At Platinum Chemicals, we offer a specialised range of Wonder Grip Gloves that provide protection against hazardous chemicals and microorganisms. These gloves meet the EN374:2016 Standard, specifically Part 1 (Terminology and Performance Requirements for Chemical Risks) and Part 5 (Protection Against Microorganisms).

These gloves are essential for professionals working in industries such as pharmaceuticals, laboratories, chemical handling, and healthcare, where exposure to hazardous substances is a regular occurrence.

EN374:2016 – European Standard for Chemical and Microorganism Protection

EN374:2016 is the European standard that defines the requirements and testing methods for gloves intended to protect against chemical and biological hazards. It ensures that protective gloves meet specific performance requirements for various risks, including permeation by chemicals and resistance to microorganisms. Below is a detailed explanation of the parts of this standard.

EN ISO 374-1:2016 – Terminology and Performance Requirements for Chemical Risks

Part 1 of the EN374:2016 standard specifies the protection levels against chemical risks. Gloves are classified based on their resistance to permeation by chemicals, and they fall into three categories:

• Type A: Provides protection against at least six chemicals for a minimum of 30 minutes.
  
  

• Type B: Provides protection against at least three chemicals for a minimum of 30 minutes.
  
  

• Type C: Provides protection against one chemical for at least 10 minutes.

This classification is essential when selecting gloves based on the chemical exposure involved in a task. Both the Wonder Grip 600L OPTY and Wonder Grip 658L CHEM DEFENDER gloves meet this standard, offering protection against specific chemicals such as Methanol, n-Heptane, and Sodium Hydroxide 40%.

EN ISO 374-2:2016 – Resistance to Penetration

Although Wonder Grip 600L OPTY and Wonder Grip 658L CHEM DEFENDER do not meet EN374-2:2016, this part of the standard is vital for evaluating gloves intended for more comprehensive protection. It measures the glove's ability to resist penetration by liquids and microorganisms through mechanical breaches. Gloves that meet this standard must pass water and air leakage tests to ensure they form a complete barrier against hazardous substances.

This section of the standard is critical for gloves used in environments with high exposure to fluids or in tasks involving dangerous pathogens.

EN ISO 374-3:2016 (Substituted by EN 16523-1:2015) – Permeation by Chemicals

Part 3 of EN374:2016 measures the time it takes for a chemical to pass through the glove material on a molecular level, known as permeation. Gloves are tested to determine how long they can withstand exposure to chemicals before the substance permeates through the material.

Breakthrough times are classified into six levels:

• Level 1: Greater than 10 minutes
  
  

• Level 2: Greater than 30 minutes
  
  

• Level 3: Greater than 60 minutes
  
  

• Level 4: Greater than 120 minutes
  
  

• Level 5: Greater than 240 minutes
  
  

• Level 6: Greater than 480 minutes

Understanding these breakthrough times is critical for selecting gloves that will offer adequate protection for the duration of exposure to hazardous chemicals. Although the gloves in this category do not meet EN16523-1, this is a critical standard for many chemical handling gloves, especially in environments with prolonged chemical exposure.

EN ISO 374-4:2016 – Degradation by Chemicals

EN374-4:2016 addresses the degradation of glove material when in contact with chemicals. Degradation refers to the physical changes that occur in the glove material, such as swelling, disintegration, or embrittlement, which can reduce the effectiveness of the glove.

Testing for degradation is vital, as even if a glove resists permeation, it could still deteriorate when exposed to certain chemicals, compromising its protective capabilities. While the Wonder Grip 600L OPTY and Wonder Grip 658L CHEM DEFENDER gloves do not meet this specific part of the standard, it is essential for gloves used in environments where chemical degradation is a significant risk.

EN ISO 374-5:2016 – Protection Against Microorganisms

Part 5 of EN374:2016 outlines the requirements for gloves that protect against microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Gloves tested under this section are marked with a shield symbol to indicate microorganism protection. If the gloves also protect against viruses, they will carry an additional “VIRUS” label under the shield.

The Wonder Grip 600L OPTY and Wonder Grip 658L CHEM DEFENDER gloves meet these criteria, ensuring that workers are protected from biological hazards in various environments.

Key Symbols and Markings for EN374:2016 Compliant Gloves

Gloves that comply with EN374:2016 are marked with symbols that indicate their level of protection:

• Chemical Protection Symbols: Gloves meeting chemical protection standards are marked with a flask symbol, accompanied by an "A," "B," or "C" depending on their protection category.
  
  

• Microorganism Protection Symbols: Gloves protecting against microorganisms are marked with a shield symbol. If the glove is tested for virus protection, this will be marked with an additional “VIRUS” label.

These markings provide users with clear information about the protection level each glove offers, allowing for informed decisions in the workplace.

Choosing the Right Chemical Resistant Glove

When selecting chemical-resistant gloves, it’s important to assess the specific risks in your work environment. Consider the following when choosing gloves:

• Chemical Exposure: Check the glove’s permeation test results against the chemicals you’ll be handling.
  
  

• Duration of Exposure: Ensure the glove’s breakthrough time matches the length of exposure.
  
  

• Microorganism Protection: Verify the glove’s microorganism protection if working in environments with biological hazards.
  
  

• Dexterity and Fit: Choose gloves that allow for the necessary dexterity to perform tasks effectively and comfortably.

Comprehensive Protection with Chemical Resistant Gloves

The EN374:2016 standard ensures that gloves offer adequate protection against hazardous chemicals and microorganisms, making them crucial in industries where exposure to such substances is frequent. At Platinum Chemicals, our range of Wonder Grip gloves, including Wonder Grip 600L OPTY and Wonder Grip 658L CHEM DEFENDER, meets the stringent requirements of Parts 1 and 5 of this standard, providing essential protection in a wide range of environments. Whether you’re handling chemicals or working in settings with microorganism exposure, choosing the right gloves ensures safety and compliance with industry standards.