The European standard EN 13034 governs the requirements for a work garment to provide protection against the liquid chemicals. The EPI (Personal Protective Equipment) conforming to this standard are cataloged as category of type 6 and PB6. These are clothes reusable at limited uses which provide protection for workers exposed to low sprays, Has liquid aerosols or to light splash from chemical products. These clothes bring together 1 or 2 piece combinations or clothes protecting a certain Part of the body (jacket, apron, sleeves).
Risks and the personnel involved
The worker in contact with some chemical products must have a protection against the splash from dangerous products such thesulfuric acid, the caustic soda, the xylene or the butanol. The EPI of the standard EN 13034 offer a limited protection and are suitable for environments where the risk of exposure chemicals is relatively weak, but still present. To avoid risk for the health, are therefore concerned by the wearing of this type of PPE the professionals who work in an environment that requires handling of chemical risk products. We can cite the chemical industries, from pesticides, pharmaceuticals, the cosmetic laboratories or the industrial painting. It is the same for trades exposed Has chemical hazards combined with fire or others like petrochemicals, the tank cleaning, the industrial cleaning, the refinery, the metal processing where the energy transport.
The requirements of standard EN 13034
Standard EN 13034 concerns PPE for reduced protection against the low amounts of chemicals pulverized Where projected at low pressure and not very dangerous. To be compliant to the standard, PPE is subject to several tests.
the mechanical resistance test, to preserve heartbreaks, from perforations orabrasion. We also measure the tensile strength.
The test of resistance to the liquid penetration and repulsion.
For this, all of the seams, junctions and assemblages of a garment that are put to a test and verified. The test is carried out with thechemical application affected on the fabric to determine the quantity that pearls and the one who crosses the fabric. These quantities must stay below the imposed limits by the standard.
We categorize two types different garments in the standard ones EN 13034. First of all the type 6 for the full combinations (in 1 or 2 pieces) which protect thewhole body. Then the type clothes PB6 to same properties protection, but on a reduced surface. That is to say a partial body protection as in the case of protective aprons disposable or many overshoes disposable protective covers.
Additional protection
To go further, it is advisable to complete her outfit with other PPE to limit risks of chemical exposure. Like the protective gloves of the standard EN 374 for example. These last are ranked from 1 to 5 to determine the type of risk and resistance. It is also prudent to protect eyes with some eyeglasses Where visors placed under the standard IN 166.
As we have just seen, the standard EN 13034 allows you to protect against chemical risks for the professionals which are exposed to possible projections of hazardous components. A combination allied to gloves and goggles adequate will ensure a safe working.