EN ISO 374-5 specifies the requirements and test methods for protective gloves intended to protect the user against microorganisms (mold and bacteria, potentially viruses).

Penetration of molds and bacteria (tested according to EN374-2): Test by which the water and airtightness of a glove is checked.

Penetration of viruses (tested according to method B of ISO 16604): Process that determines the resistance to penetration by blood-borne pathogens.

- Test method using Phi-X174 bacteriophage.

The glove, depending on its type, will bear the following pictogram:

Examples of application:

The field of use is decisive because, depending on the case, the glove may have to combine several properties in order to meet the necessary protection requirements. It is therefore very important to refer to the recommended areas of use and the results of the laboratory tests found in the instructions for use. However, it is recommended to check that the gloves are suitable for the intended purpose by carrying out tests beforehand, because the conditions at the workplace may differ from those of the standard test, depending on the temperature, abrasion and degradation.

Standard EN ISO374-1, protective gloves against chemicals and micro-organisms, specifies the performance requirements required for gloves for protecting users against chemical products and/ or micro organisms and defines the terms to be used:

• Penetration (tested as per standard EN374-2): Diffusion of water or air, to check the impermeability, on a non-molecular level, of a chemical product and/or micro-organism through the porosities, seams, micro-holes or other imperfections present in the material of the protective glove.

• Degradation (tested as per standard EN374-4): Determination of the physical resistance of materials to degradation after continuous contact with hazardous chemicals.

• Permeation (tested as per standard EN374-3 or EN16523): Process by which a chemical product diffuses through the material of a protective glove, by continuous contact, on a molecular level. The EN ISO version of standard 374-1, introduces the concept of three types of protection against the permeation of chemicals:

- Type A: The glove gives a performance index to permeation at least equal to 2 for 6 chemical test substances taken from the list of chemicals specified in the standard.

- Type B : The glove gives a performance index to permeation at least equal to 2 for 3 chemical test substances taken from the list of chemicals specified in the standard.

- Type C : The glove gives a performance index to permeation at least equal to 1 for 1 chemical test substances taken from the list of chemicals specified in the standard.

Standard ISO 18889 specifies the performance requirements of protective gloves for pesticide operators and re-entry workers.

G1 gloves are suitable when the potential risk is relatively low. These gloves are not suitable for use with concentrated pesticide formulations and/or for scenarios where mechanical risks exist. G1 gloves are typically single use gloves.

G2 gloves are suitable when the potential risk is higher. These gloves are suitable for use with diluted as well as concentrated pesticides. G2 gloves also meet the minimum mechanical resistance requirements and are therefore suitable for activities that require gloves with minimum mechanical strength.

GR gloves provide protection only to the palm-side of the hand for a re-entry worker who is in contact with dry and partially dry pesticide residues that remain on the plant surface after pesticide application.

The EN407 standard specifies the test methods, the general requirements, the thermal performance and the labelling of gloves and cuffs to protect from heat and fire. It applies to all gloves which must protect hands from heat and/or flames in any one or several of the following forms: fire, contact heat, convective heat, radiating heat, small spray of molten metal or large spray of melting metal.

If the product claims flammability resistance, the pictogram will be                                           

If the product does not claim any resistance to flammability (0 or X), the pictogram will be      

Standard EN ISO 10819 specifies performance requirements for vibration attenuation through gloves. The vibration-reducing material must also satisfy thickness and consistency requirements. It should be noted that these gloves can reduce but not eliminate health risks associated with handtransmitted vibration exposure.

Vibration transmissibility in one-third-octave frequency bands from 25 to 200Hz must be equal to or less than 0.90. The one calculated in one-third-octave frequency bands from 200 to 1250 Hz must be equal to or less than 0.60.

This standard provides requirements for protective gloves that are worn in an environment producing ionising radiation or in an environment containing radioactive substances.

A glove protecting against radioactive contamination must be waterproof according to EN374-2.

A glove that protects against ionising radiation must, in addition to being waterproof according to EN374-2, contain a certain amount of heavy metal such as lead.

The EN511 standard defines the requirements and test methods for cold protection gloves from cold transmitted by convection or conduction down to -30°C (optionally up to -50°C). This cold can be from climatic conditions or industrial activity.

The selection process of a cold protection glove must take into account several parameters such as the ambient temperature, the health of the person, the duration of exposure, and the level of activities...

The EN388 standard applies to all types of protective gloves with respect to physical and mechanical aggression from abrasion, cutting from slicing, perforation and tearing. Since the 2016 version of the standard, new optional performance have appeared.

Impact resistance on the metacarpal area: if this performance is claimed, the "P" mark appears.

Marking example:

4233X P

Marking example:

4543D ou 4X43D

Cut by blade, 2 test methods:

EN388 6.2.:  For low to middle risk of cutting. A circular blade on which a constant force of 5 N is applied, moves back and forth until the sample is cut. It measures the number of completed cycles and is credited with the corresponding level.

EN ISO 13997:  For materials that blunt the blade during the EN388 6.2 test and/ or are particularly resistant, for high risk of cutting. A straight blade makes a single movement of 20 mm with a force of 2N, the test is repeated with a different force as many times as necessary until the sample is cut. A level corresponding to the force required to cut the sample is assigned. This method better represents the usage situations that present a high risk of cutting.

The reference standard, cannot be used alone, but only in combination with another standard containing protection performance requirements.

• Conform to harmlessness (pH, chrome VI levels, etc…).

• Conform to the size charts (see chart on below).

• Assess the dexterity, breathability, and comfort.

• Conform to the labelling, information and identification instructions.

Standard EN16350 provides additional requirements for protective gloves that are worn in areas where flammable or explosive areas exist or might be present.

Further electrostatic properties can be determined through EN1149-1 (surface electrostatic properties) or EN1149-3 (charge decay), but cannot be used for electrostatic dissipative protective gloves.

Requirements and test methods for gloves used for manual welding of metals, for cutting and related techniques. Welder gloves are ranked in two types: B when great dexterity is required (e.g.: TIG welding), and A for other welding processes.