In the world of protective equipment, an important advancement has recently been made. Allprotec® presents the latest development in the field of protective gloves: the introduction of the EN ISO 21420:2020 standard. This standard, published in March 2020, marks a significant advancement in occupational safety and health, replacing the previously applicable EN 420.
From EN 420 to EN ISO 21420: Progress in Standardization
It has been reported that the previous standard EN 420 has undergone a comprehensive revision to form the new standard EN ISO 21420. This updated standard defines internationally recognized requirements and test methods for protective gloves. Interestingly, the validity of products already certified according to the old standard EN 420 remains unaffected; they may continue to be distributed and used.
Important information for end consumers
It is emphasized that compliance with EN ISO 21420:2020 is required for all newly manufactured protective gloves. This represents important information for end consumers regarding the safety standards of the products they use.
Manufacturer responsibilities
It was emphasized that manufacturers now bear increased responsibility. They must ensure that the gloves are clearly marked with the manufacturer's name, size, designation, CE marking, and relevant standards. Additional tests according to the new EN ISO 21420 may be required to ensure compliance with the standard.
Core requirements of the new standard
Design: Effectiveness and safety in focus
The design of the gloves according to the new standard shall not impair the performance of the activity while ensuring adequate protection. The new guidelines concerning putting on and taking off the gloves are particularly noteworthy. The layers of reusable multi-layer gloves must not detach from each other. The design of the gloves must reduce the time required for putting on and taking off.
Chemical safety: A focus on health and safety
An essential aspect of the new standard is the assurance of the chemical safety of gloves. Materials in the gloves must not release substances generally considered toxic, reprotoxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, allergenic, corrosive, sensitizing, or irritating. Furthermore, new test standards have been introduced for specific substances such as chromium VI in leather and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). In addition to the previous pH test for materials containing rubber and plastics, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have now also been included in the standard as substances to be tested.
This is the new list of values and substances to be checked:
- pH of all materials, including rubber and plastic; each material must be tested separately, the pH must be between 3.5 and 9.5.
- Chromium VI in leather, every type of leather and every color must be tested individually, the value must be below 3 mg/kg.
- Azo dyes: less than 30 mg/kg for each of the carcinogenic aromatic amines listed in the analytical methods.
- DMFa (dimethylformamide) in gloves with polyurethane:
less than 1000 mg/kg. - Nickel in metal parts that come into prolonged contact with the skin: less than 0.5 µg/cm2/week.
- polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH):
maximum 1 mg/kg for rubber or plastic materials in direct skin contact.
It does not matter whether the glove is intended for private or professional use.
Comfort and efficiency: Adaptation to user needs
The new standard also takes into account the size and dexterity of gloves. The specified sizes now range from 4 to 13, and dexterity is measured using specific criteria. Size conformity is determined by the following criteria:
the hand circumference and the distance from the wrist to the tip of the middle finger (hand length).
The dexterity of the gloves is determined by several factors, including the thickness of the material used and its elasticity. It is determined by the diameter of the smallest steel needle that can be picked up three times from a flat surface within 30 seconds. If no needle can be picked up, the achieved value is zero.
Electrostatic properties: Safety in high-risk environments
For protective gloves used in areas with a risk of explosion, additional requirements for electrostatic properties have been introduced. Special tests and markings are provided for this purpose. If electrostatic properties are guaranteed, they must be tested in accordance with EN 16530:2014, and the pictogram below can be used for marking. EN 1149 Part 1:2006 or Part 3:2004 should be used – if required – to determine further electrostatic surface properties of the gloves. They are important for determining further additional requirements for the electrostatic properties of the surface or charge decay.
Manufacturing information: More transparency for users
Manufacturers must now provide more comprehensive information about the production of their gloves, including batch number and manufacturing date. A list of known allergens in the gloves should also be provided upon request.
Concluding thoughts: An important step towards greater safety
In conclusion, the introduction of EN ISO 21420:2020 represents a significant step towards increased safety standards in the world of protective gloves. Allprotec® continues to be at the forefront of safety, quality, and innovation, thus ensuring the best possible protection for its users.
