An important advance has recently been made in the world of protective equipment. Allprotec® presents the latest development in the field of protective gloves: the introduction of the EN ISO 21420:2020 standard. Published in March 2020, this standard marks significant progress in the field of occupational health and safety by replacing the previously applicable EN 420.
From EN 420 to EN ISO 21420: A step forward in standardization
It was reported that the previous EN 420 standard has undergone a major revision to form the new EN ISO 21420 standard. This updated standard defines internationally recognized requirements and test methods for protective gloves. Interestingly, the validity of products that have already been certified according to the old EN 420 standard remains unaffected; they may continue to be sold and used.
Important information for end users
It is emphasized that compliance with EN ISO 21420:2020 is required for all newly manufactured protective gloves. This means important information for end users regarding the safety standards of the products they use.
Responsibilities of the manufacturers
It was emphasized that manufacturers now have an increased responsibility. You must ensure that the gloves are clearly marked with the manufacturer's name, size, designation, CE mark 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: Focus on effectiveness and safety
The design of the gloves according to the new standard should not interfere with the performance of the activity, while ensuring adequate protection. Particularly noteworthy are the new guidelines concerning the putting on and taking off of gloves. The layers of reusable multi-layer gloves must not separate from each other. The design of the gloves must reduce the time needed to put on and take off.
Chemical safety: A focus on health and safety
An essential aspect of the new standard is the guarantee of the chemical harmlessness of the gloves. Materials in the gloves must not release substances that are generally considered toxic, toxic to reproduction, carcinogenic, mutagenic, allergenic, corrosive, sensitizing or irritating. In addition, new testing standards have been introduced for certain 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 value must be between 3.5 and 9.5.
- Chromium VI in leather, each type of leather and each colour 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 contact with the skin for a long period of time: less than 0.5 μg/cm2/week.
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs):
maximum 1 mg/kg for rubber or plastic materials in direct contact with the skin.
It does not matter whether the glove is intended for private or professional use.
Convenience and efficiency: adaptation to user needs
The new standard also takes into account the size and dexterity of the gloves. The established sizes now range from 4 to 13, and dexterity is measured against specific criteria. Size conformity is determined using the following criteria:
the circumference of the hand 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 the elasticity. It is determined by the diameter of the smallest steel needle, which can be picked up three times from a flat surface within 30 seconds. If no needle can be picked up, the value achieved is zero
Electrostatic properties: safety in high-risk environments
For protective gloves used in areas with a risk of explosion, additional requirements have been placed on electrostatic properties. Special tests and markings are provided for this purpose. If electrostatic properties are assured, they must be tested in accordance with EN 16530:2014, using the pictogram below for marking. EN 1149 Part 1:2006 or Part 3:2004 should be used – if necessary – 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 dissipation.
Manufacturing information: More transparency for users
Manufacturers must now provide more comprehensive information about the production of their gloves, including batch number and date of manufacture. A list of known allergens in the gloves will also be provided on request.
Final 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, ensuring the best possible protection for its users.