Trocken lagern
The "keep dry" symbol shows an umbrella with raindrops and is standardised in EN ISO 15223-1. It marks products whose properties are impaired by exposure to moisture.
Relevance for gloves and sterile goods:
- Sterile barrier systems made of paper or nonwoven lose their microbial barrier once wetted. Sterility is then considered void, regardless of the use-by date.
- Natural latex and nitrile age faster at elevated humidity; hydrolysis and oxidation reduce force at break and extensibility.
- Cartons lose dimensional stability, which increases the risk of mechanical damage to inner packaging.
In practice: specific storage conditions are stated by the manufacturer in the instructions for use. For medical single-use gloves, dry and cool storage without direct sunlight and away from ozone sources is standard. The use-by date determined to EN 455-4 applies only under those conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Why must gloves be stored dry?
Moisture accelerates the ageing of natural latex and nitrile through hydrolysis and oxidation, reducing force at break and extensibility. For sterile products, wetted paper or nonwoven can lose its microbial barrier, voiding sterility.
What does the "keep dry" symbol look like?
It shows an open umbrella with two raindrops above it. The design is standardised in EN ISO 15223-1 and is used uniformly worldwide.
Does the use-by date still apply after damp storage?
No. The use-by date determined to EN 455-4 presupposes compliance with the storage conditions stated by the manufacturer. Storage outside those conditions shortens actual shelf life without this being visible on the product.