New standards for protective gloves

Oven mitts, potholders and barbecue gloves should protect consumers from heat and/or fire. These products are classified as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and must meet the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2016/425. Until now, standards EN 420:2003+A1:2009 and EN 407:2017 were used to demonstrate compliance with the requirements. These standards have now been replaced, what does that mean for you?

EN 420:2003+A1:2009 vs. EN-ISO 21420:2020

EN 420:2003+A1:2009 Protective gloves - General requirements and test methods has been replaced by EN-ISO 21420:2020 with the same title. All conflicting standards must be withdrawn by September 30, 2020. This new standard has been adopted as a worldwide ISO standard and includes all requirements for protective gloves under all categories of PPE.

Compared to EN 420:2003+A1:2009, EN-ISO 21420:2020 includes several modifications such as, among others, the requirements for testing chemical substances in gloves made of textile, leather and Polyurethane such as:

• Nickel for metal parts;
• Azo dyes and pH value for textiles and leather;
• Dimethylformamide (DMFa) for Polyurethane (PU);
• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) for rubber and plastic parts;
• Chromium VI for leather.

Note! In addition to the requirements of the standard, the Notified Body may also request evidence that the articles comply with the restrictions regarding Pentachlorophenol (PCP) and Phthalates (DHEP, DBP, BBP and DIBP) according to REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006.

In addition, protective gloves must have a manufacturing date (month/year), or some other form of traceability. Because the degree of protection may diminish as the product ages, the manufacturer will be required to indicate a maximum lifetime in the form of the hourglass icon along with the end date (month/year). Alternatively, the date of manufacture may be indicated including appropriate information on possible aging parameters and their effects on the product.

EN 407:2017 vs. EN 407:2020

EN 407:2017 Protective gloves against thermal hazards (heat and / fire) has been replaced by a new version, EN 407:2020. Conflicting standards must be withdrawn by April 2021.

The new version of the standard includes a new requirement regarding limited flame spread and mechanical strength. Here, the glove will be tested for tear resistance.

For gloves where limited flame spread is not claimed, a new pictogram has been introduced (protection against heat without flame). Gloves with a performance level I or higher regarding limited flame spread may still be marked with the pictogram "protection from heat and flame. The use of both pictograms together is not permitted.

The information that must be provided with the article by the manufacturer has also been modified. For example, manufacturers are now required to clearly indicate which parts of the hand are protected. For gloves without claimed limited flame spread, a clear warning data must be provided that the product does not provide flame protection.

For the time being, existing EU type approvals will retain their period of validity. Please note that in case of new or re-approvals, the requirements of the latest standards will apply. Any modifications and/or additional tests will have to be considered by the Notified Body handling the EU type-approval application.

Need support?

Do you need advice on protective gloves or other personal protective equipment? Précon Quality Services is happy to advise and support you in identifying and meeting your obligations under Regulation EU 2016/425. On our expertise page you can find more information about personal protective equipment or contact us without obligation at +31 (0)30 - 65 66 010 or info@precongroup.com.