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.
- Type 3 (EN 14605): Liquid-tight suits protecting against strong, directed jets of liquid.
- Type 4 (EN 14605): Spray-tight suits for protection against liquid sprays not under pressure.
- Type 5 (EN ISO 13982-1): Particle-tight suits for protection against solid airborne particles.
- Type 6 (EN 13034): Limited splash-tight suits for protection against light splashes of liquid.
Additionally, EN 14126 is a key standard for protection against infectious agents, ensuring that the coveralls protect against bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.
USA Standards
In the USA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates the standards for disposable coveralls, outlined in 29 CFR §1910.132. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) also provide specific standards for different types of hazards:
- ANSI/ISEA 101-2014: Sets minimum size and labeling requirements for disposable coveralls.
- NFPA Standards: Cover specific hazards like flame resistance and arc resistance.
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.
Disposable Coverall Donning Instruction:
Conclusion
Both EU and US standards ensure that disposable coveralls provide essential protection for workers in hazardous environments. Understanding these standards helps in selecting the appropriate coveralls for specific needs, ensuring safety and compliance with regional regulations.
