Selection of proper protective clothing is crucial in chemical safety. Protective clothing is designed to shield the wearer from exposure to hazardous chemicals. The question arises: How can we determine which clothing effectively prevents skin contact with harmful chemicals? There are two important factors you may heard a lot related to chemical safety-Penetration and Permeation
- Penetration: This occurs when a chemical flows through clothing material, finding its way through openings such as zippers, weak seams, pinholes, cuts, or imperfections without changing its properties. Penetration of chemicals through protective clothing can lead to dermal exposures, making penetration testing a defect evaluation, an assessment of how a substance flows through openings.
- Permeation: This is the process by which liquid or gas chemicals move through material on a molecular level. It involves the sorption of molecules into the outer material surface, diffusion through the material, and subsequent desorption from the opposite side. Permeation testing evaluates how chemicals move through protective garments without passing through voids or imperfections.
EU Classification for Permeation Test Result
The major permeation test standards, such as ASTM F73, IOS 6529, EN 16523-1, and EN 374, measure how fast a chemical diffuses through tact material when permeation occurs. Based on the test method, Permeation Rate (PR) and Breakthrough Time (BT) are two essential parameters in the test report, helping classify the protective level of the fabric.
Permeation rate is the speed at which a certain mass of chemicals moves through the material under a specific time. It is measured in a laboratory and expressed in units like milligrams per square meter per minute. A higher permeation rate indicates a faster movement of the chemical through the material. Breakthrough time is the time it takes for a chemical to permeate completely through the material. It is determined by applying the chemical on the glove exterior and measuring the time it takes to detect the chemical on the inside surface. Breakthrough time gives an indication of how long the material can be used before chemical permeation occurs.
The European classification system categorizes results into six classes based on normalized breakthrough time at the permeation rate of 1.0µg/cm²/mins. according to EN 14325:
- Class 6: >480 mins.
- Class 5: >240 mins.
- Class 4: >120 mins.
- Class 3: >60 mins.
- Class 2: >30 mins.
- Class 1: >10 mins.
The selection of appropriate chemical protective clothing involves several crucial factors. Firstly, the clothing type must be carefully chosen based on its leak tightness and garment structure. Different types of clothing offer varying levels of protection, and the appropriate selection depends on the specific hazards encountered.
Secondly, the resistance of clothing material to permeation or penetration by chemicals must be thoroughly evaluated. The resistance of the material to chemical permeation is critical for ensuring effective protection against hazardous chemicals.
In situations where the chemical hazard is limited to specific body parts, partial body protection garments may be an appropriate option. These garments are designed to protect only the exposed areas, such as arms, chest or legs, and are marked with “PB” following the type of designation.
Chemical Protective Clothing Types
Chemical resistant clothing comes in various forms, each designed to offer protection against specific types of chemical hazards. Some of the common types include:
- Encapsulated Chemical Suits: These offer the highest level of protection and are designed to isolate the wearer from hazardous substances completely. They are commonly used in situations involving highly toxic or corrosive chemicals.
- Coveralls: These provide full-body protection and are typically used in less hazardous environments. They come in different designs and materials to suit various applications.
- Chemical Resistant Jackets and Aprons: These are worn over regular clothing to provide an additional layer of protection. They are ideal for tasks that involve potential splashes of harmful chemicals.
- Chemical Resistant Gloves and Boots: These are designed to protect the hands and feet, which are often most at risk of chemical exposure.
The Components and Materials of Chemical Resistant Clothing
Chemical resistant clothing is made from various materials, each chosen for its specific resistance properties. Some of the commonly used materials include:
- Polyethylene: Known for its excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, and solvents.
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Offers good resistance to many acids and bases and is particularly effective against oil and grease.
- Neoprene: Renowned for its versatility, neoprene provides good protection against a wide range of chemicals, including oils, acids, and solvents.
- Nitrile: Offers excellent resistance to oils, greases, and many types of solvents.
Contact us for selecting the right chemical resistant PPE for your Industry:
When working in environments where hazardous chemicals are handled, selecting the appropriate chemical-resistant clothing is essential for ensuring worker safety. In our latest blog, we delve into the key factors to consider when choosing this vital PPE, including material compatibility, levels of resistance, and the type of exposure. Proper chemical-resistant clothing not only protects workers but also ensures compliance with industry regulations.
At SAMS Solutions, we understand the critical importance of safety in industrial settings. As one of the most reliable suppliers of chemical-resistant PPE in the MENA region, we provide high-quality products at competitive wholesale prices. Our range is designed to meet the stringent needs of our distributors, ensuring availability, affordability, and compliance.
Explore our selection of premium chemical-resistant clothing and learn how we can help safeguard your workforce while supporting your business goals. Visit our website to discover more-www.sams-solutions.com