BM Polyco Puncture Resistant Gloves - Catalogue - Reid Brothers

Laboratory TestsThe state-of-the-art Technology Centrelaboratories at BM Polyco are equipped tocarry out a range of tests on protective gloves.The chemical and physical test laboratories areaccredited by UKAS (United KingdomAccreditation Services) to ISO 17025.EN374-2 Determination of Resistance to PenetrationThis is the reference test specified by the European Standard for the assessment of glovequality. Gloves must pass this test in order to prove that they are an effective barrier againstliquids and micro-organisms.A statistical sample taken from a batch of gloves is subject to checks for pinholes and leaksby either inflation with air or by filling with water. Performance levels are assessed accordingto the acceptable quality levels (AQL) of the gloves. Gloves must meet at least level 2 ofEN374-2 to be considered micro-organism resistant.Level 1 2 3AQL 4.0 1.5 0.65EN374-3 Determination of Resistance to Permeation by ChemicalsResistance to permeation is assessed by measuring the time for a chemical to breakthroughthe glove material. Samples, cut from the palms of gloves, are placed in a permeation cellwhich enables the chemical to be placed in contact with the outer surface of the gloves.Collection air or water is passed through the cell to collect any chemical that has brokenthrough to the inside surface of the glove sample. Polyco laboratories are equipped with aFTIR spectrometer (to detect solvents), conductivity/pH electrodes (to detect acids, alkalis andsalts) and UV/Visible spectrophotometer (to detect high boiling point, water solublechemicals and solvents). To carry the chemical pictogram, products must now meet atleast performance level 2 when tested against three of the following chemicals:A Methanol B Acetone C Acetonitrile D DichloromethaneE Carbon disulphide F Toluene G Diethylamine H TetrahydrofuranI Ethyl acetate J n-Heptane K Sodium hydroxide 40% L Sulphuric acid 96%For gloves that do not meet these requirements, but do pass the leak test of EN374-2,the following pictogram may be used.Performance Level 1 2 3 4 5 6Breakthrough Time (min) >10 >30 >60 >120 >240 >480Performance levels are assessed according to the breakthrough times of the chemicals.7