What gloves resist chemical products? Selection and Regulation EN ISO 374

The exposure to chemical substances is one of the most prevalent risks in laboratories and the construction sector. The presence of hazardous agents is often underestimated, but knowing which gloves are resistant to chemical products helps us ensure real and necessary safety in the daily tasks of workers.

An accidental splash or prolonged contact with corrosive agents not only causes immediate dermal injuries but can also lead to chronic conditions such as occupational dermatitis or even systemic effects if there is skin absorption.

That’s why at Sekureco we have developed this practical guide for the correct selection of chemical-resistant gloves. We know that safety in handling hazardous substances is strictly regulated by Regulation (EU) 2016/425, and the success of protection depends on understanding the permeation, degradation, and breakthrough time of each polymer against the specific chemicals present in the workplace.

Chemical protection gloves: understanding the EPI-Substance interaction

When we talk about "chemical resistance," we are not dealing with an absolute property. A glove may be excellent against sulfuric acid but fail miserably against an organic solvent like acetone. Therefore, the first step in any Occupational Risk Prevention (PRL) strategy is to identify the chemical using the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

The three enemies of the chemical glove:

1. Degradation: is the change in the physical properties of the glove (it swells, softens, becomes brittle) after contact with the chemical.

2. Permeation: is the molecular-level process where the chemical passes through the glove material without causing visible damage.

3. Pentration: occurs when the chemical passes through pores, seams, or holes (defects) in the glove.

European Regulation: How to identify a truly resistant glove?

The technical standard we should look for is EN ISO 374. This standard is the European benchmark that ensures the glove has been tested under controlled conditions against a specific list of standardized chemicals.

The beaker pictogram

If a chemical protection glove does not carry the pictogram of the beaker, it simply should not be considered suitable for handling hazardous substances. Below this pictogram, we will find letters indicating the chemicals against which it has been tested:

• Type A: Resistance to breakthrough > 30 minutes against at least 6 chemicals from the list. (Maximum protection).

• Type B: Resistance to breakthrough > 30 minutes against at least 3 chemicals. (Medium protection).

• Type C: Resistance to breakthrough > 10 minutes against at least 1 chemical. (Basic protection).

Expert recommendation: For any work environment with aggressive chemicals (strong acids, bases, or solvents), we should always select Type A gloves.

Guide to selecting chemical-resistant gloves according to material and risk

Depending on the nature of the chemical, the polymer will dictate the effectiveness of the barrier:

Nitrile gloves (synthetic rubber)

Nitrile gloves offer exceptional protection against oils, fats, petroleum derivatives, and many solvents, making nitrile the preferred option for its balance between chemical and mechanical resistance.

Nitrile gloves are ideal for automotive, light chemical industry, and handling hydrocarbons.

Neoprene gloves

Neoprene is a synthetic material that offers excellent flexibility and resistance to a wide range of acids, bases, alcohols, and peroxides. It is more abrasion-resistant than latex and maintains its properties over a wider temperature range. Ideal for industrial cleaning, handling acids, and inorganic chemicals.

Butil gloves

Butil is the gold standard for protection against extremely aggressive chemicals. It offers the highest resistance against a wide range of acids, ketones, esters, and alcohols. Its structure is dense and very impermeable. It is ideal for high-hazard laboratories and handling highly volatile toxic substances.

PVA gloves (polyvinyl alcohol)

This is a material highly resistant to aromatic and chlorinated solvents, which are the ones that typically destroy other types of gloves.

• Important note: PVA is sensitive to water. If it gets wet, it loses its chemical properties, so its use is very specific and limited to dry environments with potent organic chemicals.

The human factor: use, maintenance, and replacement of chemical-resistant gloves

A high-end glove loses its usefulness if the user does not follow strict protocols:

1. The double gloving technique: in cases of high danger, it is recommended to use two pairs of gloves. If the outer layer becomes contaminated, it is removed while maintaining an internal safety barrier.

2. Visual inspection: before each use, the worker should inflate or stretch the glove to look for micro-perforations. At Sekureco.eu, we recommend immediately discarding any PPE that shows signs of degradation (color change, stiffness, or cracks).

3. Cleaning and storage: not all chemical gloves can be decontaminated. Some are designed for single use. If they are reusable, they must be washed according to the manufacturer's instructions and dried in ventilated areas, away from direct sunlight, which degrades the polymers.

Resources at Sekureco.eu

In our catalog, we have categorized the solutions based on technical requirements to facilitate corporate purchasing. In our section on chemical-resistant gloves you will find a premium selection for high exposure environments, including extended protection gloves for forearms in case of immersion. In the PPE section for laboratories, you will find nitrile gloves for mechanical protection, ideal for controlled environments.

For greater peace of mind and safety, always remember these three pillars:

• Don’t guess: Check the SDS of the chemical product and compare it with the breakthrough time table of your glove (EN ISO 374).

• Type A by default: If you work with aggressive substances, do not take risks with types B or C. Type A protection is your safety guarantee.

• The glove is not eternal: The chemical barrier degrades even without contact. Respect the recommended shelf life cycles by the manufacturer.

Frequently asked questions about chemical protection gloves

1. Can I reuse my chemical gloves after they have been in contact with hazardous substances? 

It depends on the nature of the chemical and the certification of the glove. If the manufacturer specifies that it is "single-use," it must be discarded immediately. For reusable gloves, a visual inspection must be performed beforehand to detect degradation (swelling, cracks, or hardening) and they must be washed strictly following the manufacturer's decontamination instructions.

2. What does it mean for a glove to be "Type A" according to the EN ISO 374 standard?

Type A certification is the highest degree of protection under the EN ISO 374-1 standard. It indicates that the glove has demonstrated a breakthrough resistance (permeation time) of over 30 minutes against at least 6 chemicals from the standardized testing list. It is the recommended option for work environments with aggressive chemicals.

3. Why is it essential to consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before choosing a glove? 

No polymer is a universal barrier against all chemicals. The SDS of the chemical product provides critical information about its composition, allowing us to verify whether the glove material (nitrile, neoprene, butyl, etc.) is compatible or if it will undergo degradation or accelerated permeation processes upon contact with that substance.

4. Is there a real difference between nitrile and butyl for protection against acids? 

Yes. Although both offer good protection, butyl is considered the gold standard for extremely aggressive chemicals, offering superior resistance against a wider range of acids, ketones, and esters. Nitrile is more versatile and economical for general industrial use, but butyl is preferable in high-hazard laboratories or when handling highly toxic substances.

5. What should I do if I notice a color change in my gloves during the workday? 

A color change, along with the appearance of stiffness or cracks, is a clear sign of chemical degradation. You should remove the equipment immediately, dispose of it following your company's hazardous waste protocol, and replace it with a new pair, as the protection barrier has been compromised and no longer guarantees safety against chemical risk.