Understanding the levels of chemical resistance in gloves is critical for ensuring safety and efficiency in the workplace. This guide dives into the specifics of chemical resistance levels, explaining how different materials perform against various substances. Learn how to evaluate gloves for your specific tasks and ensure optimal protection while maintaining comfort and dexterity. With expert tips and trusted supplier recommendations, you’ll have everything you need to select high-quality protective gear tailored to your needs.
Understanding Chemical Resistance Levels
Chemical resistance levels are determined through testing and defined by EN ISO 374-1:2016, a European standard for protective gloves against chemicals. Gloves are tested against various chemicals to determine their permeation resistance, or how long it takes for a chemical to pass through the glove material.
For more details on EN standards, visit the official EN Standard website.
Chemical Permeation Performance Levels
| Performance Level | Breakthrough Time (in minutes) |
| 0 | < 10 |
| 1 | ≥ 10 |
| 2 | ≥ 30 |
| 3 | ≥ 60 |
| 4 | ≥ 120 |
| 5 | ≥ 240 |
| 6 | ≥ 480 |
The higher the level, the longer the glove can resist a chemical. Always select gloves with a resistance level appropriate for the duration of your task and the type of chemicals involved.
2. List of Test Chemicals (Code Letters)
| Code Letter | Chemical | CAS Number |
| A | Methanol | 67-56-1 |
| B | Acetone | 67-64-1 |
| C | Acetonitrile | 75-05-8 |
| D | Dichloromethane | 75-09-2 |
| E | Carbon disulfide | 75-15-0 |
| F | Toluene | 108-88-3 |
| G | Diethylamine | 109-89-7 |
| H | Tetrahydrofuran | 109-99-9 |
| I | Ethyl acetate | 141-78-6 |
| J | n-Heptane | 142-82-5 |
| K | Sodium hydroxide (40%) | 1310-73-2 |
| L | Sulfuric acid (96%) | 7664-93-9 |
| M | Nitric acid (65%) | 7697-37-2 |
| N | Acetic acid (99%) | 64-19-7 |
| O | Ammonium hydroxide (25%) | 1336-21-6 |
| P | Hydrogen peroxide (30%) | 7722-84-1 |
| S | Hydrofluoric acid (40%) | 7664-39-3 |
| T | Formaldehyde (37%) | 50-00-0 |
These chemicals are used to test the glove’s permeation resistance for classification under Types A, B, and C.
3. Degradation Test
| Requirement | Details |
| Degradation Test | Measures the glove material’s change in physical properties (e.g., swelling, stiffness) after exposure to a specific chemical. |
| Performance Evaluation Basis | Degradation percentage (%) of the glove material |
Common Chemical-Resistant Glove Materials
Glove material plays a critical role in chemical resistance. Below are the most common types of chemical safety gloves:
- Nitrile Gloves: Ideal for protection against oils, greases, solvents, and some acids. Nitrile gloves are highly durable and offer excellent puncture resistance. Learn more in our guide to choosing nitrile gloves.
- Vinyl Gloves: Suitable for light-duty tasks with minimal chemical exposure. They are more affordable but less durable compared to nitrile.
- Latex Gloves: Offer good chemical resistance but may cause allergic reactions. Latex gloves perform well against water-based chemicals.
- Specialized Chemical Gloves: These include materials like neoprene and butyl rubber, offering resistance to highly aggressive chemicals such as strong acids, ketones, and concentrated solvents commonly used in industrial cleaning and manufacturing.
For specific tasks such as handling industrial solvents, working in chemical laboratories, or performing maintenance in manufacturing plants, check out our chemical-resistant gloves category.
How to Identify the Right Chemical Resistance
Assess your work environment and chemicals carefully. Mechanics may need gloves resistant to oils, while lab technicians require protection from corrosive substances.
- Assess the Chemicals You Handle: Use the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) of the chemicals in your workplace to identify hazards and glove compatibility.
- Determine Exposure Duration: Estimate how long you will be handling the chemicals and choose gloves with a sufficient resistance level.
- Consider Glove Thickness: Thicker gloves generally provide higher resistance but may reduce dexterity. For single-use tasks, thinner gloves like single-use nitrile gloves are sufficient.
- Test for Fit and Comfort: Gloves should fit snugly without restricting movement.
EN 374 Standards for Chemical-Resistant Gloves
The EN 374 standard categorizes gloves based on their resistance to permeation and degradation. Gloves tested under EN ISO 374-1:2016 are classified as:
| Type | Duration | Resistance |
| Type A | 30 minutes | Resistant to at least 6 chemicals (minimum level 2) |
| Type B | 30 minutes | Resistant to at least 3 chemicals (minimum level 2) |
| Type C | 10 minutes | Resistant to at least 1 chemical (minimum level 1) |
Always look for the EN 374 marking on the glove packaging, usually found on the back or side panel near the product specifications, to ensure compliance with European safety standards.
Practical Tips for Choosing the Right Gloves
- Double-Gloving: For tasks with prolonged exposure, consider wearing an inner glove for comfort and an outer glove for resistance.
- Task-Specific Gloves: For high-risk environments like cleanrooms or laboratories, cleanroom & sterile gloves are the ideal choice. Learn more about them in this guide.
- Regular Inspections: Replace gloves immediately if there are signs of wear, punctures, or chemical permeation.
Comparing Common Gloves for Chemical Resistance
| Material | Resistant To | Best Use Cases |
| Nitrile | Solvents, oils, greases, acids | Laboratories, chemical handling |
| Vinyl | Light chemicals, minimal exposure | Food handling, light cleaning |
| Latex | Water-based chemicals, biological hazards | Medical, janitorial |
| Butyl Rubber | Ketones, esters, strong acids | Industrial, chemical manufacturing |
Single-Use Gloves for Chemical Resistance
Single-use gloves are practical for tasks that require frequent glove changes or short exposure times. Nitrile single-use gloves are often preferred due to their balance of durability, chemical resistance, and comfort. Explore our single-use nitrile gloves category.
For more information on selecting disposable gloves, read our buyer’s guide to disposable gloves.
Maintaining Safety and Compliance
Using the correct gloves is only part of maintaining chemical safety. Follow these best practices:
- Training: Ensure all workers are trained to select and use gloves correctly.
- Storage: Store gloves in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or chemicals.
- Regular Assessments: Review glove performance regularly and replace outdated or non-compliant gloves.
For further guidance on chemical-resistant gloves, check our main buying guide.
Conclusion
Understanding chemical resistance levels allows you to select the right gloves for your tasks, ensuring safety and efficiency. Always consider the chemicals, exposure duration, and European safety standards when making your choice. Whether you need nitrile gloves, vinyl gloves, or specialized chemical protection gloves, choosing the correct gloves empowers you to work confidently in any environment.
Explore our full range of chemical-resistant gloves to find the perfect fit for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Permeation is when chemicals pass through the glove material over time, while degradation is the physical breakdown of the glove (e.g., cracking or swelling).
Yes, if the gloves meet EN 374 Type A standards, meaning they resist at least six chemicals. Always check compatibility charts.
Single-use gloves: after each task. Reusable gloves: when worn, damaged, or contaminated.
Not always. Thicker gloves offer more protection but reduce dexterity. Choose based on task needs.
Nitrile gloves are latex-free, offering excellent chemical and puncture resistance.
Look for the EN 374 marking on the glove packaging, indicating resistance level and compliance.
Reusable gloves can be cleaned, but inspect for damage first. Never reuse single-use gloves.
Single-use nitrile gloves are ideal for tasks requiring frequent glove changes.
Yes. Store gloves in a cool, dry place and check expiration dates to ensure protection.
Double-gloving involves wearing two gloves (e.g., cotton liner + chemical-resistant glove) for added protection during high-risk tasks.
