Disposable coveralls: categories and types
Personal protective equipment is mandatory in certain professions and missions where the risks can sometimes be fatal. Voussert, in partnership with Weesafe Medicom, offers a complete range of disposable coveralls for professional use to meet every need. Whether in asbestos removal , plant protection, nuclear energy , the pharmaceutical industry, or pandemic response, Voussert supports you, notably with the Weesafe brand, now part of the Medicom group, a benchmark for quality and reliability in the world of disposable coveralls. This article will help you better understand how a non-compliant or improperly used disposable coverall can quickly become a real danger to the user.
The different categories 1, 2 and 3 - I, II, III
The suit is initially classified into categories ranging from 1 to 3. Sometimes also indicated by Roman numerals I, II, or III. These categories indicate the type of risk the equipment is designed to withstand. The lowest number represents the lowest risk.
Three categories of PPE are defined, corresponding to three categories of risk.
Category I disposable coveralls => simple design => minor risk
Disposable coverall Category II => intermediate design => Medium/Intermediate risk
Category III disposable coveralls => complex design => Major/High risk, potentially fatal
Category III disposable coveralls for protection against major risks
A coverall is worn by a professional to protect them against one or more external hazards and is disposed of and recycled according to its professional use. Hazards are assessed based on their frequency and severity. The most commonly used model in professional settings is Category III, as it is used in the food processing industry, central kitchens, and for asbestos removal work.
The disposable coverall for professional use classified in category III (3) covers fatal risks or irreversible damage.
Example of asbestos removal operations with a class H vacuum cleaner specifically designed for asbestos , equipment used in the fight against infectious diseases such as viruses .
Category III is then broken down into different types, which we will detail.
This means that a suit can be category III type 5 and 6 or type 3, 4, 5 and 6 or like the yellow Weejet type 3B, 4B, 5B, 6B...
As you will have understood , the category alone does not determine the protection perimeter of the suit.
Type 6 disposable coverall EN 13034
A type 6 coverall, as defined by standard EN13034, provides limited protection against liquid chemicals . This type of coverall offers complete or partial protection to the user against liquid chemicals in the form of a light spray (liquid aerosols, sprays) or low-pressure projections of low hazard .
Protective clothing against liquid chemicals - Requirements for chemical protective clothing providing limited protection against liquid chemicals (Type 6 and Type PB (6) equipment).
Type 5 disposable coverall EN 13982-1
A type 5 coverall, as defined by EN 13982-1, provides protection against solid chemicals in the form of aerosolized solid particles . This equipment ensures complete protection for the user against low concentrations of solid chemicals in aerosolized form. Protective clothing for use against solid particles.
- Part 1: Performance requirements for chemical protective clothing providing whole-body protection against airborne solid particles (Type 5 clothing).
Type 4 disposable coverall EN 14605
Type 4 coveralls, as defined by EN 14605 , provide protection against liquid chemicals . This equipment offers complete or partial protection to the user against liquid chemicals in spray form.
Protective clothing against liquid chemicals - Performance requirements for clothing with spray-proof connecting elements (Type 4), including articles of clothing protecting only certain parts of the body (Type PB (4)).
Type 3 disposable coverall EN 14605
Type 3, as defined by EN 14605, characterizes a disposable coverall offering protection against liquid chemicals . This coverall provides complete or partial protection to the wearer against liquid chemicals in jet form (a violent projection of liquid chemical). Protective clothing against liquid chemicals – Performance requirements for clothing with liquid-tight connecting elements (Type 3), including garments protecting only certain parts of the body (Type PB (3)).
Type 2 disposable coverall EN 943-1
A coverall providing limited protection against gases . A coverall providing complete or partial protection of the user against gases.
Disposable coverall type 1 EN 943-1 EN 943-2
A suit providing gas-tight protection. A suit providing complete protection for the user against gases.
Additional standards for disposable coveralls
EN 1149-5: Electrostatic protection when properly grounded.
EN 1073-2: Protection against radioactive particles.
EN 14126: Protection against infectious agents.
Protection against infectious agents must comply with EN 14126, which provides requirements regarding dry, liquid, contact, and airborne bacterial contamination. Compliance with this standard allows the product to claim a B rating.
Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is mandatory according to the decree of May 27, 1987.
Which combination for which jobs?
Medical and pharmaceutical sector: In these environments, the priority is to limit cross-contamination. Type 5 and 6 disposable coveralls made of non-woven material are ideal for protecting healthcare workers and patients.
Chemical and food industry: Sectors handling chemicals, solvents or hazardous substances require category III disposable coveralls, conforming to EN 14605 (type 3 and 4) and EN 13982 (type 5) standards.
Painting and asbestos removal work: For these high-risk activities, category III disposable coveralls made of SMS material are essential. They must be certified according to EN 14605 (type 3 and 4) and EN 13982 (type 5) standards.
Maintenance and cleaning work: Category I or II polypropylene coveralls are perfectly suited for these less hazardous tasks. They offer basic protection while ensuring a good level of comfort.
Protective suits for asbestos removal: which one to choose?
Application of coveralls Since March 7, 2013, a new French decree requires specific clothing for asbestos removal operations , or more broadly, for any risk of exposure to asbestos.
Category III type 5 and 6 coveralls comply with this decree because they benefit from seams completely covered by a flat heat-bonded adhesive strip.
The jumpsuits also feature a zipper covered by an adhesive flap that extends up to the neck. They are elasticated at the waist and ankles.
These comfortable garments are waterproof and splash-proof. They are breathable thanks to their 55 and 65 g/m² SMS fabric .
Instructions for using the disposable coverall
Regardless of the disposable coverall chosen, it is essential to follow certain usage rules to ensure the safety of your teams:
Put on the suit correctly , making sure to close the zipper and the protective flap properly.
Ensure that the suit is compatible with the respiratory protective device being used .
Seal the wrists and ankles with adhesive strips for a better seal .
Avoid any contact with surfaces or objects that could damage the suit.
Carefully remove the suit, avoiding any contact with the contaminated outer part.
Dispose of the disposable coverall in accordance with applicable regulations, including using Dasri bags .