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EN 421

Protection against ionizing radiation and radioactive contamination.

What is EN 421 standard?

This European Standard specifies the requirements and test methods for gloves that protect against ionizing radiation and radioactive contamination.

EN 421:2010 GLOVES THAT PROTECT AGAINST IONIZING RADIATION AND RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINATION

EN 421 explained

The standard applies to gloves that provide hand protection and protection for arms and shoulders, gloves that are mounted in permanent containment enclosures, and intermediary sleeves used between gloves and permanent containment enclosures (report to 4.7.2.3). The requirements of this European Standard do not apply to gloves that protect against X-ray radiation.

• To protect against radioactive contamination, the glove has to be liquid-proof and must pass the penetration test defined in EN 374.
• In addition, gloves used in containment enclosures must pass an air pressure leak test and must provide a high level of resistance against water vapour penetration (1 = most; 5= least).
• Materials may be modelled according to their resistance to ozone cracking. This test is optional and can be used as an aid in glove selection (1 = least; 4 = most).
• To protect from ionizing radiation, gloves must contain specific amounts of lead or equivalent metals (i.e., lead equivalence). Lead equivalence must be marked on each glove with a measurement in millimetres and a statement concerning test conditions.