EN 659 is the European standard titled “Protective gloves for firefighters” that specifies requirements for hand protection equipment used in firefighting operations. This standard establishes performance criteria for gloves designed to protect against thermal, mechanical, and other hazards encountered during fire suppression and rescue activities.
The standard was developed to address the unique challenges faced by firefighters, including:
- Thermal hazards from direct flame contact and radiant heat
- Mechanical risks such as cuts, abrasions, and punctures
- Water penetration during firefighting operations
- Dexterity requirements for handling equipment in high-stress situations
Key aspects of EN 659 include:
- Material performance requirements for heat and flame resistance
- Minimum protection levels against mechanical hazards
- Dimensional requirements for proper fit and functionality
- Marking and labeling specifications for clear identification of protective properties
- Compatibility testing with other personal protective equipment (PPE)
The standard complements other firefighting PPE standards like EN 469 (protective clothing) and EN 443 (helmets), creating a comprehensive protection system for firefighters.
Products Applicable to EN 659
EN 659 applies to several types of specialized firefighting gloves used in different operational scenarios:
- Structural Firefighting Gloves:
- Designed for building fires and structural collapse situations
- Typically feature multiple layers including thermal barriers and abrasion-resistant outer materials
- Wildland Firefighting Gloves:
- Used in vegetation and forest fire operations
- Often lighter weight with enhanced breathability for prolonged wear
- Technical Rescue Gloves:
- Combine fire protection with cut resistance for rescue operations
- May include additional features like enhanced grip patterns
- Proximity Gloves:
- For high-radiation environments like aircraft fires
- Incorporate reflective or aluminized materials for radiant heat protection
These products typically consist of:
- Outer shell materials resistant to heat and abrasion
- Thermal insulation layers
- Moisture barriers
- Reinforced palm and finger areas for enhanced grip and durability
Testing Methods for EN 659
EN 659 specifies rigorous testing protocols to evaluate glove performance:
- Thermal Resistance Testing:
- Heat resistance: Exposure to 180°C for 5 minutes with no melting, separation, or ignition allowed
- Flame resistance: Vertical flame test with maximum 100mm char length and 2 seconds afterflame
- Contact heat: Resistance to 300°C surface temperature
- Mechanical Protection Testing:
- Abrasion resistance: Measured according to EN 388 standards
- Cut resistance: Blade cut test per EN 388 requirements
- Tear resistance: Determination of force needed to propagate a tear
- Dimensional and Dexterity Testing:
- Finger length and circumference measurements
- Dexterity assessment using small object manipulation tests
- Water Penetration Testing:
- Resistance to water penetration under pressure
- Evaluation after flexing and abrasion cycles
- Optional Feature Testing:
- Electrical insulation properties (for gloves with electrical hazard protection)
- Chemical resistance for specialized applications
These tests ensure gloves maintain protective properties under the extreme conditions encountered in firefighting operations.
Important Issues to Note for EN 659 Compliance
When implementing or using EN 659 compliant gloves, several critical considerations apply:
- Certification Requirements:
- Gloves must display CE marking with EN 659 reference
- Certification must be performed by notified bodies
- Multi-standard gloves should list all applicable standards clearly
- Proper Selection:
- Choose gloves appropriate for specific firefighting scenarios (structural vs. wildland)
- Consider thermal protection level vs. dexterity tradeoffs
- Verify compatibility with other PPE (coat cuffs, helmet straps)
- Maintenance and Care:
- Follow manufacturer’s cleaning instructions precisely
- Inspect regularly for signs of wear or damage (especially inner liners)
- Proper drying to prevent material degradation
- Service Life Considerations:
- Typical service life ranges from 2-5 years depending on use frequency
- Replace after any significant thermal exposure or mechanical damage
- Document inspection history for liability protection
- Training Requirements:
- Proper donning/doffing techniques to maintain integrity
- Limitations of protection understanding (temperature/time thresholds)
- Break-in procedures for new gloves
- Regulatory Updates:
- Monitor for amendments to the standard
- Some countries may have additional national requirements
- EU Regulation 2016/425 on PPE applies to these products
EN 659 represents a critical safety standard for firefighter hand protection, addressing multiple hazards through comprehensive design and testing requirements. Proper implementation requires understanding both the technical specifications and practical field considerations.
