General Requirements for Protective Gloves
Scope
This standard defines the general requirements for glove design and construction, innocuousness, comfort and efficiency, marking and information applicable to all protective gloves. This standard can also apply to arm guards.
The key points are given below. Some gloves designed for very specialist applications, such as electrician’s or surgical gloves are governed by other stringent job-specific standards (details are available on request).
Definition
A glove is an item of personal protective equipment which protects the hand or any part of the hand from hazards. It may also cover part of the forearm and arm.
A performance level is a number (between 0 and 4) which shows how a glove has performed in a specific test, and by which the results of that testing may be graded. Level 0 indicates that the glove is either untested or falls below the minimum performance level. A performance level X means that the test method is not suitable for the glove sample. Higher numbers indicate higher levels of performance.
Requirements
Glove Construction and Design
Gloves have to offer the greatest possible degree of protection in the foreseeable conditions of end use
When seams are included, the strength of these seams should not reduce the overall performance of the glove.
Innocuousness
The gloves themselves shouldn’t cause any harm to the user
pH of the glove should be between 3.5 and 9.5
Chromium (VI) content should be below detection (less than 10 ppm)
Natural rubber gloves shall be tested on extractable proteins as per EN 455-3.
Cleaning Instructions
If care instructions are provided, the levels of performance should not be reduced after the maximum recommended number of cleaning cycles.
Electrostatic Properties
Anti-static gloves that are designed to reduce the risk of electrostatic discharges shall be tested as per EN 1149
Obtained test values are to be reported on the Instructions for Use
An electrostatic pictogram shall NOT be used.
Sizing
Gloves that are below the minimum length are to be called ‘Fit for Special Purpose’.
Dexterity
If required, performance to be graded as per table below.
Water Vapour Transmission And Absorption
If required, gloves shall allow water vapour transmission (5mg/cm2.h)
If gloves exclude water vapour transmission, it should be at least 8 mg/cm2 for 8 hours.
Marking & Information
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