KENYA STANDARD       KS 2409 -10: 201 8 
ICS ICS13.030.30; 13.340.40  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Health care wastes management 
commodities  
 
Part 10:  
 
Gloves for healthcare waste handling — 
Specification  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
©KEBS 201 8  First Edition 201 8 
 
PUBLIC REVIEW STANDARD  
 KS 2409 -10: 201 8 
 
ii  © KEBS 2018 — All rights reserved  NATIONAL WORKSHOP REPRESENTATION  
 
The following organi zations were represented on the National Workshop Agreement Meeting : 
 
City Council of Nairobi  
Coast Provincial General Hospital  
Nursing Council of Kenya  
Kenya Medical Supplies Agency  
Kenyatta National Hospital  
Ministry of Medical Services  
Kenya Expanded P rogrmme of Immunization  
Reprentative, Rural Health Facilities  
Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation  
Government Chemist 's Department  
Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital  
Path-Kenya  
Christian Health Association of Kenya  
Ministry of Public Health and Sanitat ion — Office of the Chief Public Health Officer  
Ministry of Medical Services — Office of the Chief Nursing Officer  
Ministry of Medical Services — Office of the Director of Medical Services  
Kenya Medical Scientific Technical Officers Ass ociation  
Kenya Me dical Research Institute  
Kenya Bureau of Standards  — Secretariat  
 
 
 
 
REVISION OF KENYA STANDARDS  
 
In order to keep abreast of progress in industry, Kenya Standards shall be regularly reviewed. Suggestions 
for improvements to published standards, addressed to the Managing Director, Kenya Bureau of Standards, 
are welcome.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
© Kenya Bureau of Standards, 20 12 
 
Copyright. Users are reminded that by virtue of Section 25 of the Copyright Act, Cap. 12 of 2001  of the Laws of Kenya, copyr ight 
subsists in all  Kenya Standards and except as provided under Section 26 of this Act, no Kenya Standard produced by Kenya Bureau of 
Standards may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system in any form or transmitted by any means without prior permission in  writing 
from t he Managing Director.  
 KENYA STANDARD        KS 2409 -10: 201 8 
ICS13.030.30; 13.340.40  
© KEBS 2018 — All rights reserved    iii  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Health care wastes management commodities  
 
Part 10:  
 
Gloves — Specification  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
KENYA BUREAU OF STANDARDS (KEBS)  
 
Head Office:  P.O. Box 54974, Nairobi -00200, Tel.: (+254  020) 605490, 602350, Fax: (+254 0 20)  604031  
E-Mail: info@kebs.org,  Web:http://www.kebs.org   
 
Coast Region     Lake Region          Rift Valley Region  
P.O. Box 99376, Mombasa -80100   P.O. Box 2949, Kisumu -40100        P.O. Box 2138, Nakuru -20100  
Tel.: (+254  041) 229563, 230939/40  Tel.: (+25 4 057) 23549, 22396        Tel.: (+254 051) 210553, 210555  
Fax: (+254  041) 229448    Fax: (+254 057) 21814  
 KS 2409 -10: 201 8 
 
iv  © KEBS 2018 — All rights reserved   
Foreword  
 
This National Workshop Agreement was prepared by the National Workshop Agreement meeting under the 
guidance of the Standards Projects Com mittee, and it is in accordance with the procedures of the Kenya 
Bureau of Standards.  
 
Cut resistant gloves  are gloves designed to protect the wearer's hands from cuts while working with sharp 
tools. They can be divided into metal mesh gloves, cut and sewn  and seamless knitted gloves.  
Metal mesh gloves are made of rings of stainless steel and are typically used in food applications, The cut 
and sewn gloves can be made by a cut resistant material or by conventional materials with full or palm lining 
of cut r esistant materials. The materials are cut to pieces and sewn into a glove.  
 
Seamless knitted gloves are knitted in one piece by a flat knitting machine. The cut protection is provided 
high performance materials such as Para aramid (Twaron, Kevlar), HPPE (H igh Performance Poly Ethylene, 
Dynema , Spectra ), special PVA yarns (SupraBlock) or steelfibre and fibreglass  yarns. Thick gloves are 
usually knitted on a 10gauge machine while thinner and more flexible styles are knitted on a 13gauge 
machine. The gloves are usually coated with solid or foamed Latex , Nitrile  or Polyurethane . 
 
The cut resistance is evaluated by the EN388 or the ISO 13997 standard. The EN388 use a circular rotating 
blade of 40mm diameter that rotates a gainst the direction of movement. The blade is moving back and forth 
over a small distance of about 50mm with load of 5N. The numbers of cut cycles are recorded and compared 
to a cotton control fabric. The cut resistance is rated between 0 -5 depending on t he number of cycles; “0”=0 -
1,2, “1”=1,2 -2,5, “2”=2,5 -5,0, “3”=5,0 -10,0, “4”=10,0 -20,0, “5”=20,0.  
 
The ISO 13997 based on an American ASTM standard use a razorblade with higher pressure that is pushed 
along the test specimen. This is also a Japanese JIS sta ndard in addition to the standards above.  
 
During the development of this National Workshop Agreement the follo wing standards were referred to:  
 
KS 1524:1999: Gloves — Surgical and examination gloves — Specification.  
 
BS EN 374 -2:1994: Methods of tests for  penetration resistance of gloves that protect against 
chemicals and/or micro -organisms.  
 
The assistance obtained from these sources is hereby acknowledged.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
KENYA STANDARD       KS 2409 -10: 201 8 
 
 
© KEBS 2018 — All rights reserved    1  
Health care wastes management commodities  
 
Part 10:  
 
Gloves for healthcare waste handling  — Specification  
 
 
1 Sope  
 
This part of this National Workshop Agreement prescribes the requirements and test methods for gloves for 
use by the health care waste handlers.  
 
2 Definitions  
 
For the purpose s of this National Workshop Agreement, the following  definitions shall apply.  
 
2.1 
heavy duty gloves  
are devices worn in the hands to cover the  palm and the upper arm /upto the elbow intended to  protect the 
person from risks  arising f rom handling health care wastes  
 
2.2 
protective glove against mechanical ri sks 
glove that provides protection against at least one of the following mechanical risks; a brasion, blade cut and 
puncture  
 
3 Requirements  
 
3.1 Const ruction  
 
3.1.1  Gloves shall be made of rubber , or leather or any material suitable for isolating the user from direct 
contact with healthcare waste  and heat . The glove shall be constructed from a single or multiple material 
layer.  
 
3.1.2  Leather gloves shall be insulated with aramid ,terrycord or cotton blends . 
 
3.2  Glove sizing  
 
The product shall be of four sizes based on the overall length and circumference of the palm and in 
accordance to Table 1.  
 
They s hall be designed for dexterity and comfort to allow for easy removal during emergencies.  
 
 
 KS 2409 -10: 201 8 
 
2   © KEBS 2018 — All rights reserved  Table 1 — Minimum d imensions  
 
Designation  Size 
Width, mm   Small Medium  Large  Extra  
90 95 105 110 
Length, mm 300  for all sizes  
     
Thickness, mm  for all sizes  
i) Finger 0.40  
ii) Palm 0.40      
 
NOTE   Gloves meeting the requirements for resistance to puncture may not be suitable for protection against sharply 
pointed objects such as hypodermic needles.  
 
3.3 Mechanical requirements  
 
Leather gloves shall not be easily punctured o r pierced by sharp objects and , not easy to tear . A protective 
glove against mechanical risks shall have a performance level of 1 or above for a t least one of the properties 
(abrasion, blade cut, tear and puncture) classified according to the minimum requirements for each level 
given  in Table 2 and when tested in accordan ce to BS EN  388, Protective gloves against mechanical risks . 
 
Table 2 — Level s of performances of gloves  
 
Sl no Characteristic  Level 1  
 Level 2  Level 3  Level 4  Level 5  
i) Abrasion resistance (No. of cycles)  100 
 500 2000  8000  - 
ii) Blade cut resistance (i ndex)  1.2 
 2.5 5.0 10.0 20.0 
iii) Tear resistance (N)  10 
 25 50 75 - 
iv) Puncture r esistance  20 60 100 150 - 
 
 KS 2409 -10: 201 8 
 
© KEBS 2018 — All rights reserved    3 
 
Figure 1 — Heavy duty glove  
 
 
 
 
3.4  Glove integrity  
 
The purpose of the glove to protect against heat and corrosive chemical is to isolate the user form the 
potential hazard when tested in accordance to the procedur e described in Annex A.  
 
3.5 Tensile strength   
 
Before accelerated aging, the rubber gloves shall conform to the physical requirement specified in Table 2.  
 
Table 2 — Minimum physical requirements  
 
Before aging  After accelerated aging  
  
Tensile strength
  Ultimate elongation  Tensile strength  Ultimate elongation  
 
10.0 mPa 500 % 7.5 mPa  375 % 
 
 
3.6 Resistance to penetration  
 
When rubber gloves are tested in accordance with the method described in Annex B, they shall not leak.  
 KS 2409 -10: 201 8 
 
4   © KEBS 2018 — All rights reserved  4 Sampling s cheme and criteri a for conformity for the heavy -duty gloves  
 
4.1 Lot 
 
In any consignment, all the heavy -duty gloves manufactured from same material under similar conditions of 
manufacturer, shall be grouped together to constitute a lot.  
 
4.2 For ascertaining the conformit y to this standard, samples of heavy -duty gloves shall be selected and 
tested separately for each lot.  
 
4.3 The number of gloves to be selected at random from a lot depending upon the size of the lot shall be 
in acc ordance with T able 3, Columns 1 and 2.  
 
Table 3 — Sample size and criteria for conformity for heavy -duty gloves  
 
Lot size  Sample size  Permissible  
(Number of gloves in a lot)  (Number of gloves to be 
selected in a sample)  Number of defectives  
 Up to 100  4 0 
 101-200 8 0 
 201 -300 12 1 
 301-400 16 3 
 401-500 20 3 
501 and above  40 5 
 
 
4.4 The heavy -duty gloves shall be selected at random from the lot and in order to ensure randomness 
of selection, random number tables may be used. As a first step, suitable number of packages (not less than 
10 % of the total number in the lot subject to a minimum of 5) shall be chosen at random from each of the 
packages so chosen. An approximately equal number of gloves shall be picked at random so as to obtain 
the required number of gloves for the sample. In c ase random number tables are not available, the 
procedure given in 4.4.1 may be adopted.  
 
4.4.1  Starting from any glove in the lot, count them as 1, 2, 3....up to rth and so in order, where r is the 
integral part of N/n (N being the lot size and n being th e number of gloves to be selected). Every rth glove 
thus counted shall be withdrawn to give sample for inspection.  
 
4.5  Number of tests and criteria for conformity  
 
The gloves  selected in accordance with 4.4.1 shall be examined. The lot shall be considere d as conforming 
to the requirements of this standard if the number of gloves  failing in any one or more of the requirements 
does not exceed the permissib le number given in  Table 3,  Column 3.  
 
5 Product marking . 
 
Each glove, pair or individual package shall  be legibly marked with the following particulars:  
 
i) size; 
ii) name and address of manufacture or supplier and or trade mark if any;  
iii) country of origin;  
iv) batch number  
 
6 Packaging  
 
Each pair shall be packed in a polythene easy peel pack . 
 KS 2409 -10: 201 8 
 
© KEBS 2018 — All rights reserved    5  
 
Annex A 
(normative)  
 
Determination of  rrresistance to permeation by chemicals  
 
A.1 Introduction  
 
A simple flow -through, two -compartment permeation cell, of standard dimensions, is used  to measure 
quantitatively the permeation of chemicals through protective glov e materials. Breakthrough time is 
measured and used as a measure of protection.  
 
A.2 Scope  
 
This National Workshop Agreement covers the determination of the resistance of protective glove materials 
to permeation by the potentially hazardous non -gaseous che micals under the condition of continuous 
contact.  
 
NOTE  It is emphasized that the test does not represent conditions likely to be found in service, and the use of test data 
should be restricted to comparing materials chiefly on a relative basis in broad ca tegories of breakthorugh times.  
 
A.3 Definitions  
 
A.3.1  
delay time  
time between actual arrival of the test chemical on the collecting side of the specimen and the time when the 
analytic al instrumentation can detec t it 
 
A.4 Principle  
 
The resistance of a pr otective glove material to permeation by a solid or liquid chemical is determined by 
measuring the breakthrough time of the chemical through the glove material.  
 
In the permeation test apparatus , the glove material partitions the test chemical from the col lecting medium.  
 
The collecting medium, which can be a gas or a liquid, is analysed quantitatively for its concentrattion of the 
chemical and thereby the amount of that chemical that has permeated the barrier as a function of time after 
its initial contact  with the glove materiial.  
 
A.5 Collecting media  
  
A.5.1  Liquid collecting medium  
 
Water or other liquid which does not influence the resistance of a material to permeation.  
 
NOTE  This liquid is circulated or stirred, and it is used for the collection of d iffused molecules of low volatility that are 
soluble in the collecting medium under the conditions of the test in sufficient quantities for analysis.  
 
A.6 Apparatus  
 
A.6.1   Test cell , the test apparatus consists of a two -compartment cell for contacting the  specimen with 
the test chemical on the specimen’s normal outside surface and with a collecting medium on the specimen’s 
normal inside surface.  
 KS 2409 -10: 201 8 
 
6   © KEBS 2018 — All rights reserved  A.6.1.1   The test cell, as shown in Figure A.1 and Figure A.2, constructed of two sections of glass pipe, each 
nominally sized  to an internal 51 mm diameter.  Materials other than glass may be used.  Such materials 
would be required for test involving chemicals (for example, hydrofluoric acid) which are incompatible with 
glass.  The section that is designated to con tain the test chemical is 22 mm in length.  The second section, 
which designated to contain the collecting medium, is 35 mm.  
 
 
 
 
Key 
a)  Replacable stirring rod to allow continuous monitoring with air or nitrogen  
b) Specimen  
c) Inlet 
d) Stop valve  
e) Fill level  
f) Challenge compartment for test chemical  
g) Aluminium flanges (test cell holder)  
h) PTFE seals (material specimen holder)  
i) Liquid air, glass sampling compartment for collecting medium (Total collecting volume =100 ml)  
 
Figure A.1 — Test cell/si de view  
 KS 2409 -10: 201 8 
 
© KEBS 2018 — All rights reserved    7 Dimensions in millimeters  
 
Key 
a)  PTFE stop valve  
b)  Inlet 
c)  Liquid or air sampling tube d) Outlet  
d)  Outlet  
 
 
Figure A.2 — Test cell/rear view  
 
A.6.1.1.1  One end of each glass section is sealed closed (for example, with a glass disk equiva lent in quality 
to that of the glass of the original sections).  
 
A.6.1.1.2  The opposite end of each glass section is fitt ed with connecting joints (see F igure A.1). 
 
A.6.1.1.3  Inlet and outlet ports with stop valves are added to ea ch glass section as shown  (see F igure s A.1 
and A.2). 
 
A.6.1.1.4  When assembled, the two glass sections are joined by aluminium or stainless steel flanges.  
 
A.6.1.2  A specimen is positioned betwe en the two flanges as shown in F igure A.1. When the specimen is in 
place, the test cell  is divided into two compartments.  
 
A.6.1.3  Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) gaskets are used in all joints.  
 
A.6.2 Alternative test cell , alternative test cells for conduction permeation determination can be used, 
provided that they have been found equivale nt with the cell described in A.6.1 (that is the reference cell).  
The equivalency shall be demonstrated by comparing the alternate cell with the reference cell.  The 
evaluation shall consider the precision and bias of breakthrough time.  
 
A.6.3  Temperature  controlled room,  cabinet or water bath, to maintain temperature constant to a tolerance 
of  ± 10C over the period of test.  
 
A.6.4  Compressed gas supply , (e.g. dry air, nitrogen or helium).  The gas supply is connected by pipework, 
including a regulator an d flowmeter to the inlet of the permeation cell.  The rate of flow through the reference 
cell shall be equivalent to 5 compartment volume change per minute ± 10%.  KS 2409 -10: 201 8 
 
8   © KEBS 2018 — All rights reserved  NOTE  The volume of the collecting compartment shall be measured accurately..  This can be don e by weighing the 
cell before and after filling this compartment with water.  For the reference cell the volume is 71 ml.  
 
The gas shall not be recirculated through the cell.  The required rate of flow may be obtained either by 
suitable control of the gas pressure at the inlet to the permeation cell or by providing a pump at the outlet 
from the analyser.  The choice of configuration is generally determined by the method of collection and/or 
detection of the test chemical.  
 
A.6.5  Liquid pump or stirrer,  the rate of flow or stirring shall be sufficient to assure that an adequate degree 
of mixing is produced.  The chosen flow rate shall be maintained constant to a tolerance of ± 10%.  
 
For closed loop systems with liquid collecting media, an adequate degree of m ixing level shall be assure d, if 
necessary by experimentation.  
 
No part of the pump, stirrer, or any associated apparatus shall contaminate the liquid to be passed through 
the flow compartment of the permeation cell.  
 
A.6.6   Equipment for measurement of th e mass of test chemical or its component in the gas or 
liquid collecting medium.  
 
The equipment may include instruments responding directly to changes in concentration in the stream of gas 
or liquid, absorbers and sampling equipment associated with specifi c analytical procedures.  
 
The analytical system shall have a minimum sensitivity for the test chemical or 1µg/cm2/min of exposed 
specimen. The maximum delay time should be 60 s. If the delay time is in excess of 60 s, the reported 
breakthrough time shall b e corrected with the total delay time.  In case of mixtures , the analytical equipment 
should be capable of detecting all relevant components.  
 
Whatever apparatus is coupled to the permeation cell to measure concentration in the collecting medium, the 
press ure and flow of the collected medium within permeation cell should be maintained constant.  
 
Suitable analytical techniques to detect the test chemical can included UV (ultraviolet) and IR (Infrared) 
spectrophotometry, gas and liquid chromatography, colorim etry, and radionuclide tagging detection counting.  
 
A.6.7   Stop clock,  capable of measuring to the nearest second.  
 
A.7  Test specimen  
 
A.7.1   Each material specimen to be tested shall have a minimum cross dimension of the same diameter 
as the flange of th e permeation cell (68 mm in the case of the reference cell).  
 
A.7.2   A minimum of three random specimens shall be tested for each type of glove. In the case of an 
irregular design , at least one specimen should be tested from the weakest point of the glove.  
 
NOTE  Irregular design elements can include partial overdips, seams, and differences in liner fabric.  
 
A.8  Procedure  
 
A.8.1   Calibration  
 
The response of the complete collected/analytical test system to the chemical is calibrated in order to 
determine t he analytical sensitivity and the delay time.  
 
A.8.2   Preparation of test specimens and apparatus  
 
The thickness is measured at the centre of each specimen according to the method given in ISO 4648 , 
Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic – Determination of di mensions of test pieces and products for test 
purposes . KS 2409 -10: 201 8 
 
© KEBS 2018 — All rights reserved    9  
The test specimen is mounted between the two halves of the permeation cell.  It should not be under tension 
when so positioned.  The outer surface of the glove material should be in contact with the test chemical.  The 
bolts of the assembly should be tightened to ensure the system is leaktight.  
 
The assembled permeation cell is placed in a temperature controlled room, cabinet or water bath (see A.6.3) 
at the specified temperature.  
 
A.8.3   The standar d test temperature shall be 23  0C ± 1  0C.  Additional tests may be run at other 
temperatures if they are relevant to the use of the gloves.  
 
The gas or liquid stream is connected to the cell and the flow adjusted to the required rate (see A.6.4 and 
A.6.5).  After the system has stabilized and connected to the detection equipment (see A.6.6) the flow is 
rechecked)  
 
A.8.4   Assessment of breakthrough time  
 
The breakthrough time is deemed to have occurred when the analytical equipment detects a permeation rate 
of 1 µg/cm2/min.  See A.8.5.2 and the formular  in A.8.5.3 . 
 
A.8.5   Procedure  
 
A.8.5.1   The test chemical, at the required test temperature is introduced into the challenge compartme nt of 
the permeation cell (see F igure A.1) and the stopclock (see A.6.7).  The compartment containing the test 
chemical shall be completely filled during the period of the test.  
 
A.8.5.2  According to the equipment used (see A.6.6) either the analysis measurements are taken 
continuously or discrete samples are withdrawn at suitabl e intervals of time.  In the latter case the mid -point 
in the time lapsing between the drawing of successive samples and the difference in recorded.   It is 
assumed that the entry of the test chemical into the collecting medium is constant.  
 
The permeation  rate is the concentration of the test chemical in collecting medium times the flow rate of 
collecting medium through the cell divided by the area of the specimen in contact (µg/cm2/min).  
 
A.8.5.3  Using a closed loop system breakthrough is deemed to have o ccurred when the calculated 
permeation rate reaches 1 µg/cm2/min.  
 
The average permeation rate between two subsequent samplings, when samples are withdrawn, analyzed, 
and replaced prior to further sampling or when the volume of discrete samples is insignif icant relative to the 
total volume(for example microlitre aliquots) or when the test chemical is measured in situ, is calculated as 
follows:  
 

A TTV CC
P
1  1  
i itii


 
 
The average permeation rate between two subsequent samplings, when discrete samples of si gnificant 
volume are removed from the collecting medium, is calculate as follows:  
 
 

A TTV  V CC
P
 1  - 1 -i  1  
iis T  i i

 
 
 
 
In case of replenishment of the collecting medium after each discrete sample the calculation becomes  
 
 KS 2409 -10: 201 8 
 
10   © KEBS 2018 — All rights reserved   
  
ATTVVV CC
P
   1  
i it s t i i


 
 
The following sy mbols have been used in the equations:  
 
P= permeation rate µg/cm2/min;  
 
A= area of the material specimen in contact in square centimeters;  
 
i= an indexing number assigned to each discrete sample, starting with I = 1 for the first sample;  
 
Ti= is the time a t which discrete sample I was removed in minutes;  
 
Ci= is the concentration of chemical in collecting medium at time Ti in micrograms per litre;  
 
Vt= total volume of the collection medium, in litres, and  
 
Vs= volume of discrete sample removed from the col lection medium, litres.  
 
NOTE   If permeation rates are observed to diminish with time, it is possible that the collecting medium is becoming 
saturated.  The method should be changed to an open system and the flow rate increased.  
 
A.8.5.4  Each test specimen  is inspected for physical changes such as signs of flaking, swelling, 
disintegration, embrittlement, discoloration, or other physical changes and the changes are noted.  
 
A.8.6  Expression of results  
 
A.8.6.1  The breakthrough time is reported, it s permeatio n takes place, in minutes for each sample.  The 
mean breakthrough time is also reported for each material type.  If no breakthrough takes place, the duration 
of the test is reported.  
 
A.8.6.2  The test temperature (in degrees Celsius) and the temperature ra nge during the test are reported.  
 
A.8.7   Repeat tests  
 
A.8.7.1  The results obtained for each test specimen (as described in A.8.6.1)  are assessed to see if they fall 
within ± 20  % of the mean.  
 
A.8.7.2   If the results lie within the range defined in the t est report is prepared as described in Clause A.9. 
 
A.8.7.3   If the results do not lie within the range defined in A.8.7.1  a second set of the test specimens ( see 
Clause A.7) are prepared and the tests are repeated as described in A.8.1 to A.8.6. 
 
A.8.7.4  If the results obtained from the second set of test specimen lie within the range defined in A.8.7.1 , 
then only these results are included in the test report (see Clause A.9). 
 
If the results obtained from the second set of test specimens do not lie with t he range defined in A.8.7.1  the 
shortest breakthrough time is reported instead of the mean.  
 
A.9  Test report  
 
A.9.1   For each protective glove material tested, a report is prepared that describes the resistance of the 
material to the test chemical at the test temperature.  
 
A.9.1.1   The manufacturer’s reference for the material submitted for test was taken is reported.  
 KS 2409 -10: 201 8 
 
© KEBS 2018 — All rights reserved    11 A.9.1.2   The particular part of a glove from which the material submitted for test was taken is reported.  
 
A.9.1.3   The thickness of each m aterial specimen to the nearest 0. 01 mm is reported.  The average 
thickness is calculated and reported for the specimens tested for each material type.  
 
A.9.1.4   The name of the test chemical is reported, and if it is multicomponent, the concentration of e ach 
component, if known.  
 
A.9.1. 5  The test results expressed according to A.8.6 are reported.  
 
A.9.2   Any physical changes observed of the test specimens (A.8.5.4)  are reported.  
 
A.9.3   For each protective glove material tested, the collecting medium, the  number of compartment 
volume changes per minute and the analytical technique used are reported.  
 
A.10  Assessment of precision and bias  
 
The inter laboratory average and standard deviation for measuring breakthrough time of acetone through 
neoprene (0.41 mm) is 13, 12 ± 0.72) min.  The difference between inter labo ratory standard deviation is 
3.03 min.  
 
 
 
 
 
 KS 2409 -10: 201 8 
 
12   © KEBS 2018 — All rights reserved  Annex B  
(normative)  
 
Determination of resistance to penetration  
 
B.1 Scope  
 
This annex  specifies a test method for the penetration resistance of glov es that protect against chemicals 
and/or micro -organisms.  
 
At this time it is believed that gloves which resist penetration, when tested according to this Part of KNWA , 
will form an effective barrier to micro -biological hazards.  
 
B.2  Principle of test  
 
The primary test is an air leak test.  
 
A glove is immersed in water, and its interior is pressurized with air. The leak is detected by a stream of air 
bubbles from the surface of the glove. This air leak procedure is not suitable for all gloves. For example  parts 
of some gloves may be over -inflated while other parts of the same gloves may only be partially inflated or not 
even filled at all with air. If the air leak test proves unsuitable, then a secondary test is carried out by filling a 
glove with water. A  leak is detected by the appearance of water droplets on the outside of the glove.  
 
For both methods disregard leaks within the area of 40 mm from the edge of cuff.  
 
B.3  Sampling  
 
The test sample will be one glove irrespective of how the gloves are packag ed, labelled, and offered for sale 
and use.  
 
B.4  Apparatus  
 
B.4.1  Air leak test  
 
B.4.1.1   A circular fixing mandrel, tapered with an  appropriate diameter range to effect an airtight seal with 
the glove to be tested. It should be capable of rotation thro ugh 3600.  
 
B.4.1.2  Means of air inflation.  
 
B.4.1.3  Water tank.  
 
B.4.1.4   Pressure gauge reading 0 kPa to 10 kPa.  
 
B.4.1.5  Means of regulating the desired pressure.  Figures B.1 and B.2 show an example of a suitable  
apparatus.  
 
B.4.2  Water leak test  
 
B.4.2.1  A clear open ended tube is fitted with a  hook at the upper end. The tube measures 380 mm in length 
and has a diameter wide enough to fit the gloves under test. It has a mark 40 mm from the lower end (see 
Figure 3).  
 
B.4.2.2   Elastic strapping with a ' touch and close' fastener or other fastening material.  
 
B.4.2.3   Stand with horizontal rod for hanging the hook end of the plastic tube (see Figure B.4). The 
supported rod shall be capable of taking the weight of the total number of gloves, that will be su spended at 
anyone time.  
 
B.4.2.4   An automatic water dispenser or manual device capable of delivering a minimum of 1000 m L water.  KS 2409 -10: 201 8 
 
© KEBS 2018 — All rights reserved    13 B.4.2.5   An alternative means of holding the glove may be used. The apparatus shall be capable of securing 
the glove on a mand rel, with a diameter appropriate to fit the glove, so that it can be filled with water to within 
40 mm from the edge of cuff. It shall be capable  of holding water in excess of  that required  to fill the glove.  
 
B.5 Procedure  
 
B.5.1  The sample and identity code, lot number,size, and brand are recorded.  
 
B.5.2 Air leak test  
 
B.5.2.1  Carefully remove the glove from the wrapper, box etc.  
 
B.5.2.2  Gloves are visually examined for tears, rips, and holes. If these are present, the gloves are reported 
as having fai led visual examination.  
 
B.5.2.3  The glove is fastened to the circular mandrel and is inflated under water at ambient temperature, with 
air, to a gauge pressure of X kPa (see T able 1) over water pressure at the fingertips (Le. X kPa + 1.0 kPa 
per 100 mm of  immersion). The inflation pressure tolerance shall be :i: 10 % and the immersion time shall be 
not less than 30 s.  
 
B.5.2.4  For gloves up to 400 mm in length the immersion shall be carried out with the hand vertically 
downwards so that the water covers th e maximum possible surface over the glove.  
 
For gloves over 400 mm in length the immersion is to be carried out, with the hand at a downward angle, to a 
vertical depth of (400 :i: 10) mm above the tip of the middle finger and so that the water covers the m aximum 
possible surface of the glove. Rotate the mandrel and examine the whole glove surface for the emergence of 
air bubbles  (see Figure B.2). 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Figure B.1 — Circular t est mandrel  
 
 
 
 
 
 
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14   © KEBS 2018 — All rights reserved  
 
 
 
Key 
a) Pressure gauge  0 Pressure gauge  
b) flexible pipes  g) Instrument panel  
c) Non return valve  h) Pressure regulator  
d) Circular fixing mandrel  i) Compressed air supply  
e) Water supply  j) Thnk  
 
Figure B.2 — Typical arrangement of air pressure testing apparatus  
 
B.5.2.5  If this test cannot be successfully complete d (see Clause B.2) discard the sample and carry out the 
following procedure on a fresh sample.  
 
B.5.3  Water leak test  
 
B.5.3.1   Carefully remove the glove from the  wrapper, box , etc. 
 
B.5.3.2   Gloves are visually examined for tears, rips and holes. If the se are present the gloves are reported 
as having failed visual examination.  
 
B.5.3.3   The glove is attached to open -ended plastic tube by bringing the edge of t he cuff to the 40 mm mark 
(see F igure B.3) and fastening it with the elastic strap to make a wat ertight seal.  
 
B.5.3.4   1000 mL of water is added through the tube to fill the glove completely and to reach the 40 mm 
mark level. The water shall be at ambient temperature.  
 
It may be necessary to add in excess of 1000 m L to fill the glove and tube to the  40 mm mark.  
 
NOTE 1  Some of the 1000 ml of water may remain in the fill tube depending on the glove being tested.  
 
NOTE 2  If it is required, the glove may be supported by some suitable means in order to avoid excessive distortion from the weight o f 
water.  
 
B.5.3.5   The gloves are examined immediately for water leaks. The glove should not be squeezed. Only a 
minimal handling is required to detect leaks. Water droplets may be blotted to confirm leakage, or talcum 
powder may be used to enhance droplet visibil ity. 
 KS 2409 -10: 201 8 
 
© KEBS 2018 — All rights reserved    15 B.5.3.6   If the glove does not leak immediately, the tube with the glove attached is suspended vertically (see 
Figure B.4) and re -examined 2 min after the initial addition of water. Again, using minimum handling, the 
glove surface is checked for leak s. 
 
B.6 Test report  
 
Record whether the glove passes or fails.  
 
 
 
 
Figure B.3 — Filltube with a hook  
 
 
 
 
 
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16   © KEBS 2018 — All rights reserved   
 
 
 
Figure B.4 — Stand for suspending filltube