A Complete Guide to UK PPE Glove Regulations, Standards and Certifications

PPE gloves must meet strict legal safety standards before they can be sold or used on site. If you’re buying work gloves, cut-resistant gloves, chemical-resistant gloves, or specialist PPE hand protection, understanding the regulations and certifications is essential.

UK Safety Glove Regulations: What’s Required?

All protective gloves sold in the UK must comply with the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Regulation (EU) 2016/425, which remains in force under UK law.

Compliant gloves must display either:

• UKCA marking (UK Conformity Assessed)
• CE marking

Gloves without these markings may not be legally compliant and could likely pose a risk to personal safety.

PPE Glove Risk Categories Explained

Safety gloves are classified into three risk categories depending on the level of protection they provide.

Category I - Minimal Risk Gloves

Designed for low-risk tasks where injuries are minor and reversible.

Typical uses:

• Light cleaning
• Gardening
• Basic DIY
• General handling

These are often simple household or light-duty work gloves.

Category II - Medium Risk Work Gloves

These are the most common type of Industrial Safety Gloves, providing protection against mechanical hazards.

Typical uses:

• Construction and trade work
• Warehousing and logistics
• Engineering
• Material handling
• Cut and abrasion resistance

These gloves must be independently tested by an Approved Body.

Category III - High-Risk Specialist Gloves

For serious hazards that could cause permanent injury or irreversible health damage caused by high-level hazards.

Typical uses:

• Chemical handling
• Electrical work
• Extreme temperatures
• Hazardous industrial environments

Manufacturers must undergo ongoing testing and annual audits for this category.

Understanding Safety Glove Standards (EN & ISO Certifications)

Most PPE gloves feature pictograms and codes that show what they protect against. These standards make it easy to compare products and choose the right protection.

Here are the key ones to know:

EN ISO 21420 – General Protective Glove Requirements

The baseline standard for all safety gloves.

Covers:

• Fit and sizing
• Comfort
• Dexterity
• Material safety

Every certified glove should meet this.

EN 388 – Mechanical Protection (Cut-Resistant Gloves)

This is the most important standard for cut-resistant and general work gloves.

It tests resistance to:

• Abrasion
• Coup cut test
• Tearing
• Punctures
• High-level TDM cuts (rated A-F)
• Optional impact protection

If you’re buying construction gloves, warehouse gloves or handling gloves, EN 388 certification is essential.

EN ISO 374 - Chemical-Resistant Gloves

Required for protection against chemicals and micro-organisms.

Ratings include:

• Type A - 30+ minutes protection against at least 6 chemicals
• Type B - 30+ minutes against at least 3 chemicals
• Type C - 10+ minutes against at least 1 chemical

Higher classifications mean broader chemical protection — ideal for labs, cleaning, manufacturing, and chemical handling.

EN 407 – Heat and Flame Protection

Designed for high-temperature environments.

Protects against:

• Flames
• Contact heat
• Radiant heat
• Molten metal splashes

Common for welding, foundries, and hot work.

EN 511 - Cold Protection Gloves

For outdoor or freezer work.

Tests resistance to:

• Convective cold
• Contact cold

Helps prevent cold-related injuries and loss of dexterity.

EN 455 - Medical & Disposable Gloves

Applies to single-use medical and examination gloves, ensuring hygiene and barrier protection.

Specialist Safety Glove Certifications

Some industries require additional specialist standards:

• EN 60903 - Electrical insulating gloves for live working
• EN ISO 10819 - Anti-vibration gloves
• EN 12477 - Welding gloves

How to Choose the Right PPE Gloves for Your Workplace

When selecting protective gloves, always match the glove to the hazard.

Ask yourself:

• What risks are present - cuts, chemicals, heat or cold?
• How severe is the hazard?
• Which EN standard applies?
• Does the glove carry UKCA or CE marking?

The best work gloves balance protection, durability, comfort and dexterity so tasks can be carried out safely and efficiently.

Shop Certified Safety Gloves in the UK

Looking for cut-resistant gloves, chemical-resistant gloves, or general work gloves that meet UK safety standards?

Explore our range of Certified Safety Gloves:
https://www.pksafetyuk.com/shop/gloves

From EN 388 mechanical protection to specialised chemical and thermal PPE, we’ve got compliant glove options for every workplace need.

Need Help Choosing the Right Gloves?

With so many options available - from cut-resistant gloves to chemical and heat-resistant gloves - selecting the correct PPE can feel overwhelming.

If you’re unsure which gloves are right for your team, call us on (01443 741 999), we can help you find the right glove for the job.

Meanwhile, feel free to download our A4 print-friendly size guide.

Len Bridgeman