When working with hazardous chemicals, protecting employees is the top priority. To ensure that workers are well protected, there are strict European standards for protective gloves, such as EN ISO 374. This standard sets out clear requirements that protective gloves against chemical risks must meet and ensures that they provide the necessary protection.
What is EN ISO 374?
The EN ISO 374 was last updated in 2016 and describes five different parts that define chemical resistance and protection against microorganisms in protective gloves. This standard is crucial when it comes to protecting the skin from hazardous substances and applies to gloves used when dealing with chemical and microbiological risks.
The 5 parts of EN ISO 374
- EN 374-1: Defines the general requirements for protective gloves against chemicals.
- EN 374-2: Tests resistance to penetration by chemicals and microorganisms.
- EN 16523-1 (formerly EN 374-3): Evaluates the permeation of chemicals through the glove material, i.e. the time required for the chemical to reach the skin reached.
- EN 374-4: Evaluates degradation, i.e. how the material of the glove reacts to contact with chemicals (e.g. through discoloration or swelling).
- EN 374-5: Sets requirements for protection against microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses.
What do the pictograms mean?
Different symbols are used depending on the performance level of the glove. There are three main types:
- Type A: Gloves with high chemical resistance to at least six chemicals, each with a breakthrough time of at least 30 minutes.
- Type B: Gloves with resistance to three chemicals.
- Type C: Gloves that are resistant to at least one chemical for a short period of time.
Choosing the right glove depends on the type of chemicals and the duration of contact. It is important to pay attention to breakthrough times as chemicals can penetrate more quickly depending on the mixture and concentration.
Why are EN 374 gloves important for companies?
The standard provides clear guidance to ensure that companies can best protect their employees. EN 374 certified gloves are essential, especially in industries that work with chemicals, asbestos or potentially dangerous microorganisms. DS SafetyWear offers you a large selection of chemical protection gloves that meet the requirements of EN 374 and can be individually adapted to your needs.
With a solid foundation in the EN 374 standard and the appropriate selection of protective gloves, we ensure that you and your employees are well protected at work.