Risk Categories for Safety Gloves – Understanding Protection Levels
CE marking confirms that a safety glove model meets the essential health and safety requirements defined by European legislation. Under the EU PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425, all CE-marked protective gloves are classified into one of three categories based on the level of risk they are designed to protect against—ensuring consistent safety performance across industries.
Understanding Riskt Categories for Safety Gloves
Risk Categories are part of the European PPE framework and define how safety gloves are tested, certified, and approved for market. Each category reflects the glove’s intended use and the severity of risks it is designed to mitigate. EU regulation 2016/425 divides personal protective equipment into three categories, depending on the level of risk involved.
Understanding risk categorisation helps ensure that protective gloves are not only compliant—but also appropriate for the working conditions they’re used in. This supports better procurement decisions, clearer product comparisons, and safer outcomes on the job.
TEGERA safety gloves are CE-marked and certified to the appropriate category, providing reliable protection that aligns with European safety norms.
CE Category I – Minimal Risk
Category I gloves are designed to protect against minimal risks—such as superficial injuries, mild abrasion, or contact with cleaning agents. These gloves are allowed to be self-certified by the manufacturer, who must be able to demonstrate that the product meets the basic requirements for protective gloves and is responsible for guaranteeing the CE marking.
While Category I gloves offer basic protection and comfort, they are not suitable for tasks involving mechanical, chemical, or thermal hazards.
Typical Applications:
- Light Cleaning, for protection against dirt
- Gardening
- Basic assembly work
Why it Matters:
Category I gloves offer basic protection and comfort. They are ideal for low-risk environments but should never be used where exposure to mechanical, chemical, or thermal hazards is possible.
Example of a Category I gardening glove, TEGERA Tällberg 90014.
CE Category II – other Risk
Category II gloves are designed to protect against moderate risks such as abrasion, cuts, punctures, and limited chemical or thermal exposure, not included in Categories I or III. These gloves meet both the basic requirements and any additional standards that apply to specific areas of use. To be certified, they must be tested by an approved laboratory and type-approved by a notified body that issues official certificates.
This category covers a wide range of professional applications and is commonly associated with EN standards such as EN 388 (mechanical protection) and EN 407 (heat resistance).
Typical Applications:
- Building and Construction – Handling tools, materials, and surfaces with moderate mechanical risks.
- Manufacturing and Heavy Industry – General assembly, logistics, and machine operation where EN 388-rated gloves are common.
- Transportation Sector – Loading, unloading, and vehicle maintenance tasks.
- Primary Sector (Forestry, Farming, Fishing, Mining) – Protection against thorns, rough surfaces, and moderate environmental exposure.
- Security and Uniformed Services – Patrol and handling tasks requiring dexterity and cut resistance.
Why it Matters:
Category II gloves offer dependable protection for everyday tasks involving moderate hazards. Their certification ensures consistent performance, making them a trusted choice across many sectors.
Example of a Category II Glove, TEGERA 8846.
CE Category III – High Risk
Category III gloves are designed for serious risks—where exposure may lead to irreversible health damage or even death. This category includes exclusive protection against hazards such as toxic chemicals, extreme heat, cryogenic conditions, electrical risks, and biohazards.
To meet Category III requirements, gloves must be tested by an approved laboratory and type-approved by a notified body. In addition, the production process is subject to annual inspections to ensure consistent quality and compliance. The notified body’s four-digit identity code must appear directly after the CE mark (e.g., CE 0123) to confirm ongoing surveillance and certification.
Typical Applications:
- Energy Sector – Exposure to high voltage, extreme temperatures, and hazardous substances.
- Chemical Handling – Handling corrosive or toxic substances and chemicals.
- Welding and Foundries – High heat, molten metal, and flame exposure.
- Mining – Risk of crush injuries, chemical exposure, and extreme environmental conditions.
Why it Matters:
Category III gloves are critical in high-risk environments. Their certification ensures the highest level of protection and quality control—where failure is not an option and safety must be guaranteed.
Example of a Category III Glove, TEGERA Oil Grip 8853.
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TEGERA safety gloves are developed to meet a wide range of certified standards—from cut and chemical protection to heat resistance and cold insulation. Explore how each standard contributes to safer work environments and helps keep workers protected across every task.