Chem Splash

Protection against liquid chemicals

EN 13034-6:2005 Protection against liquid chemicals. Requirements for clothing that gives limited protection against liquid chemicals. (Type 6 clothing).

Introduction:

The fabrics used should meet the requirements of type 6 – partially splash-proof chemical protective clothing. This means that the fabric/garment protects the wearer against limited chemicals splashes. The European Standard for type 6 classification is EN 13034: 2005.This standard specifies the requirements and test methods for type 6 chemical protection suits for one-off and multiple uses.

The requirements set in this standard

• Clothing must meet the requirements stipulated in EN 340
• Clothing covered by this standard must pass the spray test

In the design, attention must be paid to preventing spatters from penetrating the clothing (via e.g. pocket fastenings, etc.). The requirements specified in ISO 11611 (welder’s clothing) serve as basis for this.

Classification of chemical clothing

• Type 1 Gas-tight chemical protective clothing
• Type 2 Non gas-tight chemical protective clothing
• Type 3 Liquid-proof chemical protective clothing
• Type 4 Spray-proof chemical protective clothing
• Type 5 Chemical protective clothing resistant to solid particulates
• Type 6 Partially splash-proof chemical protective clothing

The contents of this standard

The fabric is tested in various ways to determine its tensile strength and resistance to chemicals. In these tests, 4 solutions of chemicals (H2SO4, NaOH, n-heptane and isopropanol) are applied to a fabric sample. The quantities of liquid that drip off and that penetrate the fabric are determined and must be within the tolerances set in the standard.

One finished product (of each quality) must also be analysed in a so-called mannequin test. During this (spray) test, the wearer must perform 7 movements (described in the standard); the permeability of the garment to liquid chemicals is subsequently determined. The classes attained in the various tests must be listed in the user instructions.

A spray-testing model is not required for “type [PB6]” clothing (that provides partial body protection). This does not, however, include overalls. Other requirements in 13034 concerns: wear resistance, tear strength, tensile strength and seam strength.

The protective clothing has to fulfil the requirements against potential risks as a light spray, liquid aerosols or a small amount of chemical splashes. This standard is suitable for both; prolonged use of clothing as well as a standard for disposable clothing. In addition to various durability tests on fabrics and seams, such as tensile strength and tear resistance, chemical resistance is also tested. This assesses the repellent properties and the degree of penetration.

Tests on Fabrics/Garments are carried out as standard using 4 different chemicals

• NAOH            (2)H2SO4       (3)O-Xylene    (4)Butan-1-ol

Using what is called a “gutter test”, these chemicals are poured at an angle over the test material. The degree of penetration is then determined by measuring the weight and the degree of repellence. The standard has 3 classes for both as follows:

To comply with the standard, at least one of the four liquid chemicals is required to meet class 3 for repellence. For penetration, at least one of the four liquid chemicals is required to meet class 2.

The four selected chemicals (NAOH, H2SO4, o-Xylene, butan-1-ol) have been identified for these standard tests as generally being representative chemicals but they do not cover the dangers of all chemicals and concentrations that are used. We therefore always recommends that end users test the clothing they decide to use with the chemicals that are present in their work place and that wearers might be exposed to. It is preferable to carry out the gutter test method, but it may also be useful to carry out practical tests at the workplace to ensure suitability.