Overview
ISO 374-5:2016 is an international standard defining terminology and performance requirements for protective gloves designed to guard users against risks posed by micro-organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), this standard sets essential testing methods and safety criteria to ensure gloves provide effective microbial protection. It complements other standards addressing chemical, mechanical, thermal, or electrostatic hazards.
The primary aim of ISO 374-5:2016 is to establish clear requirements that enable manufacturers and users to confidently assess glove performance in environments where exposure to harmful micro-organisms is a concern. This includes healthcare, laboratory, and various industrial sectors.
Key Topics
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Scope and Application
Specifies the requirements and test methods for gloves protecting against bacteria, viruses, and molds. For additional protections (chemical, mechanical, thermal), combined use with other relevant standards is recommended.
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Definitions
Clarifies critical microbiological terms like bacteria (unicellular prokaryotes), viruses (non-living parasites requiring host replication), and molds (eukaryotic fungi). These definitions guide consistent glove classification and testing.
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Sampling Procedures
Defines precise sampling locations for testing penetration resistance:
- Palm area for virus resistance tests
- Additional sampling near cuffs for gloves longer than 400mm
- In seams where applicable
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Performance Requirements
Gloves must meet general quality characteristics per EN 420, show no penetration by bacteria, fungi, or viruses during testing per EN 374-2 and EN 16604 methods, and demonstrate zero detectable viral transfer (bacteriophage Phi-X 174 method).
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Marking and Labeling
Gloves that meet specific performance criteria carry standardized pictograms indicating protection levels:
- Protection against bacteria and fungi
- Protection against viruses, bacteria, and fungi
Marking must comply with EN 420 to ensure clear communication to end users.
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Manufacturer Information
Includes necessary instructions and warnings, such as the disclaimer that lab-tested resistance may differ from actual workplace conditions, and specific notices if virus protection tests were not conducted.
Applications
ISO 374-5:2016 protective gloves are crucial in environments where exposure to infectious agents occurs:
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Healthcare and Medical Settings
Protect healthcare workers from bloodborne pathogens and infectious agents during patient care and laboratory work.
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Laboratory and Research Facilities
Provide barrier protection when handling microbiological samples to prevent contamination or infection.
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Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Industries
Ensure sterile handling and process safety when working with biological materials.
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Food Processing and Agriculture
Protect workers from microbial contamination and reduce cross-contamination risks.
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Cleaning and Waste Management
Offer protection against pathogens encountered in waste or biohazard handling.
Related Standards
ISO 374-5:2016 operates alongside other protective glove standards to cover the full spectrum of risk:
- EN 420:2009 – General requirements and test methods for protective gloves, including ergonomics and marking.
- EN 374-2:2014 – Test methods for determining resistance to penetration by micro-organisms.
- EN 16604:2004 – Specific test method for resistance to viral penetration using bacteriophage Phi-X 174.
- ISO 374-1:2016 – Terminology and performance requirements for chemical risks.
- EN 388 – Protection against mechanical risks.
- EN 407 – Protection against thermal risks.
- ISO 374-5 complements these standards to deliver comprehensive protection in diverse hazardous environments.
Keywords: ISO 374-5:2016, protective gloves, micro-organisms protection, bacteria resistant gloves, virus resistant gloves, fungal protection gloves, glove performance standards, EN 420, microbial penetration testing, glove marking, industrial safety gloves, healthcare gloves, laboratory gloves.
Open preview (PDF)Protective gloves against dangerous chemicals and micro-organisms — Part 5: Terminology and performance requirements for micro-organisms risks