Sacobel in business For well over 25 years Sacobel World Leather Confections B.V. has specialised in the import and sales of working gloves, rainwear, welders clothing and workwear. The working area, as far as purchasing is concerned, mainly spans the Far East. Within this framework, Sacobel has already an office in Hong Kong for a number of years, which amongst other things, is responsible for quality control. During the recent years, workwear, which are mainly parkas and body warmers, has become an important pillar in our range of products. The sales activities -to wholesalers only- stretches over about 35 countries in and outside of Europe. The policy Sacobel strives to realise a correct price/quality relationship for all its products. On this foundation, Sacobel has built up a good reputation over the years and is convinced that this ambition creates the basis for a sound future. The range Over the years, Sacobel's range has gone through a strong development. This catalogue is giving you a clear picture of our standard range. For alternative styles, or styles which have not been illustrated, it is always recommended to contact our sales department, since it is not out of the question, that Sacobel still knows how to find a suitable solution for your specific enquiry. Why a CE-guideline? From July 1st 1995 the European guideline 89/686/EEC came into force, which specifies the minimum demands PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) are required to meet. This standard, through a number of guidelines drawn up by the European Council, aims to reach a higher quality level for all products designated as PPE. The standards and pictograms For working gloves, many standards have been drawn up of which we limit ourselves to the standards EN420, EN388, EN407 and EN374-3, which are applied the most. The standard EN420 is for 'minimal risks'. No specific pictogram has been developed for this basic standard which all gloves should meet. The standard EN388 is for 'mechanical risks'. For gloves meeting this standard, testing is required by a recognized laboratory (notified body). The gloves are tested for resistance to: Abrasion Blade cut Tearing Puncture for which the scores are listed in that order next to the pictogram with the hammer (1). Passing these tests, results will be indicated in a certificate as proof of a category 2 glove according to standard EN388. For gloves, which are intended for application involving heat and/or fire, there is a supplement to the EN388 standard, namely EN407. Gloves which pass these tests, receive scores on an attached certificate and in addition receive the pictogram with the flame (2). The parameters which are tested, have the following standard order: burning heat contact heat small splashes molten metal. Another addition to EN388 is EN374-3. In this case the glove has been tested on the capability of protection against penetration of the chemicals: lye, sulphuric- and hydrochloric acid. These scores once more can be found on the attached certificate. This standard is shown by the pictogram with the small bottle (3). For welders clothing there is the EN470 standard. Clothing which meets this standard, has been tested on burning behaviour and resistance to small splashes molten metal. The pictograms together with scores can be found in the user manual which compulsory accompanies each smallest packing unit.