Home / Standards

Standards and safety of personal protective equipment

Standard EN ISO 13688 establishes the fundamental regulatory framework for all personal protective clothing (PPE) intended for professional use. It defines the general performance, ergonomics and safety requirements with which this equipment must comply, independently of its specific protective purpose.

Main goals

Harmonization: Guarantee a consistent level of quality and safety for protective clothing marketed in the European Economic Area.
Ergonomic performance: Ensuring comfort, freedom of movement and freedom from constraints for the user, thus optimizing operational efficiency.
Safety: Prevent any risk of irritation, allergy or toxicity linked to the materials constituting the clothing.
Information: Provide the manufacturer and user with clear and precise information on the characteristics, performance and use limits of the garment.

Application areas

General design, manufacturing and performance requirements.
Size designation system.
Regulatory marking.
Information provided by the manufacturer (labeling, instructions for use).

Important note: This standard does not prescribe specific levels of protection against particular risks (chemical, thermal, mechanical, etc.). It must be used in conjunction with other harmonized European standards defining performance requirements specific to each risk category.

In summary, the EN ISO 13688 standard constitutes an essential reference for assessing the conformity, quality and safety of professional protective clothing.

Standard EN 343 is a European standard that specifies requirements and test methods for protective clothing against bad weather, including rain, snow, fog and ground moisture. It guarantees optimal protection for professionals working outdoors and lovers of outdoor activities.

Two key performance criteria

Index A / Resistance to water penetration (class 1 to 4): Evaluates the garment's ability to keep water out. A higher class indicates better waterproofing.
Index B / Water vapor permeability (class 1 to 4): Measures the garment's ability to wick away perspiration and body moisture, ensuring optimal comfort. Higher class means better breathability.

Clear labeling for informed selection

EN 343 certified clothing is identified by a specific pictogram, accompanied by two numbers representing the classes of resistance to water penetration and permeability to water vapor. This information allows users to choose the garment best suited to their specific needs and the environmental conditions they will face.

Benefits of EN 343 certified clothing

Effective protection against bad weather: Protects the user from rain, snow, wind and fog.
Optimal comfort: Thanks to appropriate breathability, the garment regulates body temperature and wicks away moisture.
Durability and quality: Garments undergo rigorous testing to ensure performance and longevity.

Standard EN ISO 20471 is the European technical specification that governs the design and performance of high visibility signaling clothing (H V). Its main objective is to guarantee the safety of workers operating in risky environments by making them clearly visible, day or night, regardless of the lighting conditions.

The challenges of compliance with the EN ISO 20471 standard

Using EN ISO 20471 certified clothing has significant advantages:

Visibility optimization : Clothing complying with this standard incorporates fluorescent materials for increased daytime visibility and retro-reflective strips for optimal nighttime visibility under headlight lighting.
Prevention of workplace accidents : Wearing HV clothing considerably reduces the risk of accidents, especially in high-risk sectors such as construction, transport or logistics.
Compliance with legal obligations : In many areas of activity, wearing HV clothing is a legal obligation. The use of EN ISO 20471 certified clothing ensures regulatory compliance for the company and the worker.

The three performance classes of the EN ISO 20471 standard

The EN ISO 20471 standard defines 3 classes of HV clothing depending on the level of risk inherent in the work environment:

Class 1 : Low risk (e.g. maintenance workers on roads with low traffic)
Class 2 : Medium risk (e.g. workers on road construction sites)
Class 3 : High risk (e.g. personnel working on motorways or expressways)

Each class imposes specific requirements for the minimum surface area of fluorescent and retro-reflective materials.

Selecting the Appropriate HV Garment

The choice of HV clothing must be made taking into account several criteria:

Risk level assessment : Select the class of clothing corresponding to the level of risk incurred.
Analysis of working conditions : Take into consideration the ambient light, weather conditions and the specific constraints of the working environment.
Comfort and ergonomics : Choose clothing offering optimal comfort and adapted to the wearer's body shape to guarantee total freedom of movement.

Do not hesitate to seek the expertise of our advisors to help you choose the HV clothing best suited to your specific needs.

Opting for EN ISO 20471 certified clothing means choosing safety and worker protection.

European standard EN 13034 specifies the minimum requirements for chemical protective clothing type 6 (PB6) providing limited protection against splashes and splasheslabexposure to non-hazardous chemical liquids. These personal protective equipment (PPE) are designed for situations where a total barrier against permeation is not required.

Application areas

Handling of low concentration and low toxicity chemicals.
Cleaning and decontamination operations involving risks of projections or splasheslabousures.
Service and maintenance work in environments potentially contaminated by non-hazardous chemicals.

Technical requirements

Clothing complying with the EN 13034 standard must pass rigorous tests assessing:

Resistance to penetration of chemical liquids under pressure.
Liquid repellency to prevent impregnation of fabric.
Mechanical resistance to tears, perforations and abrasion.

Marking and identification

PPE certified EN 13034 is clearly identified by a specific pictogram, as well as information on the performance level and instructions for use.

Limitations

It is crucial to note that EN 13034 does not cover risks from hazardous chemicals, gases, solid particles or high pressure environments. In these situations, higher types of PPE offering enhanced protection are essential.

European standard EN 14605 is an essential pillar of industrial safety, establishing performance requirements for protective clothing against liquid chemicals. It covers a range of clothing designed to protect the entire body or specific parts, ensuring the safety of workers in various risky environments.

Types of protection covered by the standard

The EN 14605 standard encompasses three types of protective clothing, each meeting specific needs:

Type 3: Clothing impervious to liquid jets. These garments provide full protection against splashes of pressurized liquids, such as those encountered when handling harsh chemicals or fighting fires. They are designed with sealed seams and waterproof closures to prevent liquid penetration.
Type 4: Clothing impervious to liquid aerosols. These garments protect against fine liquid particles suspended in the air, such as mists or vapors. They are essential in environments where chemicals are sprayed or vaporized.
Type PB [3/4]: Partial protective clothing against permeation. This category includes clothing such as blouses, pants, aprons and sleeves, which provide targeted protection against the permeation of specific chemicals. They are often used in addition to other personal protective equipment (PPE) to enhance safety.

Rigorous performance requirements

The EN 14605 standard imposes strict performance requirements to ensure the effectiveness of protective clothing:

Penetration resistance: Clothing must resist the penetration of liquids and aerosols through seams, closures and the material itself, even under pressure.
Permeation resistance: Materials must have adequate resistance to permeation of specific chemicals. This is assessed by measuring the time the chemical passes through the material and the permeation rate.
Mechanical properties : Garments must be sturdy enough to resist abrasion, tearing and pulling, ensuring they are durable and reliable under demanding working conditions.
Ergonomics and safety: Clothing should be designed to provide a secure and comfortable fit, allowing optimal freedom of movement while minimizing risks to the wearer's health.

Compliance and peace of mind

Compliance with the EN 14605 standard is essential for employers and workers. It ensures that protective clothing provides an adequate level of safety against the hazards of liquid chemicals, whether splashes, mists or permeation. By choosing clothing certified EN 14605, you are investing in safety of your staff and you ensure that you comply with occupational health and safety regulations.

Standard EN 1149-5 defines performance requirements for materials and design electrostatic protective clothing (ESD). These clothes are essential to prevent fire and explosion risks in ATEX environments (Explosive Atmospheres) where electrostatic discharges (ESD) can be fatal.

Compliance and enhanced security

Clothing compliant with EN 1149-5 dissipates electrostatic charges accumulated by the human body in a controlled manner, reducing the risk of sparking. They meet regulatory safety requirements and ensure the protection of workers in risky environments.

Technical specifications

EN 1149-5 clothing is designed with conductive or dissipative materials and specific seams limiting the accumulation of electrostatic charges. They should be used in conjunction with an effective earthing system, such as conductive safety shoes, to ensure complete dissipation of charges.

Industrial applications

EN 1149-5 clothing is essential in many industrial sectors where ESD risks are present:

Oil and gas industry
Chemical and petrochemical industry
Pharmaceutical industry
Energy sector
Aeronautics
Painting and surface treatment
Any other industry presenting risks of explosive atmospheres

Strategic investment

The adoption of EN 1149-5 clothing is a strategic investment for any company concerned with the safety of its employees and the compliance of its activities with current standards. These clothes offer a reliable protection against fire and explosion risks, thus guaranteeing the safety of operations and the continuity of production.

Standard EN ISO 14116 defines performance requirements for materials, assemblies and protective clothing designed to limit the spread of flames. It aims to reduce the risk of clothing burning during brief and occasional contact with small flames, in the absence of significant thermal risk and other heat sources.

Performance requirements

Limited spread of flames: The materials used must have a limited flame spread index (1, 2 or 3) according to the specified test methods.
Tensile and tear resistance: The materials must maintain sufficient mechanical strength after exposure to flames.
Durability: The protective properties should be maintained after several washing and maintenance cycles.

Applications

Clothing conforming to the EN ISO 14116 standard is intended to protect workers exposed to an occasional and short-term risk of contact with small flames, such as:

Industrial sector : welders, electricians, mechanics, etc.
Building sector : carpenters, roofers, painters, etc.
Services sector: kitchen staff, maintenance staff, etc.

Login

EN ISO 14116 certified clothing is identified by a specific pictogram on the label, accompanied by information relating to the level of performance, durability and care instructions.

Conclusion

The EN ISO 14116 standard constitutes an essential reference for the design and selection of flame protection clothing. It guarantees an adequate level of security for workers exposed to minor thermal risks, while preserving their comfort and freedom of movement.

Standard EN 1186 is an essential European standard reference to guarantee the safety of materials and objects intended to come into contact with foodstuffs (MCDA). It defines requirements and test methods to assess the migration of potentially harmful substances from MCDA to food, thereby contributing to the protection of consumer health.

Scope

The EN 1186 standard covers a wide range of MCDA, including plastics, paper and cardboard, metals, glass, ceramics, printing inks and adhesives. It applies to all stages of the production chain, from manufacturing to final use.

Structure of the standard

The EN 1186 standard is made up of several parts, each addressing a specific aspect of the conformity assessment of MCDA:

EN 1186-1: Guidance for the selection of appropriate test conditions and methods.
EN 1186-2 to EN 1186-15: Specific test methods to determine overall and specific migration, using different food simulants and test conditions.

Standard requirements

EN 1186 imposes specific migration limits for different substances, depending on their potential toxicity and intended use. MCDAs must be tested using appropriate methods to demonstrate compliance with these limits.

Importance for economic operators

Compliance with the EN 1186 standard is a legal obligation for manufacturers, importers and distributors of MCDA. It ensures compliance with European and international regulatory requirements, strengthens consumer confidence and facilitates market access.

Role of labtrial oratories

The labAccredited oratories play a key role in assessing the conformity of MCDAs. They carry out tests according to standardized methods and issue test reports attesting to the conformity of the products.

Evolution of the standard

The EN 1186 standard is regularly updated to take into account scientific and technological advances, as well as new regulations. It is therefore essential for economic operators to keep informed of the latest developments and implement the necessary measures to ensure the continued conformity of their products..

For more information on EN 1186, please consult the websites of national and European standardization bodies, such asAFNOR in France or CEN at European level.

Standard EN 14126 is the European reference for protective clothing against infectious agents. It specifies performance requirements and test methods for clothing designed for protect against biological hazards, including bacteria, fungi and viruses.

Compliance and enhanced security

EN 14126 certified clothing undergoes rigorous testing to assess its resistance to penetration, permeation and spread of infectious agents. They provide a reliable protective barrier, thereby reducing the risk of contamination for healthcare professionals, laborantins and other workers exposed to potentially dangerous environments.

EN 14126 assessment criteria

The EN 14126 standard evaluates various performance parameters, including:

Penetration resistance: Measures the garment's ability to prevent infectious agents from passing through the material under pressure.
Permeation resistance: Evaluates the clothing's resistance to the penetration of infectious agents at the molecular level.
Resistance to propagation: Determines the ability of clothing to limit the spread of infectious agents on its surface.

Classification of clothing according to EN 14126

EN 14126 certified clothing is classified according to its level of performance:

Class 1: Protection against infectious agents in liquid form (projections, splasheslabousures).
Class 2: Protection against infectious agents in the form of solid or liquid aerosols.
Class 3: Protection against infectious agents in the form of solid or liquid aerosols and against jets of pressurized liquids.
Class 4: Protection against infectious agents in the form of solid or liquid aerosols, against jets of pressurized liquids and against contaminated solid particles.

Selection of the appropriate clothing

The choice of EN 14126 protective clothing must be based on a rigorous assessment of the risks involved. It is essential to take into account the work environment, the type of infectious agent and the level of exposure.

Certified shoes EN ISO 20345 S5 SRC are designed to meet the most stringent safety requirements in wet and slippery working environments. They offer a complete protection against mechanical, chemical and electrical risks.

Technical specifications

Protective tip: Resistance to an impact of 200 joules and a compression of 15 kN.
Anti-perforation sole: Protection against puncture by sharp objects up to 1 N.
Antistatic properties (A): Dissipation of electrostatic charges.
Energy absorption at the heel (E): Reduction of shocks and vibrations.
Waterproofing (WRU): Protection against water penetration.
Resistance to hydrocarbons (FO): Protection of the sole against degradation by oils and fuels.
SRC Adhesion: Anti-slip performance tested on ceramic floors with lubricant (SLS) and on steel floors with glycerin.

Benefits for the user

Enhanced security: Optimal protection against occupational risks in wet and slippery environments.
Comfort and ergonomics: Comfort-focused design for extended use.
Durability: High quality materials for increased resistance to wear and external aggression.
Versatility: Adapted to many sectors of activity (construction, industry, logistics, etc.).

Regulatory conformity

EN ISO 20345 S5 SRC footwear complies with the requirements of European Directive 89/686/EEC relating to personal protective equipment (PPE).

Conclusion

EN ISO 20345 S5 SRC shoes represent the ideal choice for professionals operating in wet and slippery environments. They guarantee maximum protection, optimal comfort and increased durability, thus meeting the needs of the most demanding sectors of activity.