The name of our company, SHIELD Scientific, reflects the particular focus we have on the laboratory and high technology sectors. Our aim is to bring to these markets Personal Protective Equipment (PPE, laboratory gloves and cleanroom gloves) that for the first time is adapted to the needs of these segments. Indeed up until now, the products typically sold to the laboratory and high technology sectors originate from the medical or industrial field. Accordingly we have set five priorities for responding to the real needs of users in these sectors.

Protection Against Chemical Risk

We have discovered an aspect of the regulations that was not appreciated by some manufacturers, whilst others have chosen to ignore it. Manufacturers that have registered their gloves as Category III PPE (Complex Design) and have had their gloves tested against the 2003 version of the standards have overlooked the minimum liquid proof length requirement specified in EN 374-1:2003 and outlined in EN 420:2003 + A1:2009. The latter would entail gloves being respectively 250 mm and 260 mm for sizes 9 (Large) and 10 (X-Large). With the exception of long length gloves, at present few disposable glove manufacturers adhere to this regulatory requirement with the majority of standard gloves being 240 mm. The latter is the minimum length required for medical exam gloves. SHIELD Scientific is the first manufacturer to market gloves with a length of 260 mm providing superior wrist protection from chemical splashes.

Protection Against Micro-Biological Risk

We are amongst the first manufacturer to offer cleanroom gloves and laboratory gloves with an AQL of 0.65, which is the highest level of protection to penetration by microorganisms according to EN 374-2:2014 Level 3. The norm in the market is an AQL of 1.5 (EN 374-2:2014 Level 2). In an effort to enhance the barrier properties of our gloves to microorganisms, we additionally test them for resistance to viral penetration (ISO 16604:2004 procedure B / ASTM F1671-97b). This combination of benefits makes the SHIELDskin™ range the natural choice for all those in the laboratory exposed to micro-biological risks.