The role of a protective glove is to provide its user with the safety adapted to the hazards encountered, but also to take into account his needs as regards comfort, ergonomics and dexterity. Consequently, the choice of a glove results from the best possible compromise between the hazard type, the dexterity level required, and the amount and duration of work to be carried out with the glove.

By its role, the protective glove is considered to be Personal Protective Equipment. According to the "Manufacturer" European Directive, gloves can be rated according to 3 hazard categories.

The general standards that define the essential requirements of gloves are governed by the EN 420 standard and specific standards for specific products according to their uses. These specific standards require tests during which the product's level of performance is noted.

The level X or 0 means that the glove has not been tested or that it has not achieved the minimum level of performance. The higher values correspond to higher levels of performance. The European levels for category II or III protective gloves are represented by pictograms in the form of a shield with the list of performance levels obtained.