01
Purpose
EN ISO 374-1 covers classification for chemical risks, while EN ISO 374-5 addresses relevant requirements for micro-organism risks.
Chemical ProtectionTECHNICAL PPE LIBRARY
EN ISO 374
Protective Gloves Against Chemicals Standards
EN ISO 374-1 covers classification for chemical risks, while EN ISO 374-5 addresses relevant requirements for micro-organism risks.
Product type
Protective glove against chemicals
Field focus
Code + product + conditions of use
TECHNICAL PRODUCT IDENTITY
EN ISO 374
EN ISO 374-1Chemical riskTYPE A/B/CTypeA–P, S, TChemical codesEN ISO 374-5Micro-organismsAlways verify the actual product label, manufacturer technical documentation and conformity markings.
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Typical use
Chemical transfer, laboratory, cleaning and tasks with chemical-contact hazards.
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What to look for?
Check the applicable EN ISO 374-1 Type A/B/C marking, test-chemical codes and manufacturer permeation data for the actual chemical.
CLASSES & SELECTION LOGIC
Technical classes in this standard
A class code is not a selection decision by itself. Interpret it together with task-specific risk assessment and manufacturer data.
TYPE A
Type A
Requires at least 30 minutes breakthrough time (performance level 2) for at least 6 of the 18 defined test chemicals.
TYPE B
Type B
Requires at least 30 minutes breakthrough time for at least 3 of the 18 defined test chemicals.
TYPE C
Type C
Requires at least 10 minutes breakthrough time for at least 1 defined test chemical.
READ THE PRODUCT LABEL
Code & marking decoder
EN ISO 374-1Chemical riskCurrent published chemical-risk reference is EN ISO 374-1:2016+A1:2018.TYPE A/B/CTypeClassifies permeation coverage across the standard test chemicals.A–P, S, TChemical codesLetter codes for the 18 standard test chemicals; Q and R are not used in this list.EN ISO 374-5Micro-organismsSeparate part for micro-organism risks; relevant additional virus marking must be verified where claimed.READ THE PRODUCT IN THE FIELD
Where is the standard marking found?
Location varies by manufacturer and design. These are the first places to check; final verification must use the actual product and manufacturer documentation.
1
Chemical pictogram and Type A/B/C marking on glove back
The marking should be legible, durable and match the product.
2
Standard and chemical letter codes on cuff
The marking should be legible, durable and match the product.
3
Manufacturer chemical-compatibility, permeation and degradation data
The marking should be legible, durable and match the product.
STANDARD FAMILY
Standards often reviewed together
EN ISO 374-1:2016+A1:2018Chemical-risk classification and Type A/B/C structure
EN ISO 374-5:2016Part addressing micro-organism risks
EN 388Mechanical performance is assessed separately
COMMONLY CONFUSED
They are not the same thing
Type A ≠ protection against every chemical
A/B/C type describes laboratory performance against defined test chemicals; manufacturer compatibility/permeation data must be checked for the actual chemical.
WRONG-SELECTION EXAMPLE
A typical field mistake
Assuming a Type A glove is suitable for every solvent on site.
Why is this a problem?
Chemical compatibility depends on substance, concentration, contact time and glove material.
Better approach
Check the SDS, manufacturer chemical compatibility/permeation data and actual exposure conditions together.
WHERE IN THE FIELD?
Typical applications
01
Chemical transfer
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Laboratory
03
Cleaning
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Process work
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Waste handling
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Maintenance
HSE FIELD CHECK
30-second field check
Use for quick pre-checks. It does not replace certification, competent inspection or task-specific risk assessment.
CHECK FOCUS
Is glove material compatible with the actual chemical, concentration and contact duration?
CRITICAL MISTAKE
Assuming a Type A glove is suitable for every solvent on site.
BETTER APPROACH
Check the SDS, manufacturer chemical compatibility/permeation data and actual exposure conditions together.
1
Is glove material compatible with the actual chemical, concentration and contact duration?
2
Do Type A/B/C and the chemical letter codes match the actual exposure?
3
Were manufacturer permeation and degradation data checked for the actual chemical?
4
Any swelling, hardening, discoloration, cracking or holes?
5
Is a replacement interval defined for the exposure?
Related PPE standards
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