Overview
ISO 374-5:2024 - Protective gloves against dangerous chemicals and micro-organisms, Part 5 - defines terminology, performance requirements and test methods for protective gloves intended to protect the user against micro‑organisms (bacteria, fungi and viruses). This second edition updates the 2016 version, aligns with ISO 21420 general glove requirements, and clarifies sampling, dexterity, penetration and marking rules for microbiological risks.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and terms: Clear definitions for bacteria, viruses, fungi and “protective gloves against micro‑organisms.”
- Sampling: Test specimens are taken from the palm area; for gloves ≥ 400 mm with protective cuffs, an additional sample near the cuff center (~80 mm from cuff end) is required. Seams in the hand area must be tested.
- Dexterity: Gloves must meet at least level 1 dexterity when tested per ISO 21420:2020+Amd 1:2022 (clause 6.2). The glove should allow as much dexterity as its purpose permits.
- Penetration resistance: The entire glove (fingers, palm, back and cuff) must show no leakage under ISO 374-2:2019 test procedures (clauses 7.2 and 7.3).
- Virus protection: When claimed, gloves must be tested per ISO 16604:2004, Procedure B using the Phi‑X174 bacteriophage and demonstrate no detectable transfer (<1 PFU/ml).
- Marking: The ISO 7000 graphical symbol for protection against micro‑organisms (ISO 7000‑2491) is mandatory. If viral protection is provided, the word “virus” must appear under the symbol. The optional information symbol (ISO 7000‑1641) may be used.
- Manufacturer information: Required labeling must state test scope; include warnings (laboratory conditions) and either decontamination instructions for reusable gloves or the warning “For single use only” if no decontamination guidance is supplied.
Applications and who uses this standard
ISO 374-5:2024 is used by:
- Glove manufacturers designing and certifying microbiological protective gloves
- PPE testing laboratories performing penetration, viral and dexterity tests
- Procurement and compliance teams in healthcare, clinical labs, biotech, pharmaceutical production, waste management, food processing and emergency response
- Occupational safety professionals specifying appropriate glove types for infection control and laboratory safety
Practical uses include selecting gloves for infection prevention, establishing procurement specifications, third‑party certification, and communicating correct use, reuse/decontamination and limitations to end users.
Related standards
Keywords: ISO 374-5:2024, protective gloves, micro-organisms, virus protection, bacterial protection, fungal protection, penetration testing, dexterity, PPE standards.