EN 13034 - Liquid Chemicals
EN 13034 is a European standard that pertains to protective clothing against liquid chemicals. The standard was established by the European Union and describes the minimum performance requirements that clothing must meet to protect workers from potential exposure to light splashes, mists, or droplets of chemicals. The standard is intended for situations in which people may occasionally or accidentally come into contact with chemicals while working, such as in laboratories, the pharmaceutical industry, the petrochemical sector, and other industrial environments where chemicals are used.
The EN 13034 standard consists of various performance requirements related to the barrier function of the protective clothing and its resistance to chemical penetration. The requirements include:
- Resistance to penetration: This criterion relates to the protective clothing’s ability to prevent chemicals from penetrating the material. The clothing is tested for resistance to penetration by a series of selected chemicals, and the results are expressed as a classification from 1 to 3, with Class 3 indicating the highest level of protection.
- Liquid repellency: This criterion relates to the garment’s ability to repel liquids so that they do not remain on the surface. The clothing is tested for resistance to liquid repellency, and the results are expressed as a classification from 1 to 3, with Class 3 indicating the highest level of protection.
- Barrier function: This criterion relates to the protective clothing’s ability to shield the wearer from the penetration of chemicals through seams, fasteners, and other potential entry points. The barrier function is assessed based on the garment’s design features and construction.
It is important to note that the EN 13034 standard is intended for situations where there is only a limited risk of exposure to chemicals. In environments with a higher risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals—such as when working with concentrated acids or bases—other standards, such as EN 14605, may apply.
EN 13034 certification helps companies and employees ensure that the protective clothing they use meets the minimum safety and performance requirements for working in environments with a low risk of chemical exposure.