Understanding the Updated EN 388 Cut Resistance Standard
A revised version of EN 388, the standard used to measure cut protection in safety gloves, was published in November 2016. The update introduced an important change to how cut resistance is tested and rated, helping give users a more accurate picture of glove performance in real working conditions.
The Previous Cut Test Method
Before this update, cut resistance under EN 388 was measured using the Coupe Blade Cut Test.
In this test, a rotating circular blade moves back and forth across a glove material sample while a constant force of 5 Newtons (N) is applied. The test continues until the blade cuts through the fabric. The final score is based on how many cycles are needed to cut the sample, while also taking into account how much the blade has worn down during testing.
The Introduction of EN ISO 13997
The 2016 revision introduced an additional cut test: EN ISO 13997.
This new test is required for glove materials that can blunt the blade during the Coupe Test. When that happens, the older method may no longer give a fully accurate result. To solve this, those materials must also be tested under EN ISO 13997 so that the glove’s true level of cut protection can be verified.
How EN ISO 13997 Works
Unlike the Coupe Test, EN ISO 13997 uses a single cutting movement rather than a repeated to-and-fro action.
A sharp blade is drawn once across the sample material under carefully controlled conditions. The purpose is to measure the minimum force needed to cut through the material over a distance of 20mm. The result is shown in Newtons, giving a clear indication of how much force the glove can withstand before being cut.
The EN ISO 13997 method introduces six cut levels:
- A
- B
- C
- D
- E
- F
Why the New Test Matters
The EN ISO 13997 test was added to provide a more accurate way to assess cut resistance, especially in applications where gloves may be exposed to heavier force or more demanding cutting hazards.
The older Coupe Blade Cut Test remains useful for showing resistance to cuts from sharp, relatively lightweight objects. However, it may not fully reflect performance in tougher, impact-related working environments. The EN ISO 13997 method helps fill that gap and gives safety professionals a better basis for selecting the right glove.
It is also important to understand that strong performance in one cut test does not automatically mean strong performance in the other. The two methods measure cut resistance in different ways.
What the Changes Mean in Practice
For users, the update mainly affects new products being certified. Gloves with existing EN 388 certification remain valid until recertification is required, for up to five years.
The updated standard makes it easier to identify gloves with higher levels of cut protection and provides more reliable performance information when comparing products.
Additional Changes to Abrasion Testing
Alongside the cut resistance update, the abrasion test method was also revised. The use of PL31B standardised paper means the abrasive material used during testing is now more tightly controlled. As a result, some glove abrasion scores may change going forward, but the benefit is a more accurate and consistent assessment of abrasion performance on newly certified products.
Summary
The updated EN 388 standard gives users a clearer understanding of glove cut protection by combining the traditional Coupe Test with the newer EN ISO 13997 method where needed. This improves accuracy, strengthens product comparisons, and helps ensure workers are using gloves suited to the real hazards of the job.
