According to this standard, gloves are tested for characteristics such as abrasion resistance, cut resistance, tearing strength, puncture resistance, and impact protection. Alongside a pictogram, the glove’s performance is indicated by four numbers and one or two letters.

ABRASION RESISTANCE

The material undergoes abrasion testing using sandpaper at a set pressure. The level of protection is graded on a scale of 1 to 4 based on the number of cycles required until a hole appears. A higher number signifies better abrasion resistance.

CUT RESISTANCE, COUP TEST

The glove’s cut protection is evaluated by passing a knife over the material until it penetrates. The level of protection is rated from 1 to 5, with 5 denoting the highest cut protection. If the material dulls the knife during this test, the ISO 13997 (TDM test) is conducted instead.

TEARING STRENGTH

The force necessary to tear the glove material is measured, with the protection level indicated on a scale of 1 to 4, where 4 represents the strongest material.

PUNCTURE RESISTANCE

The level of protection against punctures is determined by assessing the force required to puncture the material with a tip. Ratings range from 1 to 4, with 4 indicating the highest level of protection.

CUT RESISTANCE, TDM TEST ISO 13997

If the knife becomes dull during the coup test, the ISO 13997 test is conducted instead. The protection level is indicated by a letter (A to F), with F representing the highest level of protection. If any letter is given, this method determines the protection level instead of the coup test.

ISO 13997:1999 – Determination of Resistance to Cutting by Sharp Objects This ISO standard presents an alternative cut test method specifically recommended for assessing the cut resistance of protective gloves. It is to be employed in situations where the material being tested dulls the cutting knife during the conventional testing process. During this test, a knife applies constant speed but increasing force until a breakthrough occurs in the cut protection material. The level of protection is quantified in Newton, indicating the force required for breakthrough over a 20mm cut length.

IMPACT PROTECTION

Gloves featuring impact protection are designated with the letter P as the final sign. The absence of the P sign indicates no claim of impact protection.