Protective gloves - General requirements and test methods

This standard defines the general requirements and relevant test procedures for glove design and construction, resistance of glove materials to water penetration, innocuousness, comfort and efficiency, marking and information supplied by the manufacturer applicable to all protective gloves.
NOTE   It can also be applicable to arm protectors and gloves permanently incorporated in containment enclosures.
This European Standard does not address the protective properties of gloves and therefore should not be used alone but only in combination with the appropriate specific European Standard(s).
A non exhaustive list of these standards is given in the Bibliography.

Schutzhandschuhe - Allgemeine Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren

Diese Norm legt die für alle Schutzhandschuhe anzuwendenden relevanten Prüfverfahren und die allgemeinen Anforderungen zu Gestaltungsgrundsätzen, Handschuhkonfektionierung, Widerstand des Handschuhmaterials gegen Wasserdurchdringung, Unschädlichkeit, Komfort und Leistungsvermögen sowie die vom Hersteller vorzu-nehmende Kennzeichnung und vom Hersteller zu liefernden Informationen fest.
ANMERKUNG   Sie kann auch auf Armschutz und auf Handschuhe angewendet werden, die ständig in geschlossenen Behältnissen eingesetzt werden.
Diese Europäische Norm befasst sich nicht mit den schützenden Eigenschaften von Handschuhen und ist daher nie alleine, sondern nur in Kombination mit den zutreffenden spezifischen Europäischen Normen anzuwenden.
Eine nicht abschließende Liste dieser Normen enthalten die Literaturhinweise dieser Norm.

Gants de protection - Exigences générales et méthodes d'essai

La présente Norme européenne définit les exigences générales et les procédures d'essai concernant l'ergonomie et la construction du gant, la résistance des matériaux constitutifs a la pénétration de l'eau, l'innocuité, le confort et l'efficacité, le marquage et l'information fournie par le fabricant applicables a tous les gants de protection.
NOTE   Elle peut aussi s'appliquer aux protecteurs du bras et aux gants incorporés de maniere permanente a des enceintes fermées.
Cette présente Norme européenne ne concerne pas les propriétés de protection des gants et ne doit donc pas etre utilisée seule mais seulement en association avec le(s) Norme(s) européenne(s) spécifique(s) appropriée(s).
Une liste non exhaustive de ces normes est donnée dans la bibliographie.

Varovalne rokavice - Splošne zahteve in preskusne metode

General Information

Status
Withdrawn
Publication Date
30-Nov-2003
Withdrawal Date
16-Nov-2009
Current Stage
9900 - Withdrawal (Adopted Project)
Start Date
17-Nov-2009
Due Date
10-Dec-2009
Completion Date
17-Nov-2009

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2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Protective gloves - General requirements and test methodsVarovalne rokavice - Splošne zahteve in preskusne metodeGants de protection - Exigences générales et méthodes d'essaiSchutzhandschuhe - Allgemeine Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren13.340.40Varovanje dlani in rokHand and arm protectionICS:SIST EN 420:2003enTa slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 420:200301-december-2003SIST EN 420:2003SLOVENSKI
STANDARDSIST EN 420:19961DGRPHãþD







EUROPEAN STANDARDNORME EUROPÉENNEEUROPÄISCHE NORMEN 420September 2003ICS 13.340.40Supersedes EN 420:1994English versionProtective gloves - General requirements and test methodsGants de protection - Exigences générales et méthodesd'essaiSchutzhandschuhe - Allgemeine Anforderungen undPrüfverfahrenThis European Standard was approved by CEN on 24 July 2003.CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this EuropeanStandard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such nationalstandards may be obtained on application to the Management Centre or to any CEN member.This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translationunder the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Management Centre has the same status as the officialversions.CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and UnitedKingdom.EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATIONCOMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATIONEUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNGManagement Centre: rue de Stassart, 36
B-1050 Brussels© 2003 CENAll rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reservedworldwide for CEN national Members.Ref. No. EN 420:2003 E



EN 420:2003 (E)2ContentspageForeword.3Introduction.41Scope.42Normative references.43Terms and definitions.54General requirements.64.1Glove design and construction — General.64.2Resistance of glove materials to water penetration.64.3Innocuousness of protective gloves.74.4Cleaning.84.5Electrostatic properties.85Comfort and efficiency.85.1Sizing.85.2Dexterity.105.3Water vapour transmission and absorption.106Test procedures.106.1Hand and glove measurement and dimensions.106.2Test method for determining gloved finger dexterity.116.3Test method for determination of water vapour transmission.116.4Test method for determination of water vapour absorption.147Marking and information.177.1General.177.2Marking.177.3Information supplied by the manufacturer.18Annex A (informative)
Definition of "For minimal risks only".20Annex B (normative)
Leather - Chemical tests - Determination of chromium VI content.21B.1Scope.21B.2Principle.21B.3Definition.21B.4Chemicals.21B.5Apparatus.22B.6Procedure.23B.7Calculation and expression of results.25B.8Accuracy.26B.9Test report.26B.10Reversed phase material.26Annex C (normative)
Pictograms.27Annex D (informative)
Test results — Uncertainty of measurement.28Annex ZA (informative)
Clauses of this European Standard addressing essential requirements orother provisions of EU Directives.29Bibliography.30



EN 420:2003 (E)3ForewordThis document EN 420:2003 has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 162 “Protective clothingincluding hand and arm protection and lifejackets”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identicaltext or by endorsement, at the latest by March 2004, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn atthe latest by March 2004.This document supersedes EN 420:1994.This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and theEuropean Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EU Directive(s).For relationship with EU Directive(s), see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this document.Annexes A and D are informative and annexes B and C are normative.This document includes a Bibliography.According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the followingcountries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark,Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands,Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.



EN 420:2003 (E)4IntroductionThis European Standard is a reference standard to be called up as appropriate by the specific EuropeanStandards relevant or applicable to protective gloves.This standard should not be used alone, but only in combination with the appropriate specific standard.1 ScopeThis standard defines the general requirements and relevant test procedures for glove design andconstruction, resistance of glove materials to water penetration, innocuousness, comfort and efficiency,marking and information supplied by the manufacturer applicable to all protective gloves.NOTEIt can also be applicable to arm protectors and gloves permanently incorporated in containment enclosures.This European Standard does not address the protective properties of gloves and therefore should not beused alone but only in combination with the appropriate specific European Standard(s).A non exhaustive list of these standards is given in the Bibliography.2 Normative referencesThis European standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications.These normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text, and the publications are listedhereafter. For dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications apply tothis European Standard only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated references thelatest edition of the publication referred to applies (including amendments).EN 344-1:1992, Safety, protective and occupational footwear for professional use — Part 1: Requirementsand test methods.EN 374-1:2003, Protective gloves against chemicals and micro-organisms — Part 1:Terminology andperformance requirements.EN 407, Protective gloves against thermal risks (heat and/or fire).EN 455-3, Medical gloves for single use — Part 3 : Requirements and testing for biological evaluation.EN 1149-1, Protective clothing — Electrostatic properties — Part 1: Surface resistivity (Test methods andrequirements).EN 1149-2, Protective clothing - Electrostatic properties — Part 2: Test method for measurement of theelectrical resistance through a material (vertical resistance).prEN 1149-3, Protective clothing — Electrostatic properties — Part 3: Test methods for measurement ofcharge decay.EN 1413, Textiles —Determination of pH of aqueous extract.



EN 420:2003 (E)5EN 20811, Textiles — Determination of resistance to water penetration — Hydrostatic pressure test.EN 23758, Textiles - Care labelling code using symbols (ISO 3758:1991).EN ISO 2419, Leather - Physical and mechanical tests - Sample preparation and conditioning (ISO2419:2002).EN ISO 3696, Water for analytical laboratory use — Specification and test methods (ISO 3696:1987).EN ISO 4045:, Leather — Determination of pH (ISO 4045:1977).EN ISO 4048, Leather — Determination of matter soluble in dichloromethane (ISO 4048:1977).3 Terms and definitionsFor the purposes of this European Standard, the following terms and definitions apply (see Figure 1).Keya
Handb
Backc
PalmFigure 1 — Definitions of hand, palm and back3.1handpart of the body from the tip of the middle finger to the wrist3.2glovepersonal protective equipment (PPE) which protects the hand or part of the hand against hazards. It canadditionally cover part of the forearm and arm3.3glove palmpart of the glove which covers the palm of the hand, i.e. from the wrist to the base of the fingers3.4glove backpart of the glove which covers the back of the hand (i.e. from the wrist to the base of the fingers)



EN 420:2003 (E)63.5dexteritymanipulative ability to perform a task3.6hazardsituation which can be the cause of any harm or damage to the health of the human body. A non exhaustivelist of specific standards dealing with hazards is given in the Bibliography3.7level of performancenumber that designates a particular category or range of performance by which the results of testing can begradedThe level of performance is determined by the result of the corresponding test as described in the specificstandards referred to in the Bibliography. A high level number corresponds to a high level of performance.Levels of performance are based upon the results of laboratory tests, which do not necessarily reflect actualconditions in the workplace.4 General requirements4.1 Glove design and construction — GeneralThe protective glove shall be designed and manufactured so that in the foreseeable conditions of use forwhich it is intended, the user can perform the hazard related activity normally whilst enjoying appropriateprotection at the highest possible level.If required, the glove shall be designed to minimize the time needed for putting on and taking off.When the glove construction includes seams, the material and strength of the seams shall be such that theoverall performance of the glove is not significantly decreased. Where relevant, test methods andrequirements are specified in the specific standards listed in the Bibliography.4.2 Resistance of glove materials to water penetrationFor glove materials where resistance to water penetration is required (according to the intended use of theglove), the appropriate test methods shall be used :¾ For leather gloves: 5.12 of EN 344-1:1992. The results shall be reported according to Table 1;¾ Alternative test method which is more appropriate to textile materials: EN 20811. The results shall bereported as a pressure in Pascal as required in EN 20811.NOTE 1There is no known correlation between results obtained through these different test methods.NOTE 2These tests are not suitable to classify these gloves as waterproof.



EN 420:2003 (E)7Table 1 — Levels of performance — resistance to water penetration according to 5.12 of EN 344-1:1992Level of performanceTime of penetrationmin123430601201804.3 Innocuousness of protective gloves4.3.1 GeneralProtective gloves shall be designed and manufactured to provide protection when used according to themanufacturer's instructions, without harm to the user.Glove materials, degradation products, incorporated substances, seams and edges and particularly thoseparts of the glove in close contact with the user shall not adversely affect the user's health and hygiene.The manufacturer or his authorized representative shall name all the substances contained in the glove whichare known to cause allergies (see 7.3.8).4.3.2 Determination of pH ValueThe pH value for all gloves shall be greater than 3,5 and less than 9,5.Determination of pH shall be according to EN ISO 4045 for leather gloves, and EN 1413 for other materials.Following amendments shall apply:¾ the test piece shall be cut out from the palm area of the glove. If other parts of the glove are made ofdifferent materials, then each material shall be tested separately;¾ if gloves are made of more than one layer, all layers shall be tested together;¾ if the sample contains leather, then EN ISO 4045 shall be used;¾ subclause 8.4 of EN ISO 4045:1998 does not apply.4.3.3 Determination of chromium (VI) contentChromium VI content in leather gloves shall be less than the detection limit according to the test methoddescribed in annex B. Chromium VI content shall be determined according to the test method specified inannex B. At least two samples shall be taken from different gloves for each leather type.If the glove is made of different types of leather, whether in contact with the skin or not, then the test shall beperformed on each type. The highest value shall be considered as the final result.4.3.4 Determination of extractable protein contentNatural rubber gloves shall be submitted to requirements stated in EN 455-3 on extractable protein content.



EN 420:2003 (E)8NOTEThis method has not yet been validated for gloves other than medical gloves for single use.4.4 CleaningAll tests required in this standard as well as in the standards for protective gloves shall be performed onunused gloves unless otherwise specified. If care instructions are provided (see 7.3.10), the relevant tests ofthe specific standards (see Bibliography) shall be performed on the gloves, before and after they have beensubjected to the maximum recommended number of cleaning cycles.The levels of performance shall not be negatively affected throughout the recommended number of cycles.4.5 Electrostatic propertiesIf required, the electrostatic properties shall be tested according to the test method described in the relevantstandard EN 1149-1 or EN 1149-2 or prEN 1149-3.The test result shall be reported in the information supplied by the manufacturer accompanied by theinformation stated in 7.3.11. Electrostatic pictograms shall not be used for this property.NOTEThese tests are designed for garments and have not been validated for gloves. Some interlaboratory trialshave shown significant discrepancies in test results for one of the methods. It is thus essential to give comprehensiveinformation about the test parameters used along with any test result.5 Comfort and efficiency5.1 Sizing5.1.1 Sizes and measurement of handsTwo primary measurements are taken according to 6.1:¾ hand circumference;¾ hand length (distance between the wrist and the tip of the middle finger).Six sizes of hands are defined in Table 2, according to anthropomorphic surveys conducted in differentcountries. Half sizes can be derived by interpolation between full sizes. Any smaller and larger sizes can bederived by extrapolation of the data in Tables 2 and 3.



EN 420:2003 (E)9Table 2 — Sizes of handsHand sizeaHand circumferencemmHand lengthmm67891011152178203229254279160171182192204215a This code is a conventional designation of hand size corresponding to the hand circumference expressed ininches.5.1.2 Sizes and measurements of gloveSizes of gloves are defined with respect to the sizes of the hands they are to fit.Six sizes are defined in Table 3.The minimum length of glove for half sizes shall be the one of the next higher full size.Actual measurements of gloves shall be determined by the manufacturer taking into account the behaviour ofthe glove material and intended use.Table 3 — Sizes of glovesGlove sizeFitMinimum length of glove(in accordance with 6.1.3)mm67891011hands size 6hands size 7hands size 8hands size 9hands size 10hands size 11220230240250260270Actual measurements of gloves shall be determined, taking into account the behaviour of the glove materialand intended use.5.1.3 Gloves for special applicationsIt is possible that the length of gloves designed for special applications may not conform to the values ofTable 3.



EN 420:2003 (E)10For such gloves, the manufacturer shall demonstrate that they are "fit for special purpose" by clearly stating inthe instructions for use (7.3) the intended application(s) and the reason why the gloves do not conform toTable 3.5.2 DexterityA glove should allow as much dexterity as possible given its purpose. Dexterity is related to numerous factorse. g. thickness of glove material, its elasticity, its deformability.If required, finger dexterity shall be tested according to the test method in 6.2.The performances shall be graded according to Table 4 hereafter.Table 4 — Levels of performance - finger dexterity testLevel of performanceSmallest diameter of pin fulfilling test conditionsmm12345119,586,555.3 Water vapour transmission and absorption5.3.1Where practicable, protective gloves shall allow water vapour transmission.If required, gloves shall have a water vapour transmission of at least 5 mg/(cm² × h) when tested according to6.3.5.3.2Where the protection characteristics of the glove inhibits or excludes water vapour transmission, thenthe glove shall be designed to reduce the effect of perspiration as much as possible.If required, gloves shall have a water vapour absorption of at least 8 mg/cm² for 8 h when tested according to6.4.6 Test procedures6.1 Hand and glove measurement and dimensions6.1.1The circumference of the hand is measured with a tape, 20 mm from the crotch between thumb andindex finger (see Figure 2).6.1.2Length of hand is as shown on Figure 2.6.1.3Measure the length by freely suspending the glove with the middle finger on a vertical graduated rulehaving a rounded tip so as to fit the shape of the finger tip of the glove. Remove wrinkles and folds withoutstretching the glove. Record the minimum measured length to the nearest millimeter.NOTEFor greater ease of measurement, the rule can be angled backwards slightly so that the glove is in contactwith the rule.



EN 420:2003 (E)116.1.4If the gloves are stretchable, the dimensions shall be measured with the sample in the unstretchedstate or by placing it on the hand of a person with appropriate size.Figure 2 — Measurement of hand circumference and hand lengthahand length6.2 Test method for determining gloved finger dexterity6.2.1 Number and condition of specimensFour gloves of either left or right hand shall be tested. The specimens are the entire gloves and shall be takenfor test in the new (as made) condition. They shall not be softened by any special treatment, e. g. tapping witha mallet or squeezing between rollers.6.2.2 Apparatus requiredFive solid, centerless ground stainless steel test pins are required, each 40 mm long and of diameterrespectively of 5 mm, 6,5 mm, 8 mm, 9,5 mm, 11 mm.6.2.3 Test procedureThe pins shall be placed on a flat surface, e. g. a table top, and a trained operator wearing gloves according to5.1 shall pick up the appropriate pin by its circumference between his gloved forefinger and thumb without anyother means of assistance. The operator shall pick up each pin three times consecutively, without unduefumbling, within 30 s.6.2.4 Test resultThe result corresponds to the smallest diameter of pin that can be picked up according to the procedure in6.2.3.6.3 Test method for determination of water vapour transmission6.3.1 IntroductionThis method is based on method IUP l5 of the International Union of Leather Chemists' Societies1)
1)IUP 15 - Measurement of water vapour permeability - Can be obtained through JSLTC Hon. Editor -Kirkroyd - 49, Northpark Street, Dewsbury - West Yorkshire WF13 4LZ - United Kingdom



EN 420:2003 (E)126.3.2 ScopeThis method is applicable to all gloves.6.3.3 PrincipleThe sample is clamped across the mouth of a bottle which contains a solid desiccant, and is kept in a rapidcurrent of air in a conditioned room. The air within the bottle is circulated by keeping the desiccant in motion.The bottle is weighed periodically to determine the mass of vapour transmitted through the material andabsorbed by the desiccant.6.3.4 ApparatusThe apparatus comprises the following:a) Bottles of the approximate shape shown in Figure 3 with screw caps cut away to leave a circular opening.The neck of each bottle is ground to give a flat end surface which is perpendicular to the interior wall ofthe neck, and the circular opening in the cap has the same diameter as the interior wall (eachapproximately 30 mm).b) A bottle holder in the shape of a wheel which is rotated at (75 ± 5) rev/min by an electric motor. Thebottles are mounted on the wheel with their axes parallel to the axle which is horizontal (Figure 4) and67 mm distant from it.Figure 3 — BottlesDimensions in millimetresFigure 4 — Bottle holder



EN 420:2003 (E)13c) A fan mounted above the bottle holder and consisting of three flat blades in planes that are inclined at120° to one another. The planes of the blades pass through the prolongation of the axle of the wheel. Theblades are of dimensions approximately 90 mm by 75 mm, and the 90 mm long side of each bladenearest the mouths of the bottles passes them at a distance of not more than 15 mm. The fan is driven bya motor at (1400 ± 100) rev/min. The apparatus is used in a conditioned room at a temperature of(20 ± 2) °C and relative humidity (65 ± 2) %.d) Silica gel which has been freshly dried for at least 16 h in a ventilated oven at (125 ± 5) °C and cooled forat least 6 h in a closed bottle. The particle size of the gel is sufficiently large to prevent it passing a 2 mmmesh sieve.e) The silica gel shall be sieved before drying to remove small particles and dust. The drying temperature of125 °C cannot be greatly exceeded without reducing the absorptive capacity of the gel. Ventilation of theoven by use of a fan is not necessary, but the oven shall not be sealed; it shall permit continuousexchange of the air within the oven with that outside. The gel shall not be used while it is much warmerthan the specimens.f) A balance for weighing to the nearest milligram, means of measuring time, vernier calipers reading to0,1 mm for measuring the internal diameter of the necks of the bottles.6.3.5 SpecimensThe specimens are circles whose diameters are equal to the exterior diameters of the necks of the bottles(approximately 34 mm).6.3.6 Preparation of specimens6.3.6.1From each of three gloves to be tested, cut out a square piece of side 50 mm. The specimensshall be flat and without seams.6.3.6.2For leather gloves: Unless otherwise specified, buff the grain surface lightly, as follows. Place thepiece grain upwards on a table. Press a piece of grade 180 emery paper against the leather, and draw itacross the leather 10 times in various directions under a weight of about 2 N uniformly applied by handpressure.NOTEMany leathers have on the grain a surface coat which reduces the water vapour transmission of the leather,but which has less effect after the coat has been flexed or exposed to slight abrasive action. Unless otherwise specifiedspecimens should therefore be buffed lightly on the grain before test. The purpose of this is not to remove the surfacecoat, but merely to scratch it slightly. The load applied in doing this is not critical, and the value of 2 N is merely quoted asa rough guide. Since the leather may be distorted by the buffing, the circular specimen should not be cut until after theleather has been buffed.6.3.6.3From the piece of material, prepared as above if applicable, cut a circular specimen as describedin 6.3.5.6.3.7 Procedure6.3.7.1For specimen conditioning, put into a bottle about half the amount of freshly dried silica gel that isrequired to fill it. Clamp the specimen (leather: grain inwards), across the mouth of the bottle. Put the bottleinto its holder on the machine, and start the motor.6.3.7.2Using vernier calipers, measure the internal diameter of the neck of a second bottle to the nearestof 0,1 mm in each of the two directions at right angles. Calculate the mean diameter d in millimetres.6.3.7.3If it is necessary to seal the junction between the specimen and the neck of the bottle (see note),warm the second bottle and apply a thin layer of beeswax to the flat end surface of the neck.NOTEFor most light specimens there is no need to seal the junction between specimen and bottle with beeswaxbecause the specimen is sufficiently well clamped if the cap is screwed down firmly, but materials whose thicknesses



EN 420:2003 (E)14exceed 3 mm are often stiff and should be sealed with beeswax as described. Furthermore, even specimens of lightmaterial should be sealed with beeswax if their transmission is low or if they have an embossed grain, since it cannot beassumed that leaks are completely absent at the edges of specimens which are merely clamped. For this reason, if aspecimen tested without sealing gives a value of P of less than 5 mg/cm² × h, the determination should be repeated withthe rim sealed with beeswax as described, and the value so obtained should be taken as the value for the specimen.Even with specially stiff or impermeable materials, it is not necessary to seal the junction the specimen makeswith the neck of the first bottle because the preliminary procedure with this bottle serves merely to conditionthe specimen to equilibrium with the steady-state flow of vapour.6.3.7.4After the machine has been running for more than 16 h and less than 24 h, stop the motor, andremove the first bottle. Put into the second bottle about half the amount of freshly dried silica gel that isneeded to fill it, and at once remove the specimen from the first bottle and clamp it, grain inwards, across themouth of the second bottle.NOTEIf the material is such that beeswax has been applied to the neck of the second bottle, the bottle should bewarmed in an oven at 50 °C before introducing the silica gel and clamping on the leather.6.3.7.5With as little delay as possible, weigh the second bottle with the specimen and silica gel, and notethe time at which the weighing is made. Put the bottle into its holder on the machine, and start the motor.6.3.7.6After the machine has run for not less than 7 h and not more than 16 h, stop the motor, removethe bottle and weigh it. Note the time at which the weighing is made
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