The graphic sign should only be used if at least level 1 has been achieved for convective cold or contact cold. An X, instead of a number, indicates that the glove is not intended for the use for which the appropriate testing applies.

Protective gloves against cold
It specifies the requirements and test methods for gloves that protect against cold down to -50oC, caused by heat loss through convective and conductive cold.

• Convective cold - gloves are tested for their thermal insulation at various levels of effectiveness. Thermal insulation is indicated by measuring the power needed to maintain a constant temperature between the glove and the surrounding air.

• Contact cold – gloves are tested for their thermal resistance in contact with cold surfaces.

• Water penetration - gloves are subjected to a test to check their resistance to water penetration. If the test shows no water leakage, the gloves receive a performance level of 1 otherwise, they receive a performance level of 0.

• Bending behavior - This is to check whether the glove material shows cracks under certain conditions. This procedure involves performing 10,000 bending cycles at -20 (±2) degrees Celsius or at another temperature indicated by the manufacturer.

• Bending resistance test in extreme cold conditions - no crack in the fold should appear during the test. This test should be carried out on gloves designed to protect against temperatures below -30 oC.

• Bending resistance in extreme cold conditions -50 (±2) degrees Celsius. There should be no cracks.

• EN 388 minimum mechanical resistance level 1 in terms of abrasion and tear resistance depending on the level of protection against cold.