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EN 374 Explained — Chemical Protection Standards for Protective Glove
Fujian Jixiang E-commerce Co., Ltd
When your team handles solvents, acids, or petroleum-based chemicals, the label "EN 374" on a glove box is more than marketing — it is a verified claim that the product has been tested against specific chemicals under controlled conditions. But what exactly does each part of the standard cover, and how should buyers interpret the pictograms and type classifications?
The Structure of EN 374
| Part | Scope | Key Requirement |
|---|
| EN 374-1 | Terminology & general requirements | Defines glove categories, permeation terms, minimum thresholds |
| EN 374-2 | Determination of resistance to penetration | Air-leak & water-leak tests for physical integrity |
| EN 374-3 | Determination of resistance to permeation by chemicals | Measures breakthrough time for 18 listed chemicals |
| EN 374-4 | Determination of resistance to degradation by chemicals | Visual/physical deterioration after 30-min exposure |
| EN 374-5 | Micro-organism protection requirements | Bacteria, fungi, virus penetration resistance |
Chemical Resistance Classification: Type A, B, C
The 18 Test Chemicals
| Code | 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 | Chloroform | 67-66-3 |
| G | Diethylamine | 109-89-7 |
| H | Diethyl ether | 60-29-7 |
| I | Ethyl acetate | 141-78-6 |
| J | Heptane | 142-82-5 |
| K | NaOH 40% | 1310-73-2 |
| L | H2SO4 96% | 7664-93-9 |
| M | HNO3 65% | 7697-37-2 |
| N | Acetic acid 99% | 64-19-7 |
| O | NH4OH 25% | 1336-21-6 |
| P | H2O2 30% | 7722-84-1 |
| Q | HF 40% | 7664-39-3 |
| R | Formaldehyde 37% | 50-00-0 |
Reading the Pictogram
A glove certified to EN 374 bears an Erlenmeyer flask icon with chemical letter codes underneath. The letters indicate which test chemicals the glove resists for >=30 minutes. A separate biohazard symbol appears when the glove also meets EN 374-5. Always cross-check letter codes against your workplace chemical inventory before purchasing.
Q: Does EN 374 certification guarantee total chemical barrier?
A: No. EN 374 measures permeation breakthrough time, not absolute impermeability. The 30-minute threshold is a minimum performance floor, not unlimited protection.
Q: Are nitrile gloves automatically EN 374 compliant?
A: No. Thin exam-grade nitrile gloves may meet EN 455 but fail EN 374-3 permeation tests. Always verify the specific type and chemical codes.
Q: Difference between penetration and permeation?
A: Penetration: macro-scale holes allowing liquid through. Permeation: molecular-level diffusion through intact material.
Q: How often should chemical-resistant gloves be replaced?
A: Replace at no more than 50% of stated breakthrough time. For unknown mixtures, replace immediately after any visible exposure.
Q: Does JIXIANG offer EN 374-certified gloves for Gulf markets?
A: Yes. JIXIANG nitrile gloves are certified EN 374 Type C and Type A, with CE MDR documentation and GSO-compliant labeling.