When choosing the right safety gloves for industrial or domestic use, it’s crucial to understand what standards they meet. One such standard is EN 420. But what exactly are EN 420 gloves? Here’s an article explaining why are they important.
This article breaks down everything you need to know about EN 420, helping you make informed decisions when buying protective gloves.
Understanding EN 420: The General Glove Standard
EN 420 is the European standard that defines the general requirements and test methods for protective gloves. It’s not about protection levels for specific risks, but about the fundamental criteria that all protective gloves should meet.
These requirements include:
- Glove sizing and fit
- Innocuousness (gloves should not harm the wearer)
- Dexterity levels
- Labeling and user instructions
In short, EN 420 gloves must be safe to wear, fit correctly and provide adequate movement for tasks.
Why EN 420 Certification Matters
You might wonder why this certification is necessary when other EN standards exist for specific hazards. Standards such as EN 374 for chemicals or EN 388 for mechanical risks. EN 420 acts as a baseline requirement. If a glove doesn’t meet EN 420, it can’t be certified under other EN standards.
For example:
- EN 420 ensures the glove doesn’t contain harmful substances.
- It guarantees the glove fits properly according to EU hand size charts.
- It ensures accurate and clear labelling of performance levels.
This means you can trust EN 420 gloves to meet essential health and safety expectations before considering more specialised protection.
Key features of EN 420 Gloves
Here’s what EN 420 gloves are tested and graded for:
- Sizing and Dexterity
Gloves must fit the hand properly, using the European standard hand size chart. They’re tested on how well they allow the wearer to perform delicate tasks, measured from level 1 (lowest dexterity) to level 5 (highest dexterity).
- pH and Chromium VI Levels
To protect the skin, gloves must fall within a safe pH range (3.5 to 9.5). They must also contain less than 3 mg/kg of chromium VI, a potentially harmful substance.
According to the HSE, exposure to chromium VI compounds is linked to allergic reactions and skin issues in 1 in 10 workers in construction and manufacturing.
- Cleaning and Maintenance
EN 420 gloves are tested for durability and washing. They must retain performance and not degrade when laundered as per manufacturer instructions.
- Labelling and User Instructions
Packaging must include:
- Manufacturers name and product ID
- Glove size
- EN 420 symbol
- Instructions for use and warnings
Who Needs EN 420 Gloves?
Anyone in an environment where hand protection is required can benefit from EN 420 gloves.
Common industries include:
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Automotive
- Chemical handling
- Food processing
Whether you’re an employer meeting health and safety obligations or a worker looking for reliable hand protection, EN 420 gloves are an essential baseline.
How EN 420 Relates to Other Glove Standards
EN 420 isn’t the only EN standard you should know. It’s often used alongside other certifications, including:
| Standard | Purpose |
| EN 388 | Mechanical protection (cuts, tears, punctures) |
| EN 374 | Protection from chemicals and microorganisms |
| EN 407 | Thermal hazards (heat and flame) |
| EN 511 | Cold protection |
Each of these relies on EN 420 as the foundation. Without EN 420 compliance, gloves cannot be certified under these more specific tests.
How to Identify EN 420 Gloves
When purchasing gloves, especially online, always check for:
- CE marking
- The EN 420 symbol (a simple glove pictogram)
- User instruction detailing the standard
- Sizing chart matching european measurements
Tip: A genuine EN 420 glove should come with documentation or labelling confirming compliance. If it doesn’t, be cautious.
Choosing the right EN 420 Gloves
Here are some tips to help you select suitable EN 420 gloves for your needs:
- Know the task: Will you need chemical resistance, cut protection or heat resistance? EN 420 alone isn’t enough.
- Fit matters: Gloves that don’t fit compromise safety. Measure your hand and compare with the size guide.
- Material counts: Look for nitrile, latex, PVC or leather depending on the task. Ensure they’re EN 420 compliant.
- Read the labels: Avoid gloves without EN markings or clear user information.
EN 420 Gloves and Legal Compliance in the UK
Under the PPE at Work Regulations 1992, employers must provide appropriate hand protection for employees.
Gloves that meet EN 420 help employers:
- Meet legal obligations
- Reduce workplace inquiries
- Increase employee comfort and productivity
According to the UK Labour Force Survey, hand injuries account for over 25% of non-fatal workplace injuries annually.
EN 420 Gloves are a practical way to start meeting those duties.
Why Should EN 420 Gloves Be Your First Choice?
When you’re selecting gloves for any type of work, make EN 420 your starting point.
This standard ensures your gloves are:
- Safe
- Comfortable
- Reliable
EN 420 Gloves offer the foundation of trust you need before diving into task-specific features. They ensure you’re not only protected but also compliant with workplace regulations, giving both employers and workers peace of mind.
At Easy Gloves, we offer a wide range of EN 420 Gloves suitable for various applications – from general maintenance to more specialised industrial tasks.
Ordering in bulk for a large workforce? Selecting a pair for personal use? Our expert team is here to help you choose the right fit, function and finish.For superior hand protection that meets all the essential standards, explore our collection today.
