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.

For chemical protective clothing offering limited protective performance against liquid chemicals (Type 6 and Type PB [6] equipment). This standard specifies the minimum requirements for limited use and re-useable limited performance chemical protective clothing.

Limited performance chemical protective clothing is intended for use in cases of a potential exposure to a light spray, liquid aerosols or low pressure, low volume splashes, against  which a complete liquid permeation barrier (at a molecular level) is not required.

Type 6 Requirements

Type 6 Chemical Protective suits must cover and protect at least the trunk and the limbs.

Example: One piece coveralls or two piece suits (with or without hood), boot-socks, or boot covers.

Type PB [6] Requirements

Type PB [6] Partial body protection covers and protects only specific parts of the body.

Example: coats, aprons, sleeves.

EN 13034 specifies the performance requirements for disposable and re-usable limited performance chemical protective clothing (Type 6 and (Type PB [6]) garments. Limited performance chemical protective clothing (disposable and re-usable) is intended for use in cases of a potential exposure to a light spray, liquid aerosols, low volume splashes and in circumstances where a complete barrier to chemical exposure is not required.

The standard covers both chemical protective suits (Type 6) and partial body protection (Type PB [6])

Chemical Protective Suits (Type 6) cover and protect at least the trunk and the limbs, e.g. one piece coveralls or two piece suits with or without hood, boot-socks, or boot covers.

Partial Body Protection of similar limited performance Type PB [6] covers and protects only specific parts of the body, e.g. coats, aprons, sleeves, etc.

In order to ensure that a chemical protective suit meets Type 6 protection, it is tested using a mist or fine spray of water. The water is dosed with a mild detergent to produce a specified surface tension and injected with a dye to aid the assessment of leakage. The test subject wears an absorbent suit underneath the one to be tested, which absorbs any leaks and is stained by the dye. Success or failure is determined by measuring the total area of any stains on three suits and comparing this with the requirement. Leaks will typically occur at closures and interface areas, but the liquid can also seep through the material itself.

Type PB [6] testing is conducted in a similar way to the Type 6 suit test but only on partial body garments such as sleeves, aprons, coats, etc.