The EN ISO 374 standard is the European benchmark used to certify protective gloves as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). It ensures protection against chemical risks and/or microorganisms.
Meaning and benefits:
- Chemical protection (EN ISO 374-1): indicates that the glove has been tested for resistance to specific chemical substances. A pictogram with a flask and letters corresponding to particular chemical compounds (e.g. K, P, T, J, L, M, F, A, O, …) shows the level of chemical protection (e.g. Type A for maximum protection if 6 letters/chemical compounds are listed, Type B for high protection if at least 3 letters/chemical compounds are listed, Type C for minimal protection if no letters are shown and the reference is implied to only one letter/chemical compound).
- Protection against microorganisms (EN ISO 374-5): certifies the glove’s resistance to bacteria and fungi and, if specified under the pictogram with the word “VIRUS”, also to viruses.
Certifications as PPE ensure compliance with EN ISO 374-1 and EN ISO 374-5 and guarantee that the glove offers:
- An effective barrier, having passed rigorous impermeability tests (resistance to penetration and resistance to permeation).
- A compliance requirement, since the use of EN ISO 374-certified gloves is often a mandatory or recommended standard in environments where hazardous substances are handled and there is exposure to biological and chemical risks.