Essential factors when choosing chemical protective gloves
Choosing the right chemical protective glove is crucial for the safe handling of hazardous substances. Two central terms play an important role in this: penetration and permeation. If you understand the differences, you can select PPE in a targeted manner and significantly reduce the risk in everyday work.
Penetration: Avoid structural intrusion
Penetration refers to the penetration of chemicals through visible or microscopic defects in the glove material – such as seams, holes or micro-tears.
This is tested using methods such as the water or air test.
Important: Penetration only occurs when there are holes or crevices in the material. An undamaged barrier completely prevents penetration.
Permeation: Invisible penetration of chemicals
Permeation describes the insidious process by which chemicals diffuse through the glove material at the molecular level.
This process depends on several factors, such as the material composition, the thickness of the glove, and the type of chemical.
Important: Permeation occurs even without visible defects – it cannot be completely prevented. The right choice of material is crucial.
The measured breakthrough time is always given in minutes and shows how long the material can withstand a particular chemical.
The longer the breakthrough time, the better the protection. The choice of gloves must therefore always be tailored to the respective hazardous substance – there are no universal gloves.
Degradation: When the material suffers
In addition to penetration and permeation, the standard also takes degradation into account. This refers to the chemically induced change in the glove material – e.g. embrittlement, swelling or cracking.
This weakens the protective function:
Permeation can set in more quickly because the material becomes more permeable.
Penetration is favored because microdefects occur.
This is tested in accordance with EN ISO 374-4. The decisive factor is whether the glove remains suitable for the entire duration of wear.
AQL: Product Quality Benchmark
The Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) indicates the maximum number of defects allowed in a batch of gloves.
A low AQL value means that gloves are more likely to be defect-free and protective.
Especially in the case of chemical protective gloves, a low AQL value is a strong quality feature.
It is also important to note that the AQL value can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer. A value of ≤ 1.5 is considered particularly high-quality and stands for high manufacturing quality.
EN ISO 374: The standard you should look out for
EN ISO 374 is the European standard for chemical protective gloves. It defines the requirements for protection against chemical risks and ensures that gloves are thoroughly tested for penetration and permeation.
Practical tip: When shopping, pay attention not only to the EN ISO 374 pictogram, but also to the listed chemicals and their tested breakthrough times. This is the only way to ensure that the glove really fits your application.
Important to know: The pictogram with the Erlenmeyer flask may only be used if the test requirements of the standard are met. It signals tested protection against chemicals – this symbol may not be used without tests.
Why knowledge is crucial
Understanding the differences between penetration and permeation is the basis for selecting suitable chemical protective gloves. This is the only way to reduce hazards and reliably protect employees.
Conclusion: Safety has priority
Chemical protective gloves are only safe if they are tested and appropriately selected.
A glove that meets standards, is regularly checked and comfortable to wear is also used consistently in everyday life - and that is exactly what makes the difference.
Discover tested chemical protection gloves directly from our retail partners:
AAV Occupational Safety – Hand Protection Category
Omniprotect – gloves in the range
In this way, you can secure products that have been tested in accordance with EN ISO 374 – for more protection, comfort and reliability in everyday work.