EN420 Glove General Requirements & Test Methods
The Standard EN420 defines the general requirements applicable to all protective gloves, covering glove design, manufacturing, comfort, efficiency and its markings as well as key product information to be displayed by the manufacturer on the actual glove and its packaging.
The tabs below describe the requirements covered by the standard. For detailed information on sizing please click on the button below
- Gloves must offer the greatest possible degree of protection
- Any seams included in the glove design should not reduce the performance of the glove
- Glove pH should be between 3.5 and 9.5
- Chromium (VI) Content should be below detection (< 3ppm)
- Natural rubber gloves should be tested on extractable proteins to ensure they do not cause allergic reactions in the wearer
- If cleaning instructions are provided, the level of performance must not be reduced even after the maximum number of washes
- Anti-static gloves designed to reduce risk of electrostatic discharge shall be tested following EN1149.
- Test results shall be reported on the instructions for use.
- An electrostatic pictogram shall not be used.
- If required, gloves shall allow water vapour transmission (5mg/cm2)
- If gloves exclude water vapour transmission, it should be at least 8mg/cm2 for 8 hours.
Gloves Markings
- Name of manufacturer.
- Glove and size designation.
- CE mark.
- Appropriate pictograms accompanied by the relevant performance levels and the reference of the EN standard.
- The marking should be legible throughout the life of the glove. Where markings of the glove is not possible in view of the
characteristics of the glove, it should be mentioned on the first packaging enclosure.
Packaging Markings
- Name and address of the manufacturer or representative.
- Glove and size designation.
- CE mark.
- Usage info
– simple design: ‘for minimal risks only’ or
– intermediate design or complex design: relevant pictograms. - When protection is limited to part of the hand, this shall be
mentioned (e.g. ‘palm protection style only’). - Reference to where information can be obtained.
- Instructions for use (to be supplied when the glove
is placed on the market) - Name and address of the manufacturer or representative.
- Glove designation.
- Size range available.
- CE mark.
- Care and storage instruction.
- Instructions and limitations of use.
- A list of substances used in the glove which are known
to cause allergies. - A list of all substances in the glove shall be made available
upon request. - Name and address of notified body that certified the product.
The following table describes the glove dexterity following a test which involves picking up a pin with a gloved hand three times in a time lapse of 30 seconds.
Gloves with a cuff are colour coded for size identification.
The following information details 1.glove size – 2. Overedge Colour, 3.Overedge colour for Vatange® and ProFood™
6 (XS), Purple, Brown
7(S), Red, Green
8(M), Yellow, White
9(L), Brown, Brown
10 (XL), Black, Black
11 (XXL), Light Blue