Disposable disposable gloves
Disposable disposable gloves are also classified into 3 categories according to the risks covered (see table above) according to the European directive 93/42 (medical devices).
What is the AQL "Acceptable Quality Limit"
The AQL represents the acceptable level of quality.
It is the percentage of non-conforming gloves that must not be exceeded in order for the lot to be considered acceptable.
Glove size matching
Size S = 6/7
Size M = 7/8
Size L = 8/9
Size XL = 9/10
Disposable gloves material
Single-use disposable glove materials are of various types:
- Latex glove made of natural rubber powder-coated or powder-free
- Polyvinyl chloride plastic glove in powder-coated or powder-free finish
- Nitrile glove made of synthetic rubber in powder-coated or powder-free finish
- Polyvinyl chloride plastic stretch glove in powder-coated or powder-free
- Polyethylene glove made of synthetic material and non-powdered polyethylene
Glove standards
EN420 standard : General requirements for protective gloves.
These requirements concern ergonomics, construction, safety, comfort, efficiency, marking and the information leaflet; they are applicable to all protective gloves.
Standard EN455 non-reusable medical gloves:
Part 1 - Detection of holes, prescription and tests
Part 2 - Physical properties: requirements and tests
Part 3 - Biological evaluation: requirements and tests
Part 4 - Determination of shelf life
Standard EN374 Protective gloves against chemicals and micro-organisms
EN374-1: 2003
becomes EN374-1: 2016 Part 1: Terminology and performance requirements for chemical hazards
Specifies the requirements for protective gloves to protect the user against hazardous chemicals and defines the terms to be used.
It relies on 3 test methods:
Penetration test according to
EN 374-2: 2014 Protective gloves shall not leak when tested in accordance with EN 374-2: 2014,
- Airtightness test
- Watertightness test
Permeation test according to
EN 16523-1: 2015 that replaces EN 374-3
Depending on their permeation performance, chemical protective gloves are classified into three types:
A: Level 2 for a minimum of 6 chemicals
B: Level 2 for a minimum of 3 chemicals
C: Level 1 for minimum 1 chemical
Degradation test according to
EN 374-4 The resistance to degradation (DR) shall be determined in accordance with EN 374-4 for each chemical claimed in the marking and recorded in the user manual.
It takes into account the effects of the chemical on the components of the glove. The degradation may take for example the form of a fragility, swelling or shrinkage of the glove.
EN 374-5: 2016 Protective glove against micro-organisms: gloves forming a protective barrier against microbiological agents (bacteria, viruses, molds)
Standard EN388: 2016 protective glove against mechanical risks
Glove providing protection against at least one of the following mechanical hazards: abrasion, slicing, tearing and puncturing
The first 4 digits under the EN 388 logo
- Abrasion resistance
0 -> 4
- Cut resistance
0 -> 5
- Resistance to tearing
0 -> 4
- Puncture resistance
0 -> 4
New to EN388: 2016
- C Break EN ISO 13997
- (P) Shock protection
The higher the level, the better the protection.
X means no tests have been performed