EN 659:2003+A1:2008
PROTECTIVE GLOVES FOR FIREFIGHTERS
This European Standard defines the minimum performance requirements and test methods for firefighters’ protective gloves and applies only to gloves that protect the wearer’s hands during normal firefighting operations (e.g., search and rescue). While these gloves are not intended for the deliberate handling of liquid chemicals, they do provide some protection against accidental contact. Protective gloves designed for specific firefighting operations are excluded from the scope of this standard.
General requirements
Firefighters’ protective gloves must conform to the general requirements of EN 420, excluding minimum glove lengths (see Table 1 below).
If parts of the palm and/or parts of the back of the glove are made from different materials, these materials must be tested separately. In instances where the sample size is significantly larger than the part of the glove being tested, the manufacturer must supply samples of the materials in question. After each thermal test, the material used for the innermost lining must be visually inspected. If there is evidence of melting, the glove will have failed the test.
Table 1
| Glove size | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
| Fits | Hand size 6 | Hand size 7 | Hand size 8 | Hand size 9 | Hand size 10 | Hand size 11 |
| Minimum length of glove (mm) | 260 | 270 | 280 | 290 | 305 | 315 |
EN 659:2003+A1:2008 – implies the following performance levels
| Property | Minimum performance level | Norm |
| Abrasion resistance | Level 3 (2000 cycles), palm | EN 388 |
| Cut resistance | Level 2 (index 2,5), palm/back of the hand | EN 388 |
| Tear resistance | Level 3 (50N), palm | EN 388 |
| Puncture resistance | Level 3 (100N), palm | EN 388 |
| Burning resistance | Level 4 After flame time ≤ 2s After glow time ≤ 5s | EN 407 |
| Convection heat resistance | Level 3 (HTI24 ≥ 13), palm/back of the hand | EN367 / EN 407 |
| Radiant heat resistance | RHTI24 at heat flux 40 kW/m2 ≥ 20 sec, back of the hand | EN 6942 |
| Contact heat resistance | At least 10 sec at 250°C, palm (dry/humid environment) | EN 702 |
| Heat resistance of lining | Material must not melt, burst into flames, drop away at temperature of 180°C | ISO 17493 |
| Shrinkage due to heat | Max 5% at a temperature of 180 °C (length/width) | ISO 17493 |
| Dexterity | Level 1 | EN 420 |
| Strength of seams | Min 350 N | EN 13935-2 |
| Time to take the glove off | Max 3 sec (dry/humid environment | EN 15383 |
| Resistance to water penetration | 1-4 = optional test | EN 15383/ EN 20811 |
| Test for intactness of the entire glove | Optional | EN 15383 |
| Resistance to penetration of liquid chemicals | Optional (no chemicals may penetrate for 10s) | EN 6530 |
