EN 407 standard: protective gloves against thermal risks

EN 407 thermal protection gloves are made for professional use, exposing the user's hands to exposure to intense heat radiation, fire or molten iron by handling an object for example for which wearing a thermal glove is necessary. Thermal protection gloves must comply with the EN 407 standard, thus protecting them from superficial burns. The gloves do not constitute total equipment for the user, protecting only the part of the hand thereof. The gloves are subjected to several tests, are presented to the general public when they have undergone the numerous tests certifying standard 407

Gloves subjected to several tests

In order to define the performance level of protective gloves in the face of a specific thermal risk, the EN 407 standard requires the gloves to undergo 6 tests with 4 levels of duration:

1.test: Resistance to flammability

Level 1: less than or equal to 20 seconds
Level 2: less than or equal to 10 seconds
Level 3: less than or equal to 3 seconds
Level 4: less than or equal to 2 seconds

2.test: Resistance to contact heat

Level 1: 100°C for a period greater than or equal to 15 seconds
Level 2: 250°C for a period greater than or equal to 15 seconds
Level 3: 350°C for a period greater than or equal to 15 seconds
Level 4: 500°C for a period greater than or equal to 15 seconds

3. test: Resistance to convective heat

Level 1: greater than or equal to 4 seconds
Level 2: greater than or equal to 7 seconds
Level 3: greater than or equal to 10 seconds
Level 4: greater than or equal to 18 seconds

4.test: Resistance to radiant heat

Level 1: greater than or equal to 5 seconds
Level 2: greater than or equal to 30 seconds
Level 3: greater than or equal to 90 seconds
Level 4: greater than or equal to 150 seconds

5.test: Resistance to small splashes of molten metal

Level 1: greater than or equal to 5
Level 2: greater than or equal to 15
Level 3: greater than or equal to 25
Level 4: greater than or equal to 35

6.test: Resistance to large splashes of molten metal

Level 1: greater than or equal to 30 grams
Level 2: greater than or equal to 60 grams
Level 3: greater than or equal to 120 grams
Level 4: greater than or equal to 200 grams

The pictogram for standardized gloves 407 2004

The EN 407 2004 standard specifies the requirements and test methods for thermal protective gloves. Each standardized glove is made up of the number indicated next to the pictogram and stipulates the level of performance of the gloves for each test of the standard.

Based on these tests, a performance level ranging from 0 to 4 is assigned. Gloves that comply with this standard must display 6 digits corresponding to 6 performance levels. Before purchasing a pair of protective gloves against thermal risks, particular attention should therefore be paid to the information given on this mandatory marking. It is advisable to opt for the models with the highest performance levels (maximum temperature, persistence time, etc.

A pictogram is affixed to the thermal gloves to specify its thermal characteristic, the pictogram of which is represented by a fire logo.

Specific features of EN 407 standard gloves

As mentioned, EN 407 standard protective gloves are designed to protect the wearer against thermal risks in the form of fire, heat (contact heat, convective heat and radiant heat) and projection of molten metals. To comply with this standard, thermal protection gloves must meet three criteria: high heat resistance, reduced heat transmission, as well as reduced level of flammability and flame spread. However, it should be noted that these gloves are not designed for use against specific thermal risks such as welding work or firefighting.

Other standards to consider: 420, 388

It is important to know that as work gloves,gloves for protection against thermal risks must also be EN 420 compliant. This is the mandatory standard common to all gloves dedicated to professionals. A certain level of mechanical resistance is also required for thermal protection gloves to perform. As a result, they must also pass the tests of the EN 388 standard. These tests consist in evaluating the resistance of the gloves to abrasion and tearing. An EN 407 glove must achieve performance level 1 at least.

There are therefore many complementary standards to the 407 standard here is a list:

EN 420 standard: design of gloves
Standard EN 12477: risk of welding
EN 388 standard: mechanical risk
Standard EN 511: thermal risk related to cold
Standard 381-7: cut (chainsaw and chain saws)
Standard 374 : chemical risks