EN ISO 13982-1 sets the requirements for Type 5 clothing — a whole-body coverall against airborne solid particulates. The key test is carried out on a moving human subject in a dust chamber.
The test
The subject wears the coverall over a white base garment. A fine sodium chloride aerosol is introduced into the chamber while the subject performs prescribed movements — standing, bending, walking. The particulate that gets inside is then measured. This reflects real conditions far better than testing fabric alone, because most leakage occurs at the seams, zip, hood and cuffs.
Typical use
- Asbestos removal and disposal.
- Pharmaceutical and chemical powder production.
- Cement, mineral fibre and wood dust.
- Control of biological contamination in dry form.
A practical detail: the coverall only works if it interfaces correctly with the rest of the PPE. Cuff under the glove, hood over the respirator straps, boot inside the leg — and every junction taped.
