KNOWLEDGE BASE
Protective Work Clothing
Protective workwear is designed to protect employees from risks and injuries that may occur during work. The clothing must fit properly, be comfortable, and allow for sufficient freedom of movement.
When workwear is intended to protect against specific risks and bears the CE mark, it is classified as personal protective equipment (PPE). The specific protective workwear required is always determined by the Risk Inventory and Evaluation (RI&E).
Protective Work Clothing and Legislation
Protective workwear is covered by the European PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425. Manufacturers are required to ensure compliance, CE marking, certification, and clear labeling.
Employers are responsible for:
- Selecting the appropriate workwear based on the RI&E
- Ensuring proper use by employees
- Maintenance, storage, and timely replacement
In addition, the workwear must be compatible with other PPE, such as safety shoes, gloves, and eye protection.
Work Clothing as Part of a System
Providing protective workwear involves more than just purchasing products. In practice, this works best when workwear is incorporated into a clear system.
This includes, among other things:
- Selection based on risks identified in the Risk Assessment
- Selection of the appropriate standard and level of protection
- Explanation of labels and instructions for use
- Information and training for employees
- Arrangements regarding logistics, cleaning, maintenance, repair, and replacement
A regular supplier can help ensure that this chain is well-coordinated and that continuity is guaranteed.
Certification and usage information
Certification is always required for protective workwear, both for the fabric and the finished product. The label on the garment displays the CE marking, the standard(s), pictograms, and performance codes.
The user manual is essential. It includes, among other things:
- Requirements for use in combination with other PPE
- Care and washing instructions
- Restrictions on use
This allows employees and safety officers to verify that the workwear is appropriate for the job and complies with the Risk Inventory and Evaluation (RI&E).
Maintenance, Washing, and Repairs
Proper maintenance is necessary to preserve the protective properties. Protective work clothing must be industrially laundered. Washing at home can compromise protective properties and poses a risk of cross-contamination.
Improper washing, drying, or the use of incorrect detergents can create a false sense of security. Repairs must be carried out using the manufacturer’s materials and in accordance with established procedures.
In practice, it works well to provide each employee with at least two, and preferably three, sets of workwear: one in use, one in the wash, and one on standby.
Basic Standard for Protective Work Clothing
The overarching standard for protective workwear is EN ISO 13688. This standard sets general requirements for, among other things, design, fit, comfort, sizing, labeling, and maintenance.
This standard does not itself provide protection, but serves as the basis upon which other, risk-specific standards are applied.
Work Clothing for Machines with Moving Parts
When working on machines with rotating parts, workwear must be able to tear if it is caught. For this reason, cotton workwear with snug-fitting sleeves is often suitable.
Very strong fibers and seams are unsuitable in these situations because they do not tear—or hardly tear at all—and thus increase the risk.
Protection against heat and flames
This standard provides protection against heat and flames. Performance is indicated by letters and numbers, with a higher value signifying greater protection.
In addition to performance, the standard also sets requirements for design, such as fasteners, overlaps, and pockets. Selection, proper use, and good maintenance are essential here.
Antistatic workwear
EN 1149-5
Antistatic workwear prevents the buildup of electrostatic charge and helps prevent sparking. This standard is usually not sufficient as the sole form of protection.
In the event of an explosion hazard, a combination with flame-retardant workwear and appropriate safety footwear is often required to create a properly grounded system.
Protection against chemicals
EN 13034 – Type 6
Type 6 workwear offers limited protection against light mists and small splashes of liquid chemicals. The clothing is not gas- or liquid-tight.
The purpose is for the clothing to provide time to retreat and change immediately. Contaminated workwear must always be changed immediately.
Rainwear
EN ISO 24232
This standard specifies requirements for waterproofness and breathability. Waterproofness is classified into grades; breathability is indicated by the RET value. A lower RET value indicates better breathability.
Always check both the label and the manufacturer’s product specifications, especially for prolonged or physically demanding work.
Electrical arc
This standard provides protection against the thermal effects of an electric arc. Electric shock is outside the scope of this standard and requires additional measures.
The protection rating is indicated on the label. ELIM is increasingly being used as a safety benchmark alongside ATPV.
Welding Workwear
Welding workwear protects against molten metal spatter, heat, and radiation during welding operations. The standard specifies Class 1 and Class 2, depending on the severity of the work.
Welding workwear must remain clean to function properly and must not be worn over undergarments that could melt.
High Visibility
This standard ensures good visibility both day and night through the use of fluorescent colors and reflective stripes. There are three classes, with Class 3 offering the highest level of visibility.
For lower-risk situations, enhanced visibility clothing in accordance with EN 17353 may be a suitable alternative.
Multiple Standards at Once
In practice, multiple standards often apply simultaneously. It is important to understand, for each standard, what protection is provided and how it should be used correctly.
Well-organized logistics, industrial laundering, maintenance, and inspections ensure that protective workwear remains safe in practice.
Role of the supplier
Suppliers can provide support with selection, logistics, maintenance, and evaluation. By organizing this supply chain effectively, compliance with laws and regulations is demonstrably ensured, and protection remains at the required level.