Cofra Chemitek Chemical Glove Green

Standards and labels

• EN ISO 374-1:2016

  Test results

  Specified Requirements Type A

  The Type A specification under the EN ISO 374-1:2016 standard signifies the classification of chemical protective gloves designed to provide higher resistance to permeation by chemicals. This classification implies that Type A gloves have been tested and certified to resist at least six tested chemicals from a specified list for a minimum breakthrough time of 30 minutes. The test method involves the glove material's exposure to the chemicals, measuring the time taken for the chemical to break through the glove material—this breakthrough time determines the glove's classification (e.g., Type A, B, or C, with Type A offering the most protection among them). For procurement professionals, understanding that a glove conforms to Type A under EN ISO 374-1:2016 assures that the glove offers a broad range of chemical resistance, making it suitable for various applications requiring higher levels of protection against chemicals.

• EN ISO 374-5:2017

  Test results

  Micro-organisms Virus

  The standard EN ISO 374-5:2017 specifically addresses the protection against micro-organisms including viruses in protective glove manufacturing. A test result indicating Virus under this standard reflects that the glove has undergone and passed specific testing procedures designed to ensure protection against viruses.The test method used under EN ISO 374-5:2017 for assessing protection against viruses involves a series of permeation and penetration tests. These tests simulate conditions where the glove is exposed to virus-contaminated fluids and checks for any leakage or breakthrough of the virus through the glove material over a specific duration. This simulates real-life scenarios to ensure reliability in high-risk environments like medical, chemical handling, and biohazard laboratories. If the gloves fail this test, they cannot be certified under EN ISO 374-5:2017 for virus protection, meaning they are not suitable for applications requiring viral protection. Thus, for procurement professionals, sourcing gloves certified under EN ISO 374-5:2017 with a positive Virus result is crucial for ensuring safety and compliance in virus-exposed work conditions.

• EN 374-4:2013

  EN 374-4:2013 is a European standard for gloves that protect against microorganisms. It sets rules for how the gloves should protect against microorganisms and how to test if they meet the standards. Gloves that pass the tests can have a label that says they meet the standard. The test results can be pass or fail for each test that checks the gloves resistance to microorganisms.

  Test results

  Degradation Tested

  The standard EN 374-4:2013 pertains to the determination of degradation by chemicals for protective gloves. Degradation is assessed based on the change in physical properties of the glove material after contact with a chemical. Specifically, a result indicating degradation provides a measure of the glove's deterioration in terms of features like tensile strength and elongation when exposed to specific chemicals, gauged through physical tests such as elongation and tensile tests. The test method involves exposing the glove material to the chemical over a determined period, followed by mechanical testing to compare the pre and post-exposure properties. This result is crucial in determining the glove's suitability for use with specific chemicals, as degradation can significantly reduce its protective effectiveness, potentially endangering the user. Hence, understanding and adhering to this standard helps in the selection of appropriate protective gloves for specific chemical exposure scenarios, ensuring user safety and compliance with health and safety regulations.

• EN 388:2016

  EN 388:2016 is a European standard for measuring the performance of protective gloves against mechanical risks (abrasion, cut, tear, and puncture). The standard includes test methods and performance requirements for gloves to be considered compliant. Test results are reported using a series of four numbers, each representing the performance level achieved in one of the tests.

  Test results

  Puncture Resistance Level 2

  The standard EN 388:2016 includes an assessment of Puncture Resistance, where Level 2 signifies that the material has met specific criteria for resistance against puncture. The result of Level 2 in puncture resistance means that the protective glove or material can withstand a force of 60 to 100 newtons before being punctured. The test method used involves using a standardized steel puncture probe that is pushed against the material at a specified speed until it pierces through it. In essence, achieving a Level 2 puncture resistance under EN 388:2006 suggests that the protective equipment offers moderate protection against punctures, making it suitable for environments where there is a risk of encountering sharp objects such as needles, but are not excessively sharp or exert very high force.

  Cut Resistance, Coup Test Level 1

  The EN 388:2016 standard is dedicated to gauging the mechanical risks for hand protection where a Cut Resistance, Coup Test Level 1 indicates minimal resistance to cutting because material achieved between 1.2 and 2.5 cycles before being cut through during the test. It means that the product tested at this level offers basic protection against shallow cuts, suitable for tasks with low risk of cut injuries. The test method used involves a rotating circular blade under a fixed force making contact with the fabric or material being tested. The blade moves back and forth across the material until a cut-through is achieved. The number of cycles required to cut through the sample at a consistent speed determines the cut resistance, with Level 1 being the second lowest rating after level 0. Products at this level are applicable in scenarios where there are minimal hazards from sharp objects, hence ideal for light duties where there is no significant risk of deep cuts.

  Abrasion Resistance Level 4

  EN 388:2016 uses a specific test method to measure abrasion resistance of safety gloves; the gloves’ material is subjected to sandpaper under pressure to observe the number of cycles needed to wear through the material. Level 4 in this standard indicates that the material withstood 8,000 cycles before a hole was made. Practically, this means that gloves rated at Level 4 for abrasion resistance offer very high resilience against wearing through, making them suitable for tasks involving significant contact with rough surfaces .

  Tear Resistance Level 0

  The Tear Resistance Level 0 in the EN 388:2016 standard refers to the lowest classification for tear resistance performance. It indicates that the material did not reach the minimum threshold required to attain a higher performance level in the tear resistance test. In assessing this result under EN 388:2003, the test involves applying a force to a test piece of the material until it tears. This specific test measures how much force the material can withstand before it tears, and a Level 0 result shows very minimal or no resistance to tearing. For procurement professionals dealing with safety gloves or similar protective materials, understanding that a tear resistance rating of Level 0 suggests that these products are not suitable for working environments where resistance to tearing is critical.

  Cut Resistance, ISO 13997 Level X

  The standard EN 388:2016, specifically its segment referring to ISO 13997 test, is designed to assess the cut resistance of materials used in protective gloves. A result denoted as 'Level X' means that test is not performed and the cut resistance of the product cannot be guaranteed.

• CE Marking

  CE Marking is a label that shows a product meets certain safety and environmental standards set by the European Union. To get the CE Marking, a company must test and certify their product meets these standards. CE Marking is required for many products sold in the EU, including electronics, machinery, toys and medical devices. It helps ensure that products are safe for consumers and the environment, and allows for easy trade within the EU.

• PPE Category 3

  PPE stands for "personal protective equipment." PPE Category 3 refers to equipment that is complex and provide the highest level of protection such as powered respirators, SCBA, and full body suits. In Europe, PPE Category 3 must meet certain safety standards set by the European Union, which means that it must be designed and manufactured to protect the user without causing harm. Companies that make or sell PPE must prove that it meets these standards. They also must have a quality management system in place, have to be audited regularly by a notified body and have to have a technical documentation.