Protective clothing and PPE for the chemical industry

In many sectors such as the chemical industry, protection measures must be taken into account in the workers because there are numerous risks that can directly affect their health.

When exposed to dangerous particles such as vapors, oils, gases or liquid chemicals, carelessness can cause irreparable damage to both the skin and the nervous system (in the worst case it can affect vital organs).

For this reason, protective clothing and PPE against chemical products are essential. Nope they only prevent these agents come into direct contact with the skin, but also completely close any pathways that may be of access such as the respiratory tract.

Next, we show the classification of the different types of chemical protection clothing according to the INSHT (National Institute of Safety and Hygiene at Work).

Classification of chemical protection suit types

Depending on the degree of tightness of the garment material and the risk exposure faced by the worker, the INSHT classifies chemical protection clothing mainly into 6 types:

• Type 1: Complete protection suits resistant to the permeation of liquid products. Depending on its design, depending entirely on the respiratory protection equipment, there are the following variables: Type 1a (contains a breathing apparatus under the suit), Type 1b (contains a team breathing apparatus outside the suit), Type 1c (contains a self-contained breathing apparatus).

• Type 2: Complete chemical protection suits that remain non-gas tight and with breathable air supply from an independent equipment.

• Type 3: Chemical protection suits against liquids that support a higher flow rate than the of Type 4.

• Type 4: Chemical protection against liquid sprays.

• Type 5: Suits that protect against suspended solid particles and dust. For the In general, they are usually disposable suits.

• Type 6: Suits that offer a lower level of chemical protection against splashes and sprays. They are intended for jobs where the risk has been assessed as low and it is not need such a complete barrier.

• Partial protection garments: Very useful in situations where exposure is very limited to a specific part of the body, thus avoiding overprotecting the worker. For the They are usually aprons, jackets, sleeves or pants.

As an important fact, Type 3, 4, 5 and 6 chemical protection clothing can be made up of one or two pieces of wearing simultaneously, for example, a sweatshirt and protective trousers could be considered a suit complete.

Protective clothing against chemical products

As we have said, the function of protective clothing against chemical products is to prevent them from come in direct skin contact. It is a way to control an exposure risk when you have not been able to be removed or be reduced to desired levels by other means.

It is very important to identify the risks to which workers are exposed to know which garment is the most adequate. However, below, we show the best chemical protection clothing segmented by type of wardrobe.

Protective equipment for chemical risks (EPIS)

In addition to work clothing, there are other PPE that complement safety at work against risks chemicals. Taking into account the parts of the skin that are more likely to be exposed to these products, we can highlight:

Experts in chemical protection PPE

At Reysan we are specialized in both workwear and safety accessories to protect chemical workers.

Keep in mind that no material offers protection against all chemicals, so it is very It is important to be well advised on which product is the most suitable for your type of work.

Incorrect selection or misuse of the product can cause burns or irreparable damage to health, for what in Reysan we care that at all times you are choosing the right clothing.

If you need help on which products are best suited for your type of work or would like more information, our team of experts will advise you at all times in your online purchase.