Protective clothing tested according to EN 13034 offers the wearer protection in environments where there is a risk of liquid chemical exposure such as a light mist spray, liquid aerosols, or low volume splashes.
Under the EN 13034 European standard, garments can be certified to Type 6 or Type PB [6], depending on whether the garment offers full or partial body protection.
The EN 13034 standard
EN 13034 is the European standard that specifies the requirements and test methods for Type 6 and Type 6PB garments. Protective clothing tested in alignment with this standard is suitable for use in areas where there is a risk of exposure to small quantities of liquid chemicals through light mist spray, liquid aerosols, or low volume splashes.
En 13034 approved protective clothing is suitable for protection against minor liquid chemical splashes such as Sulphuric acid H2SO4, 30% Sodium hydroxide, NaOH, 10% O-Xylene, and undiluted Butan-1-ol. As protective clothing under this standard only offers a limited protective function, they are only suitable for situations where a complete chemical barrier is not required.
The EN 13034 requirements and test methods
The test methods for EN 13034 assess the materials ability to repel chemical liquid and resist liquid penetration. One finished product of each sample must also undergo a ‘mannequin’ test where the permeability of the garment is tested while the wearer performs seven movements, as specified in the standard.
During the EN 13034 test methods, the garment is exposed to four different chemical solutions:
- Sulphuric Acid H2S04 30%
- Sodium Hydroxide NaHO 10%
- Undiluted O-xylene
- Undiluted Butan-1-ol
Garments tested under EN 13034 are subjected to a light spray test to determine liquid repellency and penetration resistance. The performance of the protective clothing during these tests will determine whether it is deemed to be class 1, 2, or 3 for each requirement.
|
Class |
Liquid repellency |
|
1 |
>80% |
|
2 |
>90% |
|
3 |
>95% |
|
Class |
Resistance to penetration |
|
1 |
<10% |
|
2 |
<5% |
|
3 |
<1% |
Other requirements within the EN 13034 standard include tests for abrasion resistance, tear resistance, tensile strength, flex cracking resistance, puncture resistance, and seam strength. These tests are conducted in accordance with EN14325 but are considered mandatory for EN 13034 certified garments.
Protective clothing tested to the EN 13034 standard will be categorised as Type 6 or Type PB [6] depending on whether the garment offers full or partial body protection.
EN 13034 Type 6
Garments tested to EN 13034 standard may be certified to type 6 standard. En 13034 Type 6 refers to full coverage protective clothing such as a complete suit or coverall. These full suits are tested in a laboratory on a mannequin using the light spray test method.
To meet the EN 13034-6 standard (Type 6), the protective clothing must have a repellent index of at least class 3 for one of the four tested chemicals and a penetration index of at least class 2 for one of the tested chemicals.
EN 13034 Type PB [6]
EN 13034 Type PB [6] is the standard variation for two-piece protective clothing, such as a jacket and trouser combination. The ‘PB’ in the variation name stands for Partial Body protection.
Each garment item will be tested in accordance with the EN 13034 testing methods. When worn together, the EN 13034 Type PB [6] protective clothing should offer the same level of protection against liquid chemicals as a full suit.
Washing EN 13034 protective clothing
The EN 13034 standard specifies the requirements and test methods for both multiple and single use garments. EN 13034 certified garments that are designed for multi-wear purposes will need to be retreated throughout their lifecycle to ensure they continue to provide protection.
When the tested protective clothing is new, the EN 13034 treatment is also new. This means the protective clothing will offer the maximum level of protection that it has been indexed to. Washing EN 13034 certified protective clothing will reduce the performance of the treatment. To ensure continued protection, the garment must be retreated.
When retreating EN 13034 protective clothing, be sure to follow the instructions detailed on your chosen garment. The retreatment process can be done in a domestic washing machine however it is best done professionally. Unless otherwise specified, EN 13034 garment will typically need retreating every fifth washing cycle.
