Many workers will find themselves in situations where they are exposed to flame and heat. From those working in foundries and smelters to manufacturing sites to catering kitchens and bakeries, there are many workplaces that pose a thermal risk. When working in a hot environment, workers may need to wear protective gloves to prevent the risk of heat-related harm.
EN 407 is the European standard that sets the requirements for protective gloves against thermal risks for heat and/or fire.
The EN 407 standard
EN 407 is the European standard that specifies the requirements and test methods for protective gloves that protect the wearer against thermal risks such as heat and/or fire.
As heat poses several risks, EN 407 specifies the thermal performance of gloves against numerous tests. These tests cover flame spread, heat resistance, and resistance to molten metal. The gloves also undergo a tear resistance test, as per EN 388:2016 test methods.
It is worth noting that protective gloves certified to EN 407 standards apply to heat-resistant gloves worn for professional and consumer use. However, EN 407 protective gloves are not suitable for firefighters or welders; separate standards apply for these use cases.
EN 407 is only applicable in conjunction with EN ISO 21420:2020, which sets the general requirements and test methods for protective gloves.
EN 407:2020
The latest version of BS EN 407 is EN 407:2020.
This standard supersedes the previous standard of EN 407:2004. Technical changes that were made as part of this standard update include:
- Addition of new tests in sections 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, and 6.8
- Changes to the mechanical strength test; hand protective equipment added
- New pictogram added (Figure 7)
- New annexes added (Annex A and B)
EN 407 requirements and test methods
The EN 407 requirements and test methods ensure gloves offer adequate protection against thermal risks such as heat or flame exposure.
EN 407 outlines several test methods to assess the performance of gloves against various thermal hazards. These test methods include exposure to flame, contact with hot surfaces, exposure to radiant heat sources, and contact with molten metal. The tear resistance of the gloves is also tested.
EN 407 categorises gloves into various performance levels for each of the identified tests, on a scale of 1–4 where level 4 is awarded to gloves that offer the highest level of protection.
Gloves compliant with EN 407 must also be marked with the relevant information and pictogram.
EN 407: The limited flame spread test
The limited flame spread test assesses the gloves ability to protect the wearer against naked flames. This test is run in accordance with EN ISO 15025:2016. The gloves do not need to be inflammable to pass the test but it must limit the flame spread and burn slow enough for the wearer to have time to react and remove the gloves safely.
This test is performed by exposing the end of the middle finger of the sample glove to a small glass flame for 10 seconds. The flame is then removed and the length of time for which the glove material continues to glow or burn is recorded. This afterburn or afterglow duration is used to determine the performance level for the limited flame spread test.
|
Performance level |
Duration of afterburn (in seconds) |
Duration of afterglow (in seconds) |
|
1 |
≤ 15 |
Infinity |
|
2 |
≤ 10 |
≤ 120 |
|
3 |
≤ 3 |
≤ 25 |
|
4 |
≤ 2 |
≤ 5 |
EN 407: Contact heat resistance tests
The contact heat resistance test is performed by measuring the amount of heat transfer from a solid or physical matter to the glove. This test is used to determine the thermal risk of someone coming into contact with a hot item while wearing the gloves such as holding something hot.
The amount of heat transferred is influenced by various factors such as the surface area, the temperature of the item, and the pressure of the contact.
This test is performed in accordance with EN ISO 12127-1:2015. Contact heat resistance is assessed by heating a metal cylinder to various starting temperatures (between 100°C and 500°C) and placing it in contact with the palm region of the gloves. The glove must withstand the increasing temperature of maximum 10°C for at least 15 seconds for an approval.
The time taken for the temperature of the underside of the glove to rise to 10°C above the starting temperature is used to determine the performance level for the contact heat resistance test. Performance level 3 or 4 for this test method also requires the limited flame spread test to be performed. If the gloves do not reach at least level 3 in the limited flame spread test, the maximum contact heat performance level that should be reported is level 2.
|
Performance level |
Contact temperature (°C) |
Threshold time (in seconds) |
Limited flame spread test |
|
1 |
100 |
≥ 15 |
Not required |
|
2 |
250 |
≥ 15 |
Not required |
|
3 |
350 |
≥ 15 |
Required (must reach at least level 3) |
|
4 |
500 |
≥ 15 |
Required (must reach at least level 3) |
EN 407: Convective heat resistance tests
The convective heat resistance test measures the transfer of heat through liquid or gas. This test is important for situations where the wearer may be exposed to hot liquids or gases such as steam, solvents, or acids that may cause burns or other thermal injuries.
The convective heat resistance test is performed in accordance with EN ISO 9151:2016. This test is run by exposing the glove sample to the heat from a controlled gas flame. The rate at which the temperature rises is assessed to determine the heat transfer index. This heat transfer index is then used to categorise the performance level of the gloves.
|
Performance level |
Heat transfer index (in seconds) |
|
1 |
≥ 4 |
|
2 |
≥ 7 |
|
3 |
≥ 10 |
|
4 |
≥ 18 |
EN 407: Radiant heat resistance tests
The radiant heat resistance test assesses the gloves ability to protect the wearer against thermal radiation.
Thermal radiation is the heat exchange between physical objects emitted through electromagnetic waves. Unlike contact or convection, thermal radiation can occur without coming into contact with the heat source.
The radiant heat resistance test is run in accordance with the test method used in method B of EN ISO 6942:2002. This test is conducted by exposing the gloves to a specific level of radiant heat. When a temperature rise of 24°C occurs, the percentage of heat transfer is then calculated to determine the performance level for radiant heat resistance.
For performance levels of 3 or 4, the limited flame spread test must be performed. The gloves sample must reach at least level 3 in the limited flame spread test. Otherwise, the maximum radiant heat performance that can be reported is level 2.
|
Performance level |
Heat transfer index (in seconds) |
Limited flame spread test |
|
1 |
≥ 7 |
Not required |
|
2 |
≥ 20 |
Not required |
|
3 |
≥ 50 |
Required (must reach at least level 3) |
|
4 |
≥ 95 |
Required (must reach at least level 3) |
EN 407: Small splashes of molten metal test
The small splashes of molten metal test assesses the ability of the gloves to protect the wearer’s hand from being exposed to small droplets of molten metal. This molten metal exposure typically occurs in situations such as welding or metal grinding.
This small splashes of molten metal test assesses the gloves ability to withstand small splashes of molten metal (0.5g droplets) without transferring sufficient heat to cause injury to the wearer. After exposure to the molten metal splashes, the gloves are inspected for any signs of wear or damage. The gloves are assigned a performance level based on the number of droplets required to raise the temperature of the underside of the glove by 40°C.
To reach a performance level of 3 or 4, the limited flame test should be performed. The gloves must reach at least level 3 in the limited flame spread test. If it does not reach a level 3, the maximum performance level that can be awarded in the small splashes of molten metal test is level 2.
|
Performance level |
Number of 0.5g droplets of molten metal |
Limited flame spread test |
|
1 |
≥ 10 |
Not required |
|
2 |
≥ 15 |
Not required |
|
3 |
≥ 25 |
Required (must reach at least level 3) |
|
4 |
≥ 35 |
Required (must reach at least level 3) |
EN 407: Large quantities of molten metal test
The large quantities of molten metal test is performed to determine how well the gloves protect the wearer against contact with significant amounts of molten metal without injury. This test is used to protect the wearer during scenarios where molten metal may be spilled onto their hand. Environments where this risk is more common include foundries or metalworking occupations.
The large quantities of molten metal test is carried out in accordance with EN ISO 9185:2007. During this test, a PVC sensor film is mounted behind the gloves sample to simulate skin. This PVC film is visually inspected for any signs of thermal damage such as changes in texture. The metal used for the test is iron, which is poured over the gloves at varying quantities from 30 to 200g to test resistance. If any part of the tested glove ignites during the test, it will not meet the requirements of this standard.
The amount of molten metal the glove is able to withstand is measured in grams and is used to determine the performance level for this test. For performance levels of 3 or 4, the limited flame spread test must be performed. The gloves sample must reach at least level 3 in the limited flame spread test. Otherwise, the maximum performance level that can be reported for the large quantities of molten metal test is level 2.
|
Performance level |
Molten metal (in grams) |
Limited flame spread test |
|
1 |
30 |
Not required |
|
2 |
60 |
Not required |
|
3 |
120 |
Required (must reach at least level 3) |
|
4 |
200 |
Required (must reach at least level 3) |
EN 388: Tear resistance test
EN 407 gloves also undergo a tear resistance test. This test is conducted in accordance with EN 388.
EN 388 assesses tear resistance by mechanically testing the tensile strength of the glove material. This is done by applying force to the tear point of the fabric, increasing force until the material tears. The performance level for tear resistance is determined by a tear score measured in newtons.
