Granberg - Standards and Marking

KNOWLEDGE CENTRE

YOUR MOST
VALUABLE TOOLS.

Our hands are complicated and versatile, capable of doing everything from grasping large objects to performing delicate microsurgery. They are our most important tools to touch, feel, communicate, and even protect the rest of our body – yet they’re prone to injuries, particularly when working in dangerous environments. Make sure you protect your most valuable tools in the best possible way.

STANDARDS & MARKINGS

There are many details to consider when choosing the right gloves. In this case, the details are a combination of numbers, symbols, and standards. In other words, it is confusing – yet highly important.

The European standards ensure that protective gloves meet complex safety requirements, including testing methods, labelling, and risk assessment. We have to comply with them.

Let us guide you through them and make things clearer.

EN ISO 21420:2020 is the main standard required for all PPE gloves. EN ISO 21420:2020 replaced the previous EN 420:2003+A1:2009 and has been adopted by ISO to become a worldwide standard.

It describes the general requirements for all hand protective equipment, such as protective gloves, regarding:

Design and construction.
Innocuousness.
Care and cleaning instructions.
Comfort.
Efficiency.
Marking and information.

Glove design and construction

The glove design should allow the wearer to perform normal activities unencumbered while providing the highest degree of protection for the intended application. EN ISO 21420 does not state a minimal glove length. However, some specific standards (e.g., for welding) have requirements for a minimum length.

Sizing and measurement

The size of the gloves must be established in relation to the hand-sizing system defined in the table below:

Hand size	Equals to	Hand circumference (mm)	Hand length (mm)
4	3XS	101	<160
5	XXS	127	<160
6	XS	152	160
7	S	178	171
8	M	203	182
9	L	229	192
10	XL	254	204
11	XXL	279	215
12	3XL	304	>215
13	4XL	329	>215

Innocuousness of protective gloves

EN ISO 21420 attaches great importance to the innocuousness aspect, which ensures that PPE gloves do not harm the health or hygiene of the wearer. The main requirements are

Chromium VI content must be less than 3,0 mg/kg of leather. Applicable for all leather gloves.
No Nickel release (< 0.5µg/cm2/week). Applicable for all metallic components in prolonged contact with skin.
pH value must be between 3.5 and 9.5.
Azo colorants must be less than 30 mg/kg for each aromatic amine. Applicable to textiles and all dyed leathers, which releases carcinogenic amines.
DMFa (dimethylformamide) must not exceed 1000 mg/kg (1% weight/weight). Applicable to all materials containing polyurethane (PU).
Content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) must be less than 1 mg/kg. Applicable for rubber and plastics in direct contact with the skin.

Cleaning

If cleaning and caring instructions are provided, the relevant performance-related tests must be performed before cleaning and repeated after the maximum recommended number of cleaning cycles. The gloves must be marked according to the lowest performance level results before and after cleaning.

Electrostatic Properties

Regarding ATEX, the electrostatic properties must be tested in accordance with EN 16350 (test method EN 1149-2). The new EN ISO 21420 standard introduced a new pictogram that can be used for gloves that meet the requirements of EN 16350 and are tested according to EN 1149-2 for devices intended for use in explosive atmospheres (ATEX zones).

Dexterity

The dexterity level is given by the diameter of the pin that can be picked up by the glove wearer.

Performance level	Smallest pin diameter (mm) that can be picked up with a gloved hand 3 times during a period of a minimum of 30 seconds
1	11.0
2	9.5
3	8.0
4	6.5
5	5.0

Marking and information

Each protective glove must be marked with the following information:

Manufacturer name.
Glove designation.
Size designation.
Pictograms of applicable standards for the glove, with reference and performance levels.
Manufacturing date.
Obsolescence date (if applicable) behind the hourglass icon.

The first packing enclosure must contain above listed information if the glove cannot be marked.

The user instructions must include the following information:

Name and address of the manufacturer or representative.
Glove designation.
Available size range.
Intended use with reference to relevant specific standards.
Pictograms of the standards the glove applies to, with reference and performance levels.
Pictograms indicating the hazard category according to PPE regulation (Cat. I, II or III).
CE mark.
Care & storage instructions.
Instructions and limitations of use.
Name and address of the notified body which certified the product.
Warnings (if applicable).

General requirements for protective gloves.

All PPE protective gloves must comply with this standard. It covers areas including:

Design and construction

Gloves should provide the highest degree of protection for intended area of use.

Safety and innocuousness

Glove itself should not cause any harm to user.
pH value should be between 3.5 and 9.5.
Chromium VI content should not exceed < 3 mg/kg.
Latex gloves should be tested on protein content as per EN 455-3.
Gloves that are designed to reduce the risk of electrostatic discharges, should be tested as per EN 1149 for electrostatic properties.

Dexterity. Performance is graded as per table below:

Performance level	Smallest pin diameter (mm) that can be picked up with a gloved hand 3 times during a period of a minimum of 30 seconds
1	11.0
2	9.5
3	8.0
4	6.5
5	5.0

Comfort and efficiency. Sizing as per table below:

EN 420	Equals to	Hand circumference/length (mm)	Minimum length of the glove (mm)
6	XS	152/160	220
7	S	178/171	230
8	M	203/182	240
9	L	229/192	250
10	XL	254/204	260
11	XXL	279/215	270

General requirements for instruction of use must include:

Name and address of the manufacturer or representative.
Glove designation.
Available size range.
CE mark.
Care & storage instructions.
Instructions and limitations of use.
Name and address of notified body that certified the product.

The European Standard EN 388:2016 covers the test requirements for safety gloves to protect against mechanical risks, which covers abrasion, blade cut, puncture, tearing and impact.

The EN 388:2016 Standard is a revised version of the former EN 388 Standard (EN 388:2003). It includes an increased scope of testing required, and the test results, which provide customers with more information, helping them choose the right hand protection for their needs.

A Abrasion resistance

B Circular blade cut resistance

C Tear resistance

D Puncture resistance

E Straight blade cut resistance

F Impact protection

ABCDEF

A: Abrasion resistance

Based on the number of cycles needed to abrade through a sample of the glove. Samples are cut from the glove palm and rubbed against sandpaper of a certain quality under a certain constant pressure as defined by the standard. The level of abrasion resistance is measured by the number of cycles reached when a hole appears on the relevant glove sample.

B: Circular blade cut resistance

Based on the number of cycles required to cut through a sample of the glove palm with a circular, counter-rotating blade.

C: Tear resistance

Based on the amount of force required to tear a sample of the glove apart.

D: Puncture resistance

Based on the amount of force required to penetrate the sample with a defined stylus. This is not an indication of the resistance to sharply pointed objects, e.g. a hypodermic needle.

E: Straight blade cut resistance, EN ISO 13997

In the recently revised EN 388 Standard (EN 388:2016), the circular blade cut resistance test is still in use, and the results from this test are applicable to gloves that do not dull the blade. However, materials that noticeably dull the blade during this test will now be tested according to the newly included EN ISO 13997 Straight blade cut resistance test. In these cases, the Circular blade cut resistance test results must be recorded as X (not applicable).

EN ISO 13997 determines the force in Newtons (N) required to cut through a material sample.

F: Impact Protection

Gloves that have specific impact resistant properties on the back of the hand can be tested for impact attenuation by measuring the peak transmitted force.

In this test, the glove knuckles are impacted by a 2.5 kg flat face striker from a sufficient height, creating an impact energy of 5J. If the sample has achieved a result of Level 1, the letter «P» is added to the results.

PROTECTION LEVEL			1	2	3	4	5
A	Abrasion resistance (No. of cycles)		100	500	2.000	8.000
B	Circular blade cut resistance (Index)		1,2	2,5	5,0	10,0	20,0
C	Tear resistance (N)		10	25	50	75
D	Puncture resistance (N)		20	60	100	150
PROTECTION LEVEL		A	B	C	D	E	F
E	Straight blade cut resistance (N) (EN ISO 13997)	2	5	10	15	22	30
PROTECTION LEVEL		P
F	Impact protection	Pass (level ≤1 9kN)

The EN 374 standards contain updated requirements and tests for gloves intended to protect the user from chemicals, microorganisms, or both. This updated set of standards is referres to as EN ISO 374:2016.

It gives users more information regarding the gloves' protective properties in this category.

The set consists of five parts, each with its standard:

PART 1: Terminology and performance requirments for protection against hazardous chemicals (EN ISO 374-1:2016)
PART 2: Resistance to penetration (EN 374-2:2019)
PART 3: Resistance to chemical permeation (EN 374-3:2016 / EN 16523-1:2015)
PART 4: Resistance to chemical degradation (EN ISO 374-4:2019)
PART 5: Terminology and performance requirements for protection against microorganisms (EN ISO 374-5:2016)

Part 1: TERMINOLOGY & PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS AGAINST HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS

EN ISO 374-1:2016 applies to gloves intended to protect users against chemical risks. It specifies performance requirements, terminology, symbols, and the information, warnings, and instructions that must be included in the user manual.

The standard no longer requires testing in accordance with EN 388, but gloves must still meet the general requirements for protective gloves unders EN ISO 21420.

Part 2: RESISTANCE TO PENETRATION

Liquids or air can penetrate protective gloves at a non-molecular level through pores, seams, tiny holes, or other imperfections in the material. EN 374-2:2014 defines two tests to assess resistance to such penetration:

Air leak test: the glove is submerged in water and filled with air. Leaks are observed via visible bubbles.
Water leak test: the glove is filled with water. Water droplets forming on the outside indicate leakage.

Sample gloves from each production batch are tested for penetration resistance. Each batch must meet minimum AQL (Acceptable Quality Level) standards.

Part 3: RESISTANCE TO CHEMICAL PERMEATION

The new standard EN 16523-1:2015 replaces the previous permeation standard EN 374-3:2003.

Permeation is the process by which a potentially hazardous chemical moves through a material at the molecular level, often without any visible change to the glove surface.

In the lab, this is measured as the normalised permeation rate (1ug/cm²/min), determining breakthrough time.

Breakthrough time is established by applying a chemical to the gloves's exterior (typically from the palm) and measuring the time for it to be detected on the inner surface. If the glove is 400 mm or longer and the cuff is claimed to provide chemical protection, additional samples from the cuff must also be tested.

PERFORMANCE LEVEL	1	2	3	4	5	6
BREAKTHROUGH TIME (Min)	> 10	> 30	> 60	> 120	> 240	> 480

While tests follow the standard, real-life variables like temperature, abrasion, and stretching can significantly influence permeation rate.

The employer is responsible for evaluating test data and determining how lonf the gloves can be used safely for specific tasks.

Note: Resuslts apply only to the specific chemical tested. A mixture containing the same chemical may produce a different result.

Glove categories based on chemical permeation performance:

Type A - Minimum Level 2 (>30 min) for at least 6 chemicals.
Type B - Minimum Level 2 for at least 3 chemicals.
Type C - Minimum Level 1 (>10 min) for at least 1 chemical.

EN 374-1/Type A	EN 374-1/Type B	EN 374-1/Type C

ADJKOT	JKT

Letter codes for tested chemicals must be displayed below the EN ISO 374-1:2016 pictogram.

EN ISO 374-1:2016 Lists of 18 chemicals for testing (6 more than EN ISO 374:2003):

	CHEMICAL	CAS #	CLASS
A	Methanol	67-56-1	Primary alcohol
B	Acetone	67-64-1	Ketone
C	Acetonitrile	75-05-8	Nitrile compound
D	Dichloromethane	75-09-2	Chlorinated paraffin
E	Carbon Disulphide	75-15-0	Organic compound containing sulphur
F	Toluene	108-88-3	Aromatic hydrocarbon
G	Diethylamine	109-89-7	Amine
H	Tetrahydrofuran	109-99-9	Heterocyclic and ether compound
I	Ethyl Acetate	141-78-6	Ester
J	n-Heptane	142-82-5	Saturated hydrocarbon
K	40% Sodium Hydroxide	1310-73-2	Inorganic base
L	96% Sulphuric Acid	7664-93-9	Inorganic mineral acid
M	65% Nitric Acid	7697-37-2	Inorganic mineral acid
N	99% Acetic Acid	64-19-7	Organic acid
O	25% Ammonium Hydroxide	1336-21-6	Organic base
P	30% Hydrogen peroxide	7722-84-1	Peroxide
S	40% Hydrofluoric Acid	7664-39-3	Inorganic mineral acid
T	37% Formaldehyde	50-00-0	Aldehyde

Part 4: RESISTANCE TO CHEMICAL DEGRADATION

Degradation refers to a negative change in the material's properties–swelling, discolouration, deformation, or brittleness–that may reduce the glove's protective capability.

The same chemicals used in the permeation test are applied here. After exposure, the amterial is tested for puncture resistance. The degradation percentage is the difference in punture resistance before and after chemical exposure.

There are no minimum performace requirements for degradation, but results must be stated in the instructions.

Part 5: PROTECTION AGAINST MICROORGANISMS

EN ISO 374-5:2016 covers gloves intended to protect against microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It outlines requirements for terminology, performance, markings, and user instructions.

The previous version covered only bacteria and funfi; the 2016 version adds virus protection.

Two protection categories:

Protection against bacteria and fungi
Protection against bacteria, fungi, and viruses

To claim protection against bacteria and fungi, the glove must pass EN ISO 374-2:2019 (penetration resistance).

To claim virus protection, the glove must also meet ISO 16604:2004, Procedure B for viral penetration resistance.

		EN 374-5
Protection against bacteria and fungi

EN 374-5
		Protection against bacteria, fungi and viruses
VIRUS

This standard specifies thermal performance for protective gloves against heat and/or fire.

The nature and degree of protection is shown by a pictogram followed by a series of six performance levels, relating to specific protective qualities. Gloves must also achieve at least Performance level 1 for EN 388:2003 standard abrasion and tear.

abcdef

aBurning behaviour (x, 0-4)
bContact heat resistance (x, 0-4)
cConvective heat resistance (x, 0-4)
dRadiant heat resistance (x, 0-4)
eResistance to small splashes of molten metal(x, 0-4)
fResistance to large splashes of molten metal (x, 0-4)

Level X means that this test cannot be carried out on this particular glove. The higher the level, the better performance.

A - Burning behaviour (Performance level 0-4)

Based on the length of time the material continues to burn and glow after the source of ignition is removed. The flame is held against the material for 15 seconds.
The seams of the glove shall not come apart after an ignition time of 15 seconds.

PERFORMANCE LEVEL	AFTER FLAME TIME (S)	AFTER GLOW TIME (S)
1	20	No requirement
2	10	120
3	3	25
4	2	5

B - Contact heat resistance (Performance level 0-4)

Based on the temperature range at which the user will feel no pain for at least 15 seconds. The glove’s material is exposed to high temperatures (up to 500°C) during the testing. To gain the relevant performance level, the temperature of the inside of the glove cannot increase more than 10°C within the threshold time (15 seconds).

PERFORMANCE LEVEL	CONTACT TEMPERATURE °C	THRESHOLD TIME
1	100	15
2	250	15
3	350	15
4	500	15

C - Convective heat resistance (Performance level 0-4)

Based on the length of time the glove is able to delay the transfer of heat from a flame.
Samples are subjected to the incident heat from a flame, and the amount of time is measured to increase of the glove’s inside material by 24°C.

D - Radiant heat resistance (performance level 0-4)

Based on the length of time the glove is able to delay the transfer of heat when exposed to a radiant heat source.

E - Resistance to small splashes of molten metal (Performance level 0-4)

The number of molten iron (other metals can be tested as required) drops required to heat the glove sample by 40°C, shows the performance level the glove corresponds to.

PERFORMANCE LEVEL	NUMBER OF DROPLETS
1	10
2	15
3	25
4	35

F - Resistance to large splashes of molten metal (Performance level 0-4)

A quantity of molten iron is poured onto the sample, which has a simulant of skin attached to the sample. The weight of molten metal is measured by how much molten metal is required to damage the simulant of skin. The test fails if metal droplets remain stuck to the specimen or if the specimen is punctured or ignited.

PERFORMANCE LEVEL	MOLTEN IRON (G)
1	30
2	60
3	120
4	200

This standard specifies thermal performance for protective gloves and other hand protective equipment against heat and/or fire.

The European Standard EN 407:2020 is the revised version of the former EN 407:2004 Standard.
The main reason for introducing this new standard is that domestic oven gloves are now included in the regulation for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

This revised version of the standard introduced a second pictogram, which replaces the current pictogram where no flame protection is claimed:

abcdef

It is used when the performance level for limited flame spread is 0 or x (x=not tested). When this new pictogram is used, the customer is made aware that the glove does not claim any flame protection. The intention behind introducing this new pictogram is for clarity purposes, helping the customer make the right choice in terms of the correct hand protection for their needs regarding heat and/or fire protection. The previous pictogram is used for flame protective gloves with a limited flame spread performance of at least level 1.

The six performance levels that follow both pictograms remain the same as in the former standard EN 407:2004. The EN 388 abrasion test requirement was removed in the new standard, retaining only the tear test requirement. This means that gloves marked with EN 407:2020 must achieve at least Performance level 1 for EN 388 standard tear resistance. They also must comply with the European Standard EN 21420:2020.

The 2020 version of the standard contains sizing requirements for minimum length for gloves that claim protection against small and large splashes of molten metal.

To claim performance levels of 3 or 4 for any thermal properties, the limited flame spread test must also be performed, scoring at least a level 3. If this requirement is not met, the maximum level that can be reported for any of the thermal properties shall be level 2.

abcdef

aLimited flame spread (x, 0-4)
bContact heat (x, 0-4)
cConvective heat (x, 0-4)
dRadiant heat resistance (x, 0-4)
eResistance to small splashes of molten metal (x, 0-4)
fResistance to large splashes of molten metal (x, 0-4)

Level X means that this test cannot be carried out on this particular glove. The higher the level, the better performance.

a – Limited flame spread (Performance level 0-4)
Based on the length of time the material continues to burn and glow after the ignition source is removed. The flame is held against the material for 10 seconds.

PERFORMANCE LEVEL	AFTER-FLAME TIME (S)	AFTER-GLOW TIME (S)
1	≤ 15	No requirement
2	≤ 10	≤ 120
3	≤ 3	≤ 25
4	≤ 2	≤ 5

b - Contact heat (Performance level 0-4)
Based on the temperature range at which the user will feel no pain for at least 15 seconds. The glove’s material is exposed to high temperatures (up to 500°C) during the testing. To gain the relevant performance level, the temperature inside the glove cannot increase more than 10°C within the threshold time (15 seconds).

PERFORMANCE LEVEL	CONTACT TEMPERATURE °C	THRESHOLD TIME
1	100	≥ 15
2	250	≥ 15
3	350	≥ 15
4	500	≥ 15

c - Convective heat (Performance level 0-4)
Based on the length of time the glove is able to delay the heat transfer from a flame.
Samples are subjected to the incident heat from a flame, and the amount of time is measured to increase the glove’s inside material by 24°C.

PERFORMANCE LEVEL	HEAT TRANSFER INDEX HTI (S)
1	≥ 4
2	≥ 7
3	≥ 10
4	≥ 18

d - Radiant heat (performance level 0-4)
Based on the length of time the glove can delay the transfer of heat when exposed to a radiant heat source.

PERFORMANCE LEVEL	HEAT TRANSFER T24 (S)
1	≥ 7
2	≥ 20
3	≥ 50
4	≥ 95

e - Small splashes of molten metal (Performance level 0-4)
The number of molten iron drops (other metals can be tested as required) required to heat the glove sample by 40°C shows the performance level the glove corresponds to.

PERFORMANCE LEVEL	NUMBER OF DROPLETS
1	≥ 10
2	≥ 15
3	≥ 25
4	≥ 35

f - Large quantities of molten metal (Performance level 0-4)
A quantity of molten iron is poured onto the sample, which has a piece of simulated skin attached to the sample. The weight of molten metal is measured, determining how much molten metal is required to damage the simulated skin. The test has failed if metal droplets remain stuck to the specimen or if the specimen is punctured or ignited.

PERFORMANCE LEVEL	MOLTEN IRON (G)
1	30
2	60
3	120
4	200

Protection against the cold is expressed by a pictogram followed by a series of 3 performance levels relating to specific protective qualities.

abc

aConvective cold (x, min. 0, max. 4)
bContact cold (x, min. 0, max. 4)
cPenetration by water (x, 0/1 – after 30 min)

Level X means that this test cannot be carried out on this particular glove. The higher the level, the better performance.

A - Resistance to convective cold (Performance level 0 - 4)

Based on the thermal insulation properties of the glove. The power required to maintain a constant temperature on a heated hand model in a climatic room is measured.

B - Resistance to contact cold (Performance level 0 - 4)

Based on the thermal resistance of the glove material when exposed to contact with a cold object.

C - Penetration by water (0 or 1)

0 = water penetrates after 30 minutes of exposure
1 = water does not penetrate after 30 minutes of exposure

This standard specifies requirements and tests for gloves for medical purpose. Requirements are detailed in the Medical Device Regulation (EU) 2017/745. This includes tests to assess the freedom from holes, the dimensions of the gloves and the mechanical strength of its materials, both before and after an ageing process.

Part 1

EN 455-1 covers requirements and testing of gloves for being free of holes. For this test the standard uses a water leak test to which randomly sampled gloves are subjected. A statistical sample taken from a batch must achieve an acceptable quality level (AQL) of 1.5 or better to be used as examination, procedure, or surgical gloves. AQL 1.5 is equivalent to a maximum risk of 1.5% that any given glove contains a pinhole capable of allowing water, and therefore micro-organisms, through the material.

Part 2

EN 455-2 describes the testing requirements for determination of physical properties, including the tensile strength, before and after accelerated ageing, of medical gloves. Gloves are treated differently depending their intended use and the material they are manufactured from.

	SURGICAL GLOVES	EXAMINATION/PROCEDURE GLOVES MADE OF NATURAL AND SYNTHETIC RUBBERS	EXAMINATION/PROCEDURE GLOVES MADE OF THERMOPLASTICS (E.G. VINYL AND TEP MATERIAL)
Force at Break in Newton	≥ 9.0	≥ 6.0	≥ 3.6

Part 3

EN 455-3 covers requirements and testing for biological evaluation. It specifies methods for protein testing (extractable latex proteins have an important role in latex allergy), powder levels, and endotoxin levels.

Part 4

EN 455-4 covers requirements and testing for shelf life determination. It specifies real-time and accelerated shelf life studies, to enable manufacturers to prove that their product will withstand up to 3 years (usually) without losing their properties as well as complying with the requirements of the EN 455.

This standard applies to protective gloves for use in manual metal welding, cutting and allied processes. It includes reference to EN 420, EN 388 and EN 407 requirements.

Compliance to EN 420, except for the lengths:

Size 6: 300mm
Size 7: 310mm
Size 8: 320mm
Size 9: 330mm
Size 10: 340mm
Size 11: 350mm

Type A: lower dexterity and higher performance for physical characteristics. This type is recommended for all welding operations where higher protection would be needed, except TIG* welding

Type B: higher dexterity and lower physical performance. This type is recommended for TIG welding.

Minimum performance required:

REQUIREMENTS	STANDARD	TYPE A	TYPE B
Abrasion resistance	EN 388	Level 2	Level 1
Blade cut resistance	EN 388	Level 1	Level 1
Tear resistance	EN 388	Level 2	Level 1
Puncture resistance	EN 388	Level 2	Level 1
Burning behaviour	EN 407	Level 3	Level 2
Contact heat resistance	EN 407	Level 1	Level 1
Convective heat resistance	EN 407	Level 2	-
Resistance to small splashes of molten metal	EN 407	Level 3	Level 2
Dexterity	EN 420	Level 1	Level 4

*Tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding is an arc welding process that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to produce the weld.

The Regulation (EU) 2017/745 for medical devices entered into force in May 2017 to replace the Medical Device Directive (MDD) and Active Implantable Medical Device Directive (AIMD). The intent of introducing this new regulation is to improve the quality, safety, reliability, and transparency of medical devices placed on the European market.

The regulation defined rules and obligations for manufacturers and other economic operators for quality and safety management. The regulation improves patient safety by setting strict procedures for conformity to ensure no non-compliant and unsafe medical device is sold in the EU.

It also introduces a new system to ensure the traceability and transparency of medical devices throughout the supply chain. Medical devices and manufacturers, importers, etc., are registered with a unique device identifier (UDI). This system allows faster investigations when problems occur with a product. Information about all medical devices on the EU market will be available for patients, consumers, and the public on a centralized database (Eudamed).

The UKCA marking is equal to the CE mark and applicable only for products that are placed on the Great Britain market (England, Wales and Scotland).

The EAC mark is applicable for products that are placed on the Eurasian market (Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan). It shows that the product is in compliance with the norms of the Eurasian Customs Union.

EN ISO 21420:2020 is the main standard required for all PPE gloves. EN ISO 21420:2020 replaced the previous EN 420:2003+A1:2009 and has been adopted by ISO to become a worldwide standard.

It describes the general requirements for all hand protective equipment, such as protective gloves, regarding:

Design and construction.
Innocuousness.
Care and cleaning instructions.
Comfort.
Efficiency.
Marking and information.

Glove design and construction

Sizing and measurement

The size of the gloves must be established in relation to the hand-sizing system defined in the table below:

Hand size	Equals to	Hand circumference (mm)	Hand length (mm)
4	3XS	101	<160
5	XXS	127	<160
6	XS	152	160
7	S	178	171
8	M	203	182
9	L	229	192
10	XL	254	204
11	XXL	279	215
12	3XL	304	>215
13	4XL	329	>215

Innocuousness of protective gloves

EN ISO 21420 attaches great importance to the innocuousness aspect, which ensures that PPE gloves do not harm the health or hygiene of the wearer. The main requirements are

Chromium VI content must be less than 3,0 mg/kg of leather. Applicable for all leather gloves.
No Nickel release (< 0.5µg/cm2/week). Applicable for all metallic components in prolonged contact with skin.
pH value must be between 3.5 and 9.5.
Azo colorants must be less than 30 mg/kg for each aromatic amine. Applicable to textiles and all dyed leathers, which releases carcinogenic amines.
DMFa (dimethylformamide) must not exceed 1000 mg/kg (1% weight/weight). Applicable to all materials containing polyurethane (PU).
Content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) must be less than 1 mg/kg. Applicable for rubber and plastics in direct contact with the skin.

Cleaning

Electrostatic Properties

Dexterity

The dexterity level is given by the diameter of the pin that can be picked up by the glove wearer.

Performance level	Smallest pin diameter (mm) that can be picked up with a gloved hand 3 times during a period of a minimum of 30 seconds
1	11.0
2	9.5
3	8.0
4	6.5
5	5.0

Marking and information

Each protective glove must be marked with the following information:

Manufacturer name.
Glove designation.
Size designation.
Pictograms of applicable standards for the glove, with reference and performance levels.
Manufacturing date.
Obsolescence date (if applicable) behind the hourglass icon.

The first packing enclosure must contain above listed information if the glove cannot be marked.

The user instructions must include the following information:

Name and address of the manufacturer or representative.
Glove designation.
Available size range.
Intended use with reference to relevant specific standards.
Pictograms of the standards the glove applies to, with reference and performance levels.
Pictograms indicating the hazard category according to PPE regulation (Cat. I, II or III).
CE mark.
Care & storage instructions.
Instructions and limitations of use.
Name and address of the notified body which certified the product.
Warnings (if applicable).

General requirements for protective gloves.

All PPE protective gloves must comply with this standard. It covers areas including:

Design and construction

Gloves should provide the highest degree of protection for intended area of use.

Safety and innocuousness

Glove itself should not cause any harm to user.
pH value should be between 3.5 and 9.5.
Chromium VI content should not exceed < 3 mg/kg.
Latex gloves should be tested on protein content as per EN 455-3.
Gloves that are designed to reduce the risk of electrostatic discharges, should be tested as per EN 1149 for electrostatic properties.

Dexterity. Performance is graded as per table below:

Performance level	Smallest pin diameter (mm) that can be picked up with a gloved hand 3 times during a period of a minimum of 30 seconds
1	11.0
2	9.5
3	8.0
4	6.5
5	5.0

Comfort and efficiency. Sizing as per table below:

EN 420	Equals to	Hand circumference/length (mm)	Minimum length of the glove (mm)
6	XS	152/160	220
7	S	178/171	230
8	M	203/182	240
9	L	229/192	250
10	XL	254/204	260
11	XXL	279/215	270

General requirements for instruction of use must include:

Name and address of the manufacturer or representative.
Glove designation.
Available size range.
CE mark.
Care & storage instructions.
Instructions and limitations of use.
Name and address of notified body that certified the product.

The European Standard EN 388:2016 covers the test requirements for safety gloves to protect against mechanical risks, which covers abrasion, blade cut, puncture, tearing and impact.

A Abrasion resistance

B Circular blade cut resistance

C Tear resistance

D Puncture resistance

E Straight blade cut resistance

F Impact protection

ABCDEF

A: Abrasion resistance

B: Circular blade cut resistance

Based on the number of cycles required to cut through a sample of the glove palm with a circular, counter-rotating blade.

C: Tear resistance

Based on the amount of force required to tear a sample of the glove apart.

D: Puncture resistance

Based on the amount of force required to penetrate the sample with a defined stylus. This is not an indication of the resistance to sharply pointed objects, e.g. a hypodermic needle.

E: Straight blade cut resistance, EN ISO 13997

EN ISO 13997 determines the force in Newtons (N) required to cut through a material sample.

F: Impact Protection

Gloves that have specific impact resistant properties on the back of the hand can be tested for impact attenuation by measuring the peak transmitted force.

PROTECTION LEVEL			1	2	3	4	5
A	Abrasion resistance (No. of cycles)		100	500	2.000	8.000
B	Circular blade cut resistance (Index)		1,2	2,5	5,0	10,0	20,0
C	Tear resistance (N)		10	25	50	75
D	Puncture resistance (N)		20	60	100	150
PROTECTION LEVEL		A	B	C	D	E	F
E	Straight blade cut resistance (N) (EN ISO 13997)	2	5	10	15	22	30
PROTECTION LEVEL		P
F	Impact protection	Pass (level ≤1 9kN)

The set consists of five parts, each with its standard:

PART 1: Terminology and performance requirments for protection against hazardous chemicals (EN ISO 374-1:2016)
PART 2: Resistance to penetration (EN 374-2:2019)
PART 3: Resistance to chemical permeation (EN 374-3:2016 / EN 16523-1:2015)
PART 4: Resistance to chemical degradation (EN ISO 374-4:2019)
PART 5: Terminology and performance requirements for protection against microorganisms (EN ISO 374-5:2016)

Part 1: TERMINOLOGY & PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS AGAINST HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS

The standard no longer requires testing in accordance with EN 388, but gloves must still meet the general requirements for protective gloves unders EN ISO 21420.

Air leak test: the glove is submerged in water and filled with air. Leaks are observed via visible bubbles.
Water leak test: the glove is filled with water. Water droplets forming on the outside indicate leakage.

Sample gloves from each production batch are tested for penetration resistance. Each batch must meet minimum AQL (Acceptable Quality Level) standards.

Part 3: RESISTANCE TO CHEMICAL PERMEATION

The new standard EN 16523-1:2015 replaces the previous permeation standard EN 374-3:2003.

Permeation is the process by which a potentially hazardous chemical moves through a material at the molecular level, often without any visible change to the glove surface.

In the lab, this is measured as the normalised permeation rate (1ug/cm²/min), determining breakthrough time.

PERFORMANCE LEVEL	1	2	3	4	5	6
BREAKTHROUGH TIME (Min)	> 10	> 30	> 60	> 120	> 240	> 480

While tests follow the standard, real-life variables like temperature, abrasion, and stretching can significantly influence permeation rate.

The employer is responsible for evaluating test data and determining how lonf the gloves can be used safely for specific tasks.

Note: Resuslts apply only to the specific chemical tested. A mixture containing the same chemical may produce a different result.

Glove categories based on chemical permeation performance:

Type A - Minimum Level 2 (>30 min) for at least 6 chemicals.
Type B - Minimum Level 2 for at least 3 chemicals.
Type C - Minimum Level 1 (>10 min) for at least 1 chemical.

EN 374-1/Type A	EN 374-1/Type B	EN 374-1/Type C

ADJKOT	JKT

Letter codes for tested chemicals must be displayed below the EN ISO 374-1:2016 pictogram.

EN ISO 374-1:2016 Lists of 18 chemicals for testing (6 more than EN ISO 374:2003):

	CHEMICAL	CAS #	CLASS
A	Methanol	67-56-1	Primary alcohol
B	Acetone	67-64-1	Ketone
C	Acetonitrile	75-05-8	Nitrile compound
D	Dichloromethane	75-09-2	Chlorinated paraffin
E	Carbon Disulphide	75-15-0	Organic compound containing sulphur
F	Toluene	108-88-3	Aromatic hydrocarbon
G	Diethylamine	109-89-7	Amine
H	Tetrahydrofuran	109-99-9	Heterocyclic and ether compound
I	Ethyl Acetate	141-78-6	Ester
J	n-Heptane	142-82-5	Saturated hydrocarbon
K	40% Sodium Hydroxide	1310-73-2	Inorganic base
L	96% Sulphuric Acid	7664-93-9	Inorganic mineral acid
M	65% Nitric Acid	7697-37-2	Inorganic mineral acid
N	99% Acetic Acid	64-19-7	Organic acid
O	25% Ammonium Hydroxide	1336-21-6	Organic base
P	30% Hydrogen peroxide	7722-84-1	Peroxide
S	40% Hydrofluoric Acid	7664-39-3	Inorganic mineral acid
T	37% Formaldehyde	50-00-0	Aldehyde

There are no minimum performace requirements for degradation, but results must be stated in the instructions.

The previous version covered only bacteria and funfi; the 2016 version adds virus protection.

Two protection categories:

Protection against bacteria and fungi
Protection against bacteria, fungi, and viruses

To claim protection against bacteria and fungi, the glove must pass EN ISO 374-2:2019 (penetration resistance).

To claim virus protection, the glove must also meet ISO 16604:2004, Procedure B for viral penetration resistance.

		EN 374-5
Protection against bacteria and fungi

EN 374-5
		Protection against bacteria, fungi and viruses
VIRUS

This standard specifies thermal performance for protective gloves against heat and/or fire.

abcdef

aBurning behaviour (x, 0-4)
bContact heat resistance (x, 0-4)
cConvective heat resistance (x, 0-4)
dRadiant heat resistance (x, 0-4)
eResistance to small splashes of molten metal(x, 0-4)
fResistance to large splashes of molten metal (x, 0-4)

Level X means that this test cannot be carried out on this particular glove. The higher the level, the better performance.

A - Burning behaviour (Performance level 0-4)

PERFORMANCE LEVEL	AFTER FLAME TIME (S)	AFTER GLOW TIME (S)
1	20	No requirement
2	10	120
3	3	25
4	2	5

B - Contact heat resistance (Performance level 0-4)

PERFORMANCE LEVEL	CONTACT TEMPERATURE °C	THRESHOLD TIME
1	100	15
2	250	15
3	350	15
4	500	15

C - Convective heat resistance (Performance level 0-4)

D - Radiant heat resistance (performance level 0-4)

Based on the length of time the glove is able to delay the transfer of heat when exposed to a radiant heat source.

E - Resistance to small splashes of molten metal (Performance level 0-4)

The number of molten iron (other metals can be tested as required) drops required to heat the glove sample by 40°C, shows the performance level the glove corresponds to.

PERFORMANCE LEVEL	NUMBER OF DROPLETS
1	10
2	15
3	25
4	35

F - Resistance to large splashes of molten metal (Performance level 0-4)

PERFORMANCE LEVEL	MOLTEN IRON (G)
1	30
2	60
3	120
4	200

This standard specifies thermal performance for protective gloves and other hand protective equipment against heat and/or fire.

This revised version of the standard introduced a second pictogram, which replaces the current pictogram where no flame protection is claimed:

abcdef

The 2020 version of the standard contains sizing requirements for minimum length for gloves that claim protection against small and large splashes of molten metal.

abcdef

aLimited flame spread (x, 0-4)
bContact heat (x, 0-4)
cConvective heat (x, 0-4)
dRadiant heat resistance (x, 0-4)
eResistance to small splashes of molten metal (x, 0-4)
fResistance to large splashes of molten metal (x, 0-4)

Level X means that this test cannot be carried out on this particular glove. The higher the level, the better performance.

PERFORMANCE LEVEL	AFTER-FLAME TIME (S)	AFTER-GLOW TIME (S)
1	≤ 15	No requirement
2	≤ 10	≤ 120
3	≤ 3	≤ 25
4	≤ 2	≤ 5

PERFORMANCE LEVEL	CONTACT TEMPERATURE °C	THRESHOLD TIME
1	100	≥ 15
2	250	≥ 15
3	350	≥ 15
4	500	≥ 15

PERFORMANCE LEVEL	HEAT TRANSFER INDEX HTI (S)
1	≥ 4
2	≥ 7
3	≥ 10
4	≥ 18

d - Radiant heat (performance level 0-4)
Based on the length of time the glove can delay the transfer of heat when exposed to a radiant heat source.

PERFORMANCE LEVEL	HEAT TRANSFER T24 (S)
1	≥ 7
2	≥ 20
3	≥ 50
4	≥ 95

PERFORMANCE LEVEL	NUMBER OF DROPLETS
1	≥ 10
2	≥ 15
3	≥ 25
4	≥ 35

PERFORMANCE LEVEL	MOLTEN IRON (G)
1	30
2	60
3	120
4	200

Protection against the cold is expressed by a pictogram followed by a series of 3 performance levels relating to specific protective qualities.

abc

aConvective cold (x, min. 0, max. 4)
bContact cold (x, min. 0, max. 4)
cPenetration by water (x, 0/1 – after 30 min)

Level X means that this test cannot be carried out on this particular glove. The higher the level, the better performance.

A - Resistance to convective cold (Performance level 0 - 4)

Based on the thermal insulation properties of the glove. The power required to maintain a constant temperature on a heated hand model in a climatic room is measured.

B - Resistance to contact cold (Performance level 0 - 4)

Based on the thermal resistance of the glove material when exposed to contact with a cold object.

C - Penetration by water (0 or 1)

0 = water penetrates after 30 minutes of exposure
1 = water does not penetrate after 30 minutes of exposure

Part 1

Part 2

	SURGICAL GLOVES	EXAMINATION/PROCEDURE GLOVES MADE OF NATURAL AND SYNTHETIC RUBBERS	EXAMINATION/PROCEDURE GLOVES MADE OF THERMOPLASTICS (E.G. VINYL AND TEP MATERIAL)
Force at Break in Newton	≥ 9.0	≥ 6.0	≥ 3.6

Part 3

Part 4

This standard applies to protective gloves for use in manual metal welding, cutting and allied processes. It includes reference to EN 420, EN 388 and EN 407 requirements.

Compliance to EN 420, except for the lengths:

Size 6: 300mm
Size 7: 310mm
Size 8: 320mm
Size 9: 330mm
Size 10: 340mm
Size 11: 350mm

Type A: lower dexterity and higher performance for physical characteristics. This type is recommended for all welding operations where higher protection would be needed, except TIG* welding

Type B: higher dexterity and lower physical performance. This type is recommended for TIG welding.

Minimum performance required:

REQUIREMENTS	STANDARD	TYPE A	TYPE B
Abrasion resistance	EN 388	Level 2	Level 1
Blade cut resistance	EN 388	Level 1	Level 1
Tear resistance	EN 388	Level 2	Level 1
Puncture resistance	EN 388	Level 2	Level 1
Burning behaviour	EN 407	Level 3	Level 2
Contact heat resistance	EN 407	Level 1	Level 1
Convective heat resistance	EN 407	Level 2	-
Resistance to small splashes of molten metal	EN 407	Level 3	Level 2
Dexterity	EN 420	Level 1	Level 4

*Tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding is an arc welding process that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to produce the weld.

The UKCA marking is equal to the CE mark and applicable only for products that are placed on the Great Britain market (England, Wales and Scotland).

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