PURPOSE
Performance requirements for gloves against cold.
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SERNEM · Hand protection
EN 511Protective gloves against cold
Performance requirements for gloves against cold.
Illustrative image; verify real product conformity from markings and certificates.
TYPICAL USE
Cold metal, cold air or assessed contact-cold work.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Check convective/contact cold, water penetration marking and use limits.
TECHNICAL CLASSES AND SELECTION
Technical distinctions within this standard
Do not select PPE by code alone. Verify the following distinctions using actual product markings and manufacturer documentation.
Convective cold
Review claimed performance against convective heat loss.
Contact cold
Check performance for contact with cold objects.
Water penetration
Check whether water penetration performance is declared.
Code and marking decoder
EN 511Relevant product standard; confirm applicable edition.
Class / TypeRead product-specific declared performance.
ManufacturerModel, serial, maintenance and traceability.
Where are product markings found?
EN 511 pictogram and performance ratings on glove/label.
Check convective/contact cold, water penetration marking and use limits.
COMPARE STANDARDS
Not interchangeable
EN 511 cold protection does not replace EN 388 mechanical resistance.
WRONG SELECTION
Field mistake
Relying solely on cold ratings when handling sharp cold metal.
BETTER APPROACH
Risk-based choice
Assess cold, grip, mechanical protection and wet conditions together.
Typical applications
01 · Cold storage
02 · Winter maintenance
03 · Cold metal handling
1Verify product and standard marking.
2Check protection performance for task hazards.
3Read EN 511 marking and performance ratings.
4Check seams, wetting and grip loss.
5Plan exposure duration and warming breaks.
6Check damage, service life, inspection and manufacturer instructions.