Protective Workwear Standards
Guide to Protective Workwear – Australian and International Standards
EN Standards for Disposable Coveralls
- EN 943-1: Type 1 gas-tight suits – full body protection against solid, liquid, and gaseous chemicals, including aerosols.
- EN 14605: Type 3 & 4 suits – liquid-tight (Type 3) and spray-tight (Type 4) protection. Also includes partial body protection PB [3] and PB [4].
- EN ISO 13982-1: Type 5 – protection against airborne solid particulates.
- EN 13034: Type 6 – limited performance suits for light spray or low-volume splashes.
- EN 14126: Protection against infective agents – suitable for contamination risk environments.
- EN 1073-2: Non-ventilated suits for protection against particulate radioactive contamination.
- EN 1149-5: Anti-static suits to prevent electrostatic discharge in explosive atmospheres.
Workwear Material Types
Non-Woven Polypropylene
Lightweight, breathable and suitable for general dust and non-hazardous liquid protection.
Spunbound-Meltblown-Spunbound (SMS) Polypropylene
Breathable material offering good protection against dry particles and limited liquid splashes.
Microporous Laminates
Offer higher levels of liquid barrier while maintaining breathability through micropores.
Stitching and Seam Methods
Serge Seams
Durable thread-overlocked stitching for basic strength.
Serge and Tape Seams
Offers both strength and enhanced protection from particles and liquids.
Tightly Bound Stitching
High-strength seams that provide a strong barrier against particles and splashes.
Disclaimer: This page is provided for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does not replace formal certification, training or professional advice. Always consult official EN standards and your workplace WHS authority or Safe Work Australia to ensure full compliance.