EN 407 Standard – Thermal Risks (Heat and/or Fire) in Safety Gloves
EN 407 is the European standard that defines how protective safety gloves are tested and rated for resistance to heat and fire. It ensures that gloves used in high-temperature environments meet strict safety and performance requirements.
What is EN 407?
EN 407:2020 applies to gloves that protect against thermal hazards (heat and/or fire) such as:
- Limited flame spread
- Contact heat resistance
- Convective heat resistance
- Radiant heat resistance
- Resistance to small splashes of molten metal
- Resistance to large quantities of molten metal
Note: It does not apply to gloves for firefighters or welders, which are covered by separate standards. Explaning the two pictograms in EN 407:2020 and the test values.
The Two Pictograms Explained
The EN 407:2020 includes two distinct pictograms to help users quickly identify the type of protection offered.
- Flame Pictogram:
This symbol is used only when the glove has been tested for flammability, specifically for limited flame spread. It indicates that the glove offers protection against one or more thermal hazards including flame resistance. - Heat Pictogram (New in EN 407:2020):
This newer symbol is used for gloves that do not claim flame resistance, such as oven gloves that protect solely against contact heat. It ensures clarity for users who need thermal protection but not necessarily flame resistance.
Gloves marked with either of these pictograms provide protection against one or more thermal risks.
Note: The flame pictogram can only be used if the glove has passed flammability testing. The tow pictograms an never be used together
Glove Classification Based on Performance Levels
The standard classifies safety gloves based on their performance levels in these tests, with ratings from 1 to 4, where 4 indicates the highest level of protection.
| Protection Level | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limited flame spread (s) | ||||
| After flame time (s) | ≤ 15 | ≤ 10 | ≤ 3 | ≤ 2 |
| After glow time (s) | No requirement | ≤ 120 | ≤ 25 | ≤ 5 |
| Contact heat (°C) | ||||
| Temperature & Time | 100°C ≥ 15 s |
250°C ≥ 15 s |
350°C ≥ 15 s |
500°C ≥ 15 s |
| Convective heat (s) | ≥ 4 | ≥ 7 | ≥ 10 | ≥ 18 |
| Radiant heat (s) | ≥ 7 | ≥ 20 | ≥ 50 | ≥ 95 |
| Small splashes of molten metal (number) | ≥ 10 | ≥ 15 | ≥ 25 | ≥ 35 |
| Large amount of molten metal (g) | 30 | 60 | 120 | 200 |
The Six EN 407 Tests Explained
Each glove model is tested and rated from Level 1 (basic protection) to Level 4 (highest protection). If a glove is not tested for a specific hazard, it is marked with an “X”.
EN 407 Standard – Video Explanation of Tests and Procedures
1. Limited Flame Spread
Measures the time it takes for a glove to ignite and continue burning after exposure to a flame.
| Level | After Flame Time (seconds) | After Glove Time (seconds) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ≤ 15 s | No requirement |
| 2 | ≤ 10 s | ≤ 120 s |
| 3 | ≤ 3 s | ≤ 25 s |
| 4 | ≤ 2 s | ≤ 5 s |
2. Contact Heat
Determines how long it takes for the inside temperature of a glove to increase when in contact with a hot surface (100°C to 500°C / 212°F to 932 °F). The time for the temperature to rise to 10°C above the starting temperature is measured.
| Level | Temperature | Time (≥ 15 seconds) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 100°C (212°F) | Yes |
| 2 | 250°C (482°F) | Yes |
| 3 | 350°C (662°F) | Yes |
| 4 | 500°C (932°F) | Yes |
3. Convective Heat
Measures the heat transfer rate through a glove when exposed to a convective heat source.
| Level | Heat Transfer Index (seconds) |
|---|---|
| 1 | ≥ 4 |
| 2 | ≥ 7 |
| 3 | ≥ 10 |
| 4 | ≥ 18 |
4. Radiant Heat
Determines the time it takes for heat to permeate and give a temperature rise of 24C° through a glove when exposed to radiant heat.
| Level | Time (seconds) |
|---|---|
| 1 | ≥ 7 |
| 2 | ≥ 20 |
| 3 | ≥ 50 |
| 4 | ≥ 95 |
5. Small Splashes of Molten Metal
Tests the glove’s resistance to small splashes of molten metal. The number of droplets which produce a temperature rise of 40°C is measured.
| Level | Number of Droplets |
|---|---|
| 1 | ≥ 10 |
| 2 | ≥ 15 |
| 3 | ≥ 25 |
| 4 | ≥ 35 |
6. Large Quantities of Molten Metal
Tests the glove’s resistance to large quantities of molten metal. Following pouring, damage is assessed by visual examination.
| Level | Molten iron (grams) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 30 |
| 2 | 60 |
| 3 | 120 |
| 4 | 200 |
Why EN 407 Matters
- Safety Assurance: Gloves are tested under strict conditions to ensure real-world protection.
- Clear Comparison: The rating system allows easy comparison between different glove models.
- Regulatory Compliance: EN 407 is harmonized under the EU PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425.
Frequently Asked Questions about EN 407
What is EN 407?
EN 407 is a European standard for gloves that protect against thermal risks like heat, fire, and molten metal.
Are EN 407 Gloves Fireproof?
Not necessarily. Gloves that carry the flame pictogram have been tested for flammability, meaning they slow down burning and allow time to remove the glove safely.
Can EN 407 Gloves Be Used for Welding?
No. Welding gloves follow a different standard (EN 12477).
What Does an “X” Mean in the EN 407 Code?
It means the glove was not tested or does not claim protection in that category.
Is EN 407:2020 the Latest Version?
Yes. It replaced the 2004 version and includes updated test methods and clearer pictograms.
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