Martin LillCE certification is important proof that PPE has been rigorously and independently tested to meet minimum performance standards. However, failure to properly understand individual standards and the tests within them can be dangerous. Unfortunately, standards are often complex, and misunderstanding is not uncommon. The misinterpretation of the chemical suit permeation resistance test is a classic example.
The most dangerous misunderstanding in PPE?
Certification of chemical protective clothing requires a test of permeation resistance against the chemical. This test (EN 6529) produces a “breakthrough time” in minutes, which most users interpret as the time until the chemical first breaks through the fabric and therefor that the suit can be used safely. However, this is a misunderstanding of what “breakthrough” in this context means. And it does not mean the suit is safe to wear.
In fact, the permeation resistance test measures time until the rate of permeation reaches a particular speed. Given that it must take time to reach that speed, some of the chemical MUST permeate through the fabric before the test breakthrough time! Is that volume permeated dangerous to the wearer? That depends on the toxicity of the chemical.
Another problem with this test is that it fails to consider changing conditions. Temperature affects permeation; a 10oC increase could double the permeation rate. Yet, permeation tests are conducted at 23oC, which means for workers in warmer environments the test breakthrough is simply wrong!
Whole Suit Assessment
The test’s inadequacy in determining safety stems from its sole focus on fabric, overlooking potential hazards like chemical leakage through poorly sealed zippers or gaps between the hood, mask, cuffs, gloves, and boots. While the permeation test aids fabric performance comparison, assuming it ensures protection is risky. A comprehensive assessment of chemical suits should consider permeation under varying temperatures and the risk of inward leakage through gaps in the entire suit ensemble.
The PermaSURE® Solution
Until now this has been difficult. However, Lakeland’s PermaSURE® smart-phone app now does precisely this. It measures both: permeation through fabric over time using molecular permeation modelling, and whole suit ingress based on Inward leakage test Protection Factors. In then compares this with known toxicity thresholds of the chemical to define the user Safe-Wear Time. This is the first available method of conducting such a comprehensive assessment of chemical suit protection.
The misunderstanding of this common CE test is a perfect example of the danger of misunderstanding CE standards. Even if PPE is certified, failure to do so can mean that workers are not as protected as you think – or even that they are not protected at all.
Lakeland Industries is a leading global manufacturer of industrial and cleanroom protective apparel.
With multiple manufacturing units on four continents, regional sales and distribution facilities, a global network of distribution partners and more than four decades of experience in the development, design and manufacture of protective clothing, Lakeland is positioned as a leader in the personal protective equipment (PPE) industry. That’s why safety professionals around the world increasingly turn to Lakeland to protect their people and their environments.