Publish Time: 2025-10-15 Origin: Site
When working with hazardous substances, ensuring your safety is paramount. One of the most critical protective measures is using chemical resistant gloves. But how can you determine if your gloves provide the necessary protection? Understanding the key features and standards that define chemical resistance is essential for selecting the right gloves for your tasks. In this article, we will explore the indicators of chemical resistant gloves, focusing on certification standards, material properties, and testing methods to help you make informed decisions for your safety.
Chemical resistant gloves are designed to protect your hands from harmful substances by preventing chemicals from passing through the glove material. This protection depends on two main barriers:
● Physical barrier: The glove material must be free of holes, tears, or defects that allow chemicals to penetrate.
● Chemical barrier: The material itself must resist chemical permeation and degradation caused by exposure.
A glove is considered chemical resistant when it can prevent chemicals from reaching your skin long enough to keep you safe during your task.
Several properties define the effectiveness of chemical resistant gloves:
● Chemical Permeation Resistance: How long it takes for a chemical to pass through the glove material on a molecular level. Longer breakthrough times mean better protection.
● Chemical Degradation Resistance: The glove's ability to maintain its physical properties after chemical exposure. Signs of degradation include swelling, cracking, or color change.
● Mechanical Strength: Resistance to punctures, tears, and abrasions that could compromise protection.
● Flexibility and Dexterity: Gloves should allow enough movement for safe handling without sacrificing protection.
● Comfort and Fit: Proper sizing ensures the glove stays secure and reduces hand fatigue.
Different glove materials offer varying levels of chemical resistance and physical properties. Here are some widely used materials:
Material | Strengths | Weaknesses | Typical Uses |
Nitrile | Excellent chemical resistance, durable, good dexterity | May vary by chemical; less flexible than latex | Healthcare, manufacturing, labs |
Latex | Good elasticity and fit | Allergic reactions; lower chemical resistance | Limited use; biological hazards |
PVC | Cost-effective, resistant to acids and bases | Less flexible; poor against solvents | Handling mild chemicals |
Neoprene | Resistant to oils, solvents, and abrasions | Less dexterous and more expensive | Heavy-duty chemical handling |
Butyl Rubber | Superior resistance to strong acids, gases | Less flexible and bulky | Highly corrosive chemicals |
Selecting the right material depends on the chemicals handled, exposure time, and the physical demands of the task.
Always consult chemical compatibility charts to match glove materials with specific chemicals before purchase to ensure adequate protection.
EN 374 is a European standard that sets the safety requirements for gloves protecting against chemicals and microorganisms. It ensures gloves provide reliable protection by testing their resistance to chemical penetration, permeation, and degradation. Updated in 2016, the EN ISO 374 standard is widely recognized and trusted across industries handling hazardous substances.
This standard helps you choose gloves based on scientific testing rather than guesswork. It covers various test methods that simulate real-world chemical exposure, so you know how long a glove can protect you and against which chemicals.
EN 374 is divided into several parts, each targeting a specific aspect of glove performance:
● EN 374-1: Specifies general requirements and performance levels for gloves protecting against chemicals and microorganisms.
● EN 374-2: Focuses on the penetration test, which checks for leaks or holes allowing chemicals to pass through physically.
● EN 16523-1 (replaces EN 374-3): Covers the permeation test, measuring how long chemicals take to pass through glove material on a molecular level.
● EN 374-4: Evaluates degradation, assessing how glove materials change physically after chemical exposure.
● EN 374-5: Optional part, deals with protection against microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Together, these parts provide a comprehensive picture of glove safety. Certification requires passing tests in penetration, permeation, and degradation. The microorganism protection is an added feature for specific needs.
EN 374 classifies gloves into three types based on their chemical resistance performance:
● Type A: Offers the highest protection. Gloves resist permeation for at least 30 minutes against six or more test chemicals. These are suitable for demanding tasks involving multiple hazardous chemicals.
● Type B: Provides protection for at least 30 minutes against three or more test chemicals. These gloves fit tasks with moderate chemical exposure.
● Type C: Provides protection for at least 10 minutes against one test chemical. These are for low-risk tasks or brief exposures.
Each glove type is marked with a pictogram featuring a chemical flask and letters underneath indicating the specific chemicals tested. This marking helps you quickly identify glove capabilities.
Always check the EN 374 pictogram and chemical letter codes on gloves to ensure they match the chemicals you handle and the exposure duration you expect.
The penetration test checks for physical holes or defects in gloves that allow chemicals to pass through. It’s about finding leaks caused by tears, punctures, or manufacturing flaws—not molecular movement. During testing, gloves undergo air and water leak inspections to detect any openings. If even a tiny hole exists, chemicals can enter and harm your skin quickly. This test ensures gloves are made without defects and can physically block hazardous substances.
Permeation is the process where chemicals pass through glove material at a molecular level, even if the glove looks intact. This test measures the breakthrough time—the duration before a chemical permeates through and reaches the skin. Gloves with longer breakthrough times offer better protection. The test exposes glove material to chemicals and records how long it takes for molecules to pass through. Permeation can happen silently without visible damage, so this test is critical for safety.
Each chemical tested gets a performance level from 0 (no protection) to 6 (highest protection). This helps you pick gloves for specific chemicals and exposure times. For example, a glove rated level 3 for a chemical means it can resist permeation longer than level 1 but less than level 6.
The degradation test examines how glove material physically changes after chemical contact. It looks for signs like swelling, cracking, discoloration, or hardening. These changes can weaken gloves, reducing their protective ability. However, some changes, like color shifts, don’t always mean the glove is unsafe. That’s why degradation results should be considered alongside permeation data.
If a glove shows severe degradation, it’s a warning that the glove may fail sooner than expected. Choosing gloves with minimal degradation for your chemicals ensures longer-lasting protection.
Always use gloves that pass all three tests—penetration, permeation, and degradation—to ensure comprehensive chemical resistance for your specific application.
Choosing the right gloves starts by knowing exactly which chemicals you’ll handle. Gloves must resist permeation and degradation caused by those specific chemicals. Always check chemical compatibility charts provided by manufacturers or trusted sources. These charts help match glove materials to chemicals, ensuring the glove will hold up during use.
Concentration matters too. Higher chemical concentrations often demand gloves with stronger resistance. A glove that protects against a diluted acid might fail against a concentrated version. So, consider both the chemical type and its strength before selecting gloves.
How long you’ll be exposed to chemicals affects glove choice. Longer exposure means the glove material needs a longer breakthrough time — the time before chemicals permeate through. Gloves with short breakthrough times might be fine for quick tasks but unsafe for extended use.
Temperature also impacts glove performance. Heat can speed chemical permeation and degrade some materials faster. Cold can make gloves stiff and brittle, reducing dexterity and increasing tear risk. Some materials tolerate temperature extremes better — for example, butyl rubber handles heat well, while nitrile remains flexible in cold.
Think about the task's physical demands. Do you need high dexterity for fine work or tough gloves for rough handling? Thin gloves offer better dexterity but less protection and durability. Thick gloves protect longer but may reduce hand movement and increase fatigue.
Also, consider allergies. Latex gloves cause reactions in some people. Nitrile gloves are a common latex-free alternative offering good chemical resistance and comfort. If allergies are a concern, always choose hypoallergenic materials.
Always match glove material and thickness to the specific chemicals, exposure time, and task demands to maximize protection and comfort on the job.
Keeping chemical resistant gloves clean is vital for maintaining their protective qualities. After each use, rinse gloves under running water to remove chemical residues. Use mild soap if necessary, but avoid harsh detergents or solvents that can degrade glove material. Always follow manufacturer cleaning instructions, as some gloves may require special care.
Once clean, dry gloves thoroughly before storing. Moisture can weaken materials or promote microbial growth. Store gloves in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or ozone. Avoid folding or compressing gloves, as this can cause cracks or weaken seams. Using original packaging or dedicated storage containers helps protect gloves from damage and contamination.
Before every use, inspect gloves carefully for signs of wear or damage. Look for:
● Tears, punctures, or holes
● Cracks or brittleness
● Swelling, discoloration, or soft spots
● Loose seams or degraded cuffs
Even small defects can allow chemicals to penetrate, putting your skin at risk. If gloves show any damage or unusual changes, discard them immediately. For reusable gloves, keep a log or schedule for regular inspections and replacements to maintain safety.
Proper disposal of chemical resistant gloves prevents environmental contamination and protects waste handlers. Disposable gloves should be discarded after a single use, especially if contaminated with hazardous substances. Place used gloves in designated chemical waste containers or according to your workplace hazardous waste protocols.
Reusable gloves that are no longer safe should also be disposed of following local regulations. Avoid throwing them in regular trash if they contain harmful chemical residues. Consult your organization’s safety officer or local environmental guidelines for proper disposal methods.
Establish a routine cleaning, inspection, and disposal schedule to ensure your chemical resistant gloves always provide reliable protection on the job.
Chemical resistant gloves play a crucial role across many industries where workers face hazardous substances daily. Some key sectors include:
● Healthcare: Protects against disinfectants, bloodborne pathogens, and pharmaceuticals.
● Manufacturing: Shields hands during handling of solvents, paints, and industrial chemicals.
● Laboratories: Essential for safely managing reagents, acids, and other hazardous compounds.
● Cleaning Services: Guards against harsh cleaning agents, detergents, and sanitizers.
● Automotive: Used for handling fuels, oils, and solvents during vehicle maintenance.
● Mining and Petroleum: Protects from exposure to corrosive chemicals and hydrocarbons.
● Agriculture: Shields hands from pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.
Each industry demands gloves that meet specific chemical resistance and durability requirements to ensure worker safety.
Workers perform various tasks that expose them to chemical hazards. Here are some examples:
● Mixing or transferring chemicals: Risk of spills or splashes causing skin contact.
● Cleaning and degreasing: Frequent exposure to solvents and detergents that can degrade gloves.
● Handling corrosive substances: Acids or alkalis can rapidly damage gloves not designed for them.
● Maintenance and repair: Contact with oils, fuels, and lubricants that require specialized glove materials.
● Laboratory experiments: Handling reactive or toxic chemicals that demand high breakthrough times.
Understanding the specific risks involved helps in selecting gloves that provide adequate protection for the task.
● “Switching to Type A EN 374 certified nitrile gloves drastically reduced chemical-related skin issues in our manufacturing plant. Workers feel safer and more confident handling solvents.” – Production Manager, Chemical Manufacturing
● “Our cleaning crew relies on neoprene gloves to protect against harsh disinfectants. The gloves hold up well even after repeated use, improving both safety and productivity.” – Safety Officer, Commercial Cleaning Service
● “In our lab, butyl rubber gloves are indispensable for handling strong acids. They offer superior protection and have prevented several potential accidents.” – Lab Supervisor, Pharmaceutical Research
These real-world examples highlight how the right chemical resistant gloves enhance safety and efficiency across industries.
Regularly assess your workplace tasks and chemical exposures to ensure gloves remain suitable, and involve workers in selecting gloves that balance protection and comfort.
Chemical resistant gloves protect hands by preventing chemicals from penetrating the glove material. Key properties include chemical permeation resistance, mechanical strength, and comfort. Various materials like nitrile, latex, and neoprene offer different strengths and weaknesses. Selecting the right gloves involves considering chemical compatibility, exposure duration, and physical demands. Prioritize safety by choosing gloves that meet EN 374 standards. Heat Resistant Sleeve Company, Wholesale Cut Resistant Sleeve - HYCOM offers high-quality gloves that ensure reliable protection, enhancing workplace safety and efficiency.
A: Chemical resistant gloves are designed to protect hands from harmful chemicals by preventing substances from passing through the glove material.
A: Check for EN 374 certification, which tests gloves for chemical penetration, permeation, and degradation resistance.
A: They provide essential protection against dangerous chemicals, preventing skin irritation, burns, and other health risks.
A: Nitrile, latex, PVC, neoprene, and butyl rubber are common materials, each offering different levels of protection.