TESTINGMETHODS

Our Testing Methods

Qingdao Handdier Safety Gloves Co., Ltd goes through an exhaustive development process for every glove we bring to market. We perform numerous field tests and laboratory tests to ensure we are producing gloves that not only meet certain safety specifications but that are also comfortable, durable and dexterous. There is a real balancing act that must occur in the pattern making and material selection to meet the multifaceted needs of our customers.

Every glove that has a claim of a safety rating or level has been tested by an accredited third party laboratory. We are willing to provide copies of our lab test results for customers who require having this information on file. Below is an explanation of the key tests that we perform on our gloves.

Cut Resistance Testing

ASTM F2992 is the Cut Test Standard in the USA. We apply the results of the test to the ANSI/ISEA 105 Scale.Both the ASTM Test and ANSI Standard underwent a series of changes in 2016 to better standardize cut resistant ratings throughout the glove industry. In the simplest terms this test is performed to study how much weight is required to cut through the material. A TDM machine is designed to measure the weight of force needed to cut through the material. A higher weight requirement (in grams) results in a higher cut-resistant rating.

Puncture Testing

Both ANSI (USA) and EN (Europe) use the same test method for gauging puncture resistance of gloves. However, they use different scales to determine the final Level achieved. In this test, a steel stylus with a diameter of 1mm is used. This resembles something like a nail or the tip of a pencil. This test is not for hypodermic needles. The average force required (measured in Newtons) of at least 12 samples determines the puncture level.

ANSI 105: 2011 Puncture Scale

Level 0:< 10 N<

Level 1:≥ 10 N

Level 2:≥ 20 N

Level 3:< ≥ 60 N

Level 4:< ≥ 100 N

Level 5:≥ 150 N

Flame Testing – ASTM D6413

ASTM D6413 is the Standard Test Method for Flame Resistance of Textiles – AKA – ‘Vertical Flame Test’.This is the defining test method for compliance with OSHA 1910.269. The purpose of this test is to determine whether a fabric will continue to burn after the source of ignition (flame) is removed as well as to determine if dripping or melting occurs. The test is performed by having a 12” swatch of the material enclosed and secured in a chamber. The bottom of the fabric is exposed to a controlled flame for 12 seconds and then the flame is extinguished. At that point, the fabric is studied and measured to gauge the following:

1	Afterflame:	Seconds during which there is visible flame remaining on the fabric. Afterflame cannot exceed 2 seconds.
2	Afterglow:	Seconds during which there is a visible glow remaining on the fabric.
3	Char Length:	The length in inches of fabric destroyed by the flame. Char Length cannot exceed 6 inches.
4	Melting & Dripping:	No melting or dripping of the fabric can occur.

* If the fabric achieves the criteria listed above it is considered Flame Resistant.

Flame Testing – EN 407

The EN 407 is the European method of testing for protection from thermal hazards. It differs from the USA’s ASTM D6413 in that it is a series of 6 different tests and each test is graded on a scale from 1 to 4 for thermal performance, rather than being a pass/fail.
The final performance evaluation shows the scale rating for all six tests so the testing may look something like EN 407: 142332.
The six different tests are as follows:

1	Resistance to Flammability.This is similar to ASTM D6413 whereby the material is exposed to a flame and then observed to measure the Afterflame, Afterglow, Char Length, and if dripping or melting occurs.
2	Resistance to Contact Heat
3	Resistance to Convective Heat
4	Resistance to Radiant Heat
5	Resistance to Small Splashes of Molten Metal
6	Resistance to Large Splashes of Molten Metal

Tests #5 & #6 are optional and typically used if a heat resistant glove will be exposed to those hazards. If it not tested the marks with show "X."

Arc Test – ASTM F2675 / F2675M-13

Arc flash testing is relevant for any worker potentially exposed to an electric arc generating a heat flux of greater than 2 cal/cm2. Anyone with exposure to electrical hazards must have arc rated PPE available, as mandated by OSHA. The standard test method for determining arc ratings of hand protective products for electrical arc flash protection is ASTM F2675. Specialized laboratories are required for arc testing due to the extreme nature of arc flash events. This test is used to determine the heat transfer response through gloves when exposed to the thermal energy from an electric arc. In this test, a glove is placed on a holder which has a sensor that provides heat transmission data to the laboratory. 15 pairs of gloves are required and tested at various levels. The incident energy which passes through the glove is measured and compared to the Stoll curve to determine a level of survivable burn. In any case in which the Stoll criteria has not been met but the fabric begins to crack open or display holes of a certain size, this point becomes the arc rating. The ATPV (arc thermal performance value) or EBT (breakopen threshold energy) are functional equivalents. The lowest of these two points is designated as the “Arc Rating” of the glove.