EN 407 Protective gloves and other hand protective equipment against thermal hazards (heat and/or fire) in work and industry involving high temperatures. Wearing the right heat-resistant gloves (that is, insulating against heat while providing appropriate protection) is crucial to avoid burns, scalds, or even more serious injuries.

Heat and flame protection at work may seem fairly basic. But the dangers are actually many. That's why EN 407 consists of six unique glove tests. Each test is scored on a scale of 1 to 4. Although the method and performance level depend on the application area. But one thing is for sure: the higher the EN 407:2020 score, the better the protective performance of the gloves.

EN 407 test method introduction

EN 407:2020 Clause 4.5.2 Limited flame spread Limited flame spread

The limited flame spread test is used to evaluate the ability of the wearer's hands to be protected when in proximity to an open flame. Gloves do not need to be non-flammable. But they must be able to suppress combustion and burn slowly enough. So that the wearer can identify and safely remove the gloves. Place the entire glove sample vertically over the test burner. The flame comes into contact with the end of the middle finger of the glove. Afterflame and afterglow time are measured in this test. The standard does not allow the innermost surface of the test specimen to show any signs of melting, for the specimen to be completely perforated, or to separate at seams.

For high heat-resistant gloves (Level 3 or 4), all exterior materials other than the finger area must also be tested.

EN 407:2020 Clause 4.5.3 Contact heat resistance Contact heat resistance.

Glove material is exposed to temperatures from +100°C to +500°C. The length of time it takes for the material inside the glove to rise 10°C from its starting temperature (approximately 25°C) is then measured. 15 seconds is the minimum acceptable approval time. For example: To be labeled Class 2, the interior material of a glove must withstand heat of 250°C for 15 seconds before the material exceeds 35°C.

This test reflects the protective effect of gloves in direct contact with warm/hot objects. External materials may be damaged during testing. But the innermost layer of the glove must not show any signs of melting or holes.

EN 407:2020 Clause 4.5.4 Convective heat resistanceConvection heat resistance

Convection is the mechanism by which heat is transferred from a heat source to another place through the movement of a fluid such as water or air. Expose the sample to a heat source. Keep gloves at a distance from the flame. Measure how long it takes for the material inside the glove to increase in temperature by 24°C.

EN 407:2020 Clause 4.5.5 Radiant heat resistance Radiant heat resistance

Radiant heat is invisible. But it can be very intense. This test tests the back of the glove. To ensure the material can resist the extreme heat radiated through the various materials of the glove. Glove samples were exposed to a radiant heat source. Same as the convection heat resistance test. The goal is to estimate how long it takes for the internal temperature to rise by 24°C.

EN 407:2020 Clause 4.5.6 Resistance to small splashes of molten metal Resistance to small splashes of molten metal

This test is designed to evaluate hand protection when handling small amounts of molten metal. Welding is a good example. Two palm and two back-hand samples were exposed to small drops of molten metal in a controlled chamber. The test is based on the total number of drops of molten metal required to raise the temperature inside the glove and between the skin by 40°C. The cuff is also tested if it is made of a different material than the palm/back of the hand.

EN 407:2020 Clause 4.5.7 Resistance to large splashes of molten metal Resistance to large splashes of molten metal

Use PVC foil to simulate skin attached to the inside of the glove material. The molten metal is then poured onto the glove material. Measure how much molten metal is required to damage the simulated skin. Folds in the material or seams on the outside of the glove can act as collection points for molten iron, so the glove should be designed to prevent the retention of molten iron. If any glove material catches fire during testing, it does not comply with the requirements of this standard.

EN 407:2020 Pictograms

Depending on whether the glove is flame retardant or non-flame retardant, there are 2 distinct pictographic symbols. The symbol on the left indicates that the product has not been tested for flame retardancy, and the symbol on the right indicates that the product has passed the flame retardant test. 2 symbols cannot be used at the same time

The numbers given next to or below indicate the performance of the glove for each test in the standard. The higher the number, the better the performance level. X indicates that no protection level has been declared.