Protective & high-visibility clothing

EN 510

Protective clothing where there is a risk of entanglement with moving parts

A standard defined by what the garment must not have, patch pockets, loose flaps, dangling straps or cords.

EN 510 is an unusual standard: it defines protection through construction rather than material properties. The logic is simple — if there is nothing on the garment for a rotating mechanism to catch, the entanglement risk disappears.

Construction requirements

  • A close fit — the garment must follow the body without billowing.
  • Pockets only internal or with slanted openings; patch pockets are not permitted.
  • Sleeves with close cuffs, fastened by a button or elastic.
  • Belts, ties, cords and hanging loops are not permitted.
  • Concealed fastenings — buttons and zips covered by a placket.
  • Seams designed to release at a defined force if entanglement does occur.

Where it is used: lathes, drills, conveyors, textile machinery, printing and any environment with an exposed rotating shaft. Note that such clothing must not be worn with bracelets, rings, chains or loose long hair.