EN 421:2010
(Main)Protective gloves against ionizing radiation and radioactive contamination
Protective gloves against ionizing radiation and radioactive contamination
This European Standard specifies requirements and test methods for gloves to protect against ionizing radiation and radioactive contamination. The standard is applicable to gloves offering protection to the hand and various parts of the arm and shoulder. It applies also to gloves to be mounted in permanent containment enclosures.
This European Standard also applies to intermediary sleeves used between a glove and a permanent containment enclosure (report to 4.7.2.3).
The requirements of this European Standard do not apply to protective gloves against X-ray radiation.
Schutzhandschuhe gegen ionisierende Strahlung und radioaktive Kontamination
Diese Europäische Norm legt Anforderungen an und Prüfverfahren für Schutzhandschuhe gegen ionisierende Strahlung und radioaktive Kontamination fest. Die Norm gilt für Handschuhe, die die Hand und verschiedene Teile des Arms und der Schulter schützen. Sie gilt außerdem für Handschuhe, die in permanenten Umschließungen anzubringen sind. Diese Norm gilt auch für Übergangsärmel, die zwischen einem Handschuh und einer permanenten Umschließung eingesetzt werden (siehe 4.7.2.3). Die Anforderungen dieser Europäischen Norm gelten nicht für Schutzhandschuhe gegen Röntgenstrahlen.
Gants de protection contre les rayonnements ionisants et la contamination radioactive
La présente norme spécifie les exigences et les méthodes d'essai relatives aux gants de protection contre les
rayonnements ionisants et la contamination radioactive. La norme est applicable aux gants offrant une
protection pour la main et diverses parties du bras et de l'épaule. Elle s'applique également aux gants
destinés à être fixés sur des enceintes de confinement permanent.
La présente norme s'applique aussi aux manches intermédiaires utilisées entre un gant et une enceinte de
confinement permanent (voir 4.7.2.3).
Les exigences de la présente norme ne s’appliquent pas aux gants de protection contre les radiations des
rayons X.
Varovalne rokavice za zaščito pred ionizirnim sevanjem in radioaktivno kontaminacijo
Ta evropski standard določa zahteve in preskusne metode za rokavice, ki ščitijo pred ionizirnim sevanjem in radioaktivno kontaminacijo. Standard velja za rokavice, ki zagotavljajo zaščito za dlani in različne dele roke in ramena. Velja tudi za rokavice, nameščene v stalnih zadrževalnih ograjenih prostorih. Ta evropski standard velja tudi za vmesne rokave, ki se uporabljajo med rokavico in stalnim zadrževalnim ograjenim prostorom (sklic na 4.7.2.3). Zahteve tega evropskega standarda ne veljajo za varovalne rokavice za zaščito pred rentgenskim sevanjem.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 25-May-2010
- Withdrawal Date
- 29-Nov-2010
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 162 - Protective clothing including hand and arm protection and lifejackets
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 162/WG 8 - Protective gloves
- Current Stage
- 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
- Start Date
- 30-Jun-2023
- Completion Date
- 26-Oct-2025
Relations
- Effective Date
- 08-Jun-2022
Overview
EN 421:2010 is the CEN (European) standard that specifies requirements and test methods for protective gloves against ionizing radiation and radioactive contamination. It applies to gloves that protect the hand and parts of the arm and shoulder, including gloves intended to be mounted in permanent containment enclosures (gloveboxes) and intermediary sleeves used between a glove and a containment enclosure. The standard explicitly does not cover protective gloves against X‑ray radiation.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and applicability: Defines glove types covered (hand, arm, shoulder protection; containment enclosure gloves; intermediary sleeves).
- Design principles: Gloves may be single- or multi‑layered; materials are chosen by end‑use. For protection from external ionizing radiation, layers may include lead compounds or other heavy elements as attenuation media.
- Attenuation performance: Radiation attenuation is expressed as lead equivalent thickness. EN 421 specifies methods for determining lead equivalence and uniformity of protective material distribution (see test method 5.1).
- Glove integrity: Air‑leak integrity tests are required for containment and glovebox gloves to verify tightness and prevent radioactive contamination spread.
- Mechanical and chemical resistance: Mechanical performance (tear, abrasion, puncture) and chemical resistance requirements reference general glove standards (e.g., EN 388, EN 374).
- Ozone resistance: Static strain ozone cracking tests (ISO 1431‑1) are required where gloves are used in ozone‑containing atmospheres.
- Specific tests and methods: Includes procedures for lead equivalence detection (X‑ray film, numeric film, ionizing chamber), glove integrity (air leak test), ozone cracking, and pull tests for glove–sleeve assemblies.
- Marking and manufacturer information: Specifies required marking, supplied information and labelling; informative annexes cover water‑vapour permeability, warnings, special tests and measurement uncertainty.
- Normative references: Cross‑references key standards such as EN 420, EN 374, EN 388, EN 61331‑1, ISO 11933.
Applications and who uses it
EN 421:2010 is used to specify, design, test, certify and procure gloves for environments with ionizing radiation or radioactive contamination:
- Nuclear and radiological facilities (operations, maintenance)
- Research laboratories handling radioactive materials
- Pharmaceutical and isotope production facilities
- Manufacturers of radiation‑protective gloves, gloveboxes and containment systems
- PPE procurement officers, safety managers, and certification/testing laboratories
- Regulators and conformity assessment bodies assessing compliance with EU directives
Related standards
- EN 420 (general glove requirements)
- EN 374 (chemical/micro‑organism resistance)
- EN 388 (mechanical risks)
- EN 61331‑1 (attenuation properties for X‑radiation - referenced for methods)
- ISO 11933 (components for containment enclosures)
- ISO 1431‑1 (ozone resistance)
EN 421:2010 provides a practical framework for ensuring glove performance against radioactive contamination and ionizing radiation while aligning with broader PPE and containment component standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
EN 421:2010 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Protective gloves against ionizing radiation and radioactive contamination". This standard covers: This European Standard specifies requirements and test methods for gloves to protect against ionizing radiation and radioactive contamination. The standard is applicable to gloves offering protection to the hand and various parts of the arm and shoulder. It applies also to gloves to be mounted in permanent containment enclosures. This European Standard also applies to intermediary sleeves used between a glove and a permanent containment enclosure (report to 4.7.2.3). The requirements of this European Standard do not apply to protective gloves against X-ray radiation.
This European Standard specifies requirements and test methods for gloves to protect against ionizing radiation and radioactive contamination. The standard is applicable to gloves offering protection to the hand and various parts of the arm and shoulder. It applies also to gloves to be mounted in permanent containment enclosures. This European Standard also applies to intermediary sleeves used between a glove and a permanent containment enclosure (report to 4.7.2.3). The requirements of this European Standard do not apply to protective gloves against X-ray radiation.
EN 421:2010 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 13.280 - Radiation protection; 13.340.40 - Hand and arm protection. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 421:2010 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 421:1994. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN 421:2010 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: 2016/425, 89/686/EEC; Standardization Mandates: M/031. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
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Standards Content (Sample)
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.WLYQRNRQWDPLQDFLMRSchutzhandschuhe gegen ionisierende Strahlung und radioaktive KontaminationGants de protection contre les rayonnements ionisants et la contamination radioactiveProtective gloves against ionizing radiation and radioactive contamination13.340.40Varovanje dlani in rokHand and arm protection13.280Varstvo pred sevanjemRadiation protectionICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 421:2010SIST EN 421:2010en,fr,de01-oktober-2010SIST EN 421:2010SLOVENSKI
STANDARDSIST EN 421:19961DGRPHãþD
EUROPEAN STANDARD NORME EUROPÉENNE EUROPÄISCHE NORM
EN 421
May 2010 ICS 13.280; 13.340.40 Supersedes EN 421:1994English Version
Protective gloves against ionizing radiation and radioactive contamination
Gants de protection contre les rayonnements ionisants et la contamination radioactive
Schutzhandschuhe gegen ionisierende Strahlung und radioaktive Kontamination This European Standard was approved by CEN on 22 April 2010.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN Management Centre or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre:
Avenue Marnix 17,
B-1000 Brussels © 2010 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CEN national Members. Ref. No. EN 421:2010: ESIST EN 421:2010
Determination of water vapour permeability . 17A.1 Requirement for water vapour permeability . 17A.2 Test method . 17A.2.1 Principle . 17A.2.2 Apparatus and materials . 17A.2.3 Sampling . 19A.2.4 Procedure . 19A.2.5 Report, calculation and result . 20SIST EN 421:2010
Warning . 21B.1 General . 21B.2 Special tests: Chemical resistance . 21B.3 Special tests: Radiation resistance . 21Annex C (informative)
Uncertainty of measurement and results interpretation . 23Annex D (informative)
Significant technical changes between this European Standard and the previous edition . 25Annex ZA (informative)
Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential Requirements of EU Directive 89/686/EEC . 26Bibliography . 27 Figures Figure 1 — Examples of glove integrity test apparatus for the air leak test . 14Figure 2 — Pictogram ISO 7000 – 2484
Protection against particulate radioactive contamination . 15Figure 3 — Pictogram ISO 7000 – 2809
Protection against ionizing radiation . 16Figure A.1 — Diagram of dishes and templates (water vapour permeability test) . 18Figure C.1 — Result pass . 23Figure C.2 — Result fail . 23Figure C.3 — Result fail . 24 SIST EN 421:2010
Gloves Gloves for containment enclosures Protection against radioactive contamination Protection against radioactive contamination and protection against ionizing radiation Protection against radioactive contamination Protection against radioactive contamination and protection against ionizing radiation Requirements 4.2.1 X X X X 4.2.2 X X
4.3
X
X 4.4 X X
4.5 X X X X 4.6 ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ 4.7.2
X X 4.7.3
X X 4.7.4
‘‘‘‘ : optional requirement : mandatory if the gloves are used in an atmosphere containing ozone
4.2 Design principles 4.2.1 General principles The glove shall comply with the relevant requirements defined in EN 420, with the following specific additions. The glove may be constructed from a single or multiple material layers. The choice of material is defined by the end use requirements. In the case of protection against external ionizing radiation the glove may contain lead (PbO, Pb3O4) or other heavy metallic elements to act as attenuation medium in one or more of the layers. Metallic element distribution may be uniform or designed. 4.2.2 Glove sizing and dimensions Gloves shall be sized following prescriptions of EN 420:2003+A1:2009, 5.1. NOTE In case where specific use identified, special tests can be identified according to Annex B. 4.3 Attenuation efficiency and uniformity of distribution of protective material The lead equivalent thickness shall be measured by one of the methods described in 5.1. The test methods give equivalent results. The efficiency of the glove material to absorb radiation is quoted as lead equivalent thickness. The gloves shall have at least a lead equivalence thickness of 0,05 mm. SIST EN 421:2010
ISO 11933-2 shall be followed. Gloves used in containment enclosures are often used with under gloves. The user will have to take into account this parameter for the choice of an adapted size of equipment. NOTE ISO 11933-1 and ISO 11933-2 detail a list of characteristics of standardized gloves, glove ports, support rings, cell rings, etc. 4.7.2.3 Accessories used with gloves 4.7.2.3.1 Gloves equipped with a support ring In a few permanent containment enclosures, gloves can be equipped with a support ring. The support ring is considered as an integral part of the glove, and the whole equipment shall be tested according to the air leak test using a test bench equipped with a cell ring (see 4.7.3). 4.7.2.3.2 Sleeve Gloves mounted in permanent containment enclosures can be used with an intermediary sleeve, fixed between the glove and the containment enclosure. This sleeve is not considered as an integral part of the glove. It shall fulfill all requirements of this European Standard and shall be compatible with the glove used. The way of fixation between the glove and the sleeve and between the sleeve and the containment enclosure shall be detailed in the information supplied by the manufacturers. The sleeve shall be tested with one compatible glove as regards the integrity using the air leak test (see 4.7.3) Such an assemblage shall resist to a tensile strength test of 100 N according to 5.4. 4.7.3 Specific integrity test for gloves for containment enclosures The integrity of gloves used in containment enclosures shall be tested by the air leak test described in 5.2. The pressure shall not decrease by more than half the initial pressure. The initial pressure shall be mentioned in the instructions supplied by the manufacturer if it is different from 3 000 Pa. 4.7.4 Resistance to ozone cracking (static strain) When gloves can be exposed to ozone, the resistance to ozone cracking shall be determined. NOTE Powders emitting alpha particles can generate ozone containment enclosures. The performance level shall be determined by the method described in 5.3; at least level 1 of Table 2 shall be achieved. SIST EN 421:2010
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SIST EN 421:2010 표준 문서에 대한 리뷰는 이 문서가 방사선 및 방사성 오염으로부터 보호하기 위한 장갑에 대한 요구 사항과 시험 방법을 명확하게 규정하고 있다는 점에서 매우 중요하다는 것을 강조합니다. 이 표준은 손과 팔, 어깨의 다양한 부분을 보호할 수 있는 장갑에 적용되며, 영구적인 격리 시설에 장착할 수 있는 장갑에 대해서도 적용됩니다. 이러한 적용 범위는 방사선 노출 위험이 있는 작업 환경에서 해당 장갑의 사용을 더욱 강화하는 중요한 요소입니다. 이 표준의 강점은 장갑의 성능을 평가하기 위한 명확한 시험 방법이 포함되어 있어, 사용자가 장갑의 품질과 효과성을 쉽게 확인할 수 있다는 점입니다. 특히, 중간 슬리브에 대한 규정을 포함하여 장갑과 영구적인 격리 시설 간의 연결 상태에서도 안전성을 높이는 역할을 수행합니다. 또한, EN 421:2010 표준은 방사선의 종류에 따라 적용이 제한된 점을 명시하여, 사용자가 불필요한 혼란에 빠지지 않도록 돕고 있습니다. 이는 특정 상황에서 적용이 불가능한 의도하지 않은 사용을 방지하여, 사용자 안전을 극대화하는 데 기여합니다. 결론적으로, SIST EN 421:2010은 방사선과 방사성 오염으로부터 적절하게 보호하기 위한 장갑 개발과 선택에 있어 매우 중요한 기준으로, 이를 통해 현장에서의 안전성을 높이고, 작업자의 건강을 지키는 데 기여하고 있습니다.
標準EN 421:2010は、放射線および放射性汚染から手と腕、肩のさまざまな部位を保護するための手袋に関する要件と試験方法を明確に定義しています。この文書は、放射線防護の重要性が増す現代において、特に放射線作業に従事する労働者にとって非常に重要なものとなっています。 この標準の大きな強みは、手袋が放射線からの防護を提供するために必要な具体的な要件を示している点です。これにより製造業者は、適切な材料や設計を選定し、効果的な製品を開発することが可能になります。また、試験方法の明記は、設計された手袋が期待される性能を満たしていることを確認するための基準を提供します。 さらに、この標準は永続的な封じ込め構造内に装着する手袋に加え、手袋と封じ込め構造の間に使用される中間スリーブにも適用される点が特筆されます。これにより、放射線防護の全体的な効果を高めるための包括的なガイドラインが提供され、使用者の安全性向上に寄与しています。 ただし、EN 421:2010の要件はX線放射に対する保護手袋には適用されないため、ここには別の基準が必要であることを留意する必要があります。この明確な適用範囲の定義は、使用者や製造業者にとって、適切な製品を選択し、使用する上での混乱を避ける助けとなります。 全体として、EN 421:2010は放射線および放射性汚染からの防護を求めるさまざまな分野において、非常に関連性の高い標準であり、業界全体の安全性向上に寄与することが期待されます。
The EN 421:2010 standard addresses critical safety concerns by establishing comprehensive requirements and test methods for protective gloves against ionizing radiation and radioactive contamination. This standard is particularly significant as it covers gloves intended to safeguard not only the hands but also various parts of the arm and shoulder, ensuring extensive protection in environments where exposure to radiation is a concern. One of the strengths of EN 421:2010 is its specific focus on gloves that can be mounted in permanent containment enclosures. This feature addresses the need for enhanced safety measures in containment areas, where exposure to radioactive materials is potentially high. Additionally, the inclusion of intermediary sleeves between the gloves and containment enclosures demonstrates a thorough understanding of contamination prevention, further solidifying the standard’s comprehensiveness. The standard is highly relevant for industries and workplaces that deal with ionizing radiation and radioactive materials, as it outlines essential levels of protection that can be expected from protective gloves. Furthermore, by explicitly stating that the requirements do not apply to protective gloves against X-ray radiation, the standard delineates its scope clearly, which helps users select appropriate protective equipment based on their specific needs. Overall, EN 421:2010 stands as a vital document, equipping professionals with guidelines to ensure safety against ionizing radiation and radioactive contamination, ultimately enhancing workplace safety and health standards.
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