EN 659 sets the requirements for a firefighter's glove. It is one of the most demanding gloves there is, because it must withstand flame, hot surfaces, broken glass, nails, water and chemicals — while leaving enough dexterity to clip a carabiner or work a branch pipe.
Main requirements
- Heat transfer from flame and radiation — minimum levels by the EN 367 and EN ISO 6942 methods.
- Contact heat at 250 °C, burning behaviour, and resistance to melting and shrinkage.
- Mechanical resistance — cut, tear, puncture and abrasion to EN 388.
- Water resistance and water-vapour permeability — the glove must keep water out while letting sweat escape.
- A cuff that fully covers the wrist and forms a continuous barrier with the jacket sleeve.
The glove must be donnable with wet hands — a separate test, because in a real incident hands are almost always wet. Donning and doffing times are assessed as well.