A guide to EN 407:2020

EN 407:2020 assesses protective gloves and other hand protection against thermal risks, including heat and fire.

It covers:

• Contact heat
• Radiant heat
• Convective heat
• Limited flame spread
• Molten metal exposure

Understanding EN 407 makes it easier to select gloves that are suitable for the thermal risks involved.

This guide explains what EN 407 measures, how its performance levels work, and what to consider when choosing protection.

It also highlights suitable options from SMI’s range of heat protection gloves for demanding working environments.

What EN 407 measures

EN 407 covers six performance tests that assess how hand protection performs against different thermal risks.

The results are shown as six characters alongside the relevant EN 407 pictogram.

Performance levels range from 0 to 4, with higher numbers indicating greater performance in the relevant test. An X can appear when a particular performance level isn't claimed.

These tests include:

• Radiant heat resistance - indicates protection against heat radiating from a source
• Small splashes of molten metal - assesses resistance to small droplets of molten metal
• Large splashes of molten metal - assesses resistance to larger quantities of molten metal
• Convective heat resistance - measures protection against heat transferred by moving or hot gases
• Contact heat resistance - measures protection when the glove comes into contact with a hot surface
• Limited flame spread - measures how long the material continues to burn or glow after the ignition source is removed

NOTE: EN 407:2020 is used alongside EN ISO 21420:2020, which covers general requirements for protective gloves. EN 388 may also be relevant where protection against mechanical risks is required.

Understanding EN 407 performance levels

EN 407 performance levels indicate how hand protection performs under specific test conditions.

Higher levels indicate better performance under that specific test. They don't indicate protection against every thermal hazard.

The protection required depends on the heat source, temperature, contact time, and task.

What to look out for:

• An X means the manufacturer doesn't claim a performance level for that test.
• Molten metal ratings may be relevant for suitable metalworking and foundry applications.
• Higher contact heat ratings may be needed when handling hot tools, components, or heated surfaces.
• Convective and radiant heat ratings may be important for tasks performed near relevant heat sources.

TOP TIP: Compare the complete six-character marking rather than relying on a single performance level.

SMI offers gloves with varying thermal ratings to suit light, medium, or heavy heat exposure. This allows you to match protection to the task and temperature.

LIMITED Flame spread and molten METAL protection

Limited flame spread and molten metal resistance cover different thermal hazards, including:

• Small molten metal splashes - assesses protection against small droplets
• Large quantities of molten metal - assesses protection against larger quantities
• Limited flame spread - measures after-flame and after-glow times following testing

TOP TIP: When choosing gloves for your teams, always make the decision based on the specific hazards identified in your workplace risk assessment.

Choosing EN 407 gloves

Selecting suitable EN 407 gloves depends on the type, level, and duration of the expected heat exposure.

Consider:

• General requirements - check compliance with EN ISO 21420:2020.
• Contact time - consider how long the glove may remain in contact wth the heat source.
• Mechanical risks - consider EN 388 protection where mechanical hazards are also present.
• Heat source - identify whether the task involves hot surfaces, radiant heat, flames, or molten metal.
• Comfort and dexterity - gloves should support safe handling without unnecessarily restricting movement.
• Temperature - check that the declared performance level is suitable for the expected temperature of the task.
• Product information - review the manufacturer's instructions, certification, and declared performance levels before use.

Browse SMI's range of heat protection gloves and fire-resistant clothing for demanding working environments.

FAQs

What industries use EN 407 gloves?

EN 407 gloves are used where workers may encounter heat, radiant heat, convective heat, or molten metal.

Relevant environments may include metal fabrication, glass manufacturing, engineering, and maintenance. The correct glove will always depend on the task, product certification, and your workplace risk assessment.

Can EN 407 gloves be used near open flame?

Some EN 407 gloves claim limited flame spread performance.

Check the first character of the glove's EN 407 marking and then review the manufacturer's product guidance.

Just because a safety glove has an EN 407 rating doesn't mean it's suitable for prolonged flame exposure.

What is the difference between EN 407 and EN ISO 21420?

EN 407 covers protection against thermal risks, including heat and fire.

EN ISO 21420 covers general protective glove requirements, including:

• Design
• Comfort
• Markings
• Construction
• Manufacturer information

EN 407:2020 is used in conjunction with EN ISO 21420:2020.