Chemical Protective Clothing

Types of Chemical Protective Suits and Their Safety Levels

Chemical protective clothing is classified into different types depending on the level of exposure faced by workers. Choosing the right suit depends on factors such as the nature of the chemicals, the physical state of the substance (liquid, gas, aerosol, or particle), and the exposure time.

Type of protection	Description	Example of use
Type 1	Gas-tight suits with autonomous air supply. Maximum protection against toxic gases and vapours.	Chemical emergencies, petrochemical industry, firefighters.
Type 1a	Airtight suits with breathing equipment inside the suit.	Use in environments with high concentration of toxic gases.
Type 1b	Airtight suits with breathing equipment outside the suit.	Rescue operations and handling of hazardous chemicals.
Type 1c	Airtight suits with internal positive pressure.	Chemical and nuclear industry, handling of volatile gases.
Type 2	Non-airtight ventilated suits. They offer protection against hazardous aerosols but allow air to enter.	Chemical, pharmaceutical and food industry.
Type 3	Liquid-tight suits with protection against high-pressure jets.	Industrial cleaning, handling of aggressive chemicals.
Type 4	Suits with protection against sprayed liquids.	Application of pesticides, chemical laboratories.
Type 5	Protection against suspended solid particles (dusts and aerosols).	Pharmaceutical industry, handling of toxic fibres and dusts.
Type 6	Limited protection against accidental splashes of liquids.	Laboratories, maintenance with low chemical risk.
PB [3] and PB [4]	Partial body protection with type 3 and 4 materials.	Low-exposure chemical applications.
PB [6]	Partial protection of the body with type 6 materials.	Laboratories and industrial cleaning.

Safety regulations for chemical protective clothing

To ensure effective protection against hazardous substances, chemical protective clothing must comply with international regulations governing materials, design, and levels of protection.

Regulations	Description	Application
EN 13034	Protection against splashes of low-pressure liquid chemicals.	Chemical industry, laboratories, solvent handling.
EN 14605	Protection against chemical liquids in the form of a jet or spray.	Industrial cleaning, handling of aggressive chemicals.
EN 943-1	Airtight protection against hazardous gases and vapours.	Petrochemical industry, chemical emergencies.
EN 13982-1	Protection against suspended solid particles.	Pharmaceutical industry, handling of toxic fibres and dusts.
EN 1149-5	Electrostatic protection to prevent electric shocks.	ATEX zones, handling of flammable products.

Industries where chemical protective clothing is used

Chemical protective clothing is indispensable in multiple industries where workers are exposed to hazardous substances. Its use is mandatory in environments where corrosive liquids, toxic gases, polluting particles or chemical aerosols are handled, guaranteeing safety and reducing the risks of exposure.

Chemical industry

The specific substances to which workers may be exposed and any interactions (in the case of multiple substances). There are general disposable products and some specific disposable protection products that help us deal with this type of hazard, and that complement the protection of PPE.

Proper maintenance ensures the wearer's safety and the effectiveness of the clothing in protecting against chemical hazards.

Laboratories and pharmaceutical sector

The handling of chemicals and biological agents in laboratories requires protective suits against particles, aerosols and liquids. In these cases, Type 4, 5 and 6 suits are used, which guarantee adequate protection without compromising the comfort of the wearer.

Petrochemical industry

Refineries and petrochemical plants involve risks of exposure to flammable gases and toxic substances. In these environments, the use of Type 1 and 2 suits is essential, as they offer airtight protection against hazardous vapours.

Emergencies and firefighters

Emergency crews and firefighters use specialized chemical protective suits to intervene in hazardous product spills, explosions, or toxic gas leaks. Type 1 ET and 1C suits are best suited as they include self-contained breathing systems and high thermal resistance materials.

Construction and mining industry

The use of adhesives, paints, and chemicals on construction sites and excavations requires protective clothing against aerosols and toxic particles. In these sectors, Type 4 and 5 suits are the most commonly used to avoid direct contact with harmful substances.

Industrial cleaning and disinfection

Industrial cleaning operators are exposed to disinfectants, corrosive cleaning products, and fumigations with harsh chemicals. For these jobs, Type 3 and 4 suits are essential, as they provide protection from hazardous chemical liquids and vapors.

In each of these sectors, choosing the right level of protection is key to minimising risks and ensuring worker safety.

Care and maintenance of chemical protective clothing

For chemical protective clothing to remain effective and comply with safety regulations, proper maintenance is essential. The deterioration of the material can compromise its ability to protect, so it is recommended to carry out periodic inspections and apply specific cleaning and storage measures:

Pre- and post-use inspection

• Check that there are no tears, perforations or damaged seams.
• Check that seals, snaps and sealed zippers are working properly.
• Inspect valves and airtight materials in gas protective suits.

Cleaning and disinfection

• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid damage.
• Wash with warm water and neutral detergents, without abrasive products.
• Use specific decontamination systems if you have been in contact with hazardous substances.
• Consider immediate replacement if the garment has been exposed to highly corrosive chemicals.

Proper storage

• Store in a dry and ventilated place, protected from sunlight and heat sources.
• Avoid contact with chemical substances or sharp materials that may damage the fabric.
• In airtight suits, store spread, avoiding folds that may weaken the material.

Service life and replacement

• Follow the expiration date indicated by the manufacturer on disposable suits.
• Replace reusable suits if they show signs of degradation or loss of chemical resistance.
• Replace immediately upon contact with aggressive chemicals that may compromise the integrity of the material.