undergo independent testing and are evaluated for resistance to abrasion, cuts, tears, and punctures. All these other physical performance variables are scored 1-4, while cut resistance is rated 1–5. To test for cut resistance, the EN 388 standard solely utilised the “Coup Test”.
Let’s delve into the different types of protection tested in EN 388 compliant M35NBV with this standard.
1. Abrasion Resistance
Sandpaper is used to abrade the material while applying a specific amount of pressure. The number of rotations necessary before the appearance of a hole in the material determines the protection level, which ranges from 1 to 4. The better the resistance to abrasion, the higher the number. The M35NBV scores 4 for abrasion resistance.
2. Cut Resistance
To measure the cut resistance of nitrile gloves, the coup test is first performed. The glove material is sliced with a knife until it’s been cut through. A number between 1 and 5, with 5 being the highest cut protection, denotes the degree of protection. The M35NBV offers a fair degree of cut resistance.
3. Tear Resistance
The amount of force needed to rip the glove material in two is calculated. A number between 1 and 4, with 4 designating the strongest material, shows the degree of protection. Although the M35NBV’s primary USP is slip-resistance, it also ticks the box for tear resistance.
4. Puncture Resistance
It measures the magnitude of force needed till it reaches the breaking point and penetrates the material. A number between 1 and 4 determines the level of protection, with 4 indicating the highest material strength. The M35NBV includes puncture resistance as part of the series of protection it offers.
5. Impact Protection
The letter P, which appears as the sixth and final indication, indicates if the glove includes impact protection. Impact protection cannot be claimed without a P symbol.
Why is EN 388 crucial for NBR gloves?
A significant danger of mechanical injuries is omnipresent in the industrial field. It exists every day in numerous industrial circumstances, whether in the construction sector, the food business, or the automobile industry. Handling fixed or movable cutting components (grinders, planes, chainsaws), handling sharp items like hand tools (cutters, chisels, saws), or handling sharp materials are only a few sources of cuts on a construction site and other industrial environments.
Even while the injuries are frequently small, the effects can occasionally be quite terrible, sometimes even disabling posing the risks of skin abrasion, ripping, or piercing. Therefore, it is essential to increase workplace safety in order to safeguard employees from the debilitating dangers of cuts. A crucial and essential element in ensuring the worker’s health is the use of EN 388 compliant NBR gloves that provide an adequate amount of protection, starting from the fingers to the wrist.
How does EN 388 compliance augment the features of M35NBV?
The seamless M35NBV nitrile gloves have a combination of spandex and nylon that offers dexterity par excellence. This helps industrial workers handle intricate and delicate machinery with deftness. It works exceptionally well in oily environments since nitrile-coated palms absorb most of the oil. The palms and the back of your hand stay fresh due to the breathability of the nylon fabric. It works wonderfully across industries such as Automobile & auto-ancillary, Warehouse & Assembling, Manufacturing, Material Handling, Oil, Gas, Petrochemical, Paper & Forestry, Horticulture, Construction & Civil, and Chemical & Paint.
Final Thoughts
Hand protection is non-negotiable in a hazardous industrial setting. It is an everyday challenge that needs reliable protection certified by EN 388 standards. This is the reason why the M35NBV is regarded as a top reliable option. However, Mallcom’s repertoire extends beyond the M35NBV. Clocking a massive 14M+ production of 50+ SKUs of CE certified industrial nitrile gloves come in various specifications, such as seamless, cut-and-sewn, cut-resistant, and impact-resistant. Used for multiple industrial tasks such as welding, driving, and operating complicated machinery, Mallcom’s NBR Gloves are next to none when it comes to offering true adaptability. A whopping 700K NBR Gloves are produced each month with a labour force of 350+. Two specialised, electronically controlled production lines that are fuelled by the environmentally friendly, renewable Thermic Heater, make this feasible.
Hands-on protection goes hand in hand with Mallcom India’s industrial nitrile gloves.