Certification

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We have extensive experience with PPE Glove Certification. Upon request, we can provide all official documentation.

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Certification

What is a Cut Rated or Cut Resistant Glove?

A Cut Rated or Cut Resistant Glove is a Glove that meets at least one of two rating standards. The EN388 Standard or the ANSI Standard. The EN388 Standard is a European Standard used throughout the world. The ANSI Standard is the Standard used only in America. Both Standards are measured differently and are used to determine the resistance of a material, such as a glove.

Cut Resistant Gloves are Gloves that are resistant to cuts, punctures, abrasion and tears. The Cut Rating of a glove determines how resistant to cuts the gloves are. In Australia and New Zealand we use the AS/NZS 2161 Glove Standards which are replicated from the EN388 Standard.

For your benefit The Glove Company have created an easy to understand Glove Standards Rating Chart below.
EN388 Mechanical Ratings Diagram, Table and Safe Usage:

The higher the number the stronger the resistance of the glove to that particular hazard. The EN388 Mechanical Standards tests four different hazards. Abrasion Resistance, Cut Resistance, Tear Resistance and Puncture Resistance.

  • Abrasion Resistance is defined as how many cycles the glove material can handle of a course/rough surface until the glove fails.

  • Cut Resistance is defined as how many cut/slicing cycles the glove can handle until the glove fails.

  • Tear Resistance is defined as how much force the glove can withstand before it is compromised and torn or ripped.

  • Puncture Resistance is defined as how much force the glove can withstand before the glove is pierced by a standard single point. 

Usage: Gloves are commonly referred to by their cut rating alone. For example “Cut 3 glove” or “Cut 5 Glove”. The cut resistance of a level 3 glove is usually referred to as safe for handling sheet metals. Whereas level 5 cut resistance is safe for handling glass and level 1 cut resistance is good for mechanics and general purpose.

 

EN374 Chemical Resistance.

The EN374 Chemical Overview looks like this. The letters below represent what chemicals are safe to use.

EN374 Chemical Pictogram table and safe Usage:
A = Methanol
B = Acetone
C = Acetonitrile
D = Dichloromethane
E = Carbon Disulfide
F = Toluene
G = Diethylamine
H = Tetrahydrofurane
I = Ethyl Acetate
J = n-Heptane
K = Sodium Hydroxide 40%
L = Sulphuric Acid 96%

Standard EN455 – Medical Gloves for Single Use

This includes tests to assess the freedom from holes which are based on a penetration resistance test similar to that of EN374 Part 2, plus tests to assess the dimensions of the gloves and the mechanical strength of its materials, both before and after an ageing process. This European Standard covers the minimum properties that address certain essential requirements detailed in the Medical Device Directive 93/42/EEC.

EN455-1 Requirements and testing for freedom from holes

Gloves must pass this test in order to prove that they are an effective barrier against micro-organisms. A statistical sample taken from a batch of gloves is subject to checks for pinholes and leaks by filling with water. Gloves must achieve an acceptable quality level (AQL) of 1.5 or better in order to be used as examination, procedure or surgical gloves.

Our Nitrile gloves also have the EN374-2:2003 certification for Micro-organism protection. Standard EN374-2 requires glove manufacturers to select and monitor against an Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) for pinhole defects = Lower AQL = lower probability of pinhole defects. A pinhole carries the risk for a micro-organism to pass through the glove.

Our Nitrile gloves are made from synthetic rubber and are an ideal alternative when latex allergies are a concern. Nitrile gloves are the superior glove when it comes to puncture resistance. Nitrile gloves are often referred to as “medical grade.”  Before gloves can be marketed to hospitals and medical institutions, they must undergo a series of tests to ensure their durability.

Some attributes of Nitrile Gloves include the following: Latex-free, Are most puncture-resistant, Have a high level of sensitivity, Mold to your hand for a great fit, Are good for wearing an extended amount of time, Work well for high-risk situations involving infectious material, Resist many chemicals, Have a long shelf life.

We stock Nitrile powder-free medical grade gloves that are ideal gloves to help maintain a safe barrier when working in the medical field or food industry. Nitrile exam gloves are the perfect solution for individuals who are sensitive to rubber latex and/or donning powder. They contain no allergy causing natural rubber proteins. Nitrile features extraordinary strength and puncture resistance while maintaining tactile sensitivity. Nitrile “breathes” better than vinyl and latex making it more comfortable to wear over long periods. Nitrile is latex free, non-allergenic and non-irritating. It is the perfect choice for demanding applications involving abrasives, sharp objects, solvents and most chemicals. Nitrile is the material of choice for use in the medical, auto industry, law enforcement tattoo industry, as well as gardening, hair colouring and all household use. Around the home, nitrile gloves can be used indoors or outdoors, in the kitchen or garage for lawn equipment repair, cleaning, personal care, painting, arts and crafts. Nitrile does not tear as easily as vinyl and feels more natural than both latex or vinyl. Meets or exceeds ASTM and FDA examination glove standards.

What some of our customers are saying about our Nitrile Gloves “I work in a hospital and have worn tens of thousands of pairs of gloves in the past 25 years. And I can say that these gloves are most certainly hospital quality.”

100% Safe: Allergen free, meets or exceeds ASTM and FDA examination glove standards

Premium Quality: Extremely durable and puncture resistance, highly elastic and more comfortable than latex and vinyl
Superior to latex, the ideal solution for individuals sensitive to natural rubber latex and donning powder
Ambidextrous: Fits right or left hand, Textured fingers for improved grip. Palm and fingers are contoured which provides a snug and secure fit
Dispenser pack: 100 gloves per box