Overview
The EN ISO 21420:2020/A1:2024 standard, issued by CEN, represents an important amendment to the original EN ISO 21420:2020 specification covering protective gloves. This amendment provides updates to the general requirements and test methods for protective gloves, ensuring enhanced safety, performance, and compliance with European regulations, particularly Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on personal protective equipment (PPE).
This standard applies to all manufacturers and testing bodies involved in the production and evaluation of protective gloves used across various industries. It addresses essential requirements such as material safety, physical performance, and user information to align with current technological and regulatory advancements.
Key Topics
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Material Safety Requirements
- Limits on Chromium VI content in leather gloves (less than 3.0 mg/kg) measured by ISO 17075 methods.
- Prohibition of carcinogenic azo colorants in textiles and leather in compliance with ISO 14362-1:2017 and ISO 17234-1:2020.
- Restrictions on dimethylformamide (DMFa) in polyurethane gloves, capped at 1000 mg/kg per EN 16778:2016.
- Control of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in rubber/plastic gloves to a maximum of 1 mg/kg, using the ISO 16190:2021 test methodology.
- pH values for all glove materials must be between 3.5 and 9.5 to ensure wearer innocuousness.
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Performance & Testing Enhancements
- Emphasis on minimizing donning and doffing times for specific gloves under relevant standards, improving usability and worker efficiency.
- Guidelines on tear resistance warnings near rotating machinery to prevent hand injuries by enabling glove tear before entanglement.
- Updated electrostatic property testing referencing EN 16350:2014 to certify gloves for use in flammable or explosive environments, including standardized pictograms for marking.
- Adoption of updated test methods for thermal resistance, water vapor permeability, and mechanical risks compliant with the latest ISO norms.
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Labeling and User Information
- Detailed provisions for manufacturer-supplied information such as care labeling compliant with ISO 3758:2012, cleaning cycles, and hazard warnings.
- Clear identification and safety marks as per Regulation 2016/425 requirements and ISO directives.
Applications
This amendment is crucial for organizations manufacturing or utilizing protective gloves in sectors such as:
- Industrial and Construction Work – Ensuring gloves meet mechanical risk and chemical resistance requirements.
- Healthcare and Laboratory Environments – Compliance with chemical inertness and biocompatibility norms.
- Firefighting and Emergency Services – Adhering to specialized glove requirements for thermal and physical protection.
- Explosive and Hazardous Atmospheres – Gloves tested for electrostatic discharge properties to prevent ignition risks.
- Leather Goods and Textile Manufacturing – Strict controls on chemical content and pH values to protect end users.
Related Standards
- ISO 16073-4:2019 – Wildland firefighting PPE, focusing on glove specifications.
- ISO 23388:2018 / EN 388:2016+A1:2018 – Protective gloves against mechanical risks testing and performance.
- EN 1811:2011+A1:2015 – Nickel release testing for materials in contact with skin.
- EN 16350:2014 – Electrostatic properties testing of gloves.
- ISO 3758:2012 – Care labeling code for textiles.
- ISO 11092:2014 – Measurement of thermal and water vapor resistance of textile gloves.
Practical Value
Adopting the amendments outlined in EN ISO 21420:2020/A1:2024 ensures:
- Enhanced worker safety through rigorous testing of materials for toxic substances and physical hazards.
- Regulatory compliance across EU and EFTA member states, facilitating market access and reducing liability risks.
- Increased usability and ergonomics by addressing donning/doffing efficiencies and adequate performance warnings.
- Clear communication of glove properties and care instructions to end users for optimal protection and longevity.
By aligning with these updated requirements, manufacturers and users benefit from reliable protective glove performance that meets contemporary safety standards and legal obligations. This amendment supports ongoing improvements in personal protective equipment quality and workplace health.