Polyco Taskmaster Natural Latex Gauntlets - EN374 Type A Chemical and Wet Handling

Who is this for

Natural latex chemical resistant gauntlets at this specification are used primarily by construction operatives, utilities maintenance workers, and janitorial contractors who require EN374 Type A protection against the range of chemical hazards encountered in construction, drainage, and industrial cleaning environments. The CAT III classification and dual CE and UKCA marking make these gauntlets suited to procurement teams specifying the highest risk classification PPE for construction frameworks and contracts where UKCA marking is required alongside COSHH compliance under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. The broad chemical resistance across eight tested substances covering acids, alkalis, solvents, and oxidising agents makes these gauntlets suited to construction and utilities environments where multiple chemical families are present in the same working shift.

Typical applications

• Surface treatment and preparation tasks on construction sites involving acid-based cleaning agents, cement accelerators, and solvent-based adhesives and primers where EN374 Type A protection is required by the COSHH assessment.

• Drainage installation and maintenance tasks in wet ground conditions involving contaminated water, biological waste, and chemical cleaning agents where both chemical and biological protection are required simultaneously.

• Utilities maintenance tasks involving chemical cleaning of pipework, valves, and infrastructure where acids, alkalis, and oxidising agents are used alongside wet handling conditions.

• Janitorial and deep cleaning tasks in commercial, institutional, and industrial environments involving concentrated cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, and sanitising agents covered by COSHH assessments.

• Waste management and local authority tasks involving mixed chemical and biological waste where protection against bacteria, fungi, and chemical contamination is required simultaneously.

• Food manufacturing and preparation environments where chemical cleaning between production runs and direct food contact with non-fatty foodstuffs occur in the same working environment.

How to use

Step 1: Select the correct size. The gauntlet must seat correctly at the fingertips with the cuff reaching at least 300mm up the forearm. An oversized gauntlet allows chemical run-back inside the cuff during immersion tasks.

Step 2: Inspect the latex coating thoroughly before each use. Check the fingertips, palm, knuckles, back of hand, and the full cuff surface for any cracking, pinholing, swelling, or discolouration. A single breach in the latex breaks the chemical protection barrier completely.

Step 3: Pull the gauntlet fully over the hand and up the forearm, ensuring the cuff seats flat against the forearm without folding. Any fold in the cuff creates a channel for chemical run-back during handling tasks.

Step 4: When doffing after chemical handling, grasp the outside of the gauntlet at the wrist. Peel away from the hand without touching the contaminated outer surface. Use the gloved hand to remove the second gauntlet by sliding an ungloved finger under the cuff from the inside.

Step 5: After use, rinse the outer latex surface under clean water to remove chemical residue before removing. Air dry fully before storing. Do not use solvent-based cleaners on the latex surface.

Step 6: Replace when any cracking, pinholing, swelling, tackiness, or discolouration of the latex coating is visible.

Common mistakes

• Assuming Type A covers all chemicals: EN374 Type A certifies protection against the eight specific chemicals tested, AKLMNPST. Performance against chemicals not in the tested list cannot be assumed. A COSHH assessment must confirm whether the specific chemicals in use on site are covered before specifying these gauntlets.

• Incorrect doffing technique after chemical exposure: Pulling from the fingertips risks skin contact with the contaminated outer surface. Always doff from the wrist, particularly after contact with acids, alkalis, and solvents encountered on construction and industrial sites.

• Ignoring early signs of chemical degradation: Swelling, tackiness, softening, or discolouration of the latex surface indicates chemical attack. Replace immediately at any physical change to the coating.

• Using for cut hazard tasks: The EN388 rating confirms low cut and puncture resistance. These gauntlets are not suitable for tasks involving sharp blades, sheet metal, or significant sharp-edge hazards present on construction sites.

• Operatives with latex or accelerator sensitivity using these gauntlets: These gauntlets contain natural latex and accelerator chemicals. Operatives with confirmed latex allergy or Type IV accelerator sensitivity must not use them.

• Selecting the wrong length for deep immersion tasks: At 300mm the gauntlet provides standard forearm coverage. For deep drainage, pit, or vessel cleaning tasks where chemical contact extends above 300mm up the forearm, a longer chemical gauntlet should be specified.

Safety

These gauntlets are certified to EN ISO 374-1:2016+A1:2018 Type A (AKLMNPST), EN ISO 374-5:2016, EN388:2016+A1:2018 (4131X), EN407:2020 (X1XXXX), and EN ISO 21420:2020 under UK PPE Regulations, CE and UKCA marked CAT III. CAT III is the highest risk classification, covering protection against serious or mortal risk including chemical exposure. Chemical protection covers only the eight tested substances, COSHH assessment must confirm suitability for specific chemicals in use on site. These gauntlets provide low cut and puncture resistance and must not be used for tasks involving significant cut hazard. They are not suitable for electrical hazard work or sustained heat beyond incidental 100°C contact. Contains natural latex, risk of anaphylactic reaction in sensitised individuals. Contains accelerator chemicals, risk of Type IV skin sensitisation. Avoid use near moving machinery where entanglement is a risk.

Maintenance

Rinse the outer latex surface under clean water after each use to remove chemical residue before doffing. Air dry fully at room temperature before storing. Do not use solvent-based cleaners on the latex surface. Store in dry conditions away from direct sunlight and extreme heat. Retain original packaging for reference. Inspect before each use. Replace when any cracking, pinholing, swelling, tackiness, or discolouration is visible. Shelf life is three years from manufacture when stored correctly. Dispose of contaminated gauntlets responsibly in accordance with local regulations and COSHH requirements for the chemicals involved.