Standard / Clothing size

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION

The protection of the respiratory tract is obtained by means:

Respiratory protection is obtained by: A gas filter, when the risk is in the form of gas. An aerosol filter, when the risk is in the form of solid or liquid particles.
It is often recommended to combine the two types of filter, particularly when vapour is present, at room temperature, which can lead to condensation.

The choice of filters:

• The toxic substance from which you want to protect yourself.
• The work to be carried out.
• Of the norms and duration of the intervention and the duration.
• Of the devices that are available.

Filter devices are considered to protect the respiratory tract: particle masks, masks for gases and vapours, half masks with filters, integral masks with filters.

Classes of filters

Gas - Vapours; for each pollutant, the appropriate filtering:

European Standards by reference:

Disposable mask:

• EN 149.2001*: Self-filtering dust masks.
• EN 405: Self-filtering masks for gases and vapours.

REUSABLE face masks:

• EN 140: half masks.
• EN 136: integral masks.
• EN 143: filters against particles.
• EN 148: threads for masks.
• EN 14387: gas and combined filters.

ASSISTED VENTILATION:

• EN 12941: filtering equipment with helmet or hood against particles, gas and vapours.
• EN 12942: filtering equipment with full mask, half mask against gas and vapour particles.

All devices belonging to risk category III (risk of death or serious injury).
These protective devices against dust (solid particles, vapours, fumes), gases and vapours of substances with certain concentration operations and toxicity.

EN 149:2001 + A1:2009 *

In 2009 it came into force in the revision of the European standard EN 149:2001 + A1: 2009 (which replaces the previous standard EN 149:2001), where they established new minimum requirements for the different masks.
The new standard introduces the differentiation between mask, disposable filter and reusable mask (for several shifts).
To identify the classification of the product, use the following marks:

Legend masks:

• 1. "NR" Not reusable.
• 1a: las condiciones de acondicionamiento de la alteración del clima antes de la prueba;
• 1b: the conditioning conditions of the weather alteration prior to testing;
• 1c: efficiency re-test, an olongation of the previous long-term penetration test;
• 2. "R" Reusable, for facial use in more than one work shift..
• 2a: the conditioning conditions of the alteration of the climate before the test.
• 2b: new tests of cleaning and disinfection of the product before the penetration test;
• 2c: new efficiency test, an extension of the previous long-term penetration test;
• 2d: new preservation test 24 hours after application;
• 2e: new penetration tests repeated after storage;
• 2f: mandatory testing requirements for dolomite clogging (classification and labelling of product "D");

Facial or respiratory masks should not be used in the following cases:

• Oxygen deficiency (concentration < 17%).
• Concentration of the pollutant in the area above the exposure limit.
• If there are contaminants in the olfactory threshold above the TLV (not perceptible to olfaction).

In order to determine the choice of a filter, the value of the TLV, the NOMINAL PROTECTION FACTOR OF THE PROTECTOR, THE RISK PROTECTION FACTOR AND THE TOXICITY OF THE CONTAMINANT must be known.

TLV = Occupational exposure level of the various contaminants that may be found in the air. A TLV is the maximum concentration of a substance contained in the air, calculated on average over a reference period, usually 8 hours, during which according to current knowledge, a worker can be exposed without negative effect on his health.

NOMINAL PROTECTION FACTOR: Relationship between the concentration of the contaminant in the environment and the possible concentration inside the mask.

• Protection factor with the most common contaminants.

RISK PROTECTION FACTOR = Result of the mean workplace concentration of the contaminant and the TLV.

CONTAMINANT TOXICITY = The more toxic the contaminant, the greater its filtering efficiency must be and also depends on the concentration of the contaminant.

CHOOSING THE MOST SUITABLE MASK AND FILTER

The choice must be based on the correct risk assessment: assess the nature of the pollutant to choose the filter to be used, assess the concentration of the pollutant to determine the type of respirator and the class of filter to be used. By dividing the average concentration on the workplace by the TLV of the contaminant, the risk protection factor is obtained. The appropriate device must provide a nominal protection factor higher than the risk protection factor. Any type of filter must be replaced when the user notices the smell and/or taste of the contaminant.

HEARING PROTECTION

Noise damage continues to represent a huge cost for companies. Statistical data confirm that an exposure equivalent to 85 DbA over 35v working years results in a 15% chance that the worker will lose his hearing. EUROSTAT research (2004) has shown that hearing loss and even the fourth occupational disease in terms of recognition.

The main standards for hearing protection PPE are as follows:

• EN 352/1 Headphones.
• EN 352/2 Insertable earplugs.
• EN 352/3 Headphones for helmet.
• EN 352/4 Electronic headphones.

In the indication of the median attenuation of an EPI, the values expressed in decibels, H, M, L appear, representing the mean attenuation of the device at HIGH, MEDIUM AND LOW frequencies. The SNR, on the other hand, indicates the average attenuation of the protector over the entire frequency spectrum. In the realization of the Norm 2003/10/CE.

This is the synthesis of the most significant changes:

Low limit value (3dB). The new intervention values become:

• Lower value: 80 dB; the employer makes PPE available.
• Higher values: 85 dB; the employer and the labour representative; check the effectiveness of the same.
• Limit value: 87 dB; beyond this threshold, the employer obliges workers to use PPE and the employer is obliged to use it.

HAND PROTECTION

EN420 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND TEST METHODS

The standard defines the general requirements and corresponding test procedures for the design and manufacture of gloves, the resistance of the glove material to water penetration, safety (within the pH range 3.5 to 9.5, including chromium VI < 3 ppm, extractable protein content), comfort and efficiency (size, ability, permeability and water vapour absorption), marking and information provided by the manufacturer applicable to all protective gloves.
The glove is a product for personal protection that protects the hand and the various parts of the hand. The glove can also cover part of the forearm and arm. The performance index, usually indicated by a number between 0 and 4 (5 in the case of cutting), reflects the behaviour of the glove in a given test. This classification can classify the test results. Level 0 indicates that the glove has not been tested or does not meet the minimum requirements. A level of performance X indicates that the test method is not suitable for the glove sample tested.

EN374 GLOVES PROTECTING AGAINST CHEMICALS AND MICROORGANISMS

• EN 3741. The standard specifies the requirements for gloves designed to protect the user against chemicals and / or microorganisms and defines the terms for their use. It must be used in conjunction with UNI EN 420. The standard does not specify requirements for protection against mechanical hazards.
• EN 3742. The standard specifies a test method for resistance to penetration of protective gloves against chemicals and / or microorganisms.

Definition the penetration is the passage of a chemical or a microorganism through porous materials, seams, holes and other imperfections of the glove to the lack of molecular level;

Requirements: a glove must not leak when tested with air and water and must also be tested and inspected according to the quality level (AQL).

Performance index	Acceptable quality level (AQL)	Performance level
Level 3	< 0,65	GI
Level 2	< 1,5	GI
Level 1	< 4,0	S4

Indicates when the glove meets at least 2 levels of penetration test performance.

• EN 3743. The standard specifies the determination of the resistance of the glove material to permeation by chemicals that are potentially hazardous under conditions of continuous contact.

Definition permeation means the passage of a chemical through the glove material at the molecular level, so it is necessary to measure the permeation time or the time elapsed since it touches the liquid until it comes into contact with the skin.

Requirements: The impermeability of the glove must be guaranteed over the entire length of the glove, defined in the EN420 standard. We consider gloves to be resistant to chemicals if a Class 2 protection index is obtained for at least three test chemicals selected, by default, from the following list of 12 chemicals:

CODE	SUBSTANCE	NO. CLASS	CLASS
A	Methanol	67561	Primary alcohol
B	Acetone	67641	Ketone
C	Acetonitrile	75058	Organic nitrile compound
D	Dichloromethane	75092	Chlorinated hydrocarbon
E	Carbon disulfide	75150	Organic compound with sulphur
F	Toluene	108883	Aromatic hydrocarbon
G	Diethylamine	109897	Amine
H	Tetrahydrofuran	109999	Heterocycle and ether
I	Ethyl acetate	141786	Ester
J	nheptane	142855	Saturated hydrocarbon
K	Sodium hydroxide 40%	1310732	Inorganic base
L	96% sulphuric acid	7664939	Inorganic mineral acid

Permeability: Each test chemical is classified in terms of step time (performance index from 0 to 6).

It is indicated, followed by a three-character code, if the glove obtains a permeation time of at least 30 minutes and three test chemicals.

This pictogram is used when the glove does not achieve a pass time of more than 30 minutes in at least three test chemicals according to the penetration test.

EN 388 GLOVES PROTECTING AGAINST MECHANICAL HAZARDS

The standard specifies the requirements, test methods, marking and information supplied by the manufacturer of protection gloves against mechanical risks of abrasion, blade cutting, tearing, puncture, ISO cutting resistance, EN impact protection.

Definition: Protection against mechanical hazards is represented by a pictogram followed by four numbers (performance indices), each indicating the level of performance of the gloves after testing for a given risk.

Requirements:

• a - Abrasion resistance: indicated by the number of cycles required to wear the glove test completely. (0-4)
• b - Cutting resistance (of the blade): indicated by a factor calculated on the number of steps necessary to cut the sample glove at a constant speed. (0-5)
• c - Resistance to breakage: indicates the force necessary to break the glove (0-4)
• d - Puncture resistance: indicates the force required to puncture the sample with a tip of standard dimensions. (0-4)
• e - ISO shear strength: According to the force required to cut a sample using a specific testing machine (e.g., a tomodynamometer) under specific conditions. (A-F)
• f - Protection against impacts EN: According to the measured transmission of energy and force when the sample experiences a load drop. (EXCEEDED OR FAILED)

Note: In all four cases, zero indicates the lowest level of protection as shown in the table below.

PERFORMANCE INDEX
	0	1	2	3	4	5
a Abrasion resistance (Cycles)	< 100	100	500	2000	8000
b Shear strength (factor)	< 1.2	1.2	2.5	5.0	10.0	20.0
c Tensile strength (Newtons)	< 10	10	25	50	75
d Dielectric strength (Newtons)	< 20	20	60	100	150
PERFORMANCE LEVELS	A	B	C	D	E	F
e Cut resistance ISO (Newtons)	2	5	10	15	22	30
f Protection against impacts EN	SUPERATED (P) or FAILED (not marked)

 

EN407 GLOVES PROTECTING AGAINST THERMAL HAZARDS

The requirements provided by the standard, test methods, provide information and marking of gloves for protection against heat and / or fire.

Definition and equisitos: the nature and degree of protection is indicated by a pictogram followed by a series of six digits specifying the level of performance for the risk conditions described in the following table:

Note: "O" = glove did not pass the test / "X" = glove has not been tested.

EN12477 PROTECTIVE GLOVES FOR WELDING

The standard specifies requirements and test methods for protective gloves to be used in metal welding, cutting and tuning processes.

They provide a classification into two types:

• TYPE B: when high dexterity is required (e.g. TIG welding).
• TYPE A: For other welding procedures.

EN511 COLD PROTECTION GLOVES

The standard specifies requirements and test methods for gloves protecting against cold transmitted by convection or conduction up to 50 ° C.

Definition and requirements: protection against cold is represented by a pictogram followed by a series of 3 performance indices, in relation to the specific protection properties.

 

PRESENTATION INDEX	a Convective cold Thermal insulation Itr in m2 C/w	b Contact cold Thermal resistance R in m2 C/w	c Water Impermeability
0	1<0,10	R<0,025	no
1	0,10<Itr<0,15	0,025<R<0,050	si
2	0,15<Itr<0,22	0,050<R<0,100
3	0,22<Itr<0,30	0,100<R<0,150
4	0,30<Itr	0,150<R

Note: "O" = glove did not pass the test / "X" = glove has not been tested.

 

EN 1149 PROTECTIVE CLOTHING. ELECTROSTATIC PROPERTIES

The standard specifies requirements and test methods for the material used in the production of protective clothing (gloves) for the dissipation of electrostatic discharge protection.

You do not have to use masks or respirators to filter in the following cases:

• Lack of oxygen (concentration < 17%).
• The concentration of the contaminant in the air above the permitted exposure limit.
• Whether contaminants have an olfactory threshold above the TLV (not detectable by smell).

To determine the choice of a filter that should know the value of the TLV, THE PROTECTOR OF NOMINAL PROTECTION FACTOR, THE FACT.

TLV: it is the average characteristic of each substance, weighted in the time of a week of work (40 hours) in which a worker can be exposed without adverse effects on his health.
NOMINAL PROTECTION FACTOR: the relationship between the concentration of the contaminant in the environment and its possible concentration in the respiratory tract.

• Nominal protection factors of the most common safety devices.

EUROPEAN STANDARD FOR SAFETY FOOTWEAR CE EN20345

The symbols of the additional requirements for particular applications are given below:

• CR = Resistant to cutting.
• HI = Insulation against heat.
• CI = Insulation against cold.
• HRO = Resistant to contact heat.
• AN = Ankle protection.
• M = Metatarsal protection.
• WR = Resistance to water.
• SRA = Resistance to slipping ceramic tile with detergent.
• SRB = Slip resistance steel surface with glycerine.
• SRC = SRA + SRB.

From the previous scheme we understand that:

• S1 = Fundamental properties + closed heel + antistatic + energy absorption in the heel + resistance to hydrocarbons.
• S2 = S1 + Water penetration and absorption.
• S3 = S2 + Resistance to perforation.

Slip resistance

• SRA: Ceramic test / detergent solution
• SRB: Steel / Glycerine Test
• SRC: SRA + SRB

European standards for safety and professional footwear EN ISO 20346 (P marking) differ from EN ISO 20345 in protection against impacts with an equivalent energy level of at least 100J and against crushing of at least 10kN.

WARDROBE REGULATIONS

EN ISO 13688 Protective clothing general requirements.

EN 14058 ANTI-COLD CLOTHING STANDARD

Garments for protection against cold environments 5°C < Ambient temperature < 10°C.
This standard specifies the requirements and test methods for the performance of simple garments, for the protection of the body against cold environments, does not include specific requirements for head coverings, footwear or protective gloves to prevent local cooling.

 

• Y Thermal resistance class.
• Y Air permeability class (optional).
• Y Water penetration resistance class (optional).
• Y Insulation value, Icler in m2 k/W (optional).
• Y Insulation value, Icler in m2 k/W (optional).

Note: X indicates that the garment has not been tested.

 

EN 342 ANTI-COLD CLOTHING REGULATIONS

COLD-PROTECTION SUITS AND GARMENTS

EN342: Standard relating to cold with temperatures below -5°C (e.g. extreme cold or cold rooms).
The different categories are shown below:

Category I

Garments in this category are intended to protect against ambient temperatures above -5ºC. They must comply with the requirements established in the harmonized standard EN 14058:2004, the Spanish version of which is UNE-EN 14058:2004.

Category II

Category II garments are intended to protect against ambient temperatures between -5 ºC and -50 ºC. They must comply with the requirements established in the standard EN 342:2004 (Spanish version of the standard: UNE-EN 342:2004).

Category III

This type of garments are intended to protect against temperatures equal to or higher than -50 ºC. The standard they must comply with is EN 342:2004.

EN ISO 20471 HI-VISIBILITY CLOTHING

It is the Standard that specifies the requirements of high visibility garments capable of visually signalling the presence of the wearer. These garments are intended to provide high visibility of the wearer by drivers of vehicles or other mechanical devices in any daylight condition or by the light of vehicle headlights in the dark. Performance requirements relating to colour and reflectivity are included as well as minimum areas or disposition in the garments of the materials.

This standard has replaced EN 471:2003 + A1:2007 by introducing the following new features:

• It eliminates the distinction between professional and non-professional use.
• Its objective is the analysis and assessment of risks for the selection of high-visibility garments suitable for high-risk situations.
• It maintains the system of grouping garments into three classes based on the minimum area of high visibility materials: fluorescent and reflective.

Minimum areas of visible material required in m²

	Clothing Class 3	Clothing Class 2	Clothing Class 1
Background material	0,80	0,50	0,14
Reflective material	0,20	0,13	0,10
Combined performance material			0,20

• Excluding straps because they cannot be certified as conforming to the requirements.
• Excluded from the minimum area calculation are areas covered with symbols, logos or text.
• It is foreseen that the background material (fluorescent) must cover all relevant parts of the body (torso, arms and legs) with a minimum width of 50 mm.
• It eliminates the requirements for the performance material foreseen in EN471 Class 1.
• It stipulates that a single number indicating the class of the garment X must be written next to the pictogram.
• states that, in the information for the user, the maximum number of washing cycles must be declared.

Marking

Next to the pictogram it is necessary to write a single number indicating the class of the garment.

The maximum number of wash cycles must be indicated on the label but is only included in the user instructions. This maximum number must refer to the high visibility material with the lowest level of washing performance (based on the test carried out on the fluorescent and reflective material).

Information for the user

If the maximum number of washing cycles is included in this section, it must be accompanied by a sentence specifying that this is not the only factor related to the durability of the garment. If it is not declared, then a sentence should be included in which it is specified that the garment will be tested after 5 washes.

 

EN343 REGULATIONS PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AGAINST RAIN

• X= Resistance to water penetration.
• Y= Resistance to water vapour.

This standard specifies the requirements and test methods applicable to the materials and seams of protective clothing against the effects of precipitation (rain, snow), fog and soil moisture.

Performance requirements:

Resistance to water penetration (Wp) in Pascal: The measurement is made by subjecting the outer material and the seams of the garment to a water pressure (980 x/-50) Pa/min. Divided into 2 levels (from 1 to 2) from less to more waterproof.

	CLASS
Resistance to water penetration Wp	1	2	3
Test: material before treatment material after treatment (ref. points 5.1.3.2 / 5.1.3.5 of standard EN 343)	Wp > 8 000 Pa test not required	Wp > 8 000 Pa test not required a)	Wp ≥ 13 000 Pa test not required a)
seams before treatment	Wp > 8 000 Pa	Wp > 8 000 Pa	Wp > 13 000 Pa
a) Test not required because the worst situation for class 2 and 3 is verified after treatment.

Resistance to water vapour (Ret) in (m2.Pa)/Wp:

Measures resistance to evaporation. When tested in accordance with point 5.2 of EN343, the water vapour resistance of all garment layers must conform to the following package leaflet (divided into three classes of 1 to 3 from least breathable to most breathable):

	CLASS
Resistance to water vapour Ret	1 a)	2	3
m2 x Pa / W	Ret <> 40	20 < Ret < ≤ 40	Ret < ≤ 20
a) Class 1 has a limited time of use.

 

EN 381 DRESS CODE FOR USERS OF HAND-HELD CHAINSAWS

The law regulates how protective clothing for chainsaws should be, and what specifications must be met by each part of these garments:

• EN381-5: Specifications for leg protection
• EN381-7: Protective glove specifications
• EN381-9: Specifications for protective gaiters
• EN381-11: Specifications for protective jackets

According to the speed of the chainsaw, the product fits into one of the 4 classes:

• CLASS 0: 16 meters per second
• CLASS 1: 20 meters per second
• CLASS 2: 24 meters per second
• CLASS 3: 28 meters per second

 

THE BASIS OF A FALL PROTECTION SYSTEM

Anchor point and connector

Anchorage point: Point at which the fall protection system is securely anchored (anchorage tape, trapeze, lifeline, etc.).

• It must have a resistance >10kN for at least three minutes (EN795 Class B).
• It must be at a sufficient height to avoid, in the event of a fall, the impact of the operator on the ground or a structure below the work plane.

Connector: Connecting element in fall protection systems, i.e. fall arrest, rope access, retention and rescue systems.

• It must have a resistance >15kN for at least three minutes EN362

Fall arrest harness

In case of fall it must be able to hold the operator and guarantee a stop without causing injuries.

The only fall arrest system capable of supporting a person in the event of a fall and guaranteeing complete arrest are those equipped with straps and thighs in accordance with EN361.

It must be chosen according to the work to be carried out and the place where it is to be carried out.

All harness attachment points must have a resistance greater than 15 kN for at least 3 minutes EN361 and EN358.

Connecting devices

Element that connects the harness to the anchorage point or connector (fall arrest rope, retractable device, etc.).

• You must limit the fall and they will be selected according to the work to be performed.
• The height of the possible fall must be calculated to determine the necessary connecting device.

The standard

• EN353-1 devices guided on rigid anchor line
• EN353-2 devices guided on flexible anchor line
• EN354 mooring elements
• EN355 energy absorbers
• EN358 work positioning systems
• EN360 retractable fall arrest device
• EN361 fall arrest harnesses
• EN362 Connectors
• EN795 (b) Anchoring devices - Class B
• EN363 detention systems
• EN813 Harnesses with thigh straps
• EN1149 Electrostatic properties
• EN1496 Individual fall arresters / lifesaving appliances

Guide to choosing the right fall arrest harness

Dorsal hitch harness

• Anchoring point for a fall arrest harness
• Allows you to connect any fall arrest system
• Not suitable for suspended work

Front attachment harness

• Connection of the system to the front closure of the anti-tamper system
• Can be used for operator recovery

Chest hitch rings

The two rings must be connected with a karabiner for a fall arrest device to be connected. Suitable for various applications at height and for work in confined spaces.

Side hitch rings for positioning

• Used for positioning work.
• Allows the worker to be kept in position to perform the job.
• Cannot be used to stop falls.

Pelvic Engagement Point

• Used in the case of suspension work carried out in positioning or where a low anchorage point is required.

Guide to selecting the right device

FALL PREVENTION SYSTEM (according to EN358)

Works on poles and similars

Belt in positioning in combination with a positioning cord.

An alternative may be a complete harness with a positioning belt. In these cases, the position of the worker at risk of falling must not exceed 50 cm.

FALL RISK SYSTEMS (according to EN363)

Work on platforms and scaffolding, work on windows, work at heights without adequate protection, work with lateral movements anchored to a horizontal lifeline:

Fall arrest harness with dorsal/frontal attachment or harness with or without positioning belt attached to a dissipating device with energy absorber minimum required height 6 m.

Climbing and descending work (facades, beams, ceilings and other inclined surfaces, masts, stairs):

Fall arrest harness with dorsal/front attachment with a sliding fall arrest device (fallstop).

Minimum height required: 2 metres.

Work on scaffolds and platforms, work in wells, tanks or silos, assembly of scaffolds with the fixed anchorage point above, work with displacements both in horizontal and vertical lines with anchorage in a lifeline:

Harness with dorsal attachment with or without positioning belt, connected to a rolling device with textile band or steel cable with carabiner. Minimum height required: 2 metres.

Guide for the revision of a fall arrest device

La EN365:2005 specifies that periodic inspection should be done no later than 12 months (only if there have been no accidents) by competent persons and in strict compliance with the manufacturer's procedures for periodic inspection. It is recommended to keep a control sheet for each component of the system.

STANDARDS / SIZING

Size

The client must use these tables to confirm what size you need and make sure that you can wear our garments.

The measurements we provide in the tables are anatomical measurements, taken from the naked human body and not from the garment as such. When we manufacture a garment, we must add a clearance to achieve the comfort and convenience that is desired. This looseness varies according to the design, fabric, sex, etc. Turning it into a more or less fitted garment.

Download tables of approximate measures for clothing and footwear.

Protective gloves

The customer must use this guide to confirm what size gloves are required. To do so, he must download the file below and print it in real scale. Once printed, you must place your hand on the template to choose the size that best fits your hands.

Download the glove sizing template to find your size.

HEAD PROTECTION REGULATIONS

EN397 INDUSTRIAL SAFETY HELMETS

The regulations specify physical and performance requirements, test methods and marking requirements for industrial safety helmets.

Helmets are essentially intended to protect the wearer from falling objects and the brain injuries and skull fractures that could result. The use of the safety helmet is mandatory for all work that may cause head injuries through falling objects.

According to EN397 the industrial safety helmet consists of an outer cap and an inner atalage. The protective effect of the helmet is based on its ability to attenuate the impacts of objects on it through plastic and elastic deformation, as well as resistance to perforation of sharp or pointed objects.

Each helmet must have a stamped or printed marking that reports the following information:

1. European Standard (EN397).
2. Manufacturer's mark.
3. Year and quarter of manufacture.
4. Type of hull.
5. Size.
6. Hull manufacturing material.