EN407 Standard Heat resistance

Prerequisites for this standard:

• In order to be tested for EN407, a glove must have previously validated a minimum level of 1 in the abrasion resistance and tear resistance tests for EN388.
  

Understanding the EN407 standard

The EN407 standard defines a glove’s thermal performance (protection against heat and/or fire) under various circumstances: flame, contact heat, radiant heat, small projections of molten metal and large projections of molten metal. The nature and degree of protection is indicated by a pictogram followed by a series of 6 performance levels relating to specific protective properties.

1^er digit: Fire behaviour

The first digit of the pictogram refers to the level of flame resistance. To obtain this index, a test is carried out on a given sample, which is exposed to a flame for 15 seconds. We then measure the time it takes for the glove material to stop burning or consume itself. The faster the glove goes out, the higher the performance level (performance levels are rated from 1 to 4). In case of melting, the material must not ooze. The seam must withstand a flame exposure time of 15 seconds from the test surface.

2^ème digit: Contact heat resistance

The second digit below the pictogram refers to the level of contact heat resistance. To define this index, the glove is placed in contact with a plate heated to 100°C, 250°C, 350°C, and then 500°C. At each step, the glove is monitored to assess whether it provides protection for at least 15 seconds, period during which the inside temperature must not rise by more than 10°C. The level corresponding to the highest temperature at which the glove passes the test is selected according to the table below.

3^rd digit: Resistance to convective heat

The third digit below the pictogram refers to the level of resistance to convective heat (or gradually penetrating heat). To define this index, the glove is brought into contact with the heat of an open flame and we measure the time (in seconds) during which the inside temperature doesn’t rise by more than 24°C. The longer the glove delays heat transfer, the higher the performance level (rated from 1 to 4). A convective heat index can only be provided if a minimum performance level of 3 is achieved for fire behaviour. This index is based on the average of three different tests.

4^th digit: Resistance to radiant heat

Pre-requisite: A radiant heat index can only be provided if a minimum performance level of 3 is achieved for fire behaviour.

The fourth digit under the pictogram refers to the level of resistance to radiant heat. To define this index, a given sample is exposed to thermal radiation. A constant temperature rise inside the glove is then measured (in seconds). The longer the glove delays heat transfer, the higher the performance level (rated from 1 to 4). A radiant heat index can only be provided if a minimum performance level of 3 is achieved for fire behaviour.

5^th digit: Resistance to small splashes of molten metal

Pre-requisite: This index can only be provided if a minimum performance level of 3 is achieved for fire behaviour.

The fifth digit under the pictogram refers to the level of resistance to molten metal splashes. To define this index, the number of drops of molten metal required to cause a temperature increase of 40°C between the glove material and the skin is measured on a given sample. The higher the figure, the stronger the performance level (rated from 1 to 4). This index can only be provided if a minimum performance level of 3 is achieved for fire behaviour.

6^th digit: Resistance to large splashes of molten metal

Pre-requisite: This index can only be provided if a minimum performance level of 3 is achieved for fire behaviour.

The sixth digit under the pictogram refers to the level of resistance to large splashes of molten metal. To define this index, the weight (in grams) of molten iron required to damage an artificial skin (made of PVC and installed inside the sample glove) is measured on a given sample. The higher the weight, the stronger the performance level (rated from 1 to 4).

This index can only be provided if a minimum performance level of 3 is achieved for fire behaviour.

EN407 gloves are not intended to protect the hands of the wearer against specific risks. For instance they do not protect against the risks associated with welding operations. Welding gloves possess their own standard (EN12477). The same is true for activities such as fire fighting.