The Knowledge of Standard EN14605

Here’s a detailed breakdown of EN 14605, including what it covers, what products it applies to, and how it’s tested:


🔹 Introduction to EN 14605

  • Full Title: EN 14605 – Protective clothing against liquid chemicals – Performance requirements for clothing with liquid-tight (Type 3) or spray-tight (Type 4) connections
  • Scope: This standard defines the performance requirements for chemical protective clothing that provides full-body protection against liquid chemicals in liquid-tight or spray-tight forms.

It applies to both:

  • Type 3: Liquid-tight clothing (pressurized liquid spray)
  • Type 4: Spray-tight clothing (non-pressurized spray or fine mist)

🔹 Suitable For

EN 14605 applies to protective garments used in hazardous chemical environments, such as:

  • Chemical processing
  • Industrial cleaning
  • Agriculture (pesticide spraying)
  • Emergency response (e.g., chemical spills)
  • Waste management and sewer work

Garments include:

  • Full-body suits
  • One-piece coveralls with chemical-resistant joints and seams
  • Suits with tight or sealed interfaces to gloves, boots, hoods

⚠️ This standard does not cover protection against gaseous chemicals or particulates (which are addressed by EN 943 or EN 13982, respectively).


🔹 Types of Protection under EN 14605

TypeProtection LevelUse Case
Type 3Liquid-tight (jet-tight)Direct exposure to pressurized chemical jets
Type 4Spray-tightExposure to chemical sprays, mists, and splashes

These garments may include connections to gloves, boots, and respiratory protection and are tested as ensembles, not just individual fabric panels.


🔹 Labeling Example

A suit might be marked as:

EN 14605:2005+A1:2009 Type 3-B

  • Type 3: Liquid-tight
  • B: Indicates protection against biological hazards (optional if tested)

🔹 Testing Methods

PropertyTest StandardPurpose
Liquid-tight performance (Type 3)EN ISO 17491-3Garment is sprayed with liquid under pressure to assess leakage
Spray-tight performance (Type 4)EN ISO 17491-4, Method BGarment exposed to a fine spray mist to test spray resistance
Resistance of seamsEN ISO 13935-2Seam strength under stress
Penetration/repellency of liquidsEN ISO 6530Measures how well fabric repels or absorbs liquid chemicals
Resistance to permeationEN ISO 6529Measures time taken for chemicals to penetrate the material
Mechanical propertiesEN 530, ISO 7854, etc.Abrasion resistance, flex cracking, tear strength, puncture resistance
Compatibility with accessoriesVisual + functional testsEnsures sealed connections with gloves, boots, respirators

🧪 For Type 3, no leakage is allowed during the pressurized liquid spray test.
💧 For Type 4, limited inward leakage is acceptable during the mist spray test.


🔹 Additional Notes

  • The whole garment, including seams, closures, and interfaces, must be tested.
  • All chemical protection suits under EN 14605 must also meet general clothing standards like EN 13688.