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CSA B342-18: Standard for the Selection and Use of Chemical-Resistant Gloves
A Comprehensive Guide to Performance Requirements, Selection Criteria, and Compliance for Hand Protection Against Chemical Exposures
Scope and Application
CSA B342-18, officially titled Selection and Use of Chemical-Resistant Gloves, is a Canadian standard developed by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). It provides a comprehensive framework for choosing, using, and maintaining gloves that protect workers from dermal exposure to hazardous chemicals. The standard applies to all industrial, laboratory, and emergency-response environments where handling of corrosives, solvents, toxic substances, or other chemical agents poses a risk of skin contact.
First published in 2018 and reaffirmed in 2026, CSA B342-18 replaces earlier editions (B342-10) and aligns with current international test methods from ASTM and ISO. It is intended for safety professionals, industrial hygienists, and procurement personnel responsible for selecting appropriate glove materials (e.g., nitrile, neoprene, butyl, Viton, PVA) based on permeation, degradation, and breakthrough-time data.
The standard emphasises a risk-assessment approach:
- Identifying all chemicals potentially encountered (including mixtures and transient by-products).
- Determining the required level of protection based on exposure concentration, duration, and task.
- Evaluating glove performance data declared by manufacturers and verified by accredited laboratories.
- Implementing a formal glove-change schedule to avoid breakthrough.
CSA B342-18 does not cover protection against biological agents, radiological hazards, thermal extremes, or mechanical risks, though it notes that multi-hazard gloves must be tested against chemical permeation in addition to meeting other applicable standards.
Technical Requirements and Test Methods
CSA B342-18 defines specific performance metrics and references testing protocols to characterise chemical-resistant gloves. The central requirements are built around three key properties: permeation, breakthrough time, and degradation.
Permeation and Breakthrough Time
The standard adopts ASTM F739-12 (Standard Test Method for Permeation of Liquids and Gases through Protective Clothing Materials under Conditions of Continuous Contact) as the primary method for measuring permeation. A normalized breakthrough time (BTT) is reported in minutes, representing the elapsed time before the permeation rate reaches 0.1 µg/cm²/min or 1.0 µg/cm²/min (the criterion chosen depends on the chemical hazard classification). Gloves are classified into performance levels (1 to 6) based on BTT:
| Performance Level | Normalised Breakthrough Time (min) | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ≥ 10 | Low toxicity / splash protection |
| 2 | ≥ 30 | Intermittent contact with moderate hazard |
| 3 | ≥ 60 | Continuous exposure to hazardous chemicals |
| 4 | ≥ 120 | Extended contact with highly toxic or corrosive substances |
| 5 | ≥ 240 | Emergency response / hazmat operations |
| 6 | ≥ 480 | Long-duration operations (e.g., chemical disposal) |
Tip: CSA B342-18 requires that the breakthrough time be determined for each side of the glove separately (outer material facing the chemical, and inner layer if lined). For multilayered gloves, data must be reported for the assembly as a whole.
Degradation
Degradation testing measures physical changes (swelling, cracking, weight change, loss of elasticity) after exposure to a chemical. The standard uses ASTM D471 (rubber property – effect of liquids) and optionally EN 374-4 (determination of resistance to degradation by chemicals). A glove is considered acceptable if its tensile strength, elongation, and modulus remain within 80% of the unexposed material. The degradation index (DI) is rated from A (excellent, change < 10%) to E (severe, change > 50%).
Warning: Even if a glove meets the breakthrough time requirement, it may still be unsuitable for use if degradation causes unacceptable loss of dexterity or integrity. CSA B342-18 mandates that both permeation and degradation data be reviewed together.
Physical Requirements
All gloves classified under CSA B342-18 must also meet the general physical and dexterity requirements of the applicable CSA or ANSI/ISEA standards for cut, puncture, and tear resistance (e.g., CSA Z96, ANSI/ISEA 105). Thickness, length, and cuff style are specified for each glove size. The standard includes a mandatory marking requirement: each glove (or, if not feasible, the packaging) must display the manufacturer’s designation, lot number, chemical resistance performance level, and the phrase “CSA B342-18 CERTIFIED”.
Implementation Highlights
Successful application of CSA B342-18 in the workplace requires more than simply purchasing certified gloves. The standard outlines a structured implementation process:
- Chemical Inventory and Hazard Assessment – Document all chemicals in use, including trade names, concentrations, and potential mixtures. Consult Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for dermal hazard statements.
- Selection Matrix – Using the chemical-specific breakthrough data provided by the glove manufacturer (tested per ASTM F739), create a selection matrix. CSA B342-18 includes a normative annex with recommended BTT requirements for more than 300 chemicals common in Canadian industry.
- Glove Change Schedule – Define a maximum wear time not exceeding 25% of the normative breakthrough time of the glove-chemical combination. For example, if the BTT is 120 minutes, replace gloves after 30 minutes of continuous use.
- Training and Fit Testing – Workers must be trained in donning, doffing, and inspection procedures. A formal fit test for each glove size is recommended, especially for users who may be exposed to high-hazard chemicals (performance levels 4–6).
- Record Keeping – Retain certificates of compliance, test reports, and lot-specific traceability records for at least five years.
Best Practice: Use the “Glove Selection Workflow” provided in Annex B of CSA B342-18. It includes a decision tree that integrates the above steps and helps avoid common mistakes, such as relying on generic chemical resistance charts that do not account for glove thickness or manufacturer-specific compounding.
Compliance Notes and Certification
CSA B342-18 is referenced by Canadian provincial occupational health and safety regulations (e.g., Ontario Reg. 833, Alberta OHS Code) as a recognized standard for chemical protective gloves. Employers are expected to demonstrate due diligence by selecting gloves certified to this standard. Key compliance points include:
- Third-party testing required: The standard stipulates that permeation testing must be conducted by an ISO 17025-accredited laboratory. Manufacturer “self-certification” is not acceptable for performance levels 3 and above.
- Re-testing intervals: Glove materials must be re-tested every three years, or whenever a change in polymer formulation, production process, or raw material sourcing occurs. Lot-to-lot variability must be monitored via an ongoing quality assurance program.
- Marking and documentation: Each glove package must include a reference to the standard, the chemical(s) tested, the resulting breakthrough time, and the performance level. Gloves without clear markings should not be used for chemical protection.
Critical: A glove that is only certified to ASTM F739 alone (without CSA B342-18) does not meet the Canadian regulatory requirement if the jurisdiction explicitly references CSA B342-18. Always confirm that the product carries the CSA mark or includes a letter of compliance from the standard.
The standard also clarifies the relationship with international counterparts. While CSA B342-18 shares much of its technical content with EN ISO 374-1:2016 and ASTM F739, it includes additional Canadian-specific requirements, such as:
- Testing of mixtures (not just pure substances) when they form a proportion > 10% of the mixture.
- Lower acceptance thresholds for degradation (10% vs. 20% in EN 374-4).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does CSA B342-18 apply to gloves used for drug handling (pharmaceuticals) or chemotherapy agents?
A: Yes, the standard specifically includes a note that gloves intended for protection against pharmaceutical active ingredients are within scope when the substance presents a chemical hazard. However, it adds that for cytostatic drugs, additional testing per ASTM D6978 (Standard Practice for Assessment of Resistance of Medical Gloves to Permeation by Chemotherapy Drugs) is recommended as a supplement.
A: Yes, the standard specifically includes a note that gloves intended for protection against pharmaceutical active ingredients are within scope when the substance presents a chemical hazard. However, it adds that for cytostatic drugs, additional testing per ASTM D6978 (Standard Practice for Assessment of Resistance of Medical Gloves to Permeation by Chemotherapy Drugs) is recommended as a supplement.
Q: How often should gloves be re-evaluated under the standard?
A: CSA B342-18 requires a full re-evaluation (including permeation testing) every three years for each glove model and material combination. Additionally, any change in formulation, thickness, or manufacturer must trigger recertification. Employers should also review their selection matrix whenever new chemicals are introduced into the workplace.
A: CSA B342-18 requires a full re-evaluation (including permeation testing) every three years for each glove model and material combination. Additionally, any change in formulation, thickness, or manufacturer must trigger recertification. Employers should also review their selection matrix whenever new chemicals are introduced into the workplace.
Q: Can a glove certified to EN ISO 374 be used in place of CSA B342-18?
A: Not automatically. While the test methods are similar, CSA B342-18 has stricter degradation limits and requires testing with chemical mixtures. Many suppliers offer dual-certified gloves (EN 374 + CSA B342). Check the product documentation for the specific CSA mark or a compliance letter. Note: As of the 2026 reaffirmation, CSA B342-18 retains its own certification requirements, though harmonisation with ISO is ongoing.
A: Not automatically. While the test methods are similar, CSA B342-18 has stricter degradation limits and requires testing with chemical mixtures. Many suppliers offer dual-certified gloves (EN 374 + CSA B342). Check the product documentation for the specific CSA mark or a compliance letter. Note: As of the 2026 reaffirmation, CSA B342-18 retains its own certification requirements, though harmonisation with ISO is ongoing.
Q: What does the performance level “6” mean in practice?
A: Level 6 (breakthrough time ≥ 480 minutes) is intended for extreme hazard scenarios, such as handling concentrated hydrofluoric acid or chemical warfare agents. Gloves achieving this level are typically made of multiple layers or specially compounded elastomers. The standard warns that no glove is truly “impermeable,” and level 6 gloves must still be used with strict time limits and inspection protocols.
A: Level 6 (breakthrough time ≥ 480 minutes) is intended for extreme hazard scenarios, such as handling concentrated hydrofluoric acid or chemical warfare agents. Gloves achieving this level are typically made of multiple layers or specially compounded elastomers. The standard warns that no glove is truly “impermeable,” and level 6 gloves must still be used with strict time limits and inspection protocols.
This article is based on CSA B342-18 (December 2018 edition, reaffirmed 2026). Always refer to the official standard text for complete requirements and for any amendments issued after the publication date.