DIN EN 13034-6 - Protective clothing against liquid chemicals

DIN EN 13034-6

Protective clothing against liquid chemicals - Type 6

Protection against potentially hazardous working conditions holds a central significance in various industries. Particularly in workplaces where contact with liquid chemicals is unavoidable, the selection and use of appropriate protective clothing play a crucial role. The EN 13034-6 standard establishes clear requirements for protective clothing against liquid chemicals of Type 6. This standard not only defines performance characteristics but also serves as a guideline for the selection and deployment of suitable protective clothing to safeguard workers from potential risks. In this introduction, we will delve into the requirements and features of protective clothing according to EN 13034-6, aiming to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of this standard in the context of occupational safety.

Here you can take a direct look at PROTECTIVE CLOTHING ACCORDING TO EN 13034!

Description

DIN EN 13034-6 defines the requirements and test methods for protective clothing against liquid chemicals (type 6 = lowest type of 6 classifications). Protective clothing according to the standard serves to protect against light chemical splashes occurring at low pressure. The suitability for protection against chemicals must be determined individually for each chemical depending on concentration and temperature.

What does "Type 6 PB" mean?

As a rule, garments are labelled "Type 6". However, it is also possible to find the label "Type 6 PB" on a garment. PB means "Partial Body Protection" and is always used when the garment in question offers partial body protection (e.g. arm protectors). However, the protective function is the same as for "Type 6".

How is the chemical resistance of protective clothing tested?

The resistance of a garment to chemicals is tested with four different reference chemicals. These are applied to each garment to be tested. Then the liquid repellency and resistance to liquid penetration is measured.

The following chemicals are used for testing:

30% sulphuric acid (H2SO4 )
10% caustic soda/sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
o-Xylene undiluted
Butan-1-ol undiluted

This is how a garment meets the DIN EN 13034-6 standard (type 6):

Repellent index of at least class 3 for at least one of the four reference chemicals.
Penetration index of at least class 2 for one of the reference chemicals.

Design of the protective clothing

For optimal protection, it is recommended to cover the entire body. This can be done in one piece (e.g. by coveralls) or in two pieces, also with the support of accessories/attachments. However, it is important that each individual piece is EN 13034 certified.

Areas of application

Energy suppliers
Public utilities
Electrical installation
Electrical trade
Electroplating
Hazardous goods transport
Chemical industry
Plant construction
Solar plants
Wind turbines
Combined and grid fitters

THE 6 TYPES OF EN 13034 QUICKLY EXPLAINED

There are 6 types in EN 13034, which are categorised according to the level of risk from exposure. Type 1 corresponds to the highest risk class and type 6 to the lowest risk class:

Type 1: Gas-tight suits (EN 943-1 / EN 943-2)
Type 2: Non-gas-tight suits (EN 943-1)
Type 3: Liquid-tight suits (EN 14605 / jet test)
Type 4: Spray-tight suits (EN 14605 / spray test)
Type 5: Particle protective clothing (EN ISO 13982-1)
Type 6: Protective clothing against small splashes

View Chemical protective clothing "Type 6"