EN ISO 374-5 specifies the requirements and test methods for protective gloves intended to protect the user against microorganisms (mold and bacteria, potentially viruses).

Penetration of molds and bacteria (tested according to EN374-2): Test by which the water and airtightness of a glove is checked.

Penetration of viruses (tested according to method B of ISO 16604): Process that determines the resistance to penetration by blood-borne pathogens.

- Test method using Phi-X174 bacteriophage.

The glove, depending on its type, will bear the following pictogram:

Examples of application:

The field of use is decisive because, depending on the case, the glove may have to combine several properties in order to meet the necessary protection requirements. It is therefore very important to refer to the recommended areas of use and the results of the laboratory tests found in the instructions for use. However, it is recommended to check that the gloves are suitable for the intended purpose by carrying out tests beforehand, because the conditions at the workplace may differ from those of the standard test, depending on the temperature, abrasion and degradation.

Standard ISO 18889 specifies the performance requirements of protective gloves for pesticide operators and re-entry workers.

G1 gloves are suitable when the potential risk is relatively low. These gloves are not suitable for use with concentrated pesticide formulations and/or for scenarios where mechanical risks exist. G1 gloves are typically single use gloves.

G2 gloves are suitable when the potential risk is higher. These gloves are suitable for use with diluted as well as concentrated pesticides. G2 gloves also meet the minimum mechanical resistance requirements and are therefore suitable for activities that require gloves with minimum mechanical strength.

GR gloves provide protection only to the palm-side of the hand for a re-entry worker who is in contact with dry and partially dry pesticide residues that remain on the plant surface after pesticide application.

Standard EN16350 provides additional requirements for protective gloves that are worn in areas where flammable or explosive areas exist or might be present.

Further electrostatic properties can be determined through EN1149-1 (surface electrostatic properties) or EN1149-3 (charge decay), but cannot be used for electrostatic dissipative protective gloves.

Standard EN ISO 10819 specifies performance requirements for vibration attenuation through gloves. The vibration-reducing material must also satisfy thickness and consistency requirements. It should be noted that these gloves can reduce but not eliminate health risks associated with handtransmitted vibration exposure.

Vibration transmissibility in one-third-octave frequency bands from 25 to 200Hz must be equal to or less than 0.90. The one calculated in one-third-octave frequency bands from 200 to 1250 Hz must be equal to or less than 0.60.