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Chemical Protective Glove
A B C D E F H I L M N P R S T U V W
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Chemical Protective Glove

Chemical protective gloves protect the wearer against hazardous chemicals through barrier resistance to permeation and penetration. The governing standards are EN ISO 374-1 (Type A/B/C), EN 16523-1 (permeation measurement), and EN ISO 374-2 (penetration testing).

Classification per EN ISO 374-1:

  • Type A: highest protection; at least 6 of 18 standard chemicals passed at permeation Class >= 2 (breakthrough time >= 30 minutes)
  • Type B: at least 3 chemicals, Class >= 2
  • Type C: at least 1 chemical, Class >= 1 (breakthrough time >= 10 minutes)

All three types are PPE Category III and require a Notified Body.

Material selection: the glove material must be chosen for the specific chemicals in the application area. No material provides universal protection:

  • Nitrile: good against oils, fats, many acids; poor against ketones
  • Neoprene: broad spectrum of organic chemicals
  • Butyl: excellent against gases, ketones, esters
  • PVC: moderate resistance

Chemical protective gloves may additionally comply with EN ISO 374-5 (micro-organism protection including viruses) and EN 388 (mechanical protection).

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a chemical protective glove and a medical single-use glove?

Medical single-use gloves (EN 455) protect against micro-organisms and are classified as medical devices (Class I). Chemical protective gloves (EN ISO 374-1) protect against hazardous chemicals and are PPE Category III. A glove can comply with both standards.

How do I select the right glove material for chemicals?

Material selection is based on the manufacturer's permeation data for the specific chemical. No material offers universal protection. Nitrile fails against ketones; butyl is excellent against gases. Always check manufacturer-specific chemical resistance charts.

Are chemical protective gloves reusable?

It depends on the material, chemical, and conditions. After chemical contact, the material must be checked for degradation. Permeation continues even after contact ends. Many manufacturers specify maximum wearing times.