Personal protective equipment (PPE) is critical in preventing health hazards when dealing with potentially harmful chemicals or microorganisms. One such important piece of PPE is protective gloves. The EN374 standard is a globally recognized standard that outlines the requirements that these gloves should meet to provide adequate protection. This comprehensive guide will delve deep into understanding the EN374 standard, mainly focusing on Nitrile Gloves, commonly used across various industries.
What is the EN374 Standard?
The EN374 standard is a set of regulations by the European Union to assess the performance of protective gloves when exposed to chemicals and microorganisms. The full title of the standard is EN ISO 374:2016+A1:2018, often abbreviated to EN374. The standard is designed to ensure that gloves provide sufficient protection against chemical hazards and biological risks, which can lead to profound health implications if not properly managed.
The EN374 standard comprises five parts, each focusing on a specific type of testing and application. These five parts are:
- EN 374-1: Performance requirements for chemical risks
- EN 374-2: Determination of resistance to penetration
- EN 16523-1: Determination of material resistance to permeation by chemicals (formerly EN 374-3)
- EN 374-4: Determination of resistance to degradation by chemicals
- EN 374-5: Protection against bacteria, fungi, and viruses
The categorization of the gloves is based on their performance in these tests. The type of EN374 gloves required depends entirely on the application and the potential hazards in the working environment.
Understanding EN374-1: Performance Requirements for Chemical Risks
The first part of the EN374 standard, EN374-1, outlines the performance requirements that protective gloves must meet when exposed to chemicals. It emphasizes three essential test methods: permeation, penetration, and degradation.
Permeation
Permeation refers to the process by which a chemical moves through a protective glove material at a molecular level. The rubber and plastic films in gloves serve as barriers to chemicals. Thus, it’s crucial to measure breakthrough times, i.e., the time taken for a hazardous liquid to come in contact with the skin.
Penetration
Penetration, on the other hand, refers to the movement of a chemical or microorganism through porous materials, seams, pinholes, or other imperfections in a protective glove material at a non-molecular level.
Degradation
Degradation measures how the glove material reacts when exposed to a chemical. Degradation indicators include flaking, swelling, disintegration, embrittlement, color change, and other physical changes.
EN374-2: Determination to Resistance to Penetration
The second part of the EN374 standard, EN374-2, focuses on determining the gloves’ resistance to penetration. It tests the movement of liquids and microorganisms through the glove’s material. If a glove passes this test, it can effectively prevent the direct passage of microorganisms and liquids, offering a critical line of defense for the wearer.
EN16523-1: Determination of Material Resistance to Permeation by Chemicals
Formerly known as EN 374-3, EN 16523-1 is a test method that assesses a glove’s resistance to permeation by chemicals. It involves exposing the glove to different chemicals and observing the time it takes to permeate through the glove material.
The chemicals used for testing are classified into various categories, each represented by a code letter. These code letters are used to identify the chemicals the gloves can resist, and they provide a handy reference for users to understand the protective capabilities of the gloves.
EN374-4: Determination of Resistance to Degradation by Chemicals
EN374-4 tests a glove’s resistance to degradation by chemicals. This standard part provides valuable information on how the glove material reacts when exposed to specific chemicals. It helps users understand what to expect when using gloves in environments with these chemicals.
EN374-5: Protection Against Bacteria, Fungi, and Viruses
The final part of the EN374 standard, EN374-5, focuses on the gloves’ ability to protect against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Gloves that meet this standard have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they can effectively prevent the penetration of microorganisms, thereby reducing the wearer’s infection risk.
Choosing the Right Gloves: Nitrile Gloves vs. Other Disposable Gloves
When it comes to choosing the right protective gloves, the material and the type of glove play a crucial role. We like to divide gloves into Nitrile Gloves and Other Disposable Gloves.
Nitrile Gloves
Nitrile gloves are made from synthetic rubber and offer excellent resistance to most chemicals, except for ketones. They provide efficient protection against harsh chemicals, solvents, oils, fuels, and many acids. They are also a good alternative for people with latex allergies.
Other Disposable Gloves
Other disposable gloves, however, are designed for single use and can be made from various materials, including latex, vinyl, polychloroprene, flexilon or polyethylene. The choice of material depends on the application and the potential hazards in the working environment.
Understanding Glove Markings
Gloves that meet the EN374 standard will carry specific markings that indicate their performance in the various tests. For chemical-resistant gloves, the glove pictogram must be accompanied by digit code letters for Type A and B gloves. For gloves to protect against microorganisms, the biohazard pictogram is applied.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Size
Choosing the right size for your protective gloves is as important as selecting the right type. Ill-fitting gloves can compromise your dexterity, comfort, and, ultimately, your protection.
Wrapping It Up
Understanding the EN374 standard is crucial for anyone working in environments where exposure to chemicals or microorganisms is risky. By equipping yourself with this knowledge, you can make informed decisions when selecting suitable gloves for your specific needs, ensuring maximum protection and safety at all times.