Hand and arm protection testing laboratory

Marketing manager Eleanor Parkes said: "As manufacturers of safety wear, we have a responsibility to ensure every product we make uses the highest quality materials, is tested rigorously and performs to the standards required. We understand our customers operate in some of the most hazardous working environments and need PPE they can feel safe and secure in using.

"We are committed to a continuous program of product development and innovation to evolve our products and ensure we deliver the best possible solution for our customers. A key part of our program of product development is the introduction of Tilsatec’s own in house testing laboratory."

The laboratory will be used in the main to carry out compliance monitoring and compilation of CE certificate applications; performance and quality control testing of raw materials, yarns and finished products; supporting of new product development; ongoing due diligence product testing; bespoke in house testing to suit customer’s specific hazards/requirements; and benchmark testing to ensure test results are in line with industry standards.

The team will also be able to provide additional technical support and advice on the suitability of a product and make recommendations to customers on factors such as cut resistance, grip, abrasion, liquid repellency, thermal properties and breathability.  

As one of only a very small number of testing laboratories in the UK to use a TDM-100 machine to conduct cut resistance testing to EN ISO 13997, a greater level of transparency and cut performance data can be provided to customers and partners. And where the company believes a current EN standard may not go far enough in providing comprehensive performance data, the lab team will develop unique in house test methods to give more realistic data representative of real working conditions.  

Headed up by the technical manager, Maria Kramer and Simon Havis, technical director, both of whom have vast experience in mechanical testing of gloves, the facility has been designed to meet the exacting requirements of a modern product testing laboratory. 

The lab will be participating in global proficiency testing along with third party accredited laboratories to confirm that the results achieved are of the highest quality and standards. Furthermore, all testing is carried out to up to date standards using modern test equipment that is calibrated by ISO 17025 accredited houses to ensure exceptional accuracy of results.