Standards for clothing that protects against viruses

1. EN 14126 certified garments should carry this pictogram. EN 14126 Comprises the following material tests: Penetration test using synthetic blood (ISO 16603) Resistance to penetration by viruses (ISO 16604) Resistance to penetration by bacteria (ISO 22610) Resistance to penetration by biologically contaminated aerosols ( ISO/DIS 22611) Resistance to penetration by contaminated dust (ISO 22612) When choosing a garment for protection against viruses like the one that causes COVID-19, it’s important to know which regulatory standards exist to help ensure proper protection. In the European Union, the EN 14126 standard for protective clo thing against inflective agents measures the ability of a suit or gown to prot ect users against bacteria, fungi and viruses. The EN 14126 uses different test me thods to measure the penetration resistance of the garment material to i nfective agents using different kinds of exposure. In North America, ASTM F 1671 is the standard to test the resis tance of materials used in protective clothing to penetration by blood-b orne pathogens. A common misunderstanding among many end-users is that they are protected from blood, body fluids, and other potentially infectious materi als (OPIM) when they wear any type of fluid-resistant garment or surgical o r isolation gown. Only items of clothing and/or accessories featuring ASTM F 1671 are considered impermeable to blood and viral penetration. Differences Between Bacteria and Viruses Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before donning PPE items and after taking them off Wearers must be trained in how to don and doff PPE Wear properly fitting PPE garments, snug but not tight or loose. It should not impede movement or communication Peel off PPE items turning them inside out as they are removed Never use damaged or visibly soiled PPE item Ansell, ® and ™ are trademarks owned by Ansell Limited or one of its affiliates. © 2020 All Rights R eserved. Visit Ansell.com to discover the latest updates on global PPE regulations and explore our full range of products certified to protect against exposure to viruses. EN 14126 AND ASTM F 1671 STANDARDS OVERVIEW Best practices for protective clothing use For garments offering protection against infective agents including viruses. Bacteria are usually 1 to 10 micrometers. On the other hand, the size of a virus is 1/10 to 1/100 of bacteria. The small size of a virus makes it easy to pass through the pinholes in ordinary protective garments. Garments featuring the EN 14126 marking, however, are proven to act as an effective barrier even against small viruses. Size of bacteria Size of Virus EN 14126 EN 14126 Do not wear PPE outside of contaminated areas to prevent spreading contamination