The European Union’s classification of disposable protective clothing into Type 1 to Type 6 is rooted in rigorous standards, each tailored to mitigate specific hazards. These classifications are defined by EN (European Norm) standards, which outline precise testing protocols, performance metrics, and use cases. Below is an expanded overview of each type:
Type 1: Gas-Tight Protective Suits (EN 943-1)
Type 1 suits represent the highest level of protection against hazardous substances, designed to be completely gas-tight to prevent any ingress of toxic gases, vapors, liquids, or solid particles.
Key Design Features:
- Fully encapsulating, with sealed seams, elasticated cuffs, and a gas-tight zipper to eliminate gaps.
- Often integrated with a respiratory protection system (e.g., a self-contained breathing apparatus, SCBA) to ensure the wearer breathes clean air, as the suit’s airtight design prevents ambient air intake.
- Made from heavy-duty, chemical-resistant materials such as butyl rubber or laminated fabrics, which resist degradation by highly toxic chemicals like chlorine, phosgene, or nerve agents.
Testing Requirements (EN 943-1):
- Undergoes rigorous leakage testing: The suit is pressurized with air, and any leakage (measured as air loss) must be below 0.5 liters per minute to qualify as gas-tight.
- Tested against penetration by liquid chemicals and solid particulates, ensuring no breakthrough even under prolonged exposure (up to 8 hours in simulated scenarios).
Typical Applications:
- Emergency response to chemical spills involving highly toxic or volatile substances (e.g., industrial accidents with hazardous gas leaks).
- Handling of warfare agents or lethal industrial chemicals in controlled environments (e.g., military decontamination or chemical manufacturing facilities).
- Laboratory work with Category 1 toxic substances, where even minimal exposure could cause severe health risks or fatalities.
Type 2: Non-Gas-Tight Protective Suits (EN 943-2)
Type 2 suits offer a lower level of protection compared to Type 1, focusing on limited gas resistance while maintaining effective defense against liquid splashes and solid particles.
Key Design Features:
- Non-hermetic (not fully sealed), allowing limited air exchange to reduce heat buildup during extended wear.
- Seams are welded or heat-sealed to resist liquid penetration, but the suit is not airtight—making it unsuitable for highly toxic gas environments.
- Constructed from materials like neoprene or PVC-coated fabrics, which provide moderate resistance to non-volatile liquids (e.g., acids, alkalis) and solid irritants.
Testing Requirements (EN 943-2):
- Evaluated for resistance to liquid penetration under pressure (up to 20 kPa) and must prevent 95% of splashed liquids from reaching the wearer’s skin.
- Gas resistance testing focuses on low-volatility gases (e.g., ammonia); the suit must reduce gas penetration to levels below acute toxicity thresholds.
Typical Applications:
- Routine handling of non-volatile chemicals in industrial settings (e.g., battery manufacturing or metal plating with sulfuric acid).
- Agricultural work involving moderately toxic pesticides (liquid formulations with low vapor pressure).
- Post-emergency decontamination phases, where gas concentrations have been reduced to non-lethal levels but liquid or solid residues remain.
Type 3: Liquid-Tight Protective Suits (EN 14605)
Type 3 suits are engineered to withstand high-pressure liquid jets, making them critical for environments where forceful liquid splashes pose a risk.
Key Design Features:
- Liquid-tight construction with reinforced seams and waterproof zippers to prevent penetration by pressurized liquids.
- Often include attached hoods, boot covers, and glove liners to ensure full-body protection against splashes.
- Made from lightweight but durable materials like polyurethane-coated nylon, balancing flexibility with resistance to oils, fuels, and aqueous solutions.
Testing Requirements (EN 14605):
- Subjected to a jet test: A 1.5-bar liquid stream (equivalent to pressure from a high-pressure hose) is directed at the suit from multiple angles. No liquid penetration is allowed for at least 10 minutes.
- Tested for tear resistance after liquid exposure to ensure the material remains intact under stress.
Typical Applications:
- Industrial cleaning with high-pressure water jets or chemical cleaners (e.g., tank cleaning in food processing plants).
- Firefighting operations involving flammable liquid spills (where water or foam is sprayed at high pressure).
- Oil and gas industry tasks, such as equipment maintenance with hydraulic fluids or crude oil.
Type 4: Aerosol-Tight Protective Suits (EN 14605)
Type 4 suits are designed to block liquid aerosols and fine mists, which can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin, making them essential for environments with airborne liquid droplets.
Key Design Features:
- Semi-encapsulating with a focus on filtering aerosol particles, featuring a hood with a face seal and elasticated openings to trap aerosols.
- Made from microporous films or SMS (spunbond-meltblown-spunbond) nonwovens, which repel liquid droplets while allowing limited breathability.
Testing Requirements (EN 14605):
- Aerosol penetration test: Exposed to a 3-bar aerosol stream (4.5 liters per minute) containing a fluorescent tracer. The suit must prevent over 99% of aerosols from reaching the interior.
- Evaluated for durability under repeated flexing (e.g., arm movements), ensuring the material does not crack or lose integrity.
Typical Applications:
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing, where airborne drug particles or solvent mists pose exposure risks.
- Pest control using aerosolized insecticides or fungicides.
- Laboratory work with volatile liquid reagents that form mists (e.g., sulfuric acid or formaldehyde).
Type 5: Solid Particle-Resistant Suits (EN ISO 13982-1)
Type 5 suits are specialized for protecting against solid particulates, particularly those in the 1–10 μm range—small enough to penetrate ordinary clothing but too large to be inhaled deeply into the lungs.
Key Design Features:
- Full-body coverage with a hood and tight-fitting cuffs to prevent particle ingress.
- Constructed from woven or non-woven fabrics with a dense structure (e.g., polypropylene) that acts as a physical barrier to particles.
- Lightweight and breathable to minimize heat stress during extended wear in dusty environments.
Testing Requirements (EN ISO 13982-1):
- article penetration test: Exposed to a controlled stream of talc or silica particles (1–10 μm). The suit must allow less than 5% of particles to pass through.
- Tested for abrasion resistance to ensure the fabric does not tear or fray when rubbed against rough surfaces (e.g., machinery or tools).
Typical Applications:
- Mining and quarrying, where silica dust or coal particles are prevalent.
- Construction work involving concrete cutting, sanding, or demolition (generating fine dust).
- Manufacturing processes with powdered materials (e.g., ceramic production or flour milling).
Type 6: Limited Liquid Mist Protection Suits (EN 13034)
Type 6 suits provide the lowest level of liquid protection among EU classifications, targeting light, non-pressurized liquid mists in low-risk scenarios.
Key Design Features:
- Loose-fitting, often disposable, made from lightweight nonwoven materials (e.g., SMS or polyethylene-coated polypropylene).
- Basic liquid repellency but no resistance to high-pressure splashes or aerosols.
- Designed for comfort and ease of use, with open collars and elasticated cuffs for quick donning and removal.
Testing Requirements (EN 13034):
- Mist penetration test: Exposed to a gentle spray of water or dilute detergents. The suit must prevent visible wetting of the inner surface for at least 5 minutes.
- Evaluated for tear strength to ensure it remains intact during routine movements (e.g., bending or lifting).
Typical Applications:
- Food processing (e.g., handling pre-packaged foods or washing produce with low-pressure water sprays).
- Janitorial work involving mild cleaning agents (e.g., window cleaners or disinfectant sprays).
- Routine healthcare tasks with minimal liquid exposure (e.g., administering oral medications or handling non-infectious waste).
Each EU type is defined by its ability to address specific hazards, ensuring users can select the appropriate suit based on the nature of the risk—whether it involves toxic gases, high-pressure liquids, or fine particles. Compliance with EN standards guarantees that these suits meet uniform performance criteria across the European market.
