EN 420: The Standard In Glove Safety
If you've used work gloves in the past then you've probably come across EN 420 at some point. As the foundation regulation for safety glove manufacture, it's important you understand what's involved, whether you're buying for yourself or decking out an entire workforce.
We've put together this step-by-step guide together to break down this scary looking rating into nice, digestible chunks. Take a look below and use our navigation anchors to jump between sections depending on what you're looking for.
What Does Our Guide Cover?
Expert Product Recommendations
If you're looking for quick and easy EN 420 glove recommendations, look no further. We've got you covered below:
- Buying Guide: Buying the Right EN 420 Gloves
- EN 420 Waterproof Safety Gloves
- EN 420 Cut-Resistant Safety Gloves
- EN 420 Thermal Safety Gloves
- EN 420 High Dexterity Safety Gloves
- EN 420 Heat-Resistant Safety Gloves
Information Centre
If you're here for the information, you're in the right place. Click any of the anchors below to jump right in.
- Back to Basics: What Is EN 420?
- The Specifications: How Will a Glove Meet EN 420?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Back to Basics: What Is EN 420?
EN 420 is the basic standard underpinning the overwhelming majority of the gloves we sell. It covers both Disposable Gloves and Reusable Gloves and exists to enshrine the basics of glove manufacturing into one safety standard.
EN 420 covers quite a bit, however the main areas are:
- Innocuousness
- Anti-static and Water Vapour Resistance
- Packaging and Instructions
- Symbols and Signage
Our Buying Guide: Helping You Purchase Your EN 420 Gloves
To help you find the right gloves for you and your workforce, we've broken things down further. See below for some of our most popular EN 420 work safety and disposable gloves.
EN 420 Waterproof Gloves
Work doesn't stop when the weather takes a turn for the worse. If you're working outside in the rain, ensure you're wearing EN 420 accredited gloves that feature a waterproof membrane lining to keep your hands dry whilst you work.
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Ejendals Tegera 295 Waterproof Thermal Work Gloves
- Fully waterproof and insulated gloves for cold work
- Enables high flexibility, ideal for gripping and handling tools
- Designed to be durable and withstand harsh, cold conditions
- Price is per pair of gloves
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Skytec Argon Waterproof Thermal Gloves
- Thermal waterproof gloves for cold environments that reach as low as -50°C
- Flexible and grippy design perfect for handling icy materials and tools
- Enhanced protection on fingers and palm protects you from risks
- Price is per pair of gloves
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MaxiDry Zero Thermal Waterproof Gloves 56-451
- Thermal and waterproof gloves suitable for temperatures as low as -30°C
- Protect hands against cold, water, oil, heat, abrasion and tears
- Comfort, grip and flexibility ideal for many indoor and outdoor industries
- Price is per pair of gloves
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Ejendals Tegera 517 Thermal Windproof Waterproof Precision Work Gloves
- Windproof, thermal and waterproof winter gloves
- Ideal for precision, all-round, handling and cold weather tasks
- High comfort gloves that offer -10°C protection
- Price is per pair of gloves
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Portwest AP30 Nitrile Foam Coated Waterproof Handling Gloves
- Fully coated for maximum liquid protection
- Offers exceptional grip in wet and dry conditions
- Ergonomically designed to reduce hand fatigue
- Price shown is per pair of gloves
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Ejendals Tegera 296 Insulated Waterproof Work Gloves
- Price is per pair
- Winter-lined with Thinsulate 150g for use in cold environments
- Windproof and waterproof back for year round use
- Suitable for automotive and installation work
EN 420 Cut-Resistant Gloves
If you work with machinery, sharp material or blades, it's vital you wear gloves that protect against cuts, slashes and lacerations. The options our product experts have carefully selected below are all tested and certified under EN 420 and EN 388.
MaxiCut Ultra 44-3745 Cut-Resistant Palm-Coated Grip Gloves
- Pair of flexible and thin cut gloves with versatile protection
- Ideal for fine handling with sharp materials in dry environments
- Palm coating has a micro-cup finish to ensure powerful grip
- Form-fitting and ergonomic design for comfort and sensitivity
Skytec Sapphire XTREME Cut and Puncture Resistant Gloves
- Pair of lightweight work gloves with ultra fine liner for increased sensitivity
- High level puncture, abrasion, tear and cut, plus contact heat up to 100°C
- Seamless liner and breathable, flexible design for long lasting term comfort
- Micro-foam coating retains hand dexterity and gives you an excellent grip
Predator Emerald Cut Level C Safety Gloves PUUH
- Price is per pair
- Azura fabric provides maximum level of cut protection
- One piece cotton liner for added comfort and protection
- High level of abrasion resistance for peace of mind when handling abrasive materials
TraffiGlove TG6010 Cut-Resistant Utility Gloves
- Price is per pair of gloves
- Steel enthused anti-cut gloves for high risk environments
- X-Dura PU palm dipped coating for stronger grip
- Seamless knitted 15 gauge liner for enhanced breathability
MCR Safety CT1014NF Nitrile Foam Kevlar Level 5 Cut Resistant Gloves
- Price is per pair
- Made from cut resistant Kevlar
- Nitrile foam coating gives great grip in dry, wet and oily conditions
- Additional steel improves durability
EN 420 Thermal Gloves
It's impossible to work properly if your hands are numb, insensitive or frozen due to the cold. Take a look at our selections below if you're in the market for insulation-lined thermal gloves that meet all the basic requirements under EN 420.
Ejendals Tegera 517 Thermal Windproof Waterproof Precision Work Gloves
- Windproof, thermal and waterproof winter gloves
- Ideal for precision, all-round, handling and cold weather tasks
- High comfort gloves that offer -10°C protection
- Price is per pair of gloves
Skytec Argon Waterproof Thermal Gloves
- Thermal waterproof gloves for cold environments that reach as low as -50°C
- Flexible and grippy design perfect for handling icy materials and tools
- Enhanced protection on fingers and palm protects you from risks
- Price is per pair of gloves
MaxiDry Zero Thermal Waterproof Gloves 56-451
- Thermal and waterproof gloves suitable for temperatures as low as -30°C
- Protect hands against cold, water, oil, heat, abrasion and tears
- Comfort, grip and flexibility ideal for many indoor and outdoor industries
- Price is per pair of gloves
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Portwest A140 Thermal Grip Black and Yellow Gloves
- Offers excellent protection from cold conditions
- Crinkle latex grip enhances grip in all conditions
- Palm dipped design increases dexterity and ventilation
- Price shown is per pair of gloves
Ejendals Tegera 595 Thermal Waterproof Work Gloves
- Price is per pair
- Winter-lined with Thinsulate 200g for use in -50°C environments
- Fully waterproof for use in wet environments
- Suitable for marine work and hunting
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Polyco Armor Guard The Bear Cut and Impact Resistant Thermal Gloves
- Touchscreen impact resistant cut-safe safety gloves
- Ideal for cold weather and outdoor applications
- One of the most robust and versatile pairs available
- Waterproof, thermal and contact-cold resistant
EN 420 Dexterity Gloves
Dexterity is what allows you to interact with intricate and delicate material. Dexterity gloves feature less fabric, allowing your fingers to interact with switches, parts, knobs, nuts and bolts with ease.
These sleek and slender choices have all been tested and assessed under EN 420.
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Portwest A622 Level C Cut-Resistant PU Coated Gloves
- Level C cut resistant lightweight and flexible handling gloves
- Designed to withstand temperatures of 100°C
- Despite price, gloves are extremely long-lasting
- Price shown is per pair of gloves
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Portwest A120 Black PU Palm Gloves
- PU palm coating is ideal for general handling
- Sensitive design well suited to tactile tasks
- Available in a wide range of colours and sizes
- Price is per pair
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Supertouch Electron PU Coated Fixer Gloves 2876/2877
- Price is per pair of gloves
- Flexible and sensitive for assembly, tool handling and inspection
- PU coating offers a good level of grip for handling small items
- Elasticated cuff is ideal for larger hands
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Portwest A310 Flexo Grip Nitrile Red and Black Gloves
- Palm dipped design offers dexterity and ventilation
- Outstanding abrasion resistance means gloves are durable
- Pylon and nitrile liner ensures grip, protection and comfort
- Price shown is per pair of gloves
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MaxiDry 3/4 Coated Oil-Resistant Gloves 56-425
- Oil-resistant and water-resistant handling gloves
- Best suited to damp and oily working conditions
- Strong abrasion resistance protects hands and ensures longevity
- Price is per pair of gloves
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Polyco Pure Dex Nylon Inspection Gloves CR200
- Pair of highly dexterous inspection safe clean room gloves
- Ideal for professionals requiring dexterity and precision
- Listed price is per pair of gloves
- Low linting design prevents contamination and spoiling
EN 420 Heat-Resistant Gloves
Whether you're welding, cooking, baking or handling heated glass and metal, your hands are going to need a protective, heatproof barrier. All our heat-resistant gloves meet the requirements of EN 420. See below for a few of our favourites.
Portwest A622 Level C Cut-Resistant PU Coated Gloves
- Level C cut resistant lightweight and flexible handling gloves
- Designed to withstand temperatures of 100°C
- Despite price, gloves are extremely long-lasting
- Price shown is per pair of gloves
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Ejendals Tegera 17 Heat Resistant Gloves
- Price is per pair
- Withstands contact heat up to 100°C
- Good fingertip sensitivity for fine handling
- Suitable for mining and engineering
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Polyco Polyflex Plus Wear and Tear Contact Heat Safe Gloves
- Pair of 100°C contact-heat resistant work safety gloves
- Ideal choice for mechanics and automotive handling
- Foam nitrile coating excels against oil, grease and grime
- Highest abrasion resistance rating available under EN 388
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Portwest A620 PU Coated Cut Level B Heat-Resistant Grey Gloves
- High dexterity moderate risk heat-resistant work gloves
- Popular within handling, mechanics, and industrial workplaces
- Smooth PU lining offers a good level of grip
- Price is per pair of gloves
UCi Premium TIG Welding Gauntlets with Golden Cuff WG-TIG
- Leather gauntlets with excellent heat protection
- Suitable for hot, oily and greasy environments
- Designed to be durable and withstand harsh conditions
- Price is per pair of gloves
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Polyco Teflon Mitt Heat-Proof Kitchen and Kiln Gloves (Silver Mittens)
- Pair of heat-resistant mittens with Teflon coat
- Suitable for use with ovens and kilns
- Designed for contact-heat protection up to 250°C
- Colour-coded cuffs help to minimise risks of cross-contamination
The Specifications: How Does a Glove Meet EN 420?
Innocuousness
The first test is innocuousness, which ensures that the gloves will be comfortable, will fit, and will not damage the wearer. There are a number of sub-tests involved, which we've broken down below.
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Glove Length and Glove Size:
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The length of a glove is measured by suspending it from the middle finger and by placing a ruler inside the glove to remove any creases. The glove is then fitted onto a model hand that has the same dimensions as those that the glove is intended to fit, the purpose being to ensure that all gloves have a standardised size. Measurements can be found below:
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Standardised Glove Size
| Glove Size | Palm Circumference | Hand Length |
|---|---|---|
| Size 6 | 152mm | 160mm |
| Size 7 | 178mm | 171mm |
| Size 8 | 203mm | 182mm |
| Size 9 | 229mm | 192mm |
| Size 10 | 254mm | 204mm |
| Size 11 | 279mm | 215mm |
Standardised Glove Length
| Glove Size | Minimum Glove Length |
|---|---|
| Size 6 | 220mm |
| Size 7 | 230mm |
| Size 8 | 240mm |
| Size 9 | 250mm |
| Size 10 | 260mm |
| Size 11 | 270mm |
- Dexterity:
- A wearer will be required to pick up five pins with a diameter of between 5mm and 11mm. The smaller an item can be picked up, the higher dexterity the gloves will achieve.
- pH Value:
- A pH value will be determined to ensure safety in the hand. The pH value should be less than 9.5 but greater than 3.5.
- Chrome VI:
- The gloves must also not include dangerous metals such that can cause allergic reactions such as chromium.
- Chromium (VI) Content should be below detection (< 3mg/kg).
- Other Points:
- Gloves must offer the greatest possible degree of protection
- If the glove features seams, they should not reduce the performance of the glove
- Natural rubber gloves should be tested on extractable proteins to ensure they do not cause allergic reactions in the wearer
- If cleaning instructions are provided, the level of performance must not be reduced even after the maximum number of washes
Electrostatic and Water Vapour
If a glove is electrostatic or resistant to water vapour, then the gloves must undergo further testing.
- Electrostatic Gloves:
- Anti-Static Gloves shall be placed through electrostatic tests, the results of which will be reported within the instructions.
- An electrostatic pictogram should not be used.
- Water Vapour:
Packaging and Instructions
On either the packaging or instructions, you can expect to find certain information. This will include:
- The name of the manufacturer
- Glove sizes
- Appropriate pictograms to display EN standards and levels (these markings must remain clear through the life of the glove)
- Address of the manufacturer or representative
- It's intended application (e.g. for minimal risks only)
- If the protection is specific to a certain area (e.g. palm area only)
- Care and storage instructions
- A list of substances that are known to cause allergies and the name and address of the body that certified the product.
Symbols and Signage
Finally, all gloves that have been certified to EN 420 must include the EN 420 symbol. This will be on the back of the gloves and on the packaging. The symbol can be identified below:
The EN 420 symbol that must be placed on the back of all EN 420 certified gloves
The main point to remember is that all EN 420 gloves must meet the above standards for it to be tested to heat, cold, cut and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below we quick fire a few common questions that we get concerning EN 420. If you have any yourself, leave them in the comments below and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Are All Work Gloves Certified Under EN 420?
Most credible work gloves will be certified to EN 420. EN 420 is the hallmark of a good work glove, and if isn't certified to EN 420, the glove lends itself to being counterfeit. 99% of the work gloves that we sell here at SafetyGloves.co.uk will be certified to EN 420, something easily recognisable in the copy, conformity statement or on the gloves themselves.
There are a few exceptions, for example some Gardening Gloves or Cotton Gloves may not be certified to EN 420, however they will also use their own sizing guide and won't come with any standards. If you are completing a task with even a low level of risk, then using EN 420 gloves will guarantee durability and protection from your work gloves.
Can Disposable Gloves Also Be Certified to EN 420?
Most disposable gloves will be certified to EN 420. If a glove has standards, then it will be certified to EN 420. View our full disposable range below:
Do All Cut, Heat, Thermal, Chemical and Other Resistant Gloves Have to Meet EN 420?
Any glove that offers resistance against a hazard will be certified to EN 420. One of the few ways to ensure that a glove is resistant to the things that it says that it is, is by checking to see whether the glove is certified to EN 420. Below, are links to our full range of EN 420 rated gloves to each top category.
Do I Have to Use EN 420 Certified GLOVE At WORK?
Not necessarily, however you can't guarantee that the glove you are using will be up the standard that you expect. We can promise that all of the EN 420 gloves in our Reusable Gloves category are clearly labelled and marked either on the gloves, in the copy or in the conformity statement. The only exception may be with some Rigger Gloves, Gardening Gloves, Cotton Gloves and a few other minimal risk industry work gloves, however these will use their own sizing guide, won't come with any standards and aren't recommended for any task with any level of risk.
Where Do EN 388, EN 407, EN 374, and Other Standards Come Into It?
These other standards that you will see on our website are to test a gloves response to things such as heat, cold, chemicals, cuts and more. A glove MUST pass EN 420 before it passes any other standard. For more information on our most popular standards, please see the links below:
- EN 388: Mechanical Protection
- EN 407: Heat Resistance
- EN 374: Chemical Resistance
- EN 511: Cold Resistance and Water Resistance
- EN 455: Disposable Gloves
How Do I Know If a Glove Doesn't Meet EN 420?
If a glove doesn't meet EN 420, it will not come with a conformity statement, there will be no symbol and no standards will be present. 99% of the gloves that we sell meet EN 420 and will include a conformity statement at the bottom of the product listing.
Buy Your EN 420 Work Gloves Now
Hopefully you've a better idea of what EN 420 is and why it is important. Remember, EN 420 is the baseline for most work gloves and it ensures that your gloves is up to the standard that you expect from even the most average pair of work gloves.
Have any questions, or anything to add? Tell us in the comments below, or find us on Facebook and Twitter!
