Specifies the requirements for filtering half and full face masks for respiratory protection. Half masks cover the mouth and nose, while full face masks cover the entire face. The protection classes of the masks are differentiated based on the maximum workplace concentration (= MAK value):
FFP1: Half masks with protection up to 4 times the maximum permitted workplace concentration.
FFP2: Half masks with protection up to 10 times the maximum permitted workplace concentration (full face masks up to 15 times).
FFP3: Half masks with protection up to 30 times the maximum permitted workplace concentration (full face masks up to 400 times).
Defines the requirements for clothing protecting against rain. For this, water penetration resistance and breathability are determined and divided into three classes, with 3 being the highest level:
Water penetration resistance:
Class 1: -
Class 2: > 800 mmH2O
Class 3: > 1,300 mmH2O
Class 4: >= 20,000 mmH2O
Water vapour resistance:
Class 1: Ret over 150
Class 2: < 20 Ret ≤ 40
Class 3: Ret < 20
Class 4: Ret < 10
R or X: R means the product has been tested for rain from above; X means this test was not carried out.
This standard consists of several parts.
EN 374-1 Terminology and performance requirements
In the norm DIN EN ISO 374-1, requirements for protective gloves against dangerous chemicals are specified. It applies in conjunction with the basic standard DIN EN 420 (general requirements). A total of three performance types are distinguished:
Type classes Type
A: Protective glove has a permeation resistance of at least 30 minutes each for at least 6 test chemicals.
Type B: Protective glove has a permeation resistance of at least 30 minutes each for at least 3 test chemicals.
Type C: Protective glove has a permeation resistance of at least 10 minutes for at least 1 test chemical.
EN 374-2 Protective gloves against dangerous chemicals and micro-organisms
Determination of resistance to penetration
EN 374-3 Protective gloves against chemicals and micro-organisms
Determination of resistance of materials to permeation by chemicals
EN 374-4 Protective gloves against chemicals and micro-organisms
Determination of resistance to degradation by chemicals
EN 374-5 Protective gloves against dangerous chemicals and micro-organisms
The standard describes the terminology and performance requirements for risks caused by micro-organisms. Two types are distinguished here:
-> Protective gloves against bacteria and fungi
-> Protective gloves against bacteria, fungi and viruses
The standard is clearly marked on the glove by the "protection against micro-organisms" pictogram. For protection against viruses, the word "VIRUS" is added below the pictogram. In this case, the leak-tightness against penetration by the Phi-X174 bacteriophage was tested.
Part 1: Test rig for testing the resistance to chainsaw cuts
Part 2: Test methods for leg protection
Part 3: Test methods for footwear
Part 4: Test methods for protective gloves for chainsaws
Part 5: Requirements for leg protection
Type A: Is a front protection that covers each leg partially (180°) and an extra 5 cm to the inner part of the right leg and 5 cm of the outer part of the right leg.
Type B: Identical to Type A, but has an additional 5 cm extra protection on the inside of the left leg.
Type C: Covers each leg all around. The protection begins at the hem of the trouser leg and ends 20 cm above the crotch at the front and at least 50 cm below the waistband at the back.
Part 7: Requirements for protective gloves for chainsaws
Part 8: Test methods for protective gaiters for chainsaws
Part 9: Requirements for protective gaiters for chainsaws
Part 10: Test methods for upper body protective equipment
Part 11: Requirements for upper body protective equipment
For both the front and the back of the jacket, the standard defines a minimum area of the protective inlay on the shoulders, sleeves, and chest. On the front of the sleeves, the protective inlay must cover at least 80% of the total surface, and the unprotected surface of the sleeves must not be more than 70 mm (measured from the sleeve hem).
Performance levels according to EN 388
| Performance levels according to EN 388 |
Performance indicator |
|
|
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
| a |
► Abrasion resistance: 0 to 4 (cycles) |
< 100 |
100 |
500 |
2000 |
8000 |
|
| b |
► Cut resistance: 0 to 5 (factor) |
< 1.2 |
1.2 |
2.5 |
5.0 |
10.0 |
20.0 |
| c |
► Tear resistance: 0 to 4 (Newton) |
< 1.2 |
10 |
25 |
50 |
75 |
|
| d |
► Puncture resistance: 0 to 4 (Newton) |
< 20 |
20 |
60 |
100 |
150 |
|
| e |
► Cut resistance (TDM) according to EN ISO 13997:1999: A to F (Newton) |
2 |
5 |
10 |
15 |
22 |
30 |
| f |
► Impact protection test: P |
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are significant differences in the test procedure and the resulting findings between the two variants of cut protection (straight or round blade). Since the results vary greatly between the two methods, the test values must also be considered independently of one each other.
The test method with round blades is better suited for assessing protection when working with light, sharp objects, while the test with straight blades provides better assessments for work involving different force applications or impact-like risks.
Within this standard, gloves are tested for protection against thermal risks. These include, among others, contact heat, radiant heat, and splashes. The content of the test includes the following criteria:
Performance levels according to EN 407
| Test criteria according to EN 407 |
Performance levels |
|
|
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
| a |
► Burning behaviour |
Level 0 to 4 |
| b |
► Contact heat |
Level 0 to 4 |
| c |
► Convective heat |
Level 0 to 4 |
| d |
► Radiant heat |
Level 0 to 4 |
| e |
► Small splashes of molten metal |
Level 0 to 4 |
| f |
► Large quantities of molten metal |
Level 0 to 4 |
Higher values indicate a better test result. The value "X" indicates that the glove was not tested according to this criterion. With a value of <3, such a glove must not come into contact with open flames.
This standard specifies the general requirements for protective gloves. These requirements include design principles, construction, material resistance to water penetration, harmlessness, comfort, performance, manufacturer markings, and the information to be provided by the manufacturer.
The European standard EN 421 specifies the requirements and test methods for protective gloves against ionizing radiation and radioactive contamination.
Requirements of the standard EN 421
-> liquid-tight as well as passing the penetration test according to EN ISO 374
-> passing the air pressure leak test and must provide high resistance to the penetration of water vapour
-> to protect against ionizing radiation, gloves according to EN 421 must contain a certain proportion of lead or an equivalent metal
In order for disposable gloves to be approved for use in the medical field, they must comply with the requirements of EN 455 in accordance with Directive 93/42/EEC. This standard is subdivided into four parts:
455-1 - Freedom from holes
The first part (EN 455-1) deals with whether a disposable glove is leak-proof. For this purpose, random samples are filled with 1000 ml of water at a temperature of 15 to 35 degrees Celsius for two to three minutes. This water permeability test is carried out twice. First, immediately after filling with water, it is checked whether water is escaping from the glove. After 2 to 3 minutes, a further check is made to see if the disposable glove is still leak-proof. In this way, the entire glove is checked except for the last 4 cm at the cuff edge.
A leak at the cuff edge is not very problematic, as usually only the palms or fingers come into contact with potentially contaminated surfaces and objects. The Accepted Quality Level (= accepted quality level) for medical gloves must be at least 1.5 (AQL 1.5). This quality level is also tested using an appropriate random sample.
455-2: Physical properties
As part of the second part of the standard (EN 455-2), the physical characteristics of the glove are checked. These include the dimensions and the tear strength of the disposable glove. For a disposable glove to officially comply with the European standard 455, at least 13 gloves must be taken as samples from each production batch.
455-3: Biological evaluation - powder, chemicals, endotoxins
The tests relating to the third part of the European standard 455 (EN 455-3) provide information on whether and to what extent endotoxins, powder, chemicals, and extractable proteins may be present in the glove.
On the one hand, this third part of EN 455 specifies limit values for chemicals, endotoxins, etc., which must not be exceeded if a glove is to comply with this standard and thus be approved for medical use.
In addition, EN 455-3 also describes the corresponding test methods by which a manufacturer or the responsible inspector should test the protein, chemical, and endotoxin content of a glove.
Since a glove can no longer be sold after these tests, random samples are tested rather than every single glove.
455-4: Shelf life
The fourth part of EN 455 (EN 455-4) deals with the shelf life of disposable gloves. This is usually five years from the production date.
In order to be able to state a realistic shelf life shortly after production, an accelerated determination of the shelf life is first carried out after production. For this purpose, aging of the glove is simulated in a special oven. After this, the disposable glove has very similar, if not identical, characteristics to what the glove would have after three years. After this accelerated aging, the disposable glove is re-checked for freedom from holes (EN 455-1) and tear strength (EN 455-2). In addition, it is checked whether the disposable glove is still suitable for the intended purpose. If the glove passes these three tests, it can be provisionally stated that the glove has a shelf life of three years.
Whether a disposable glove ultimately has a shelf life of 5 years is checked again after the time has elapsed using gloves that are actually five years old. Here, too, the tests of EN 455-1 and EN 455-2 are applied, as well as the check for suitability for its intended purpose.
In the case of sterile disposable gloves, it is also checked whether the sterile packaging is still intact after five years. The shelf life must be clearly visible on the smallest packaging unit, i.e., on the glove box. It is important that the information about the shelf life is still legible even after five years. Furthermore, it is necessary that the glove boxes provide information about correct storage. This is usually done using simple pictorial representations (pictograms).
The criteria below provide information on how well a glove protects your hands when working in cold environments:
-> Convective cold: 0 to 4
-> Contact cold: 0 to 4
-> Water permeability: 0 to 1
Higher values indicate a better test result. The value "X" signals that the glove was not tested according to this criterion.
Clothing tested according to this European standard is suitable for short contact with flames and at least one type of heat. A distinction is made between the following types of heat:
Limited flame spread: A
Protection against convective heat: B1 – B5
Protection against radiant heat: C1 – C4
Protection against liquid iron: E1 = 60g – 120g
Protection against liquid iron: E2 = 121g – 200g
Protection against liquid iron: E3 >= 201g
EN 531 has since been replaced by EN ISO 11612.
Part 1: Requirements and test methods for ventilated protective clothing against particulate radioactive contamination
Part 2: Requirements and test methods for non-ventilated protective clothing against particulate radioactive contamination
A distinction is made between three performance classifications with a nominal protection factor against the penetration of small particle aerosols (0.6 micrometres):
Class 1 = nominal protection factor 5
Class 2 = nominal protection factor 50
Class 3 = nominal protection factor 500
Describes the requirements for electrically conductive clothing. This clothing is grounded, for example by combination with conductive shoes, in order to reduce the formation of sparks and thus the risk of explosion. The standard is further subdivided into:
EN 1149-1 Part 1: Test method for measurement of surface resistivity
EN 1149-2 Part 2: Test method for measurement of the electrical resistance through a material (vertical resistance)
EN 1149-3 Part 3: Test methods for measurement of charge decay
EN 1149-5 Part 5: Material performance and design requirements
In the standard EN 12477, protective gloves for manual welding, cutting, and related metalworking processes are defined. They meet the basic standard EN 420, but have a significantly longer forearm protection to protect against weld spatter. The standard distinguishes between two types of gloves.
Type A: These gloves meet higher requirements and are recommended for heavy-duty welding processes.
Type B: These gloves offer greater freedom of movement and are preferred for TIG welding.
Welding gloves must be clearly marked as Type A or Type B.
Defines the minimum requirements for respiratory protection systems in combination with a helmet or a hood. There are three degrees of protection depending on inward leakage. The maximum permissible inward leakage is:
Protection level TH1: <15%
Protection level TH2: <2%
Protection level TH3: <0.2%
Specifies the requirements for liquid-tight or limited-use chemical protective clothing. This clothing protects against light splashes and aerosols (e.g., from sprays) of chemicals whose effect is classified as a low risk. In the event of contamination of the protective clothing, this allows the wearer sufficient time to take appropriate protective measures. The protection provided by this clothing is therefore limited (Type 6 and Type PB [6] equipment).
The European standard EN 13758-2 specifies the requirements for the marking of clothing intended to protect the wearer against exposure to ultraviolet solar radiation. Clothing standardized according to EN 13758-2 protects the wearer from the UVA and UVB radiation of sunlight. Under certain conditions, the protective effect of the clothing can be lost. For example, when the clothing is wet or worn out. Therefore, the clothing should be cared for and treated according to the instructions on the inside.
The UV protection factor UPF (UPF = Ultra Violet Protection Factor) of a textile is determined. The EN 13758 standard uses the solar spectrum of Albuquerque (USA), which approximately corresponds to the solar radiation in Southern Europe.
UPF classification according to EN 13758
| UPF range |
Protection |
UV shielding |
Classes |
| 15 - 24 |
Good |
93.3 - 95.8 % |
15, 20 |
| 25 - 39 |
Very good |
96.0 - 97.4 % |
25, 30, 35 |
| 40 - 50+ |
Excellent |
97.5 - 98+ % |
40, 45, 50, 50+ |
-> The UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) indicates how much longer the user can be exposed to the sun without suffering skin damage.
-> A UPF of 50 means that only 1/50 of the UV rays penetrate the fabric.
This European standard specifies the requirements and test methods for the performance of garments for protection of the body against cool environments. Use of the tested clothing in environments with an air temperature of -5°C and higher. The marking must indicate the classification of thermal resistance.
Performance levels
-> a: Thermal resistance (R
ct value)
-> b: Air permeability (optional)
-> c: Water penetration resistance (optional)
-> d: Thermal insulation using a moving/static mannequin (optional)
Thermal resistance
The R
ct value is determined across all layers of the clothing together. Three classes are distinguished:
| Class |
Thermal resistance Rct (in m² · K/W) |
| Class 1 |
0.06 ≤ Rct < 0.12 |
| Class 2 |
0.12 ≤ Rct < 0.18 |
| Class 3 |
0.18 ≤ Rct < 0.25 |
-> The thermal resistance Rct measures the insulation properties of textiles.
-> From a value of Rct > 0.25, the clothing normally falls under standard EN 342 (protection against cold).
Air permeability (optional)
Optionally, the clothing can be tested for air permeability. Three classes are distinguished here, measuring the product's suitability for certain wind speeds. Class 3 provides the greatest wind protection.
| Protection level |
Wind speed (WS) |
| Class 1 |
WS < 1 m/s |
| Class 2 |
1 m/s ≤ WS < 5 m/s |
| Class 3 |
WS ≥ 5 m/s |
-> The air permeability of the material determines how effectively wind chill effects are blocked.
-> Class 3 offers the highest protection against strong winds and prevents the body from cooling down most effectively.
Water penetration resistance (optional)
A test for water penetration resistance according to EN 14058 is also optional. Two classes are distinguished, with Class 2 offering the highest protection.
| Class |
Water penetration resistance (Wp in Pa) |
| Class 1 |
8,000 Pa ≤ Wp ≤ 13,000 Pa |
| Class 2 |
Wp > 13,000 Pa |
-> The Wp value indicates the pressure the material can withstand before water penetrates.
-> For comparison: 10,000 Pa corresponds to approximately a water column of 1,000 mm.
-> Class 2 provides significantly higher resistance against rain and external moisture.
When dealing with biological substances, this European standard tests the protective capability of the material against biologically contaminated liquids (by bacteria). The protective clothing material is exposed to the liquid containing bacteria and tested to see if bacteria have penetrated the material.
The standard is divided into the following parts:
1. Material requirements
1.1 General
1.2 Mechanical and flammability requirements
1.3 Chemical requirements
1.4 Performance requirements for resistance to penetration by infective agents
2. Performance requirements for seams, joints, and assemblages
3. Performance requirements for the whole suit
Types of protective clothing according to EN 14126:
Classification of protection types (Chemical protection)
| Type |
Description |
Relevant Standard |
| Type 1a-B, 1b-B, 1c-B |
Gas-tight (protection against gaseous and liquid chemicals) |
EN 943-1, EN 943-2 |
| Type 2-B |
Non-gas-tight (protection against dust, liquids, and vapors) |
EN 943-1, EN 943-2 |
| Type 3-B |
Liquid-tight (protection against pressurized liquid chemicals) |
EN 14605 |
| Type 4-B |
Spray-tight (protection against liquid aerosols) |
EN 14605 |
| Type 5-B |
Particle-tight (protection against airborne solid particles) |
ISO 13982-1 |
| Type 6-B |
Limited splash-tight (protection against light spray) |
EN 13034 |
-> The type classification helps in choosing the right suit based on the physical state of the hazard.
-> The suffix "-B" confirms the additional testing according to EN 14126 (protection against infective agents).
This standard is a so-called reference standard, to which other standards dealing with the performance of chemical protective clothing may refer in whole or in part. It specifies the scope of performance and test methods for materials used in chemical protective clothing.
EN 14325 therefore contains classification tables for all physical performance characteristics required in the various standards:
-> Abrasion resistance
-> Flex cracking resistance
-> Trapezoidal tear resistance
-> Bursting resistance
-> Tensile strength
-> Puncture resistance
-> Resistance to permeation by chemicals
-> Resistance to penetration and repellency
-> Seam strength
Gloves and footwear are also included here, as they can represent an integral part of the protective clothing.
Standard EN 14605 defines the performance requirements for chemical protective suits with liquid-tight (Type 3) or spray-tight (Type 4) connections between the parts of the clothing, including garments that provide protection only for parts of the body (Types PB [3] and PB [4]).
Type 3 and 4 refers to clothing that protects at least the torso, arms, and legs (suits or overalls). Types PB3 and PB 4 (Partial Body Protection) apply, for example, to arm sleeves or aprons that cover only part of the body.
This standard applies exclusively to masks used in the medical field. It does not apply to masks intended for personal protection in everyday life. It describes the construction and design as well as performance requirements and test methods.
In DIN EN 14683, a distinction is made between two categories:
Type I: low protection against infections and pathogens, good protection against larger droplets
Type II(R): higher bacterial filter efficiency and, in the case of Type IIR, with additional splash resistance
This standard sets out additional requirements for protective gloves worn in explosive environments. It specifies a test method as well as requirements for performance, marking, and information for electrostatic dissipative protective gloves in order to minimize the risk of explosion. This standard serves as the basis for placing chemical protective suits on the market under Directive 89/686/EEC for Personal Protective Equipment. Its purpose is to establish a uniform level of safety. Potential users of this standard include testing institutes, certification bodies, and manufacturers.
Clothing with a DIN EN 17353 certification provides enhanced visibility for the wearer. It is similar to the EN ISO 20471 high-visibility standard, but has the crucial difference that it is only intended for medium-risk situations. It replaces the standards EN 1150 and EN 13356.
Within the standard, two types are distinguished: Type A is intended exclusively for use in daylight and Type B is intended exclusively for use in darkness and twilight. Type B is further subdivided into 3 types (B1-B3). This distinguishes whether movement or the silhouette is made visible.
Equipment types according to EN 17353
| Type |
Field of application |
Requirement |
| Type A |
Daylight only |
Fluorescent material only |
| Type B |
Darkness only |
Retroreflective material only |
| Type AB |
Daylight, twilight, and darkness |
Fluorescent & retroreflective material |
-> Both types are also possible as a combination Type AB.
-> The warning effect is still lower here than with the high-risk standard EN ISO 20471.
Subdivision of Type B (Darkness)
| Type |
Method of attachment |
Visualization |
| B1 |
Free-hanging attachment |
Detection of movement |
| B2 |
Attachment to limbs |
Detection of movement |
| B3 |
Attachment to torso and/or limbs |
Detection of the silhouette |
In this standard, materials and garments of heat-resistant and flame-retardant protective clothing are tested where there is a risk of an electric arc occurring. For this purpose, unlike in DIN EN 61482-1-2, a low-voltage circuit is used.
During the test with a directed arc, the afterburn time, hole formation, and melting through are measured. The results must lie below the Stoll curve, which indicates the point at which second-degree burns can occur.
Standard (EN) 374 defines the requirements a glove must meet to be considered a chemical protective glove. It is subdivided into 5 parts.
Part 1: Terminology and performance requirements (ISO 374-1:2016)
Standard DIN EN ISO 374-1 specifies requirements for protective gloves against dangerous chemicals. It applies in conjunction with the basic standard DIN EN 420 (general requirements). A total of three performance types are distinguished:
-> Type A: at least performance level 2 against at least six test chemicals from the list of 18 chemicals.
-> Type B: at least performance level 2 against at least three test chemicals from the list of 18 chemicals.
-> Type C: at least performance level 1 against at least one test chemical from the list of 18 chemicals.
They are clearly marked on the glove by the Erlenmeyer flask pictogram in combination with the type designation. Under the Erlenmeyer pictogram, code letters indicate which chemicals the glove has been tested against.
Furthermore, 2016 (EN ISO 374-1:2016: Protective gloves against dangerous chemicals and microorganisms - Part 1: Terminology and performance requirements for chemical risks) was published. In this process, the identifiers were expanded from letters M - T:
List of test chemicals
| A Methanol |
G Diethylamine |
M Nitric acid 65% |
| B Acetone |
H Tetrahydrofuran |
N Acetic acid 99% |
| C Acetonitrile |
I Ethyl acetate |
O Ammonia water 25% |
| D Dichloromethane |
J n-Heptane |
P Hydrogen peroxide 30% |
| E Carbon disulfide |
K Sodium hydroxide 40% |
S Hydrofluoric acid 40% |
| F Toluene |
L Sulfuric acid 96% |
T Formaldehyde 37% |
Part 2: Determination of resistance to penetration
The second part of the standard (EN 374-2) provides information on the glove's resistance to the penetration of chemicals. For this purpose, the glove is subjected to a leak test. This includes a water leak test and/or an air leak test. In this process, the glove is filled with air or water to check if any of the filling medium escapes. Before the updates to European Standard 374, this water or air tightness was marked with the beaker pictogram.
Part 3: Determination of resistance to permeation
Since 2016, EN 374-3 refers to EN 16523-1. The test procedure described in this standard checks how long a chemical protective glove can withstand at least three different test chemicals.
Part 4: Determination of resistance to degradation
This part of the standard has existed since 2014 and addresses the question of the extent to which the mechanical-physical material properties change upon contact with the test chemicals (degradation). In this measurement procedure, a glove is exposed to continuous contact for one hour with one of the 18 liquid test chemicals. Subsequently, it is checked to what extent the puncture resistance has changed. Such a result is primarily relevant for users who fully utilize such breakthrough times or wish to wear the gloves multiple times.
Part 5: Risks from microorganisms
A distinction is made between two types of protective gloves against microorganisms:
-> Protective gloves against bacteria and fungi
-> Protective gloves against bacteria, fungi, and viruses
They are clearly marked on the glove by the "protection against microorganisms" pictogram. In the case of protection against viruses, the word "VIRUS" is placed under the pictogram. Here, the tightness against penetration by the bacteriophage Phi-X174 was tested.
The standard EN ISO 11393 (replaces EN 381) deals with protective clothing for hand-held chainsaws. It is subdivided into different parts (or designs), depending on the body part.
EN ISO 11393-2 - Leg protection
This part specifies the requirements for leg protection and defines three types (or designs) of leg protection clothing, depending on the type of protection:
->
Type A (front protection): covers each leg partially (180°) plus an extra 5 cm to the inner part of the right leg and 5 cm to the outer part of the left leg. The protective inlay starts at a maximum of 5 cm from the bottom hem of the trouser leg and ends 20 cm above the crotch.
->
Type B: describes protection provided by chainsaw protective chaps.
->
Type C: here, each leg is protected all around (360°) with protective inlays. The protection starts at a maximum of 5 cm from the bottom hem of the leg and ends at the front at least 20 cm above the crotch, and at the back at least 50 cm below the waistband.
EN ISO 11393-4 - Protective gloves
In this standard, two designs are distinguished:
-> 1. Back of the hand (fingered glove): at least 110 mm wide and at least 120 mm high.
-> 2. Back of the hand + 4 fingers (mitten): at least 110 mm wide and at least 190 mm high.
EN ISO 11393-5 - Protective gaiters
Protective gaiters serve to bridge the gap from the steel toe cap of the safety shoe to the surface of the chainsaw protection on the legs. These are divided into 4 classes based on chain speed.
| Class |
Chain speed |
| Class 0 (no longer permitted) |
16 m/s |
| Class 1 |
20 m/s |
| Class 2 |
24 m/s |
| Class 3 |
28 m/s |
EN ISO 11393-6 - Upper body protection
Here too, 2 design types are distinguished.
->
Type 1: On the front of the sleeves, the protective inlay must cover at least 80% of the total surface, and the unprotected surface of the sleeves must not exceed 70 mm (measured from the sleeve hem).
->
Type 2: This type corresponds to Type 1 but additionally includes abdominal protection.
The four previously mentioned classes also apply here.
In welding and allied processes, clothing certified to the EN ISO 11611 standard protects against small splashes of molten metal, short contact with flames, radiant heat from electric arcs and weld beads, as well as limited electrical charges.
A fundamental distinction is made between two classes:
Class 1: offers resistance to metal splashes up to a temperature increase of 40 K on the back of the specimen: 15 to 24 drops and radiant heat transfer index RHTI ≥ 7s.
Class 2: offers resistance to metal drops up to a temperature increase of 40 K on the back of the specimen: ≥ 25 drops and heat transfer index ≥ 16s.
The additional letter A in the pictogram provides information about the flame testing of materials and seams according to EN ISO 15025.
A1: Surface flame application for 10 seconds
A2: Edge flame application for 10 seconds
Clothing tested according to this European standard is suitable for short contact with flames and at least one type of heat. Protection against heat is distinguished between the following types of heat:
Performance levels for heat exposure
| Code |
Type of heat / exposure |
Performance levels |
| A |
Limited flame spread |
A1, A2 |
| B |
Convective heat |
B1 – B3 |
| C |
Radiant heat |
C1 – C4 |
| D |
Molten aluminum splashes |
D1 – D3 |
| E |
Molten iron splashes |
E1 – E3 |
| F |
Contact heat |
F1 – F3 |
-> The performance levels (1 to 4) indicate how long or how intensely the material withstands the respective type of heat.
-> Level 1 represents the lowest protection, level 3 or 4 the highest protection.
-> Requirement A (flame spread) must be met in order to pass the standard.
In standard EN ISO 13688, general performance requirements for ergonomics, safety, sizing, aging, compatibility, and marking of protective clothing are established, as well as the information to be supplied by the manufacturer with the protective clothing.
It is always applied in combination with other standards and does not qualify as protection on its own.
Part 1: Performance requirements for chemical protective clothing providing protection to the full body against airborne solid particles.
Part 2: Test method for determining the inward leakage of aerosols of small particles through suits (ISO 13982-2:2004).
Materials, material combinations, and clothing with limited flame spread.
Index 1: Protection against flame spread, flaming debris, and afterglow.
Index 2: Protection against flame spread, flaming debris, afterglow, and hole formation.
Index 3: Protection against flame spread, flaming debris, afterglow, hole formation, and afterflame.
If there is a risk of injuring your feet while working, footwear according to this standard should be worn. In addition to the fixed requirements for the shoe material and the toe cap, the shoes are divided into five categories:
Protection classes (categories)
| Class |
Requirements / Properties |
| SB |
Regular shoe with protective toe cap |
| S1 |
Antistatic, shock-absorbing sole (200 Joules), closed heel area |
| S2 |
Like S1 with water-resistant upper |
| S3 |
Like S2 with penetration-resistant midsole |
| S4 |
Like S1 with water-resistant upper made of polymeric material |
| S5 |
Like S4 with steel midsole |
Optional additional markings
| A Antistatic |
CI Cold-insulated sole |
| E Energy-absorbing heel area |
HI Heat-insulated sole |
| FO Fuel-oil resistant footwear |
WR Waterproof shoe |
| P Penetration-resistant midsole |
WRU Water-resistant upper material |
| HRO Resistance to hot contact (outsole) |
M Metatarsal protection |
| CR Cut-resistant upper |
- |
Slip resistance
->
SRA: Slip-resistant on ceramic tile with water and cleaning agents
->
SRB: Slip-resistant on steel with glycerine
->
SRC: Both SRA and SRB requirements are met
For situations where there is a high risk of being overlooked in road traffic or near traffic, clothing according to this standard ensures better visibility. Compared to EN 471, better all-round visibility has been ensured by requiring the reflective material to be attached around the torso and the arms. Thanks to this design requirement, wearers of this clothing are also better recognizable as persons at night.
Classification is carried out in classes 1 to 3, where class 3 represents the best visibility and is therefore also suitable for fast-moving traffic. Please note that the classification is partly tied to the condition that the remaining clothing also achieves a minimum visibility according to EN ISO 20471.
Minimum area of visible material (in m²)
| Material |
Class 3 |
Class 2 |
Class 1 |
| Background material |
0.80 m² |
0.50 m² |
0.14 m² |
| Retroreflective material |
0.20 m² |
0.13 m² |
0.10 m² |
| Material with combined properties |
n.a. |
n.a. |
0.20 m² |
-> NOTE: The class of the clothing is determined by the smallest area of the visible material.
-> Class 3 offers the highest conspicuity and is mandatory for work on roads with high traffic speeds (V > 60 km/h).
3099
3710
3711
3711E
3715
3721
3721E
3725E
3725N
5099
6099
7099
8099
HIT-RCC
3450
3452
3454
3470
3490
3700
3701
3702
3709
3440W
3675N
3675W
3675WG
3677GD
3677V
3685W
ADLER-M
ROOSTER-W
03400
03400P
03400V
3410
3420
3430
3440
HIT300
M200
N110
HS
3655
3685
3688
3790
E091-ESD
HIT-RC
CONDOR-T
E091
E091N
F099
HIT091
HIT091N
HIT091V
HIT099
HIT099B
HIT099N
HIT200
88PAWA
ADLER-C
ADLER-C8
ADLER-C9
ADLER-C12
ADLER-D
ADLER-PREMIUM
ADLER-TOP
ADLER-TOP9
ADLER-TOP12
FALKE-C
FALKE-G
FALKE-T
FALKE-T8
FALKE-T9
FALKE-T10
FALKE-T12
FALKE-V
ROOSTER
3570
3740
3750
PK-P
PL-P
PL-P9
PL-P45
PL-PG
The standard describes three performance classes that define the level of protection against chemical effects:
Overview of performance classes
| Class |
Risk level |
Protective effect & application |
| C1 |
Low risk |
Materials and seams exhibit a minimum resistance to the penetration of liquids. Not suitable for applications with concentrated solutions. |
| C2 |
Medium risk |
Material and seams must exhibit a higher protective effect than at level C1. Not suitable for applications with concentrated solutions. |
| C3 |
High risk |
Material and seams exhibit a minimum protective effect against permeation. Suitable for the application of concentrated and diluted solutions. |
-> The choice of the correct class depends significantly on the concentration of the chemicals used and the duration of contact.
-> C3 represents the highest protection level within this classification.
This standard regulates procedures and systems in cleanrooms with regard to their particulate cleanliness, with special focus on airborne particles. ISO 14644 is divided into 10 parts:
Teil 1: Classification of air cleanliness by particle concentration
Teil 2: Monitoring to provide evidence of cleanroom performance related to air cleanliness by particle concentration
Teil 3: Test methods
Teil 4: Design, construction and start-up
Teil 5: Operations
Teil 6: Vocabulary
Teil 7: Separative devices (clean air hoods, gloveboxes, isolators and mini-environments)
Teil 8: Classification of air cleanliness by chemical concentration (ACC)
Teil 9: Classification of surface cleanliness by particle concentration
Teil 10: Classification of surface cleanliness by chemical concentration
Teil 11: -
Teil 12: -
Teil 13: Cleaning of surfaces to achieve defined levels of cleanliness in terms of particle and chemical classifications
Teil 14: Assessment of suitability for use of equipment by airborne particle concentration
Teil 15: Assessment of suitability for use of equipment and materials by chemical concentration in the air and on surfaces
Teil 16: Code of practice for improving energy efficiency in cleanrooms and clean air devices
Working in the vicinity of live parts and electrotechnical work involve the risk of arc flashes. Protective clothing according to this standard reduces the thermal hazard caused by these arc flashes. However, protection against electric shocks is not covered.
A distinction is made between 2 classes:
Class 1 (4 kA) - Live working - Protective clothing against the thermal hazards of an electric arc
Class 2 (7 kA) - Live working - Protective clothing against the thermal hazards of an electric arc
The OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 label indicates that all components of an article have been tested for harmful substances and are therefore harmless to health. This includes, for example, threads, buttons, and accessories.
Product classes according to intended use
For the product classes in the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, articles are grouped according to their intended use and subdivided as follows:
| Class |
Designation |
Description & Examples |
| Class 1 |
Products for babies |
Products for babies and toddlers. The strictest requirements and limit values apply here. |
| Class 2 |
Products with skin contact |
Articles worn directly on the skin or having extensive contact (e.g., blouses, shirts, underwear). |
| Class 3 |
Products without skin contact |
Articles with minimal or no skin contact (e.g., jackets, vests). |
| Class 4 |
Decoration materials |
Preliminary products or accessories for furnishing purposes (e.g., table linen, curtains, upholstery fabrics). |
-> All components must meet the required criteria for the end product to be certified.
-> Further information can be found at: https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/our-standards/standard-100-by-oeko-tex
