By Samuel Rapley 03/12/2019

Under: PPE and Workwear

New Glove Standard Provides Better Protection for Wearers

 

Don’t Forget Your Winter Gloves

Winter gloves with thermal and waterproof properties are needed keep hands protected against the elements and offer resistance to convective cold, contact cold and water. This will not only keep skin protected but will guard against safety issues caused by loss of dexterity in cold conditions. 

 

The Importance of Hand Protection

Hand injuries can be damaging to both individuals and businesses. As well as the loss of wellbeing to the injured person, businesses lose vital working time and could even face litigation and reputation damage. It’s crucial that team members have safe and comfortable protective gloves to use when working with sharp or abrasive materials and hazardous chemicals.

Protect your hands - browse our range of gloves. 

 

What is EN ISO 21420?

EN ISO 21420 is a replacement for EN 420 and ensures the materials used to create PPE do not negatively affect the health or safety of the wearer. The new standard also requires that PPE must be made free of inherent risks and nuisance factors. 

In addition, the new ISO 21420 provides further alignment with the REACh (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) legislation on hazardous substances or substances of very high concern.

 

Key Changes to the New Standard

• Introduction of a new pictogram for electrostatic properties EN 16350
• Removal of the protein content test in natural rubber gloves
• Introduction of date of manufacture markings
• Removal of minimal glove length requirements, unless required by a specific standard i.e. welding gloves
• Other subtle changes concerning information for users, additional information on donning/doffing, product integrity checks before use

 

Key Requirements

• Chromium VI content in leather should be no more than 3mg/kg (Test method EN 17075)
• Any metallic materials that could come into contact with the skin shall not release nickel in more than 0.5µg/cm2 per week (Test method EN 1811).
• Azo colorants which release carcinogenic amines shall not be detectable (Test method ISO 17234-1 leather or ISO 14362-1 textile).
• pH value shall be between 3.5-9.5 (Test method ISO 4045 leather or ISO 3071 textile).
• DMFa (dimethylformamide) shall not exceed 0.1% weight/weight (Test method prEN 16778).
• The levels of performance should be based on the lowest results obtained before and after cleaning cycles (consideration of care instructions for testing).
• For gloves worn in ATEX environments, the electrostatic properties shall be tested (Test method EN 16350).

 

Glove Marking Changes

Each protective glove shall now be marked with:

• Manufacturer’s name and postal address
• Glove designation
• Size designation
• Date of manufacturing (month and year) 

 

Does your team use protective gloves in their work? Our Safety Champions can provide up-to-date advice on PPE and are always on hand to help. Call today on 0333 003 5710. 

Enfield Safety – no one works harder to bring you health, safety and welfare products at the right price, on time, every time.