Protective clothing against liquid chemicals (BS EN 13034)
ProGARM® produces garments to protect wearers against liquid chemicals in accordance with this European Standard. These garments are suitable for use in environments where there may be a risk of chemical splashes but where a total chemical barrier is not required – *PB = Partial Body Protection.
The EN 13034 standard specifies the requirements and test methods for Type 6 chemical protection suits for both one-off and multiple use applications. For other related accessories, such as gloves and boots, which are not an integral part of the suit, please refer to the corresponding product standards. Clothing in this category provides limited protection against small spatters or fumes of liquid chemicals. it is usually made of water-repellent, but not completely waterproof materials – within the ProGARM® range of products this is often achieved by the uses of chemical coatings such as Teflon® which repel the contaminants and in order to preserve these properties within the fabric of the garment, special washing and drying instructions should be adhered to.
About this EN Standard
The fabric is tested in various ways to determine its tensile strength and resistance to chemicals. In these tests, four different solutions of chemicals (Sulphuric Acid H2S04 30%, Sodium Hydroxide NaOH 30%, o-Xylene undiluted and Butan-1-ol undiluted) are applied to a fabric sample and the quantities of liquid that drip off and penetrate the fabric are measured and analysed must be within the tolerances set within the standard.
One finished product (of each quality) must also be analysed in a ‘mannequin’ test. During this spray test, the wearer must perform 7 movements (these are described in the standard) and the permeability of the garment to liquid chemicals is subsequently determined. The classes attained in the various tests must be clearly listed in the user instructions for the garment.
Where certified to EN 13034 ProGARM® garments are Type 6 garments and must undergo the Spray Test in order to display the EN pictogram for the standard on the User Information and garment Care Label. In some of our garments it should be noted that in some instances the fabric has been tested but the garment and seams have not. In this case, this is clearly marked on the Care Label and the EN pictogram is not shown. Other requirements within the EN 13034 standard include tests for water resistance, tear strength, tensile strength and seam strength. If 2 piece garments are to be worn such as a Trouser and Jacket combination it is important to ensure that both garments have been certified as a ‘set’ for the specified level of protection.
If chemicals are splashed onto a garment, the wearer should immediately move away from the affected area and carefully remove the garment, ensuring that the chemicals or liquids do not come into contact with any part of the skin. The garment must then be cleaned and assessed for future use or taken out of use.