EN 13034 Type PB [6]
Protective clothing that protects against liquid chemicals
The EN 13034 standard covers protective clothing with the lowest level of chemical protection, intended to protect against limited exposure to liquid chemicals, such as small splashes or lighter spray. The requirements in the standard vary depending on whether the garment is a full-body protective garment (Type 6) or a garment that provides only partial protection (Type PB[6] – partial body). It is important to note that garments certified according to EN 13034 are tested against different chemicals or chemical groups, therefore a garment with EN 13034 marking may provide different levels of protection.
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WHAT DOES STANDARD EN 13034 MEAN?
EN 13034 is a standard for protective clothing that protects against small splashes and light spray of liquid chemicals. The standard is intended for work environments where the lowest level of chemical protection is required and where exposure is limited and temporary. It applies in situations where the wearer has the opportunity to act if the garment becomes contaminated by chemicals. The standard is not intended for situations where complete protection against liquid penetration at molecular level is required.
For a garment to comply with the requirements of EN 13034, both the fabric and the garment design must meet the standard’s requirements. The fabric’s chemical protection is tested with regard to its ability to repel chemicals and resist chemical penetration. In addition to fabric tests, the garment design is also assessed, where for example pockets and other details must be designed so that chemicals cannot collect in or on the garment.
CLASSIFICATION
The standard covers two different garment types that are tested in different ways;
Type 6, whole-body protection - the entire garment is tested through a spray test to verify its ability to resist penetration by liquid chemicals.
Type PB[6], partial body protective garment - only the fabric’s chemical protective properties are tested.
Fabrics can be tested for the following chemical groups and chemicals. The results are presented in tables on the garment’s CE label and in the tables below.
| Chemical group | Chemical |
| Acid | H2SO4 30% (Sulphuric acid) |
| Base | NaOH 10% (Sodium hydroxide is also called lye or caustic soda) |
| Aromatic hydrocarbon | O-xylene |
| Alcohol | Butanol |
The result is stated on a scale from 1 to 3, where 3 indicates the highest level of protection. For a fabric to meet the requirements of EN 13034, at least one chemical group/chemical must achieve class 3 for the ability to repel the chemical, and at least class 2 for the ability to resist penetration by the chemical.
When selecting protective clothing according to EN 13034, it is important to check which chemicals or chemical groups the relevant garment material has been tested against. The requirements of the standard do not mean that the garment provides protection against all types of chemicals covered by the standard.
Tranemo has tested the following fabrics with result/class according to the table:
811 Tera TX
812 Tera TX TW
821 Edge
822 Cantex 2.0 HV
846 Ara TX
862 Outback 250
863 Outback HW
882/883 Cantex 2.0
884 Cantex Stretch
885 Cantex Weld
932 Cantex 240IR
943 Mega TX 230IR
950 Windtech FR340
955 Windtech FR550
|
Chemical group / Chemical |
Material’s ability to repel chemicals | Material’s ability to resist chemical penetration | |
| Acid | H2SO4 (30%) | 3 | 3 |
| Base | NaOH (10%) | 3 | 3 |
| Aromatic hydrocarbon | O-xylene | - | - |
| Alcohol | Butanol | - | - |
”-” Chemical group/chemical not tested/does not pass the test.
Tranemo has tested the following fabrics with result/class according to the table:
912 Tera TX Light
|
Chemical group / Chemical |
Material’s ability to repel chemicals | Material’s ability to resist chemical penetration | |
| Acid | H2SO4 (30%) | 3 | 2 |
| Base | NaOH (10%) | 3 | 2 |
| Aromatic hydrocarbon | O-xylene | - | - |
| Alcohol | Butanol | - | - |
”-” Chemical group/chemical not tested/fails the test.
Tranemo has tested the following fabrics with result/class according to the table:
951 Windtech FR HVO
|
Chemical group / Chemical |
Material’s ability to repel chemicals | Material’s ability to resist chemical penetration | |
| Acid | H2SO4 (30%) | 3 | 3 |
| Base | NaOH (10%) | 3 | 3 |
| Aromatic hydrocarbon | O-xylene | 3 | 3 |
| Alcohol | Butanol | 2 | 3 |
Tranemo has tested the following fabrics with results/class according to the table:
830 Apex
|
Chemical group / Chemical |
The material’s ability to repel chemicals | The material’s ability to resist chemical penetration | |
| Acid | H2SO4 (30%) | 3 | 3 |
| Base | NaOH (10%) | 3 | 3 |
| Aromatic hydrocarbon | O-xylene | 2 | 3 |
| Alcohol | Butanol | 2 | 3 |
Choose a sustainable alternative
If your company only requires protection against acid or base, you can benefit from choosing a fabric with a PFAS-free finish. A PFAS-free finish does not contain the fluorocarbon bond that nature finds so difficult to break down, which makes the product a better and more environmentally friendly choice. If your company instead requires protection against O-xylene or butanol, you need a fabric with a PFAS finish. Contact Tranemo if you are unsure which protection your company needs.
PRODUCTS WITH EN 13034
Browse our products with protection against chemicals.
EN 13034 PB[6]
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