Sidebar

Understanding EN 388: 2016 and Choosing the Right Industrial Glove

holiday banner

A practical guide to understanding glove safety standards and performance ratings.

When it comes to workplace safety, the right gloves can mean the difference between confidence on the job and unnecessary risk. Industrial environments demand gloves that do more than just cover your hands, they must be proven to withstand abrasion, cuts, tearing, and punctures. That’s where EN 388:2016, the international standard for mechanical protection, comes in.

At TigerPak, we’re committed to giving you not only high-quality protective gloves, but also the knowledge to choose the pair that’s truly fit for purpose. Let’s break down what EN 388 means, and how the gloves in our industrial range compare.

What EN 388:2016 Ratings Mean

Each EN 388 rating is a series of numbers (and sometimes letters), representing performance in specific mechanical tests:

  • Abrasion Resistance (1–4): How well the glove withstands wear from rubbing or rough surfaces.

  • Cut Resistance – Coup Test (1–5): How resistant the glove is to repeated blade contact.

  • Tear Resistance (1–4): How well the glove holds together once a cut or tear starts.

  • Puncture Resistance (1–4): How resistant the glove is to penetration by sharp points.

  • Cut Resistance – TDM Test (A–F): (Optional) A more precise cut test for very cut-resistant materials.

  • Impact Protection (P): (Optional) Shows if the glove passes an impact test.

For example, a glove rated 4543 scores:

  • 4 = maximum abrasion resistance

  • 5 = maximum cut resistance

  • 4 = maximum tear resistance

  • 3 = high puncture resistance

That’s a glove designed for serious hazards.

Our Industrial Glove Range: Ratings & Applications

Here’s how our key industrial gloves measure up under EN 388:2016.

Glove

EN 388 Rating

Key Strengths

Best For

Hi-Vis Cut 5 Gloves

4542

Exceptional abrasion, maximum cut resistance, strong tear resistance

High-risk cut environments, visibility-critical tasks

Taranto Cut 5 Gloves

4543

Maximum abrasion, cut, and tear resistance, plus strong puncture resistance

Metalwork, glass handling, sharp-edge work

G-Force Cut 5 Gloves

4544

Maximum scores across abrasion, cut, tear, and puncture

The ultimate protection for extreme mechanical hazards

Arax Wet Grip Gloves

4543

Top-tier mechanical protection with added wet-grip performance

Oily, greasy, or wet conditions with high cut risk

RX-1 Rockland Gloves

4121X

Strong abrasion, good cut resistance, flexible and water-repellent

General industry, packaging, warehousing

XU-1 Rockland Gloves

2132

Balanced protection with tear resistance and comfort

Trades, material handling, lighter duty tasks

Foam Flex Gloves

4132

High abrasion, good grip, balanced cut and puncture resistance

Precision work needing durability and dexterity

Liteflex Gloves

4133

Durable with strong tear resistance

Long-wear tasks with moderate cut/puncture risk

Green Grippa Gloves

2242

Excellent puncture protection, comfortable cotton shell

Glass handling, gripping rough or sharp objects

Hi-Vis Cut 2 Gloves

4221

High abrasion and tear resistance, moderate cut resistance

Medium-risk cut tasks where visibility matters

Why One Glove Outperforms Another

Every workplace is different. The best glove for your team depends on the hazards they face:

  • Maximum Cut & Puncture Risks: Choose G-Force Cut 5 (4544) for uncompromising protection.

  • Wet or Greasy Conditions: Opt for Arax Wet Grip (4543) to maintain safety without sacrificing grip.

  • High-Visibility Needs: Hi-Vis Cut 5 (4542) or Hi-Vis Cut 2 (4221) keep workers safe and seen.

  • Balanced Everyday Use: RX-1 Rockland (4121X) or Foam Flex (4132) provide reliable protection with comfort.

  • Light-to-Medium Handling: XU-1 Rockland (2132) and Liteflex (4133) are flexible, durable, and ideal for general tasks.

  • Specialised Grip: Green Grippa (2242) is built for tasks like glass handling where puncture protection matters most.

Choosing with Confidence

At TigerPak, we believe the right glove doesn’t just protect hands, it empowers workers to perform with confidence, knowing they’re backed by certified protection. By understanding EN 388:2016 ratings and matching them to your workplace needs, you can select gloves that are not only safe but also practical, comfortable, and durable.


Your team’s safety is our priority, and our industrial glove range is designed to give you peace of mind on the job, whatever the task.


Customer testimonial:

“Always receive our order complete and quickly, sometimes I can't believe how quickly!”

- Martin - Gnangara, WA

  October 20, 2025