Protective suits
What should you know about protective suits
When working with hazardous substances and protecting the skin, you should also remember to use a suitable protective suit.
How to choose the right protective suit
The suits are available in different types, with the most common being Type 3, 4, 5, and 6. (see explanation below)
Therefore, the most important thing when choosing a suit is naturally to investigate what you need to protect against. For example, is it dust and particles, or are chemicals also involved?
What material?
Different materials are used, which vary in thickness, breathability, and chemical resistance. The suits have zippers, elastic or ribbing at the wrists and ankles, as well as elastic in the hood, making it possible to close the suit tightly, possibly also with a full face mask.
SMS material is often more breathable than, for example, suits with microporous polyethylene film, which, on the other hand, is more airtight and has a smoother surface.
Which type?
If you need protection against hazardous dust and particles, you should use a Type 5/6 suit. If there is also some liquid, you should choose a Type 4, 5, 6 suit. It often has taped seams, which make it extra tight at vulnerable points. Type 4 is spray-tight.
If you need protection against larger amounts of liquid and possibly chemicals, you should choose a Type 3 suit. It handles liquids under pressure and typically has tests for various chemicals.
After the different type designations, there may be a B indicating that the suit also protects against biological particles.
Additionally, there may be a test indicating protection against infectious viruses and bacteria, or electrostatic protection.
5 things to consider when choosing a protective suit
What do you need to protect against?
Do you need a very breathable suit?
What size do you need - how much clothing should you wear underneath?
Will you use other protective equipment, e.g., gloves and respiratory protection?
Read the user manual on how to put the suit on and take it off correctly
Standards
You are guided by symbols.
Look for the symbols
Spray-tight clothing
Type 4B protects against biologically contaminated particles
EN 14126:2015, EN 14605+A1:2009
Particle-tight clothing
Type 5B protects against biologically contaminated particles
EN 1126:2015, EN ISO 13982-1/A1:2010
Limited spray-tight clothing
Type 6B protects against biologically contaminated particles
EN 1412:2016, EN 13034+A1:2009
Gas-tight clothing EN 943-1:2015
Non-gas-tight clothing EN 943-1:2015
Liquid-tight clothing
Type 3B protects against biologically contaminated particles
EN 14126:2015, EN 14605+A1:2009
Protection against radioactive particle contamination
(not against radioactive radiation)
Electrostatic protection. Protects against sudden discharges of electrostatic energy
Protection against infectious particles such as viruses and bacteria
Suits with "Type" plus a B (e.g., type 3B) indicate approval according to this standard
Link to "Donning & Doffing" video
This guide is prepared by
Nordic Safety Alliance
Specialists in safety equipment for industry and construction for 80 years.