When work activities expose the hands to aggressive substances or potentially hazardous microorganisms, adequate protection becomes an essential safety requirement. The first barrier between the operator and the risk is represented by protective gloves (PPE), which must comply with clear and verifiable standards to be truly effective. Among these, one of the most important is the EN ISO 374 standard.
What Is the EN 374 Standard and What Does It Certify?
EN ISO 374 is the European reference standard for the certification of gloves designed for chemical and biological protection. It defines the requirements, test methods, and classification criteria needed to ensure that each glove offers an effective barrier against hazardous substances and microorganisms. The standard is recognized as the basis for CE marking of Category III Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), intended to protect the operator from serious or fatal risks related to contact with chemical and biological agents. It is divided into several sections, each addressing a specific aspect of safety.
EN ISO 374-1 – Chemical Permeation Resistance
Part 1 of the standard defines the protection requirements against chemical substances and introduces the classification of gloves into Type A, B, or C, based on their resistance to the permeation of specific compounds tested in laboratories. The reference pictogram is a flask, accompanied by letters identifying the chemical substances for which the glove has passed the test.
- Type A: maximum protection – resistance to at least 6 chemical substances for a minimum of 30 minutes each.
- Type B: high protection – resistance to at least 3 substances.
- Type C: minimum protection – resistance to at least 1 substance.
EN ISO 374-2 – Penetration Resistance
This part evaluates the ability of the material to prevent the passage of liquids or microorganisms through microholes, seams, or defects. The glove is tested using air-leak and water-leak procedures, and its quality is measured through the AQL (Acceptable Quality Level). A lower AQL value indicates higher product safety.
- An AQL ≤0.65 indicates excellent quality.
- An AQL ≤1.5 is compliant with PPE and Medical Device standards.
- Higher values indicate more limited protection.
EN ISO 374-5 – Protection Against Microorganisms
Part 5 certifies the glove’s resistance to bacteria and fungi, and—if the pictogram includes the wording “virus”—also its protection against viruses. This certification level is particularly important in sectors such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and the food industry, where it is essential to avoid cross-contamination and ensure maximum hygiene when handling biological materials.
EN 374-4 – Chemical Degradation Test
EN 374-4 measures degradation, meaning the physical or chemical alterations affecting the glove (such as swelling or loss of elasticity) caused by prolonged contact with aggressive substances. This section contributes to a complete regulatory framework allowing chemical protection gloves to be classified scientifically and consistently, providing users with measurable safety and performance guarantees.
Why Is the EN 374 Standard Important for Work Gloves?
EN 374 certification provides an essential guarantee for anyone working with chemical substances or biological agents. It ensures that the glove has been designed, manufactured, and tested according to rigorous criteria established at the European level, offering real and verified protection against the most common professional risks.
A glove certified EN 374 guarantees:
- Safety for the operator, thanks to its ability to create an effective barrier against liquids, gases, and microorganisms.
- Compliance with European regulations, a necessary condition for CE marking and for the glove’s use as PPE.
- Traceability and product quality control, as each model must pass documented and repeatable tests performed by accredited laboratories.
In contrast, using gloves not certified EN 374 creates a false sense of security: the material may not be impermeable to certain substances or may degrade quickly, exposing the skin to contamination and irritation. EN 374‑compliant gloves fall under Category III PPE, intended to protect against serious or irreversible risks such as hazardous chemical substances, infectious agents, or contaminated environments.
Where Is Compliance with the EN 374 Standard Mandatory?
Compliance with EN 374 is crucial in all workplaces where there is a risk of exposure to chemical substances or microorganisms. In these environments, Category III certified PPE gloves must be considered an essential requirement to operate safely and in accordance with European legislation.
The main sectors in which EN 374 certification is mandatory or strongly recommended include:
- Chemical and pharmaceutical industries – handling acids, solvents, reagents, and potentially toxic or corrosive compounds.
- Research and analysis laboratories – where exposure to chemical or biological agents is frequent.
- Healthcare and hospital sectors – preventing contact with biological fluids and pathogens.
- Food industry – gloves must comply both with EN 374 and MOCA (Materials and Objects in Contact with Food) regulations.
- Professional cleaning and industrial maintenance – daily use of concentrated detergents, disinfectants, and solvents.
- Mechanical and automotive industries – exposure to mineral oils, fuels, and lubricants.
Reflexx and EN 374 Compliance
All Reflexx gloves designed for protection against chemical and biological risks are certified according to EN ISO 374-1 and EN ISO 374-5, ensuring an effective barrier against hazardous substances and microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Each model undergoes strict permeation and penetration resistance tests conducted by accredited laboratories to ensure long‑lasting performance even under intensive use.
These certifications are complemented by CE marking as Category III PPE and MOCA certification, making Reflexx gloves suitable for safe food handling.
A further distinctive feature of Reflexx PPE gloves is the transparency of information: packaging and gloves clearly show protection pictograms, chemical identification letters, and the corresponding protection type (A, B, or C).
Reflexx Gloves Certified to EN 374
Reflexx provides several PPE gloves certified EN 374. Among the most requested models:
- Reflexx 70 / Reflexx N80B / Reflexx 99 – powder‑free nitrile gloves resistant to chemical agents, viruses, and microorganisms.
- Reflexx N350 – powder‑free nitrile glove without chemical accelerators, EN 374 Type B certified, suitable for sensitive skin and for handling chemotherapy drugs.
- Reflexx NBio – biodegradable nitrile glove combining EN 374 chemical protection with sustainability.
- Reflexx 95 / Reflexx 97 / Reflexx 101 – reusable high‑resistance nitrile gloves with anti-slip texture, ideal for heavy industrial applications.
How to Choose the Right Glove Based on the Level of Protection
To identify the most suitable PPE glove, it is essential to understand labels and pictograms that indicate the protection level and the chemical codes for which the glove has been tested. These details allow an objective evaluation of the glove’s resistance and the type of risk covered.
The choice should also consider practical factors:
- Frequency and duration of exposure – thicker, more resistant gloves for frequent or prolonged contact.
- Type of chemical substance – always verify that workplace substances match those tested.
- Tactile sensitivity and comfort – essential in precision activities.
- MOCA compatibility – mandatory for food handling.
Reflexx offers technical consultancy to help customers select the most suitable glove for their sector, risk level, and operational needs.