All or our gloves are tested and certified by accredited labs according to the European EN standards for PPE (2016/425 regulation), including standard such as EN ISO 21420, EN 388, EN 407, EN 511 or EN 659 to name a few.
Also, when developing new products for specific projects or tenders, it is possible to discuss which performance levels should be achieved according to the defined standards. Frequently, other tests are required as well to obtain certain fabric properties as well. During the course of the project, this is closely monitored by us.
Some recurring issues regarding …
Puncture resistance
Puncture incidents are an increasing threat facing a.o. police officers, prison guards, rescue workers, etc. When it comes to protection against punctures, it is crucial to point out the major difference between puncturing with a blunt object and needle stick. As far as needlestick incidents are concerned, we can be very clear on this: it is an illusion to assume that one specific material or glove is 100% needle-proof. There can always be situations in which a needle penetrates the material and causes an injury.
There are two global standards that express the level of protection a glove provides against mechanical risks (including punctures).
- European standard : EN 388; also used in other parts of the world
- American standard : ANSI/ISEA 105
Protection against water
Protection against cold and water in gloves is covered by the EN 511 standard. As far as protection against water is concerned, it is interesting to point out some nuances in the terminology used.
- Water-resistant: able to resist the penetration of water to some degree but not entirely
- Water-repellent: not easily penetrated by water, especially as a result of being treated for such a purpose with a surface coating
- Waterproof: impervious to water
The MoG Shelter is a 100% waterproof glove based on a 3-layer lamination technology.
Flame Resistant vs. Flame Retardant
Covered by the EN 407 standard, protection against heat and flames is another issue where misperceptions are commonly noticed.
- Flame resistant = a material that is inherently resistant to catching fire (self-extinguishing) and does not melt or drip when exposed directly to extreme heat.
- Flame retardant = a material that has been chemically treated to self-extinguish.
Several MoG gloves are based on a flame resistant composition. When the EN 407 standard is mentioned with these particular gloves, you can check what the actual performance level is regarding flame or heat protection.
Fabrics, textiles and technologies
Building a glove requires a thoughtful selection of the right resources that will ultimately meet expectations in terms of performance, fit and design. Both for our stock items and for project-related developments, this involves a very diverse range of materials that are sourced worldwide.
The search for new fabrics and technologies is an ongoing process and takes place both online and during trade fairs.
- Leather such as goatskin, cowhide, …
- Synthetic leather / suede such as AX Materials
- Aramid fabrics such as Kevlar® and Nomex®
- Thermal insulation layers such as Thinsulate™
- Membranes such as HDry®
MoG ArmaSuede
This suede was co-developed with AX Materials, and is one of the most durable synthetic suedes currently on the market. It has an extremely high abrasion resistance but still has a very supple character enabling very high dexterity.
MoG DexSuede
Another co-development project with AX Materials, this suede stands out by its lightweight appearance and yet durable performance. The nature of DexSuede, which creates a second skin and thus allows for a customised finger construction, makes gloves equipped with this material stand out due to their extremely high finger sensitivity.