EN 388 vs ANSI 138
Standards & Certifications
EN 388 vs ANSI/ISEA 138: Mechanical and Impact Protection
Understand how EN 388 and ANSI/ISEA 138 differ in scope, impact protection, testing, labeling and buyer requirements when selecting industrial safety gloves.
Quick Answer
EN 388 is a broader mechanical-risk glove standard covering characteristics such as abrasion, cut, tear, puncture and, where applicable, impact. ANSI/ISEA 138 specifically focuses on impact-resistant gloves and provides a three-level impact classification based on transmitted force.
The two systems overlap on impact protection, but their ratings are not directly interchangeable.
What Is EN 388?
EN 388 is used for protective gloves against mechanical risks. It provides information about several mechanical-performance characteristics rather than focusing exclusively on impact.
Broader Mechanical Protection
EN 388 addresses mechanical hazards including abrasion, blade cut, tear, puncture and, where applicable, impact.
Impact Indication
Where the applicable impact requirement is passed, the EN 388 marking uses P to indicate the impact result.
What Does EN 388 Cover?
| Protection Property | What It Addresses |
|---|---|
| Abrasion | Resistance to surface wear. |
| Blade Cut | Resistance to cutting by a blade. |
| Tear | Resistance to tearing. |
| Puncture | Resistance to penetration by a probe. |
| ISO 13997 Cut | Additional cut-performance classification. |
| Impact | Applicable impact assessment represented by P when passed. |
Recommended Visual
Show a technical EN 388 marking with callouts identifying abrasion, cut, tear, puncture, additional cut performance and impact.
ALT: EN 388 mechanical protection glove marking explained
What Is ANSI/ISEA 138?
ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 is an American standard specifically addressing the performance and classification of impact-resistant gloves.
ANSI/ISEA 138 Uses Three Impact Levels
The classification is based on mean transmitted force. A lower transmitted-force limit represents greater impact attenuation.
ANSI/ISEA 138 evaluates defined impact locations on the glove, including areas around the knuckles and fingers/thumb. The classification gives buyers additional information when comparing impact performance.
EN 388 vs ANSI/ISEA 138: Key Differences
The standards overlap around impact protection, but they communicate different types of performance information.
| Feature | EN 388 | ANSI/ISEA 138 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Mechanical-risk glove protection | Impact-resistant glove performance |
| System | European EN framework | U.S. ANSI/ISEA framework |
| Abrasion | Yes | Not its primary scope |
| Cut | Yes | Not its primary scope |
| Tear | Yes | Not its primary scope |
| Puncture | Yes | Not its primary scope |
| Impact | Yes, where applicable | Core purpose |
| Impact Rating | Pass indication: P | Levels 1, 2 and 3 |
| Impact Detail | Limited compared with ANSI/ISEA 138 | Graded transmitted-force classification |
How Impact Protection Is Reported
EN 388: The “P” Result
In the EN 388 marking system, the letter P in the applicable impact position indicates that the glove passed the relevant impact requirement.
ANSI/ISEA 138: Levels 1–3
ANSI/ISEA 138 provides three impact-performance levels based on transmitted force. Level 3 permits the lowest transmitted force of the three classifications.
Important:
EN 388 P should not be treated as a direct equivalent to
ANSI/ISEA 138 Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3.
Label Examples Buyers Should Understand
Example 1: EN 388 Mechanical Glove
A marking such as the following communicates multiple mechanical-performance results:
4
3
4
2
C
P
The individual positions relate to different mechanical performance characteristics, while P identifies the applicable impact result.
Example 2: ANSI/ISEA 138 Impact Glove
An ANSI/ISEA 138 marking may identify:
LEVEL 3
This represents the highest of the three ANSI/ISEA 138 impact-performance classifications based on the applicable transmitted-force criteria.
Recommended Infographic
Create a two-column “How to Read EN 388 and ANSI/ISEA 138 Glove Markings” infographic showing the EN 388 mechanical positions, P for impact, and ANSI/ISEA 138 Levels 1–3.
Mechanical Protection vs Impact Protection
Impact protection is only one component of hand protection. The correct glove depends on the complete hazard profile of the task.
- Impact hazards
- Cut hazards
- Abrasion
- Puncture
- Tear hazards
- Pinch hazards
- Grip requirements
- Dexterity requirements
A Higher Impact Rating Does Not Automatically Mean “Best”
A glove should be selected according to the actual workplace hazards and operational requirements. Impact protection, cut resistance, dexterity, fit, grip and durability may all influence the final selection.
Buyer Checklist: What to Ask a Glove Supplier
Before purchasing impact-resistant industrial gloves, procurement teams should verify actual performance requirements rather than relying only on marketing terminology.
- What hazards does the glove need to address? Identify impact, abrasion, cut, puncture, tear, pinch and other relevant workplace risks.
- Which standard was used? Ask whether the glove has been evaluated against EN 388, ANSI/ISEA 138 or other applicable requirements.
- What is the actual impact result? For ANSI/ISEA 138, request the applicable impact level. For EN 388, review the applicable marking.
- Where is impact protection provided? Confirm which areas of the glove are designed and tested for impact protection.
- What other mechanical protection does the glove provide? Review complete mechanical-protection information rather than selecting solely on impact performance.
- Can the supplier provide supporting documentation? Request appropriate technical documentation, test information and conformity/certification documentation relevant to the destination market.
- Does the glove match the actual task? Consider protection together with fit, dexterity, comfort, grip and application requirements.
A Practical Glove Selection Example
Workplace Scenario
Consider a maintenance worker who regularly handles heavy metal components and works around machinery.
The buyer should identify the complete hazard profile before selecting a glove.
Possible Requirements
- Impact protection
- Cut resistance
- Abrasion resistance
- Grip
- Dexterity
The buyer can then evaluate the glove’s EN 388 mechanical performance information and, where relevant, its ANSI/ISEA 138 impact classification.
EN 388 vs ANSI/ISEA 138: The Bottom Line
The Two Standards Are Complementary — Not Equivalent
EN 388 provides a broader mechanical-risk framework covering multiple glove performance characteristics, including impact where applicable.
ANSI/ISEA 138 specifically classifies impact-resistant glove performance using Levels 1–3 based on transmitted force.
- Identify the workplace hazards.
- Determine destination-market requirements.
- Review complete mechanical-protection information.
- Check the specific impact standard used.
- Verify the actual performance classification.
- Request appropriate technical documentation.
- Select the glove according to the complete application.
Why Manufacturing Expertise Matters
Impact performance can be influenced by glove construction, material selection, protective-zone design, fit and manufacturing consistency.
For OEM, ODM, private-label and wholesale buyers, discussing the intended hazard profile with the manufacturer can help establish an appropriate product specification.
Protekta Gloves is an industrial safety glove manufacturer supporting OEM, ODM, private-label and wholesale supply from Sialkot, Pakistan.
Important:
Specific protection ratings, certifications and test results
should always be supported by applicable product documentation
rather than inferred from a glove’s appearance or construction.
EN 388 vs ANSI/ISEA 138 FAQs
Is EN 388 the same as ANSI/ISEA 138?
No. EN 388 is a broader standard for protective gloves against mechanical risks, while ANSI/ISEA 138 specifically classifies impact-resistant glove performance. Their impact results should not be treated as direct equivalents.
What does P mean on an EN 388 glove?
The P in the applicable impact position of an EN 388 marking indicates that the glove passed the relevant impact requirement.
What are ANSI/ISEA 138 Levels 1, 2 and 3?
They are impact-performance classifications based on transmitted force. Level 1 permits mean transmitted force up to 9 kN, Level 2 up to 6.5 kN and Level 3 up to 4 kN.
Is ANSI/ISEA 138 Level 3 better than Level 1?
For impact attenuation under the ANSI/ISEA 138 classification, Level 3 represents the higher performance classification because it permits less transmitted force than Level 1.
Does EN 388 test cut and abrasion as well as impact?
Yes. The EN 388 mechanical-risk framework addresses characteristics including abrasion, blade cut, tear, puncture and, where applicable, impact.
Can a glove have both EN 388 and ANSI/ISEA 138 information?
Yes. A glove can be documented against both systems when the applicable testing and product requirements have been met. The two markings provide different information.
Does ANSI/ISEA 138 replace EN 388?
No. ANSI/ISEA 138 is not a replacement for EN 388. They belong to different standardization frameworks and address different scopes.
Does impact protection automatically provide cut protection?
No. Impact and cut protection are separate performance characteristics. Buyers should review applicable cut-resistance information separately.
Should buyers always choose ANSI/ISEA 138 Level 3?
Not necessarily. The appropriate level depends on the assessed workplace hazard, application, glove design and other requirements such as dexterity and fit.
Is EN 388 still relevant?
Yes. ISO 23388:2018 remains a published international standard for protective gloves against mechanical risks, while ISO currently lists a revised edition as under development.
Sources & References
Choosing the Right Impact Protection Starts With the Hazard
EN 388 and ANSI/ISEA 138 provide different pieces of information. Evaluate the complete hazard profile, applicable market requirements and supporting technical documentation before selecting an industrial safety glove.
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