Retroreflectometer

A Retroreflectometer is used to check the performance of retroreflective tape. Every roll of tape is tested to ensure it meets and exceeds the standard requirements. The retroflectometer measures the coefficient of two rotating angles. EN ISO 20471 states the reading should not be below 330 (cd/lx.m2) however at Portwest they insist on a reading of 400 (cd/lx.m2) plus.

Spectrophotometer

A spectrophotometer is used to check the chromaticity – “colour intensity” – of fabric. They use this to ensure every roll of fabric meets the requirements of EN ISO 20471 and RIS-3279-TOM.

RIS-3279-TOM

RIS imposes a higher concentration for high visibility orange fabric for railway workers. This increases the conspicuous nature of the fabric and ensures that the rail worker is more visible.

Reflective Tape

Reflective tape must be at least 50mm wide. Bands of reflective tape must be positioned at least 50mm apart.

Distance From Hem

Reflective tape must be positioned 50mm or more from the end of sleeve or leg.

All Around The Body

Reflective tape must encircle torso and/or limbs to be included in the calculation of the necessary square area of reflective tape. A gap (for fastening system or seam) in the band of reflective tape must be 50mm or less. The total amount of such gaps in every band must not exceed 100mm around the torso and 50mm around the sleeves and legs.

EN343 is the European standard that applies to garments worn in adverse weather conditions. This standard specifies requirements and test methods applicable to the materials and seams of protective clothing against the influence of precipitation (e.g. rain, snowflakes), fog, and ground humidity.

The pictogram to the left indicates that protection against rain is offered.

The standard provides for two performance parameters of which there are 4 levels with Class 4 offering the highest level of protection.

• X - Water Penetration Resistance (Waterproofness) 4 Levels
• Y - Water Vapour Resistance (Breathability) 4 Levels
• R - Readymade Garment; Rain Tower Test (optional)
  R may be replaced by an X if the test has not been carried out or is not suitable.

EN342 is the European standard that applies to garments worn in cold environments. This standard specifies requirements and test methods for the performance of clothing ensembles (i.e two-piece suits/coveralls) for protection against the effects of cold environments equal to or below -5°C.

There are three main parameters:

• A - Thermal insulation (this is tested using a full-size moving mannequin & measures the amount of energy required to maintain warmth)
• B - Air Permeability (This is a measure of how windproof the garment is), AP, Class 1-3 (where 3 is best)
• C - Water penetration (waterproofness) Class 1-2 (where 2 is best); optional test

(Example to the left refers to the Portwest Hi-Vis Bomber Jacket (S463) test results)

The manikin test measures the amount of energy required to maintain warmth. This result is expressed in square metres Kelvin per Watt (m2K/W) this result can be used to estimate the maximum wear time based on the activity level of the wearer, the temperature of the environment and insulation value of the garment.

For example (see chart to the left):

A person wearing the Portwest Hi-Vis Bomber Jacket (S463) performing light activity can withstand -2°C for 8hrs and -18°C for 1hr. A person performing Medium activity can withstand -18°C for 8hrs and -36°C for 1hr.

Class 3: Highest Level

Highest level of protection - required for any persons working on or near motorways, dual-carriage ways or airports. Must incorporate a minimum of 0.80m2 of background material  and 0.20m2 of retroreflective materials. (4 metres of 5cm wide reflective tape)

Class 2: Intermediate Level

Required for any persons working on or near A and B class roads, also for delivery drivers. Must incorporate a minimum of 0.50m2 of background material and 0.13m2 of retro-reflective material. (2.60 metres of 5cm wide reflective tape)

Class 1: Minimum Level

Minimum level of protection required for any persons working on a private road or to be used in conjunction with a higher classed garment. Must incorporate a minimum of 0.14m2 of background material and 0.10m2 of retroreflective material. (2 metres of 5cm wide reflective tape)

This European standard is part of a series of standards for test methods and requirements for electrostatic properties of protective clothing.

The standard specifies material and design requirements for garments used as part of a total earthed system, to avoid incendiary discharges.

The requirements may not be sufficient in oxygen enriched flammable atmospheres.

This European Standard is not applicable for specifying protection against main voltages.

EN 1149-1:

Test method for measurement of surface resistivity. Surface resistance measures the conductivity between two points on the surface of a fabric. The lower the resistance the higher the conductivity, resulting in charge going to earth.

EN 1149-2:

Test method for measurement of the electrical resistance through a material (vertical resistance). This is the level of conductivity when measured through the depth of a fabric.

EN 1149-3:

Test methods for measurement of charge decay. Charge decay measures how long it takes for an electric current to dissipate. The quicker it dissipates the higher the anti-static properties of the garment.

Please note the EN 1149-4 Garment Test is under development.

EN 1149-5:

EN 1149-5 specifies the performance and design requirements to avoid static discharge for all electrostatic dissipative protective clothing as part of an entire earthed system, shoes, clothing & floor. The material meets the requirements.

EN ISO 11612 is the standard for protective clothing which protects against heat and flame. Users for these garments include those who work in oil & gas, welding & allied processes, mining, petroleum and many other industries.

There are a host of specific tests conducted as part of EN ISO 11612, including tests for: Flame Spread, Tensile Strength, Tear Resistance, and Heat Resistance.

Flame Spread Test:

A flame is held against the fabric for ten seconds. After it is removed the fabric should not continue to burn. There should be no hole formation, melting or molten debris.

Tensile Strength Test:

The fabric must be able to withstand a minimum force of 300 newtons while being stretched or grabbed.

Tear Resistance Test:

The fabric must be able to withstand a minimum force of 10 newtons before it will tear.

Heat Resistance Test:

The fabric is placed in an oven at 180oC and must not ignite melt or shrink within the first 5 minutes in order to comply with the standard.

This standard investigates the fabric and garment's ability to protect against the thermal effects of an electric arc. This can be done via two test methods: 1. IEC 61482-1-1 (Open Arc Test Method) and 2. IEC 61482-1-2 (Box Test Method).

What Is An Arc Flash:

An electric arc is an intense flash of electricity which can result in numerous injuries.

Garments can be layered to achieve a better Cal rating. For example, a thermal layer may achieve an Ebt of 4.3 Cal/cm2, and an outer coverall may achieve an ATPV of 13.6 Cal/cm2. However, the combination ATPV/Ebt ratings will be greater than the sum of the two single layers, as the air gap between the two layers affords the wearer additional protection.

IEC 61482-1-1 (Open Arc Test Method)

This test method aims to establish an ELIM (Incident Energy Limit) and an ATPV rating of a fabric and/or garment. These values, expresses as cal/cm², are the highest incident thermal energy to which the garment can be exposed without the wearer getting a second degree burn or the formation of holes in the fabric. The higher the cal rating of the garment or fabric, then the greater the protection for the wearer.

IEC 61482-1-2 (Box Test Method)

This test method aims to establish an APC1 or an APC2 rating of a fabric and/or garment (APC=Arc Protection Class). Test conditions for APC1 & APC2 try to simulate typical exposure conditions for a short circuit current of 4kA and 7kA respectively.

A single layer garment in most cases will pass APC1. For APC2, a thicker fabric or multi layer system is required.

Garments must be laundered according to the manufacturer's instructions; incorrect laundering of flame resistant garments can seriously affect their performance and fit.

The flame resistant finish is retained for the normal life cycle of the garment provided that the care instructions are adhered to.

• If dirty stains are difficult to remove, they can be treated before washing with a liquid detergent applied directly to stains and lightly rubbed.
• Never use chlorine bleach or washing detergents containing bleach as these will reduce the flame resistance properties of the fabric.
• Fabric softeners, starches and other laundry additives are not recommended as they can mask the flame resistance performance and may also act as a fuel in case of combustion.

• Always wash contaminated workwear separately
• Always follow the washing temperature on the garment label.
• Always wash and dry garments inside out to minimize surface abrasion and help maintain the surface appearance of the fabric.
• Zips and Velcro fastenings should be closed during washing.
• To ensure a cleaner wash, avoid overloading the machine so the garments can move freely through the wash and rinse cycles.

• Tumble drying is not usually recommended as the temperature used is often too high and can cause garment shrinkage
• It is vital that cotton or cotton mix garments are not over dried as over drying has been determined to be the main cause of excessive garment shrinkage.
• Do not hang in direct sunlight as this can cause fading