While wearing safety gloves on the job, workers shouldn't be thinking about whether or not their glove materials may be hazardous to their skin or about what goes into the actual manufacturing of their gloves. They should be focusing on their job task, trusting their gloves to protect their hands from not only application hazards - but potential health-related issues.
Instead, it's the manufacturer's responsibility to take the guesswork out of the equation and produce skin-safe products through vetted materials and innovative production processes.
That's why HexArmor® added select gloves to our Helix® glove series lineup that are skin-safe and void of harmful substances known to cause skin irritation. These select gloves meet three strict health-related standards that are well-known in the world of safety:
- Oeko-Tex Standard 100
- proDERM Certification
- REACH Compliance.
What exactly do these certifications mean and why do they matter? Let’s dig a little deeper...
REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals)
REACH is a European Union (EU) regulation that came into effect in 2007. It was set in place to improve the protection of human health and the environment from risks that can be posed by chemicals in products and the production of products.
Fun fact: the regulation took seven years to pass and has been described as “the most complex legislation in the EU’s history.”
In order to be REACH compliant, companies must prove that they can identify and manage the risks related to the substances they manufacture and market in the EU. Ultimately, the goal is to replace the most hazardous substances with less harmful ones. REACH compliance certifies products do not contain substances classified as toxic in any way.
Learn more about REACH standards here.
Helix® gloves that are REACH compliant: 1091, 1092, 2066, 2068X, 2080, 2082, 2083, 2085, 2086X, 2087, 2088, 3055
Oeko-Tex standard 100
The Oeko-Tex Standard 100 is a worldwide independent testing and certification system. It tests raw, semi-finished, and finished textile products as well as accessory materials used in products. Textiles and materials in gloves are tested stringently, guaranteeing that there are no substances that affect human health.
This specific testing system can identify and eliminate potential sources of substances that could be problematic at each processing stage.
Learn more about the Oeko-Tex standard 100 here.
Helix® gloves that meet the Oeko-Tex Standard 100: 2066, 3054, 3055
proDERM certification
proDERM is a leading international contract research organization. They specialize in conducting clinical studies in dermatology, among other fields. The proDERM Institute for Applied Dermatological Research measures and assesses skin tolerability and efficacy of products.
proDERM certification is awarded to gloves that are clinically tested and approved by the Institute. This certification rules materials free of silicones and solvents – making them safe for sensitive skin.
Learn more about the proDERM certification here.
Helix® gloves that have proDERM Certification: 2066, 3055
HexArmor® can help
While health certifications aren’t necessarily a requirement for safety gloves, it’s a step towards further transparency and keeping workers safe.
Have questions about any of these health certifications? Or interested in learning more about our skin-safe gloves?
Let us know if you need help or if you're ready to start a trial - our Solution Specialists are ready to work with you. Call 1-877-MY ARMOR or send us a message.
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