Nitrile
gloves also have a higher chemical and solvent
resistance when compared with latex gloves and various
other advantages but need quality control.
Checking for quality marks.
AQL
The most commonly used system for disposable gloves
is AQL. AQL stands for "Acceptable Quality Level"
and shows a statistical measure of product quality.
In terms of disposable gloves, the measure specifically
refers to the prevalence of pinholes and to the
level of barrier protection from diseases, chemicals
and other substances. The lower the AQL number, the higher the quality
of the glove:
AQL 1.5 or lower: a glove suitable for medical
purposes.
AQL of 4.0: a glove suitable for non-medical
or industrial purposes
Medical grade gloves provide a more effective barrier
and are therefore better suited for higher risk
applications.
PPE
PPE ratings are issued by the EU Personal Protective
Equipment Directive. PPE places gloves into three categories:
* PPE I: Minimal risk
User can easily identify risk. Risk is low. At
the minimal risk level, gloves may only exhibit
a simple CE mark. This may be self-certified with no external validation,
and so it is vital to remember that these gloves are only suitable for
minimum risk jobs!
* PPE II: Intermediate
Gloves that don't fit into minimal risk or complex
design categories. Suitable for intermediate risk
activities, eg. general handling. Gloves require
good cut, puncture and abrasion performance. Gloves must exhibit a simple
CE mark subject to independent testing and validation by a notified
body which can issue a CE mark. Name and address of that body must appear
on the instructions for use.
* PPE III: Complex design
Used in situations that can cause serious injury
or death. Intended to protect against mortal danger,
or against dangers that may seriously and irreversibly
harm the health of an individual. PPE III gloves
should have a minimum length of 260mm
There are also many different symbols for European
Standards –
* EN 374 specifies the requirements for gloves
to protect the user against chemicals and/or micro-organisms and defines
the terms to be used.
*EN 420 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.
Instructions for use should be made available by the supplier when a
glove is placed on the market and available on request by the customer.
Most manufacturers have this information on their web sites.
There are a number of other different European
markings that relate to gloves.
* BS EN388- Suitable for mechanical hazards including
abrasion, cut, tear and puncture.
* BS EN388:2003 - Protective against mechanical
hazards (Abrasion/Blade Cut Resistance/Tear Resistance/Abrasion
Resistance)
* BS EN374-1:2003 Protective against chemical and
micro-organisms.
* BS EN374-2- Protective against micro-organisms.
* BS EN374-3- Protective against chemicals.
* BS EN420- General requirements for gloves includes
sizing and a number of health and safety aspects
including latex protein and chromium levels.
* BS EN60903- Protective against Electric shock
* BS EN407- Heat resistant
* BS EN511- Cold resistant
* BS EN1149- Antistatic
* CE OSHA: means that the gloves are in compliance
with ‘21 CFR parts 170-199 acceptable and pharmaceutical
use.’
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