Protective clothing
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Frequently asked questions
What does ISO 13688 mean on protective clothing?
ISO 13688 sets general requirements for protective clothing: sizing, innocuousness of materials, marking and information for users. On its own it does not certify protection against any specific hazard. Actual protection is shown by the specific standard marked alongside, such as heat, chemical or high-visibility.
How do chemical protective clothing Types 3, 4, 5 and 6 differ?
Under the European system, Type 3 resists liquid jets, Type 4 resists sprays, Type 5 resists dry particles and Type 6 resists light splashes. Disposable Type 5 and 6 coveralls suit dust and light splash, not pressurised sprays or immersion. Also check the fabric's permeation data for the exact chemical in use.
How are high-visibility garments classed?
Under ISO 20471, high-visibility clothing is Class 1 to 3 based on the area of fluorescent background and retroreflective tape, with Class 3 the largest. Areas with forklifts, trucks or roadside work typically need Class 2 or 3. Faded background fabric or peeling, dirty tape reduces visibility and means the garment should be replaced.
Are flame-resistant and arc-rated clothing the same?
Not exactly. Heat and flame clothing under ISO 11612 is tested against several forms of heat, while arc-rated clothing carries an ATPV or EBT value in cal/cm², which must exceed the calculated incident energy at the equipment. Ordinary cotton or polyester blends can ignite and melt onto skin in an arc event.
Does laundering affect protective clothing?
It can. Reflective tape and flame-resistant fabrics keep their performance only within the wash count and temperature on the label, and fabric softeners or bleach can reduce flame resistance. Garments contaminated with oil or flammable chemicals must be cleaned before reuse. Disposable coveralls are not laundered.
How should protective clothing be sized?
Choose the size from the height and chest measurements on the ISO 13688 label, not from everyday clothing size. Garments must allow bending, reaching and squatting without exposing wrists, ankles or the back. Chemical suits that are too tight split at the seams, while ones that are too loose can catch in machinery.
How should clothing be worn with gloves and boots to avoid gaps?
For liquid chemicals, sleeves should go over the gloves and trouser legs over the boots so that run-off does not enter. For overhead work, the cuffs can be taped. Interfaces between PPE items are the most common leak points, so the combination should be tested when selecting.
Can disposable coveralls be worn again?
They should not be. Disposable coveralls are designed for single use, and once contaminated or removed the fabric and seams can no longer be relied on. Chemically contaminated coveralls must be disposed of under the site's hazardous waste procedure.
