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SAFE WHEN HANDLING CHEMICALS - PROTECTIVE GLOVES ACCORDING TO EN ISO 374
Whether in industry, laboratories or the healthcare sector: Anyone who regularly works with hazardous chemicals or biological pathogens needs protective gloves that are reliable and tested. The EN ISO 374 standard defines clear requirements for the use of protective gloves in such areas - and thus provides a reliable basis for standard-compliant safety and effective health protection.The standard is divided into several parts that cover different aspects of performance - from chemical resistance to protection against microorganisms. This differentiation ensures transparency and helps to make a targeted selection of protective gloves.SAFE HANDLING OF CHEMICALS - PROTECTIVE GLOVES ACCORDING TO EN ISO 374
THE THREE TEST AREAS OF EN ISO 374
To be classified according to EN ISO 374, protective gloves must undergo three decisive tests:+ Penetration (EN ISO 374-2)
+ Permeation (EN ISO 374-3)
+ Degradation (EN ISO 374-4)
Only when all three test areas have been passed can a protective glove be classified in accordance with EN ISO 374-1 and categorized as effective chemical protection.
EN ISO 374-1: TYPES OF PROTECTION AND PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
EN ISO 374-1 divides protective gloves into three types - depending on how many chemicals the gloves repel and how long they can withstand their effects. The basis for this is the so-called protection index, which is based on the measured breakthrough time. The longer a protective glove can withstand contact with a test chemical, the higher the protection class: from class 1 (more than 10 minutes) to class 6 (more than 480 minutes).The three types of protection at a glance:
This classification makes selection easier: Type A is ideal in environments with high chemical exposure, while type C may be sufficient for short-term contact.
This is what the code letters below the standard mean:
In addition to the standard symbol, protective gloves in accordance with EN ISO 374-1 also bear a combination of letters - and it is precisely this that provides crucial information: Each letter stands for a specifically tested chemical. The standard defines a total of 18 test substances - including methanol (A), acetone (B) and sodium hydroxide (K). The breakthrough time is measured for each individual test substance. The combination of letter marking and protection class shows at a glance which hazardous substances these protective gloves are effective against - and for how long.
EN ISO 374-2: PENETRATION TESTING
EN ISO 374-2 specifies how the resistance of protective gloves to penetration is tested - this refers to the penetration of liquids or microorganisms on a non-molecular level. The focus here is on the impermeability of the entire protective glove.Two standardized test methods - the air leak test and the water leak test - make even the smallest leaks visible. In this way, the standard ensures that protective gloves seal reliably.
EN ISO 374-3: PERMEATION TESTING
EN ISO 374-3 covers a less visible but no less dangerous risk: permeation. This is the gradual penetration of chemicals through the material of protective gloves on a molecular level.For the test, the outside of the protective gloves is brought into permanent contact with a test chemical. The measured breakthrough time determines the classification into one of six protection classes.
EN ISO 374-3 thus provides a well-founded assessment of how effectively and for how long protective gloves actually maintain their barrier function in continuous contact with chemicals.
EN ISO 374-4: DEGRADATION TESTING
EN ISO 374-4 specifies how resistant the material of protective gloves remains after long-term contact with hazardous chemicals. The focus here is not on permeability, but on material degradation. This so-called degradation can manifest itself, for example, through swelling, embrittlement or cracks - all factors that can significantly limit protection in everyday working life.For the test, 18 test samples are brought into contact with a test chemical. The puncture resistance is then measured. The greater the difference compared to untreated samples, the more degraded the material is.
EN ISO 374-4 provides valuable information on the durability of protective gloves, particularly in work areas with prolonged exposure.
EN ISO 374-5: THE “VIRUS” ADDITION
In addition to chemical protection, EN ISO 374-5 also covers protection against microorganisms. The standard regulates whether protective gloves have been tested exclusively against bacteria and fungi or also against viruses. The difference can be seen directly from the pictogram:
Without addition under the symbol: protection only against bacteria and fungi
With the addition “VIRUS”: additional protection against viruses
Especially in hygiene-critical areas such as medical facilities or food processing, this difference is crucial when it comes to selecting the right protective gloves.
DECIDE SAFELY - WITH EN ISO 374 AS AN ORIENTATION AID
EN ISO 374 provides greater clarity and safety when dealing with chemical and biological risks. Instead of vague terms such as “chemical-resistant”, the standard provides specific test criteria - from tested substances to microbiological resistance.This creates a sound basis for product selection: tailored to the type of exposure, duration of exposure and individual requirements in everyday working life. Choosing certified protective gloves with clear labeling when selecting PPE not only protects your own health, but also ensures professional occupational safety in accordance with the standard.
