Our customers tell us that product quality is one of the most important factors in choosing Arco as their supplier. They want to feel totally assured that the products we supply to them will keep their people safe.
Glove Quality and Product Assurance
Delivering high quality, safe and reliable protective gloves.
BSIF Registered Supplier
Unfortunately, non-approved falsely certified products which contravene safety legislation are sold in the UK. The BSIF monitor and regulate members by conducting regular audits to ensure their products meet the appropriate standards, fully complies with the PPE regulations and is appropriately CE marked.
As we are members of the BSIF Registered Safety Suppliers Scheme, you can be confident that we will only supply protective gloves that are genuine and compliant with the relevant standards and regulations.
With our core purpose to keep people safe at work, we are committed to delivering high quality, safe, compliant and reliable protective gloves.
Developing Standards for the Future
Arco is passionate about adhering to recognised quality standards. Furthermore, where we think that accepted practices and standards can be improved, we'll challenge them and strive to influence the development of new and improved standards, so they’re fit for purpose.
Membership of Safety Institutions
To improve standards for users, our Product Assurance team and members of numerous industry safety bodies including relevant British Standards Institution (BSI) committees and the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) working groups. Membership of these bodies allows Arco to highlight any issues with current standards and help shape changes when they're updated.
Our Product Assurance Laboratory
We are the first safety distributor to invest in our own, in-house, independently accredited Product Assurance Laboratory. Our Product Assurance laboratory team aim to provide our customers with a level of confidence which is second to none in our industry.
Independent Accreditation
To demonstrate our expertise and independence our laboratory is accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Services (UKAS) to ISO 17025.
We are accredited for a range of protective glove test methods. The Arco Product Assurance laboratory contains state-of-the-art equipment for the mechanical testing of gloves to the requirements of EN 388:2016, protective gloves against mechanical risks. Tests can be conducted to measure a glove's resistance to abrasion, blade cuts, tear and puncture.
Our new chemical laboratory can test gloves for degradation and permeation breakthrough for a wide range of chemicals and mixtures.
The 3 Risk Categories
The PPE Regulation specifies two classes of glove which meet two levels of risk 'mortal' or 'irreversible' risk and 'minimal' risk. A level of risk between these is described as 'intermediate'. Which category gloves are classified as being designer for determines the level of scrutiny they are subjected to, to ensure they meet the relevant standards.
Category 1: Gloves of Simple Design for Minimal Risk Only
Category 1 gloves are to be used to protect from low risks only, for example protection against superficial mechanical injury or weak cleaning solutions. There is no requirement for product testing or certification by a notified body.
Category 2: Gloves of Intermediate Design for Intermediate Risk
Gloves in this category fall between the other two categories. Gloves designed to protect against intermediate risks need to undergo testing and also be certified by an independent notified body. Each notified body has its own identification number. Only these approved bodies may issue a CE mark and their name and address must appear on the gloves' instructions for use.
Category 3: Gloves of Complex Design for Irreversible or Mortal Risk
Gloves in this category protect against the highest levels of risk, for example where the following hazards are present:
- Highly corrosive acids
- Harmful biological agents
- Ionising radiation
- Extreme temperatures
- Live electrical working
Gloves must be independently tested and certified by a Notified Body. The system of quality assurance used by the manufacturer to ensure consistency in their products and any final hand protection testing must be independently checked. The number identification for the body carrying out the evaluations should appear next to the CE mark.
Arco's Product Assurance Process
Our product assurance process ensures that our high-quality products and services are specified and tested by leading safety experts. This is designed to give you the utmost confidence that you're protecting your people and your business with the very best.
More from Arco
Safety Standards
When deciding which gloves to use for a particular task, it is important to select a glove that provides workers with the appropriate protection as demonstrated by the relevant European (EN) or British (BS) standard.
Advice and Support
Whether you need validation of the current gloves in use at your workplace, help with cost down initiatives, or recommendations for new safety procedures to keep up with changing legislation, Arco can help.
Recommended Products
Hand protection designed for a variety of industries, applications and hazards, ensuring you can find a glove that's perfectly matched to your needs.
Code:14T3700
CLEARANCE Arco Cut Control System E Foam Nitrile-Coated Cut-Resistant Gloves
€10.86
Pairs | Ex VAT Inc VAT
Code:14A5700
Arco Comfort Ultralight Foam Nitrile-Coated Work Gloves (Pack of 10)
€65.68
Pack | Ex VAT Inc VAT
Code:1450600
Skytec Utah Blue Powder-Free Nitrile Disposable Gloves (Box of 100)
€15.97
Box | Ex VAT Inc VAT
