European Standard · Hand Protection
EN 374 – Gloves Protecting Against Chemicals and Micro-Organisms
EN 374 is the European standard series specifying requirements and test methods for gloves protecting the hands against dangerous chemicals and micro-organisms, covering permeation resistance, penetration resistance and degradation of the glove material.
1. Scope
EN 374 applies to gloves intended to protect against chemical splashes, immersion, and biological hazards such as bacteria and viruses. It is split into parts covering terminology and performance requirements (374-1), penetration resistance to micro-organisms (374-2 / 374-5), and permeation resistance to chemicals (374-3, now largely folded into EN ISO 374-1).
2. Exclusions & Related Standards
- Complements mechanical risk gloves under EN 388 when both cut and chemical hazards are present.
- Often combined with chemical protective clothing under EN 13034 or EN 14605.
- Does not cover thermal protection – see EN 407 for gloves against heat and cold hazards, or EN 511 for cold-specific protection.
3. Key Requirements & Marking
Gloves are marked with pictograms indicating the protection type: a beaker symbol for chemical protection (Type A, B or C depending on the number and breakthrough time of tested chemicals) and a biohazard symbol for micro-organism protection where penetration resistance requirements are met.
4. Testing Overview
Testing includes permeation testing that measures the breakthrough time of specific reference chemicals through the glove material, penetration testing for micro-organism resistance using a leak-detection method, and degradation testing measuring physical property changes after chemical contact.
5. Selection Guide
Select gloves based on the specific chemicals handled, checking manufacturer permeation data tables for breakthrough time against each relevant substance, since no single glove material resists all chemicals equally; for biological hazards, confirm the glove meets the specific penetration resistance level required.
6. Inspection, Care and Maintenance
- Check gloves for pinholes, tears or degradation before each use
- Never reuse gloves after exposure to a chemical beyond its tested breakthrough time
- Store away from direct sunlight, ozone sources and extreme temperatures which can degrade rubber and polymer materials
- Dispose of contaminated gloves according to workplace hazardous waste procedures
7. Frequently Asked Questions
What does the beaker symbol mean on chemical gloves?
The beaker symbol indicates the glove has been tested and certified for chemical protection under EN 374, with the specific type (A, B or C) reflecting the number of chemicals tested and minimum breakthrough times achieved.
How long can I wear chemical gloves before they need replacing?
This depends entirely on the specific chemical and glove material breakthrough time listed by the manufacturer; gloves should be replaced or changed well before the tested breakthrough time is reached.
Do EN 374 gloves protect against viruses and bacteria?
Yes, if marked with the biohazard pictogram, indicating the glove has passed penetration resistance testing against micro-organisms.
Can one glove protect against all chemicals?
No, chemical resistance is highly material- and chemical-specific, so always check the manufacturer’s permeation data table for the exact substances you will handle.
What is the difference between penetration and permeation resistance?
Penetration refers to a substance passing through pinholes, seams or pores in the material, while permeation refers to a substance passing through the material at a molecular level even without visible damage.