What is EN ISO 14194:2013

The EN ISO 14194:2013 is a technical standard that provides guidelines and requirements for the assessment and selection of protective gloves. It outlines the necessary procedures and criteria for testing and evaluating gloves used in various occupational settings, ensuring their compliance with safety standards.

Scope and Purpose

The standard covers a wide range of protective gloves intended to protect against mechanical risks, such as abrasion, cutting, puncture, and tear. These gloves are commonly used in industries including construction, manufacturing, automotive, and agriculture.

The purpose of EN ISO 14194:2013 is to establish a common framework for evaluating and comparing different types of gloves by defining specific testing methods, performance requirements, and marking instructions. The standard ensures that gloves manufacturers adhere to consistent quality standards and provide reliable protective equipment to workers.

Testing Procedures

EN ISO 14194:2013 describes specific test methods for evaluating the resistance of protective gloves to various mechanical hazards. These tests include:

Resistance to abrasion: Determines how well the glove material withstands friction and wear.

Resistance to cutting: Measures the glove's ability to resist cutting actions from sharp objects.

Resistance to puncture: Assesses the glove's capacity to withstand puncturing forces.

Tear resistance: Evaluates the glove's resistance to tearing under specified conditions.

These tests provide objective data on the gloves' performance and durability, enabling manufacturers, distributors, and users to make informed decisions regarding their selection and use.

Marking and Compliance

EN ISO 14194:2013 also emphasizes the importance of marking gloves to indicate their compliance with the standard. This includes specifying the manufacturer's information, glove size, and relevant pictograms representing the levels of protection achieved in the different hazard areas.

An example of a pictogram that could be displayed is the CE Marking, which signifies compliance with European health and safety standards. Other markings may include codes for mechanical risk, indicating the level of resistance offered by the gloves against specific hazards.

In conclusion, EN ISO 14194:2013 is a crucial technical standard that ensures protective gloves meet specified mechanical requirements. Its testing procedures, purposeful scope, and emphasis on compliance marking provide confidence to workers that their gloves are fit for their intended use. Compliance with this standard contributes to improved workplace safety and reduces the risks associated with mechanical hazards.