Chemical gloves are chosen by the liquid they have to keep out. EN ISO 374 records that result. This guide explains the test, how to read Type A, B and C, and how to choose for the job.
In plain terms, EN ISO 374-1 asks how long a chemical takes to pass through the glove. The letters and the type are the secondary detail: which test chemicals passed, and how many. There is no such thing as a chemical proof glove, and the standard does not claim there is. A glove is marked with the letters it passed. EN ISO 374-5 is the separate marking for micro-organisms.
EN ISO 374-1 tests how long chemicals take to pass through the glove.
The letters under the icon show which test chemicals passed. EN ISO 374-5 shows protection against bacteria and fungi, and against viruses where the word VIRUS appears.
The chemical glove page names letters in everyday chemicals: A for methanol, B for acetone, K for sodium hydroxide, L for sulfuric acid, M for nitric acid and N for acetic acid. On that page, breakthrough level 1 is at least 10 minutes and level 2 is at least 30 minutes.
The word VIRUS is only permitted where the glove has also passed the ISO 16604 test for penetration by blood borne pathogens. If it is absent, a viral barrier has not been shown.
Match the letters to the chemical on the safety data sheet, at the concentration you use. A Type C glove that resists the one chemical on your site can be the right glove when the work needs more dexterity. The chemical glove page notes that nitrile handles many oils and fuels, and that it performs poorly against ketones such as acetone.
A thin disposable film is only a splash barrier. For immersion or extended handling, use a reusable chemical glove. Browse the chemical resistant gloves. The GRANBERG 0122 lists EN ISO 374-1 Type A (KLMPST) and EN ISO 374-5 with the word VIRUS. The GRANBERG 0300 lists EN ISO 374-1 Type B (KPT). Read EN and ANSI each on its own terms. Every glove whose record includes EN ISO 374 is listed below.
Type A means at least 6 test chemicals were resisted for 30 minutes or more. Type B means at least 3 were. Type C means at least 1 chemical was resisted for 10 minutes or more.
EN ISO 374-5 shows protection against bacteria and fungi. The word VIRUS appears only when the glove has also passed the ISO 16604 test for blood borne pathogens.
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