Bsi bs en 00420 2003 + a1 2009

BRITISH STANDARD

BS EN
420:2003
+A1:2009
Incorporating
corrigendum
November 2006

Protective gloves —
General requirements
and test methods

ICS 13.340.40

12&23<,1*:,7+287%6,3(50,66,21(;&(37$63(50,77('%<&23<5,*+7/$:


BS EN 420:2003+A1:2009

National foreword
This British Standard is the UK implementation of
EN 420:2003+A1:2009, incorporating corrigendum November 2006.
It supersedes BS EN 420:2003 which is withdrawn.
The start and finish of text introduced or altered by amendment is
indicated in the text by tags. Tags indicating changes to CEN text
carry the number of the CEN amendment. For example, text altered by
CEN amendment A1 is indicated by !".
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted by Technical
Committee PH/3, Protective clothing, to Subcommittee PH/3/8,
Protective gloves.

A list of organizations represented on this subcommittee can be
obtained on request to its secretary.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary
provisions of a contract. Users are responsible for its correct
application.
Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity
from legal obligations.

Amendments/corrigenda issued since publication
This British Standard was
published under the authority
of the Standards Policy and
Strategy Committee
on 24 September 2003

© BSI 2010

ISBN 978 0 580 70411 6

Amd. No.

Date

Comments

16846
Corrigendum
No. 1

31 January 2007

Change to Table C.1

31 January 2010

Implementation of CEN amendment
A1:2009


EUROPEAN STANDARD

EN 420:2003+A1

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM

November 2009

ICS 13.340.40

Supersedes EN 420:2003

English Version

Protective gloves - General requirements and test methods
Gants de protection - Exigences générales et méthodes
d'essai

Schutzhandschuhe - Allgemeine Anforderungen und
Prüfverfahren

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 24 July 2003 and includes Corrigendum 1 issued by CEN on 29 November 2006 and
Amendment 1 approved by CEN on 10 October 2009.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the CEN Management Centre or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN Management Centre has the same status as the
official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels

© 2009 CEN

All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Ref. No. EN 420:2003+A1:2009: E


BS EN 420:2003+A1:2009
EN 420:2003+A1:2009 (E)

Contents

page

Foreword ..............................................................................................................................................................3 
Introduction .........................................................................................................................................................4
1

Scope ......................................................................................................................................................5 

2

Normative references ............................................................................................................................5 

3

Terms and definitions ...........................................................................................................................6

4
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5

General requirements ............................................................................................................................7 
Glove design and construction — General .........................................................................................7
Resistance of glove materials to water penetration...........................................................................7 
Innocuousness of protective gloves ...................................................................................................8
Cleaning ..................................................................................................................................................8 

Electrostatic properties .........................................................................................................................9 

5
5.1
5.2
5.3

Comfort and efficiency ..........................................................................................................................9
Sizing ......................................................................................................................................................9 
Dexterity............................................................................................................................................... 11
Water vapour transmission and absorption .................................................................................... 11

6
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4

Test procedures .................................................................................................................................. 11 
Hand and glove measurement and dimensions .............................................................................. 11
Test method for determining gloved finger dexterity ..................................................................... 12
Test method for determination of water vapour transmission ...................................................... 13
Test method for determination of water vapour absorption .......................................................... 16 

7
7.1
7.2
7.3

Marking and information .................................................................................................................... 18

General ................................................................................................................................................. 18 
Marking ................................................................................................................................................ 18 
Information supplied by the manufacturer ...................................................................................... 19

Annex A (informative) Definition of "For minimal risks only" ..................................................................... 21
Annex B (normative) Pictograms ................................................................................................................... 23 
Annex C (informative) Test results — Uncertainty of measurement .......................................................... 24 
Annex ZA (informative) Clauses of this European Standard addressing essential requirements or
other provisions of EU Directives ..................................................................................................... 25 
Bibliography ..................................................................................................................................................... 26 

2


BS EN 420:2003+A1:2009
EN 420:2003+A1:2009 (E)

Foreword
This document (EN 420:2003+A1:2009) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 162 “Protective
clothing including hand and arm protection and lifejackets”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical
text or by endorsement, at the latest by May 2010, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the
latest by May 2010.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights
This document includes Corrigendum 1 issued by CEN on 29 November 2006 and Amendment 1 approved by
CEN on 10 October 2009.
This document supersedes !EN 420:2003".
The start and finish of text introduced or altered by amendment is indicated in the text by tags!"͘
The modifications of the related CEN Corrigendum have been implemented at the appropriate places in the

text and are indicated by the tags ˜ ™.
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN/CENELEC by the European Commission
and the European Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EU Directive(s).
For relationship with EU Directive(s), see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this document.
!Annexes A and C" are informative and !Annex B is" normative.
This document includes a Bibliography.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

3


BS EN 420:2003+A1:2009
EN 420:2003+A1:2009 (E)

Introduction
This European Standard is a reference standard to be called up as appropriate by the specific European
Standards relevant or applicable to protective gloves.
This standard should not be used alone, but only in combination with the appropriate specific standard.

4


BS EN 420:2003+A1:2009
EN 420:2003+A1:2009 (E)

1

Scope

This standard defines the general requirements and relevant test procedures for glove design and
construction, resistance of glove materials to water penetration, innocuousness, comfort and efficiency,
marking and information supplied by the manufacturer applicable to all protective gloves.
NOTE

It can also be applicable to arm protectors and gloves permanently incorporated in containment enclosures.

This European Standard does not address the protective properties of gloves and therefore should not be
used alone but only in combination with the appropriate specific European Standard(s).
A non exhaustive list of these standards is given in the Bibliography.

2

Normative references

The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 344-1:1992, Safety, protective and occupational footwear for professional use — Part 1: Requirements
and test methods
EN 374-1:2003, Protective gloves against chemicals and micro-organisms — Part 1:Terminology and
performance requirements
EN 407, Protective gloves against thermal risks (heat and/or fire)
EN 455-3, Medical gloves for single use — Part 3: Requirements and testing for biological evaluation
EN 1149-1, Protective clothing — Electrostatic properties — Part 1: Surface resistivity (Test methods and
requirements)
EN 1149-2, Protective clothing — Electrostatic properties — Part 2: Test method for measurement of the

electrical resistance through a material (vertical resistance)
EN 1149-3, Protective clothing — Electrostatic properties — Part 3: Test methods for measurement of charge
decay
EN 1413, Textiles —Determination of pH of aqueous extract
EN 20811, Textiles — Determination of resistance to water penetration — Hydrostatic pressure test
EN 23758, Textiles — Care labelling code using symbols (ISO 3758:1991)
EN ISO 2419, Leather — Physical and mechanical tests — Sample preparation and conditioning (ISO
2419:2002)
!deleted text"
EN ISO 4045, Leather — Determination of pH (ISO 4045:1977)
EN ISO 4048, Leather — Determination of matter soluble in dichloromethane (ISO 4048:1977)
!EN ISO 17075:2007,
(ISO 17075:2007)"

Leather —

Chemical

tests —

Determination

of

chromium(VI)

content

5

BS EN 420:2003+A1:2009
EN 420:2003+A1:2009 (E)

3

Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this European Standard, the following terms and definitions apply (see Figure 1).

Key
a Hand
b Back
c Palm
Figure 1 — Definitions of hand, palm and back
3.1
hand
part of the body from the tip of the middle finger to the wrist
3.2
glove
personal protective equipment (PPE) which protects the hand or part of the hand against hazards. It can
additionally cover part of the forearm and arm
3.3
glove palm
part of the glove which covers the palm of the hand, i.e. from the wrist to the base of the fingers
3.4
glove back
part of the glove which covers the back of the hand (i.e. from the wrist to the base of the fingers)
3.5
dexterity

manipulative ability to perform a task
3.6
hazard
situation which can be the cause of any harm or damage to the health of the human body. A non exhaustive
list of specific standards dealing with hazards is given in the Bibliography

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BS EN 420:2003+A1:2009
EN 420:2003+A1:2009 (E)

3.7
level of performance
number that designates a particular category or range of performance by which the results of testing can be
graded
The level of performance is determined by the result of the corresponding test as described in the specific
standards referred to in the Bibliography. A high level number corresponds to a high level of performance.
Levels of performance are based upon the results of laboratory tests, which do not necessarily reflect actual
conditions in the workplace.

4
4.1

General requirements
Glove design and construction — General

The protective glove shall be designed and manufactured so that in the foreseeable conditions of use for
which it is intended, the user can perform the hazard related activity normally whilst enjoying appropriate
protection at the highest possible level.

If required, the glove shall be designed to minimize the time needed for putting on and taking off.
When the glove construction includes seams, the material and strength of the seams shall be such that the
overall performance of the glove is not significantly decreased. Where relevant, test methods and
requirements are specified in the specific standards listed in the Bibliography.

4.2

Resistance of glove materials to water penetration

For glove materials where resistance to water penetration is required (according to the intended use of the
glove), the appropriate test methods shall be used:


For leather gloves: 5.12 of EN 344-1:1992. The results shall be reported according to Table 1;



Alternative test method which is more appropriate to textile materials: EN 20811. The results shall be
reported as a pressure in Pascal as required in EN 20811.

NOTE 1

There is no known correlation between results obtained through these different test methods.

NOTE 2 These tests are not suitable to classify these gloves as waterproof.
Table 1 — Levels of performance — resistance to water penetration according to 5.12 of
EN 344-1:1992
Level of performance

Time of penetration

min

1

30

2

60

3

120

4

180

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BS EN 420:2003+A1:2009
EN 420:2003+A1:2009 (E)

4.3

Innocuousness of protective gloves

4.3.1

General

Protective gloves shall be designed and manufactured to provide protection when used according to the
manufacturer's instructions, without harm to the user.
Glove materials, degradation products, incorporated substances, seams and edges and particularly those
parts of the glove in close contact with the user shall not adversely affect the user's health and hygiene.
The manufacturer or his authorized representative shall name all the substances contained in the glove which
are known to cause allergies (see 7.3.8).
4.3.2

Determination of pH Value

The pH value for all gloves shall be greater than 3,5 and less than 9,5.
Determination of pH shall be according to EN ISO 4045 for leather gloves, and EN 1413 for other materials.
Following amendments shall apply:


the test piece shall be cut out from the palm area of the glove. If other parts of the glove are made of
different materials, then each material shall be tested separately;



if gloves are made of more than one layer, all layers shall be tested together;



if the sample contains leather, then EN ISO 4045 shall be used;



subclause 8.4 of EN ISO 4045:1998 does not apply.

4.3.3

!Determination of chromium VI content

The quantity of Chromium VI in gloves containing leather shall not exceed 3,0 mg/kg when determined
according to the test method described in EN ISO 17075:2007.
Depending on the measured Chromium VI content, the test report shall indicate:


that the Chromium VI content is not in excess of 3,0 mg/kg, or



that Chromium VI content is in excess of 3,0 mg/kg and the value that has been determined in mg/kg.

If the glove includes different types of leather, whether in contact with the skin or not, each leather type shall
be tested separately and comply with the above requirement. At least two samples shall be taken from
different gloves for each leather type."
4.3.4

Determination of extractable protein content

Natural rubber gloves shall be submitted to requirements stated in EN 455-3 on extractable protein content.
NOTE

4.4

This method has not yet been validated for gloves other than medical gloves for single use.

Cleaning

All tests required in this standard as well as in the standards for protective gloves shall be performed on
unused gloves unless otherwise specified. If care instructions are provided (see 7.3.10), the relevant tests of
the specific standards (see Bibliography) shall be performed on the gloves, before and after they have been
subjected to the maximum recommended number of cleaning cycles.

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BS EN 420:2003+A1:2009
EN 420:2003+A1:2009 (E)

The levels of performance shall not be negatively affected throughout the recommended number of cycles.

4.5

Electrostatic properties

If required, the electrostatic properties shall be tested according to the test method described in the relevant
standard EN 1149-1 or EN 1149-2 or EN 1149-3.
The test result shall be reported in the information supplied by the manufacturer accompanied by the
information stated in 7.3.11. Electrostatic pictograms shall not be used for this property.
NOTE
These tests are designed for garments and have not been validated for gloves. Some interlaboratory trials
have shown significant discrepancies in test results for one of the methods. It is thus essential to give comprehensive
information about the test parameters used along with any test result.

5

Comfort and efficiency

5.1

Sizing

5.1.1

Sizes and measurement of hands

Two primary measurements are taken according to 6.1:


hand circumference;



hand length (distance between the wrist and the tip of the middle finger).

Six sizes of hands are defined in Table 2, according to anthropomorphic surveys conducted in different
countries. Half sizes can be derived by interpolation between full sizes. Any smaller and larger sizes can be
derived by extrapolation of the data in Tables 2 and 3.

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BS EN 420:2003+A1:2009
EN 420:2003+A1:2009 (E)

Table 2 — Sizes of hands
a

Hand circumference
mm

Hand length
mm

6

152

160

7

178

171

8

203

182

9

229

192

10

254

204

11

279

215

Hand size

a

This code is a conventional designation of hand size corresponding to the hand circumference expressed in
inches.

5.1.2

Sizes and measurements of glove

Sizes of gloves are defined with respect to the sizes of the hands they are to fit.
Six sizes are defined in Table 3.
The minimum length of glove for half sizes shall be the one of the next higher full size.
Actual measurements of gloves shall be determined by the manufacturer taking into account the behaviour of

the glove material and intended use.
Table 3 — Sizes of gloves
Glove size

Fit

Minimum length of glove
(in accordance with 6.1.3)
mm

6

hands size 6

220

7

hands size 7

230

8

hands size 8

240

9

hands size 9

250

10

hands size 10

260

hands size 11

270

11

Actual measurements of gloves shall be determined, taking into account the behaviour of the glove material
and intended use.
5.1.3

Gloves for special applications

It is possible that the length of gloves designed for special applications may not conform to the values of
Table 3.
For such gloves, the manufacturer shall demonstrate that they are "fit for special purpose" by clearly stating in
the instructions for use (7.3) the intended application(s) and the reason why the gloves do not conform to
Table 3.

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BS EN 420:2003+A1:2009
EN 420:2003+A1:2009 (E)

5.2

Dexterity

A glove should allow as much dexterity as possible given its purpose. Dexterity is related to numerous factors
e. g. thickness of glove material, its elasticity, its deformability.
If required, finger dexterity shall be tested according to the test method in 6.2.
The performances shall be graded according to Table 4 hereafter.
Table 1 — Levels of performance - finger dexterity test

5.3

Level of performance

Smallest diameter of pin fulfilling test conditions
mm

1

11

2

9,5

3

8

4

6,5

5

5

Water vapour transmission and absorption

5.3.1

Where practicable, protective gloves shall allow water vapour transmission.

If required, gloves shall have a water vapour transmission of at least 5 mg/(cm² ⋅ h) when tested according to
6.3.
5.3.2 Where the protection characteristics of the glove inhibits or excludes water vapour transmission, then
the glove shall be designed to reduce the effect of perspiration as much as possible.
If required, gloves shall have a water vapour absorption of at least 8 mg/cm² for 8 h when tested according to
6.4.

6

Test procedures

6.1

Hand and glove measurement and dimensions

6.1.1 The circumference of the hand is measured with a tape, 20 mm from the crotch between thumb and
index finger (see Figure 2).
6.1.2

Length of hand is as shown on Figure 2.

6.1.3 Measure the length by freely suspending the glove with the middle finger on a vertical graduated rule
having a rounded tip so as to fit the shape of the finger tip of the glove. Remove wrinkles and folds without
stretching the glove. Record the minimum measured length to the nearest millimeter.
NOTE
For greater ease of measurement, the rule can be angled backwards slightly so that the glove is in contact
with the rule.

6.1.4 If the gloves are stretchable, the dimensions shall be measured with the sample in the unstretched
state or by placing it on the hand of a person with appropriate size.

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BS EN 420:2003+A1:2009
EN 420:2003+A1:2009 (E)

Dimensions in millimetres

a

hand length

Figure 2 — Measurement of hand circumference and hand length

6.2
6.2.1

Test method for determining gloved finger dexterity
Number and condition of specimens

Four gloves of either left or right hand shall be tested. The specimens are the entire gloves and shall be taken
for test in the new (as made) condition. They shall not be softened by any special treatment, e. g. tapping with
a mallet or squeezing between rollers.
6.2.2

Apparatus required

Five solid, centerless ground stainless steel test pins are required, each 40 mm long and of diameter
respectively of 5 mm, 6,5 mm, 8 mm, 9,5 mm, 11 mm.
6.2.3

Test procedure

The pins shall be placed on a flat surface, e. g. a table top, and a trained operator wearing gloves according to
5.1 shall pick up the appropriate pin by its circumference between his gloved forefinger and thumb without any
other means of assistance. The operator shall pick up each pin three times consecutively, without undue
fumbling, within 30 s.
6.2.4

Test result

The result corresponds to the smallest diameter of pin that can be picked up according to the procedure in

6.2.3.

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BS EN 420:2003+A1:2009
EN 420:2003+A1:2009 (E)

6.3

Test method for determination of water vapour transmission

6.3.1

Introduction

This method is based on method IUP l5 of the International Union of Leather Chemists' Societies1)
6.3.2

Scope

This method is applicable to all gloves.
6.3.3

Principle

The sample is clamped across the mouth of a bottle which contains a solid desiccant, and is kept in a rapid
current of air in a conditioned room. The air within the bottle is circulated by keeping the desiccant in motion.
The bottle is weighed periodically to determine the mass of vapour transmitted through the material and
absorbed by the desiccant.

6.3.4

Apparatus

The apparatus comprises the following:
a)

Bottles of the approximate shape shown in Figure 3 with screw caps cut away to leave a circular opening.
The neck of each bottle is ground to give a flat end surface which is perpendicular to the interior wall of
the neck, and the circular opening in the cap has the same diameter as the interior wall (each
approximately 30 mm).

b)

A bottle holder in the shape of a wheel which is rotated at (75 ± 5) rev/min by an electric motor. The
bottles are mounted on the wheel with their axes parallel to the axle which is horizontal (Figure 4) and
67 mm distant from it.

Figure 3 — Bottles

1) IUP 15 - Measurement of water vapour permeability - Can be obtained through JSLTC Hon. Editor Kirkroyd - 49, Northpark Street, Dewsbury - West Yorkshire WF13 4LZ - United Kingdom

13


BS EN 420:2003+A1:2009
EN 420:2003+A1:2009 (E)

Dimensions in millimetres

Figure 4 — Bottle holder
c)

A fan mounted above the bottle holder and consisting of three flat blades in planes that are inclined at
120° to one another. The planes of the blades pass through the prolongation of the axle of the wheel. The
blades are of dimensions approximately 90 mm by 75 mm, and the 90 mm long side of each blade
nearest the mouths of the bottles passes them at a distance of not more than 15 mm. The fan is driven by
a motor at (1400 ± 100) rev/min. The apparatus is used in a conditioned room at a temperature of
(20 ± 2) °C and relative humidity (65 ± 2) %.

d)

Silica gel which has been freshly dried for at least 16 h in a ventilated oven at (125 ± 5) °C and cooled for
at least 6 h in a closed bottle. The particle size of the gel is sufficiently large to prevent it passing a 2 mm
mesh sieve.

e)

The silica gel shall be sieved before drying to remove small particles and dust. The drying temperature of
125 °C cannot be greatly exceeded without reducing the absorptive capacity of the gel. Ventilation of the
oven by use of a fan is not necessary, but the oven shall not be sealed; it shall permit continuous
exchange of the air within the oven with that outside. The gel shall not be used while it is much warmer
than the specimens.

f)

A balance for weighing to the nearest milligram, means of measuring time, vernier calipers reading to
0,1 mm for measuring the internal diameter of the necks of the bottles.

6.3.5

Specimens

The specimens are circles whose diameters are equal to the exterior diameters of the necks of the bottles
(approximately 34 mm).
6.3.6

Preparation of specimens

6.3.6.1
From each of three gloves to be tested, cut out a square piece of side 50 mm. The specimens
shall be flat and without seams.
6.3.6.2
For leather gloves: Unless otherwise specified, buff the grain surface lightly, as follows. Place the
piece grain upwards on a table. Press a piece of grade 180 emery paper against the leather, and draw it
across the leather 10 times in various directions under a weight of about 2 N uniformly applied by hand
pressure.
NOTE
Many leathers have on the grain a surface coat which reduces the water vapour transmission of the leather,
but which has less effect after the coat has been flexed or exposed to slight abrasive action. Unless otherwise specified
specimens should therefore be buffed lightly on the grain before test. The purpose of this is not to remove the surface coat,

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BS EN 420:2003+A1:2009
EN 420:2003+A1:2009 (E)

but merely to scratch it slightly. The load applied in doing this is not critical, and the value of 2 N is merely quoted as a
rough guide. Since the leather may be distorted by the buffing, the circular specimen should not be cut until after the

leather has been buffed.

6.3.6.3
in 6.3.5.
6.3.7

From the piece of material, prepared as above if applicable, cut a circular specimen as described

Procedure

6.3.7.1
For specimen conditioning, put into a bottle about half the amount of freshly dried silica gel that is
required to fill it. Clamp the specimen (leather: grain inwards), across the mouth of the bottle. Put the bottle
into its holder on the machine, and start the motor.
6.3.7.2
Using vernier calipers, measure the internal diameter of the neck of a second bottle to the nearest
of 0,1 mm in each of the two directions at right angles. Calculate the mean diameter d in millimetres.
6.3.7.3
If it is necessary to seal the junction between the specimen and the neck of the bottle (see note),
warm the second bottle and apply a thin layer of beeswax to the flat end surface of the neck.
NOTE
For most light specimens there is no need to seal the junction between specimen and bottle with beeswax
because the specimen is sufficiently well clamped if the cap is screwed down firmly, but materials whose thicknesses
exceed 3 mm are often stiff and should be sealed with beeswax as described. Furthermore, even specimens of light
material should be sealed with beeswax if their transmission is low or if they have an embossed grain, since it cannot be
assumed that leaks are completely absent at the edges of specimens which are merely clamped. For this reason, if a
specimen tested without sealing gives a value of P of less than 5 mg/cm² ⋅ h, the determination should be repeated with
the rim sealed with beeswax as described, and the value so obtained should be taken as the value for the specimen.

Even with specially stiff or impermeable materials, it is not necessary to seal the junction the specimen makes

with the neck of the first bottle because the preliminary procedure with this bottle serves merely to condition
the specimen to equilibrium with the steady-state flow of vapour.
6.3.7.4
After the machine has been running for more than 16 h and less than 24 h, stop the motor, and
remove the first bottle. Put into the second bottle about half the amount of freshly dried silica gel that is
needed to fill it, and at once remove the specimen from the first bottle and clamp it, grain inwards, across the
mouth of the second bottle.
NOTE
If the material is such that beeswax has been applied to the neck of the second bottle, the bottle should be
warmed in an oven at 50 °C before introducing the silica gel and clamping on the leather.

6.3.7.5
With as little delay as possible, weigh the second bottle with the specimen and silica gel, and note
the time at which the weighing is made. Put the bottle into its holder on the machine, and start the motor.
6.3.7.6
After the machine has run for not less than 7 h and not more than 16 h, stop the motor, remove
the bottle and weigh it. Note the time at which the weighing is made.
6.3.8

Calculation of result

Calculate the water vapour transmission P in mg/cm² ⋅ h from the equation:

P=

60 m ⋅ 400

π ⋅ d2 ⋅ t

where:

t

is the time in minutes between the two weighings

m

is the gain of mass in milligrams between the two weighings

d

is the (inside) bottle diameter in millimetres.

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BS EN 420:2003+A1:2009
EN 420:2003+A1:2009 (E)

The water vapour transmission of the glove shall be the average of the three measurements obtained from the
three specimens.
NOTE
The water vapour transmission P given by this equation is the vapour transmission for a relative humidity
difference of 65 % between the faces of the material and at 20 °C. For changes of humidity at constant temperature the
vapour transmission of most materials increases approximately in the same ratio as the difference of relative humidity. At
constant relative humidity difference, the vapour transmission usually increases with temperature approximately in the
same ratio as the saturation vapour pressure of water.

6.4

Test method for determination of water vapour absorption

6.4.1

Specimen

A circular specimen of approximately 85 mm in diameter shall be taken from three gloves. The specimens
shall be flat and without seams or material defects.
The specimens shall be conditioned for 24 h at a temperature of (20 ± 2) °C and (65 ± 5) % relative humidity.
6.4.2

Test apparatus

The test apparatus consists of two flanges with an opening 56 mm in diameter and (30 ± 1) mm in depth (see
Figure 5). The specimen shall be clamped between the two flanges with the help of a rubber or metal seal
placed onto the specimen.
6.4.3
6.4.3.1

Test procedure

The test shall be carried out at (20 ± 2) °C and (65 ± 5) % relative humidity.

6.4.3.2
After weighing the conditioned specimen, place it on the bottom flange of the test apparatus,
3
which is already filled with 50 cm of water. The side corresponding to the glove inside shall be placed
downwards. The seal shall be positioned on the specimen and the top flange tightly screwed to the bottom
one.
6.4.3.3
6.4.4

After 8 h the top flange shall be removed and the specimen shall be immediately weighted.
Result

The amount of water vapour absorbed shall be calculated as the difference between the final and initial
masses divided by the test surface area. It shall be recorded in mg/cm² to the nearest 0,1 mg/cm².

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BS EN 420:2003+A1:2009
EN 420:2003+A1:2009 (E)

Dimensions in millimetres

Key

1 Top
2 Seal
3 Specimen
4 Bottom
Figure 5 — Test apparatus for determination of water vapour absorption

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BS EN 420:2003+A1:2009
EN 420:2003+A1:2009 (E)

7

Marking and information

7.1

General

All information shall be precise and comprehensive, and provided at least in the official language(s) of the
country of destination.

7.2

Marking

7.2.1
7.2.1.1

Glove marking

Each protective glove shall be marked with the following information:

a)

Name, trade mark or other means of identification of manufacturer or his authorized representative;

b)

Glove designation (commercial name or code allowing the user to identify clearly the product within the
manufacturer's/authorized representative's range);

c)

Size designation;

d)

If relevant, marking according to 7.2.3;

e)

Where the glove conforms to one or more specific European Standards (see Bibliography), the pictogram
(s) appropriate to the standard(s) (see !Annex B"). Each pictogram shall be accompanied by the
reference of the applicable specific standard and performance levels (see 7.3.5), which shall always be in
the same fixed sequence as defined in the corresponding standard.

7.2.1.2
The marking shall be affixed so as to be visible, legible and indelible throughout the foreseeable
useful life of the glove. Marks or inscriptions which could be confused with the above marks shall not be
affixed to the glove.
7.2.1.3
If marking on the glove is not possible in view of the characteristics of the product, the marking
shall be affixed to the packaging.
7.2.1.4
A pictogram shall only be used when the glove meets at least the minimum requirement of the
relevant specific standard. It shall be made clear that complementary information must also be read, by
adding an i standing for information along with the series of pictograms (see information pictogram
in !Annex B").
NOTE
The marking on the glove including pictograms is not sufficient in itself to convey comprehensive information
about protection to the end-user. Therefore it should be considered only along with the information supplied by the

manufacturer described in 7.3.

7.2.2

Marking of packaging

Each packaging enclosure that immediately contains the gloves shall be clearly marked with the following:
a)

The information required in 7.3.1;

b)

The information required in 7.2.1.1 b), c) and d);

c)

Reference to where the information required in 7.3 may be obtained;

d)

Where the glove is of simple design intended to protect the wearer against only those hazards listed in
annex A, the words "For minimal risks only" or an equivalent expression shall be printed at least in the
official language (s) of the country of destination;

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