Overview - ISO 18889:2019 for protective gloves (pesticides)
ISO 18889:2019 specifies minimum performance, classification and labelling requirements for gloves worn by pesticide operators and re-entry workers to protect the hands (and forearms where applicable) against contact with liquid pesticide products. It covers gloves made with elastomeric and polymeric materials, excludes protection against fumigants, and is intended to be used in conjunction with ISO 21420 (general glove requirements).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Glove classifications: Three categories - G1, G2 (whole-hand chemical resistant gloves) and GR (partial palm/fingertip protection for some re-entry tasks).
- G1: lower protection; not suitable for concentrated formulations or where mechanical risk exists (often single‑use).
- G2: higher protection; suitable for diluted and concentrated pesticides and tasks with mechanical risks.
- GR: palm/tip protection only, for re-entry work with dry or partially dry residues.
- Penetration testing: Integrity tests are required (references include EN 374‑2) to verify absence of pinholes and leaks.
- Permeation testing: Material-level permeation resistance is measured (ISO 374‑1 and ISO 19918 are used for low‑vapour active ingredients and pesticide surrogates). G2 and GR demand more stringent permeation performance than G1.
- Mechanical requirements: Abrasion, tear and puncture resistance thresholds are specified (ISO 23388 / ISO 23388:2018 referenced) for tasks where mechanical risk exists.
- Design and labelling: Requirements address glove length, coated area (for coated gloves), marking and manufacturer information to support correct selection and use.
- Supporting content: Sampling, test methods, and Annex A on risk assessment for selecting PPE are included.
Practical applications - who uses ISO 18889
- Glove manufacturers - design and test pesticide gloves to meet classification (G1, G2, GR) and labelling rules.
- Pesticide product registrants and formulators - define required PPE for product labels and safety data sheets.
- Safety professionals, trainers and employers - select appropriate gloves for tasks such as mixing/loading, application, equipment maintenance, and re-entry activities.
- Regulators and procurement teams - specify minimum performance for workplace PPE and compliance during inspections.
Practical value: ISO 18889 helps match glove selection to identified exposure risk (avoiding under‑ or over‑protection), supports regulatory compliance, and aligns lab testing to likely pesticide exposure scenarios.
Related standards
- ISO 21420 - Protective gloves - General requirements and test methods (to be used with ISO 18889)
- ISO 374‑1 / EN 374‑2 - Chemical resistance and penetration terminology/tests
- ISO 19918 - Cumulative permeation measurement for low‑vapour chemicals/pesticide surrogates
- ISO 23388 - Mechanical risk performance for protective gloves
Keywords: ISO 18889, protective gloves, pesticide operators, re-entry workers, permeation, penetration, G1, G2, GR, ISO 21420, pesticide PPE.
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