Safety Gloves

Chemical Resistant Gloves: A Comprehensive Guide to Protection & EN 374 Standards

By Firstworkwear
6 min read

Working with chemicals requires meticulous safety precautions, and hand protection is paramount. Chemical resistant gloves are essential personal protective equipment (PPE) in various industries, from healthcare and manufacturing to laboratories and cleaning services. Choosing the right gloves depends on understanding the specific chemicals involved and the level of protection required. This comprehensive guide will explore the different types of chemical resistant gloves, their materials, and the crucial EN 374 standard for evaluating their performance.

Understanding Chemical Hazards and Glove Selection

Before diving into specific glove types, it’s crucial to understand the hazards you’re facing. Different chemicals have varying levels of toxicity and reactivity. Some may cause skin irritation, while others can lead to severe burns or systemic poisoning. The correct glove selection depends on identifying the specific chemicals handled and their properties (e.g., acidity, alkalinity, polarity).

Factors to Consider When Choosing Chemical Resistant Gloves:

  • Chemical Compatibility: The most critical factor. The glove material must resist permeation and degradation by the specific chemicals being handled.
  • Concentration of Chemicals: Higher concentrations often require more resistant gloves.
  • Duration of Exposure: Prolonged exposure necessitates gloves with longer breakthrough times.
  • Temperature: Extreme temperatures can affect glove performance and durability.
  • Physical Demands: The task at hand will influence the required dexterity and durability of the gloves.

Common Chemical Resistant Glove Materials

Several materials are used in the manufacturing of chemical resistant gloves, each with its strengths and weaknesses:

1. Nitrile Gloves:

Nitrile gloves are a popular choice due to their excellent chemical resistance, puncture resistance, and relatively low cost. They offer good protection against a wide range of chemicals, including acids, bases, and many organic solvents. Nitrile is also a good barrier against many microorganisms, making them suitable for some healthcare applications. However, their resistance varies depending on the specific nitrile formulation and the chemical involved.

2. Latex Gloves:

Latex gloves were once widely used, but concerns about latex allergies have led to a decline in their popularity. While offering good dexterity and elasticity, latex gloves are not as resistant to certain chemicals as nitrile. They are also more susceptible to punctures. Latex gloves should only be used when the user is not allergic and the chemical compatibility is verified.

3. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Gloves:

PVC gloves are generally less expensive than nitrile or latex, but they offer lower chemical resistance. They are suitable for handling some mild chemicals but are not recommended for exposure to strong acids, bases, or organic solvents. PVC gloves are often thicker, offering better protection against punctures but sacrificing dexterity.

4. Neoprene Gloves:

Neoprene gloves offer excellent resistance to a broad range of chemicals, including oils, fuels, and solvents. They are also resistant to punctures and abrasions, making them suitable for demanding applications. However, they can be less dexterous than nitrile or latex gloves.

5. Butyl Rubber Gloves:

Butyl rubber gloves provide superior resistance to highly aggressive chemicals, including strong acids and oxidizing agents. They are often the preferred choice when handling highly corrosive substances. However, they are less flexible than other glove types.

Understanding EN 374 Standards

The European Standard EN 374 specifies the requirements for chemical resistant gloves. This standard provides a framework for testing and classifying gloves based on their resistance to various chemicals. The standard focuses on permeation and degradation.

Permeation:

Permeation refers to the process by which chemicals pass through the glove material. The EN 374 standard tests the time it takes for a chemical to permeate through the glove, known as the breakthrough time. A longer breakthrough time indicates better protection.

Degradation:

Degradation refers to the deterioration of the glove material due to chemical exposure. The EN 374 standard assesses the extent of degradation after exposure to specific chemicals.

EN 374 Classification:

EN 374 classifies gloves based on their resistance to various chemicals. The classification is indicated by letters and numbers. For example, a glove might be classified as “EN 374: 2013 Type A, Type B, Type C” or “EN 374: 2013 AJKL, MNPQ”. Each letter represents a specific chemical group (e.g., A for Type A, representing a group of chemicals). The presence of a letter indicates that the glove has passed the permeation test for that chemical group. The absence of a letter means it hasn’t passed the test for that chemical group.

Always check the manufacturer’s specifications for the exact chemicals and their corresponding breakthrough times.

Real-World Applications of Chemical Resistant Gloves

Chemical resistant gloves find application across a wide range of industries:

1. Healthcare:

Healthcare professionals use chemical resistant gloves to protect themselves from bloodborne pathogens and other potentially infectious materials. Nitrile gloves are commonly used for this purpose.

2. Manufacturing:

Manufacturing plants use chemical resistant gloves to protect workers from exposure to various chemicals during production processes. The choice of glove depends on the specific chemicals used.

3. Laboratories:

Laboratory personnel use chemical resistant gloves to handle chemicals, reagents, and biological samples. The selection of gloves depends on the specific experiments and chemicals involved.

4. Cleaning Services:

Cleaning personnel often use chemical resistant gloves to protect their hands from harsh cleaning agents. Nitrile or PVC gloves are commonly used in this context.

5. Automotive Industry:

In the automotive industry, workers use chemical resistant gloves when handling solvents, paints, and other chemicals during vehicle maintenance and repair.

Choosing the Right Chemical Resistant Gloves

Selecting the appropriate chemical resistant gloves requires careful consideration of the specific hazards involved. Always consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the chemicals being handled. The SDS provides crucial information on the chemical’s properties and recommended PPE.

Consider the following steps:

  1. Identify the chemicals you will be handling.
  2. Consult the SDS for each chemical.
  3. Select gloves with appropriate EN 374 classification and breakthrough times for those chemicals.
  4. Consider the duration of exposure and the physical demands of the task.
  5. Ensure proper glove fit and comfort.
  6. Always inspect gloves before use for any damage.

Chemical resistant gloves are indispensable for protecting hands from hazardous chemicals. Understanding the different materials, the EN 374 standard, and the specific hazards involved is crucial for selecting the right gloves for the job. Prioritizing hand safety through proper glove selection and usage is essential for maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.