Overview
ISO 23388:2018 - "Protective gloves against mechanical risks" - is an international standard that defines requirements, test methods, marking and user information for gloves designed to protect hands from mechanical hazards: abrasion, blade cut, tear, puncture and, where applicable, impact. It is intended to be used together with ISO 21420 (Protective gloves - General requirements and test methods) and the standard’s test methods can also be applied to arm protectors.
Key topics and technical requirements
ISO 23388:2018 covers the complete conformity workflow for mechanical-risk gloves, including:
- Test methods (Clause 6) - Detailed procedures for:
- Abrasion resistance (6.1)
- Blade cut resistance (6.2)
- Cut resistance by force method (ISO 13997) (6.3)
- Tear resistance (6.4)
- Puncture resistance (6.5)
- Impact protection testing (6.6) - optional additional protection
- Sampling and conditioning of test specimens to ensure repeatable, representative results
- Marking (Clause 7) - Pictograms and marking rules to communicate performance against mechanical risks
- Information supplied by the manufacturer (Clause 8) - Required user instructions and performance data
- Supporting material - Annexes on abradant specification, measurement uncertainty and adhesive validation
The standard adopts test procedures and references other standards (e.g., ISO 13997, ISO 12947-1, ISO 4649) to ensure robust measurement of abrasion resistance, blade cut resistance, tear resistance, puncture resistance, and impact protection.
Practical applications
ISO 23388 is practical for organizations and processes that need to design, test, certify or select gloves for mechanical hazards:
- Glove manufacturers - design input, product development, quality control and CE/market compliance
- Independent testing laboratories - implement standardized test methods and report results
- Procurement and safety professionals - specify glove performance for workplaces (manufacturing, construction, metalworking, food processing, forestry, etc.)
- Occupational health & safety managers - assess PPE against workplace mechanical risks and choose appropriate protection levels
- Regulators and conformity assessment bodies - adopt consistent testing and marking rules
By following ISO 23388, stakeholders can compare glove performance for abrasion, cut, tear, puncture and impact protection using harmonized, internationally recognized methods.
Related standards
- ISO 21420 - Protective gloves - General requirements and test methods (used in conjunction)
- ISO 13997 - Cut resistance by sharp objects (referenced)
- EN 388:2016 - European standard for mechanical risks (ISO 23388 is based on EN 388)
- Other referenced standards for abrasion, fabric and measurement procedures (e.g., ISO 12947-1, ISO 4649)
Keywords: ISO 23388, protective gloves, mechanical risks, abrasion resistance, blade cut resistance, tear resistance, puncture resistance, impact protection, test methods, marking, ISO 21420.
