Disposable coveralls are governed by specific standards to ensure they provide adequate protection in various hazardous environments. These standards vary between the EU and the USA but share common goals of safety and effectiveness.
EU Standards
In the EU, disposable coveralls are classified based on the type of protection they provide:
- Type 1 (EN 943-2): Gas-tight suits that protect against solid, liquid, and gaseous chemicals.
- Type 2 (EN 943-1): Non-gas-tight suits that protect against chemicals at overpressure.
- EN 14605 + EN 14126 (Type 3-B): Liquid-tight coveralls for protection against pressurized chemical liquids (e.g., sprays or jets). Must pass tests for liquid penetration resistance under pressure.
- EN 14605 + EN 14126 (Type 4-B): Spray-tight coveralls for non-pressurized liquid splashes (e.g., aerosols). Requires lower pressure resistance than Type 3.
- ISO 13982-1 + EN 14126 (Type 5-B): Protects against hazardous dust and solid particles (e.g., asbestos). Evaluated for particulate filtration efficiency.
- EN 13034 + EN 14126 (Type 6-B): For low-risk liquid splashes (e.g., light spray). Minimal pressure resistance required compared to Type 3/4.
Additionally, EN 14126 is a key standard for protection against infectious agents, ensuring that the coveralls protect against bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.
U.S. Standards
- ASTM F1670/F1671: Tests for synthetic blood and viral penetration, similar to ISO 16603/16604. Used for medical and emergency PPE.
- 29 CFR 1910.132: OSHA’s general PPE regulation requiring employers to assess hazards and provide appropriate coveralls. Performance standards are often industry-specific (e.g., NFPA for fire protection).
Asian Standards
- China (GB 19082-2009): Mandates liquid barrier properties (e.g., hydrostatic pressure, blood penetration) but lacks viral penetration requirements. Updated standards (YY/T 1499-2016) introduced viral testing.
- Japan (JIS T 8115): Aligns with EU types (3–6) but includes additional tests for biological agents (JIS T 8160/8161).
4. Other Regions
- India (IS 17423:2020): Based on ISO 16603 (Class 3, 3.5 kPa for synthetic blood) but lacks mandatory viral testing.
- International (ISO 22610/22612): Tests for microbial penetration (dry/wet) used in certifications like EN 14126.
5. Key Performance Criteria
- Liquid Barrier: Measured via hydrostatic pressure (AATCC 127) or synthetic blood tests.
- Seam Integrity: Critical for Type 3–6 coveralls; seams must resist penetration under pressure.
- Comfort & Durability: Includes breathability (EN ISO 11092) and tensile strength (e.g., DIN EN ISO 13934-1).
6. Selection Guidelines
- High-Risk (e.g., Chemicals): Use Type 3/4 with EN 14126 certification.
- Medical/Biological Hazards: Prioritize ASTM F1671 or ISO 16604 compliance.
- Low-Risk (Dust): Type 5 or 6 suffices.
Key Differences
- Classification: EU standards classify coveralls based on the type of exposure (e.g., gas, liquid, particle). In contrast, US standards are more focused on specific hazard types such as flame or chemical resistance.
- Testing Procedures: EU standards often require comprehensive testing against a variety of hazards (e.g., water, dust, biological agents), whereas US standards focus on specific environmental hazards like fire or chemical exposure.
