EN 1082-1 covers gloves and arm guards made of interlinked metal rings (chain mail). They are intended for meat, fish and poultry processing, where the worker holds a sharp knife and the risk of an accidental cut is constant.
How this differs from EN 388
EN 388 measures cut resistance in textile and coated gloves — cutting through by drawing a blade across. EN 1082-1 covers a different risk entirely: a sharp knife striking with force. The metal mesh physically stops the blade.
Practical rules of use
- The mail glove goes on the hand that does not hold the knife — the supporting hand.
- A glove with damaged or missing rings must be withdrawn immediately.
- The glove must be washed and disinfected at the end of every shift — it is in contact with food.
- The arm guard protects from the wrist to the elbow or shoulder, depending on the task.
A mail glove does not protect against a pointed stab — a thin blade can pass between rings. Nor does it protect against a powered saw or rotating tool.