Q: Do you have any gloves that conform to EN 374-3 for Resistance to Chemical Permeation?

A: Yes – the Bodyguards powder free Nitrile gloves in their GL890 range conform to this standard and have undergone the rigorous testing required to meet it.

You should still bear in mind the chemical compatibility of your gloves with the chemicals you are using though.

How are gloves assessed for conformity?

Resistance to permation is assessed by measuring the time it takes for a chemical to break through a glove.

Samples of the glove material are placed in a permeation cell that allows the chemical to be placed in contact with the outer surface. Collection air or water is then passed through the cell to collect any chemical that has broken through to the inner surface.

The testing laboratory then uses various detection methods to analyse the air or water and detect the minute amounts of chemical that have broken through.

How can I tell that gloves are compliant?

Gloves that meet level 2 of EN-374-2 (for resistance to water penetration) and also meet performance level 2 when tested against three of the “common chemicals” can carry the indicator badge below.

The common chemicals used in the test are;

A. Methanol

B. Acetone

C. Acetonitrile

D. Dichloromethane

E. Carbon Disulphide

F. Toluene

G. Diethylamine

H. Tetrahydrofuran

I. Ethyl Acetate

J. n-Heptane

K. Sodium Hydroxide

L. Sulphuric Acid 96%

To see the range of compliant gloves follow the link here, or contact us to discuss your requirements for lab gloves