With the exponential growth in industrial applications of nanotechnologies and the corresponding increased risk of occupational exposure to nanomaterials, adoption of the precautionary principle is advisable. To apply this principle, personal protective equipment against nanoparticles must be made available, even though it should be regarded only as a last line of defence in an overall risk control strategy. In an effort to address the current lack of tools and knowledge in this area, a method was developed to measure the penetration of nanoparticles through protective glove materials under conditions simulating workplace use. These findings underscore the relevance and importance of pursuing research in this field. Future work will benefit from the willingness of other teams interested in protective equipment against nanoparticles to collaborate and share their expertise.