EN ISO 13998:2003

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-april-2003
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SIST EN 412:1996
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Protective clothing - Aprons, trousers and vests protecting against cuts and stabs by
hand knives (ISO 13998:2003)
Schutzkleidung - Schürzen, Hosen und Westen zum Schutz gegen Schnitte und Stiche
durch Handmesser (ISO 13998:2003)
Vetements de protection - Tabliers, pantalons et vestes de protection contre les
coupures et les coups de couteaux a main (ISO 13998:2003)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO 13998:2003
ICS:
13.340.10 Varovalna obleka Protective clothing
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN ISO 13998
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
January 2003
ICS 13.340.10 Supersedes EN 412:1993
English version
Protective clothing - Aprons, trousers and vests protecting
against cuts and stabs by hand knives (ISO 13998:2003)
Vêtements de protection - Tabliers, pantalons et vestes de Schutzkleidung - Schürzen, Hosen und Westen zum
protection contre les coupures et les coups de couteaux à Schutz gegen Schnitte und Stiche durch Handmesser (ISO
main (ISO 13998:2003) 13998:2003)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 16 June 2001.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the Management Centre or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Management Centre has the same status as the official
versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United
Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36  B-1050 Brussels
© 2003 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 13998:2003 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents
Foreword.4
Introduction .5
1 Scope.5
2 Normative references .5
3 Terms and definitions.5
4 Performance level classification .9
5 Requirements .9
5.1 Innocuousness.9
5.2 Sizing.9
5.3 Minimum dimensions of zones of protection .9
5.4 Support and restraint of aprons, divided aprons and protective trousers.11
5.5 Ergonomic requirements.12
5.6 Mass .12
5.7 Penetration resistance.13
5.8 Cut resistance of performance level 1 garments.13
5.9 Tensile strength of metal rings.13
5.10 Water permeability (optional) .13
6 Test apparatus.13
6.1 Accuracy of test instruments .13
6.2 Gauges for interstices .13
6.3 Knife impact penetration testing apparatus.14
6.4 Tensile strength testing apparatus .19
6.5 Cut resistance apparatus .19
6.6 Water permeability.19
7 Test procedures .20
7.1 General.20
7.2 Test specimens .20
7.3 Innocuousness.20
7.4 Sizing.20
7.5 Measurement of the dimensions of zones of protection .20
7.6 Support and restraint testing of aprons and protective vests .21
7.7 Ergonomic testing.22
7.8 Determination of mass .23
7.9 Penetration testing.23
7.10 Cut resistance testing.23
7.11 Tensile strength testing.24
7.12 Water permeability measurement .24
8 Marking .24
9 Information supplied by the manufacturer.25
10 Pictograms.26
Annex A (informative) Advice on risk assessment, and the selection and fitting of different sizes of
apron and other garments .27
A.1 Scope.27
A.2 Content.27
A.3 Risk assessment.27
A.4 Knife profiles .29
A.5 PPE performance levels and garment types.30
A.6 Apron sizing and fit.30
A.6.1 General.30
A.6.2 Minimum body coverage by aprons.30
A.6.3 Straps for aprons .31
A.6.4 Performance Level 2 garments with extended areas of protection.31
Annex B (informative) Testing for imperfect welds .32
B.1 Scope .32
B.2 Content .32
B.3 Background of the test.32
B.4 Principle of the test.32
B.5 Types of tensile strength testing devices .32
Annex ZA (informative) Clauses of this European Standard addressing essential requirements or
other provisions of EU Directives.34
Bibliography .35
Foreword
This document (EN ISO 13998:2003) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 162, "Protective
clothing including hand and arm protection and lifejackets”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN, in collaboration
with Technical Committee ISO/TC 94/SC 13 “Personal safety — Protective clothing and equipment”.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical text or
by endorsement, at the latest by July 2003, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the latest by
July 2003.
This document supersedes EN 412:1993
This European Standard has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the
European Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EU Directive(s).
The annexes A and B are informative.
For relationship with EU Directive(s), see informative annex ZA, which is an integral part of this document.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard : Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal,
Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Introduction
Protective aprons, trousers and vests that offer some protection against stabs and slashes are used in work where
a knife is moved towards the users’ body, especially when working with hand knives in slaughterhouses, in the
meat, fish and shell fish processing industries, in large-scale catering establishments, and in manual boning-out
operations to process meat, fish, game and poultry. Protective aprons, trousers and vests that offer some
protection against stabs and slashes may also offer adequate protection for those working with hand knives in the
plastics, leather, textile and paper industries, when laying flooring and in similar tasks.
Performance level 1 aprons, trousers and vests as specified in this standard provide some cut protection and are
only appropriate where the work is light, and where powerful cutting movements towards the body do not occur
(see annex A).
Performance level 2 aprons, trousers and vests are appropriate for use in slaughter houses and in boning
operations and in processing industries when narrow bladed knives are used in cutting actions in which the point of
the knife is not directed towards the body. They are appropriate when broad bladed knives are used in cutting
actions in which the point of the knife may be directed towards the body.
Attention is drawn to legislation and other standards concerning public health in the food industry and hygiene in
the meat processing industries, that might apply to the construction, construction materials and cleaning of
protective aprons, trousers and vests and associated straps and fasteners.
1 Scope
This European Standard applies to protective aprons trousers and vests for use with hand knives, and to other
garments providing similar protection to parts of the body in accidents. It specifies requirements for the design,
penetration resistance, cut resistance, sizing, ergonomic characteristics, innocuousness, water permeability,
cleaning and disinfection, marking and information to be supplied by the manufacturer for users of protective
aprons, trousers and vests. It also describes the classification of protection levels and appropriate test methods.
2 Normative references
This European Standard incorporates, by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications. These
normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the publications are listed hereafter. For
dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications apply to this draft revision of
the European Standard only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated references, the latest
edition of the publication referred to applies (including amendments).
EN 340:1993, Protective clothing - General requirements.
EN 1082-1:1996, Protective clothing — Gloves and arm guards protecting against cuts and stabs by hand
knives — Part 1: Chain mail gloves and arm guards.
EN ISO 13997, Protective clothing — Mechanical properties — Determination of resistance to cutting by sharp
objects (ISO 13997:1999).
EN 20811:1992, Textiles — Determination of resistance to water penetration — Hydrostatic pressure test.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this European standard the following terms and definitions apply:
3.1
apron
a garment covering the front of the body from the chest to the legs
3.2
divided apron
an apron the protective surface of which is vertically divided in the thigh region and restrained to each leg, see
Figure 1a
3.3
protective trousers
a garment worn below the waist and provided with separate legs. The protective surface may be confined to certain
parts of the garment, see Figure 1b
3.4
protective vest
a garment worn on the torso of the body and covering the chest down to at least the waist, the shoulders, and parts
of the upper arms. The protective surface may be confined to certain parts of the garment see Figure 1c and d
3.5
protective surface
that part of a garment that is constructed of material designed to resist penetration by hand knives
3.6
protective material
the material(s) of which the protective surface of a garment is constructed
NOTE This material may be metal chain mail or linked metal plates or materials with the same function.
3.7
interstice
the space or opening between two or more elements of a garment’s protective surface
3.8
cover or covering materials
the material that may be used to construct a surrounding bag or a one-sided cover for the protective materials out
of which a protective garment is constructed
3.9
apron support
the means by which the apron is supported on the body while the apron is in use. Apron supports may be:
- shoulder straps in X-form as shown in figure 2a, and an independent waist belt;
- shoulder straps connected to the waist belt in Y-form as shown in figure 2b;
- sleeveless coats or harnesses to which the protective apron is attached;
- or extensions of the protective material to form an entire garment, e. g., a sleeveless coat with a short back
and long front as shown in Figure 1c and d
3.10
ultra narrow knife
a knife with a blade less than 8 mm wide, 20 mm from the tip. (See also Annex A)
3.11
narrow knife
a knife with a blade between 8 mm and 12,5 mm wide, 20 mm from the tip
3.12
broad knife
a knife with a blade more than 12,5 mm wide, 20 mm from the tip
a) A divided apronshowing the overlap providing b) Shorts, front view
coverageat the top of the division
c) Vest, Coat or Tee-shirt style apron; front view d) Vest, Coat or Tee-shirt style apron; back view
Figure 1 — Types of protective garment other than flat aprons
a — X form shoulder straps
b — Y form shoulder straps
Key
1 Shoulder strap
2 Shoulder strap fastening points
3 Waist belt fastening points
4 Waist belt
5 Adjuster for altering the strap length
6 Protective surface
7 Fastener
8 Identifying mark which is only visible on the outer surface
9 Restraining buckle through which the straps can slide independently
Figure 2 — Straps and belts of aprons
3.13
fastening point
a loop or ring that is an integral part of the garment and to which straps or a belt can be attached
3.14
fastener
the means by which a removable strap or belt is attached to the fastening point on the garment
3.15
outer surface identifying mark
a mark on the outer surface of the garment indicating it is the outer surface
3.16
waist line
the horizontal line marking the plane at the level of the top of the hip bones (supra cristal plane)
3.17
central point of an apron or vest on the chest
the point on the midline of the apron at a distance of ½ l above the waist line (see figure 3)
4 Performance level classification
The performance level number designates the degree of the protection that it is intended the garment should
provide. This number is used in designating the test severity to which the garment is to be subjected.
NOTE Level 1:These garments are suitable for working situations where the level of hazard is low such as when only
broad bladed knives are used. (See informative annex A).
NOTE Level 2:These garments are suitable for working situations where the level of hazard is higher such as when narrow
boning-out knives are used on large carcasses.
5 Requirements
5.1 Innocuousness
Protective equipment shall be designed and manufactured to provide protection when used according to the
manufacturer’s instructions, without endangering the user or other persons. Construction materials and
incorporated substances shall not endanger those coming into contact with them: the manufacturer or his
representative in the European Union shall list in the Information Supplied by the Manufacturer, the names of all
substances contained in the garment which are generally known to cause allergies or to be sensitizers as required
in clause 9. There shall not be hard or sharp edges, seams, buckles or other items on the surfaces, edges or
fasteners of the garments that could harm users or other persons. Examinations shall be made according to 7.3.
5.2 Sizing
Protective equipment shall be marked with its size as required in clause 8. In accordance with EN 340:1993 the
size shall be related to the height (stature), to the chest girth (or bust girth) and to the waist girth of the user the
garment is intended to fit, and this shall be explained in the Information Supplied by the Manufacturer, see
clause 9. Protective garments not extending above the waist shall be sized against the user’s height and waist girth
only. Dimensions and size marking shall be verified in accordance with 7.4.
5.3 Minimum dimensions of zones of protection
5.3.1 Performance Level 1 and performance Level 2 Aprons
Protective aprons meeting either performance level, shall have a protective zone the dimensions of which shall be
related to the size of the intended users.
The dimensions and position of the zone of protection relative to the overall coverage provided by the garment shall
be given in the Information Supplied by the Manufacturer, see clause 9. The minimum zone of protection specified
below shall be symmetrical about the vertical midline.
The minimum dimensions of the zone of protection shall be determined by the largest size of user the apron is
designed to fit, according to the values in Table 1. These dimensions are illustrated in figure 3. The dimensions of
the zone of protection shall be verified according to the method given in 7.5.1.
Key
l to l Dimensions given in Table 1
1 8
A – A The waist line as determined when the apron is worn
X Defined central point on the chest
Figure 3 — Dimensions of the zones of protection of level 1 aprons
Table 1 — Minimum dimensions of the zone of protection of performance level 1 and level 2 aprons
Dimension Value of the dimensions of the apron expressed as a percentage of the
control body dimension of the largest user the apron is specified to fit
see figure 3
height chest or bust girth waist girth
l
> 22% - -
l > 20% - -
l > 6% - -
a
l > 12% - -
l
- - >45%
l - >45% -
l - >25% -
a
l - - >10%
a
Performance Level 1 only
5.3.2 Performance Level 1 divided aprons
The overall dimensions of divided aprons shall be as for undivided aprons except that the lower part may be
divided by a vertical slit. This slit shall not extend higher than a point determined by the dimension l on figure 3
which shall not be less than 12 % of the height of the largest user the apron is intended to fit.
The protective material either side of the slit in divided aprons shall be increased in width so that the two sides
overlap by not less than dimension l in figure 3 when the apron is laid on a level surface.
5.3.3 Protective trousers
Protective trousers shall have a continuous zone of protection from the waist to just above the knee. The zone of
protection shall cover the anterior surfaces of the abdomen and thighs extending posteriorly to the mid-coronal
plane of the body. The zone of protection shall have a width greater than 50 % of the circumference of the part of
the body it is designed to protect. The vertical dimension of the zone of protection measured from the waist line
towards the knee shall be not less than 30 % of the largest specified user’s height. The dimensions of the zone of
protection shall be verified according to the method given in 7.5.3.
5.3.4 Protective vests
Protective vests shall have a continuous zone of protection from below the waist to cover the front of the chest, the
top and back of the shoulders, and the upper half of the upper arms. The protective zone shall have a width greater
than 45 % of the part of the body below the arm holes that is covered. The zone shall extend down the back of the
shoulders to the lower level of the arm holes of the garment. The circumference of the neck inlet of the protective
zone shall be less than 55 % of the chest circumference of the user the garment is designed to fit. The front length
of the protective zone from the top of the shoulders shall be greater than 35 % of the height of the user the garment
is designed to fit. The distance between the lower edge of the sleeve measured along the line from the elbow to the
centre point of the back of the neck of the garment shall be greater than 42 % of the chest circumference of the
user the garment is designed to fit. The dimensions of the zone of protection shall be verified according to the
method given in 7.5.3.
5.4 Support and restraint of aprons, divided aprons and protective trousers
5.4.1 All garments
Protective clothing shall be provided with support and restraint systems so that it does not become displaced in
normal use or during an accident.
5.4.2 Restraint of aprons
The maximum displacement of the defined central point of the apron on the chest, shall be 75 mm when a force of
30 N is applied in lateral and downwards directions as described in 7.6.
5.4.3 Apron supports
All apron supports shall be adjustable in length and the adjusters shall be of a type that does not slip under load.
No strap shall pull through a buckle more than 10 mm under a load of (100 – 5) N during testing according to 7.6.1.
The apron support over the shoulder shall be at least 35 mm wide. The apron support around the waist shall be at
least 25 mm wide. Provision shall be made so that any free end of a strap or belt can be secured to the straps,
belt, or apron after adjustment of the apron support. Fastenings and adjusters shall be irremovable except by
intent. Fastening points for X form and Y form straps shall be provided on at least as many points as indicated in
figure 2 for aprons designed to take these straps
It may be necessary that fabric supports can be removed for separate cleaning of the support and protective parts
of a garment. This could be a requirement in some industries (see the introduction to this European Standard).
Apron supports shall be designed so that they do not exert a force on the back of the neck of the user.
5.4.4 Divided aprons
Divided aprons shall be provided with straps and supports as specified for other aprons, and shall in addition have
straps or other closures to restrain the divided sections to the thighs.
5.4.5 Protective trousers
Protective trousers shall be provided with an adjustable waist strap or over-the-shoulder straps (“braces”).
5.4.6 Protective vests
Protective vests shall be provided with adjustable side closures or an adjustable back closure.
5.5 Ergonomic requirements
The protective garments shall be designed to minimise discomfort and impediment while wearing them. When
tested according to 7.7 the mean score of all subjects shall be less than 2 for performance level 1 garments and 2,5
for performance level 2 garments.
5.6 Mass
Performance Level 1: Protective aprons and other garments shall be constructed of material in the protective zone
-²
of less than 3 kg · m . Testing shall be in accordance with 7.8.
Performance Level 2: Protective aprons shall be constructed of material in the protective zone of less than
-²
4,5 kg · m . Testing shall be in accordance with 7.8.
5.7 Penetration resistance
5.7.1 Interstices and holes
Penetration resistance shall be provided over the whole area of the minimum zone of protection provided by the
garment. The dimensions of interstices between chain mail rings or any other components, or holes through any
components of the protective material of performance level 1 garments shall be such that the 4 mm wide gauge
number 2 described in 5.5 of EN 1082-1:1996 is unable to pass through them when applied as described in 6.3 of
EN 1082-1:1996 and 7.9.1 of this European Standard.
The dimensions of interstices between any plates, rings or similar components, or holes through any components
of the protective material of performance level 2 aprons shall be such that the gauge described in 6.2 and shown in
Figure 4, is unable to pass through the garment when applied as described in 7.9.1.
5.7.2 Blade penetration, Level 1
The material of the protective zone of performance level 1 garments shall resist knife impact penetration when
tested in accordance with 7.9.2. (2,45 J). The mean penetration shall not exceed 10 mm and no single penetration
shall exceed 17 mm.
5.7.3 Blade penetration, Level 2
Penetration resistance shall be provided over the whole protective surface of performance level 2 garments, and
when any part of the surface is tested in accordance with 7.9.2 (4,9 J) the mean penetration shall not exceed
12 mm and no single penetration shall exceed 15 mm.
5.8 Cut resistance of performance level 1 garments
Cut resistance shall be provided over the whole area of the minimum zone of protection provided by the garment.
testing shall be conducted in accordance with the method given in 7.10. The mean cutting force shall not be less
than 50 N. Garments constructed of metal rings or metal plates are excluded from this requirement.
5.9 Tensile strength of metal rings
The tensile strength of chain mail protective material when tested in accordance with the method in 7.11 for
performance level 1 garments shall be such that no ring or link shall break or open when a force of 100 N is
applied. When tested according to 7.11 no rings, link or plate in a performance level 2 garments shall break or open
when a force of 200 N is applied.
5.10 Water permeability (optional)
The material from which the garment is made, or the covering material, shall be impermeable to water when tested
to a pressure of 200 kPa according to 7.12.
6 Test apparatus
6.1 Accuracy of test instruments
Measuring instruments shall be accurate to a level that permits determinations at the pass/fail point to be accurate
to – 1% of the pass/fail level of the characteristic being measured.
6.2 Gauges for interstices
The gauge for testing performance level 1 garment interstices shall be in accordance with 5.5 of EN 1082-1:1996.
The gauge for performance level 2 garment interstices shall be made of steel and is shown in figure 4.

Key
l (150 – 5) mm
l Not less than 50 mm
l (8 – 0,5) mm
l (2 – 0,05) mm
l (12,5 – 0,1) mm
Figure 4 — Gauge for level 2 garment interstices
6.3 Knife impact penetration testing apparatus
6.3.1 Principle
The protective material of garment is tested by repeated impact of standard knife blades held in a guided falling
block. The component parts of a test apparatus are shown in figure 5. The design is not normative. Details of the
test specimen support, falling block and test blade are given in subsequent clauses.
Design details, such as the means for allowing removal of the block and test blade after impact, and necessary
safety guards are not shown.
Key
1 Table
2 Base plate
3 Support
4Bracket
5 Fixing block for the upper end of the guide rods
6 Electromagnetic release mechanism
7 Falling block and test blade
8 Guide rods
9 Fixing block for the lower end of the guide rods (The falling block passing through)
10 Test specimen
11 Tilting mechanism
Figure 5 — Penetration testing apparatus
6.3.2 Blade holding block
The blade holding block is shown in figure 6.
The test blade shall be held in the block so that it protrudes by (40 – 1) mm.
The position of the blade tip shall be offset by distance l from the centre line of the block which shall pass through
the centre of gravity of the block, The centre of gravity of the block and blade shall be (65 – 1) mm above the blade
tip level.
The block shall be held in its initial position by an electromagnet. The block shall have four wheels or bearings and
shall run freely on the two guide rods.
The height from which the block is released shall be set so that the velocity of the blade tip as it is about to strike
the garment material equals that of a mass falling freely in a vacuum from the prescribed test height of 250 mm or
500 mm to give impacts of (2,45 – 0,1) J or (4,9 – 0,2) J.
Key
1 Guide rod
2 Wheel or bearing
3Block
4 Cut out space to achieve correct mass distribution
5 Centre of gravity of block plus test blade
6 Test Blade
l (100 – 1) mm
l (65 – 1) mm
l (40 – 1) mm: an exception is given in 7.9.2
l (5 – 0,1) mm
l (75 – 1) mm: this is the distance between the guide rod centres, not the width of the block which is not
prescribed
Mass (1000 – 5) g
The remaining dimensions are not prescribed
Figure 6 — Blade holding block
6.3.3 Test blade
The test blade shall have the profile and dimensions shown in figure 7. It shall be made of cold-forged stainless
steel with a degree of hardness of more than (47 ± 2) HRC. Its edge shall be straight and sharp. Before every
penetration test, the impact blade shall conform to the specification.
NOTE After machine grinding, the blade edge should be made smooth and sharp by hand finishing on an oil stone.
Key
aAngle of the sharp edge to the back of the blade: (30 – 1)°
aincluded angle of the sharp edge: (30 – 1)°
l length of the blade: not less than 65 mm
l Width of the blade (20 – 0,5) mm
l Thickness of the blade: (1,5 – 0,05) mm
Figure 7 — Test blade
6.3.4 Test specimen and support
Figure 8 illustrates the apparatus described below. The test specimen of the protective material of the garment
shall be supported on a tray with internal dimensions of not less than 300 mm · 300 mm and 100 mm deep. The
tray shall be filled level with its top edge with flesh simulant plastic mass (see 6.3.5).
The test specimen shall be not smaller than 400 mm · 400 mm. It shall be tensioned by eight weights of
(400 – 10) g each on a string arranged to fall over a hoop with an outside diameter of not less than 800 mm. The
distance between the hoop and the top of the tray shall be such that a string from the garment material at 90° to the
mid point of a side of the tray lies at (30 – 15)° below the plane of the surface of the flesh simulant mass.
The strings shall pass through rings that can be fixed in position on the hoop.
Provision shall be made so that the test specimen, tray and hoop can be inclined as a single unit at (30 – 2)° to the
horizontal.
a) Side view
b) Top view
Key
1 Test specimen 6 Ring on the hoop
2Mass 7 Hoop
3Tray 8 Weight
4Clamp 9 Titling mechanism
5String a Angle of the string to the surface of the mass: (30 – 15)°
Figure 8 — Test specimen support
6.3.5 Flesh simulant plastic mass
6.3.5.1 Principle
The material supporting the garment material during test blade impacts shall simulate human flesh. It should be
deformable, non-elastic and have inertial characteristics similar to flesh. Any material with the density and
deformation characteristics prescribed in clause 6.3.5.2 is suitable. The utilisation of a low density powder
1)
dispersed in non-drying oils to form a soft mass is convenient as its properties are temperature dependent .

1) Flesh Simulant is the trade name of a product of this type that has at times been available. Details of current suppliers are
available from the Secretariat of CEN/TC 162 at DIN Deutsches Institut fur Normung e. V., D-10772 Berlin, Germany. This
information is given for the convenience of users of this European standard and does not constitute an endorsement by CEN of
the product named. Equivalent products may be used if they can be shown to lead to the same result.
6.3.5.2 Properties of the plastic non-elastic material (plastic mass)
-3 -3
The density of the material shall be between 1000 kg.m and 1500 kg.m .
NOTE Such a material may be made by mixing fine white maize flour with liquid paraffin (Paraffinum liquidum: European
Pharmacopoeia – 1997:0239). It has been found that 1 kg of flour requires about 170 ml of 0,84 to 0,86 density paraffin. If the
mix is too hard more paraffin can be added, or conversely more flour. When tested in accordance with 6.3.5.3 the mean
impression depth is (20 – 2) mm. The temperature at which this result is obtained – 2 °C is used for conditioning of the mass for
at least 48 h before testing apron material.
6.3.5.3 Verification of the rheological properties of the plastic mass
The plastic mass shall be packed into the tray used to support the test specimens so that it is completely filled level
with its top edge. Air pockets shall be minimised. The tray shall be kept in a temperature-controlled environment,
– 1 °C, for at least 24 h.
The tray containing the plastic mass shall be placed on a rigid base such as a concrete floor. A dropping
mechanism supporting a steel ball (63,5 – 0,05) mm in diameter, and weighing (1043 – 5) g shall be provided ).
The lower surface of the ball shall be adjusted to be (2000 – 5) mm above the surface of the filled tray. The surface
at the point of impact of the ball shall be horizontal to an accuracy of – 50 mm in 1 m. The ball shall be dropped
onto the plastic mass ten times. The points of impact shall be more than 60 mm from any edge of the tray and more
than 90 mm from any other point of impact. The depth of the centre of each depression relative to undisturbed
material or the edge of the box, shall be measured to an accuracy of – 0,5 mm. The mean depth of indentation
shall be calculated.
The plastic mass is acceptable for use at the conditioning temperature used if the mean depth of the depressions
is between 18 mm and 22 mm. If this result is not obtained the tray should be re-conditioned at a different
temperature, or the material should be re-mixed with more parafin oil or flour, or the material should be discarded.
The properties of the plastic mass shall be verified at least before every test of an apron specimen, or of a group of
specimens of an apron material.
6.4 Tensile strength testing apparatus
The apparatus shall consist of two metal rods that can be inserted into the metal rings to be tested. The apparatus
shall exert a force of (100 – 10) N moving the metal rods apart for performance level 1 garment materials and
(200 – 10) N for performance level 2 garment materials. The peak force shall be reached smoothly in not less than
2 s or more than 10 s. The peak force does not need to be maintained. The metal rods shall be (1,2 – 0,1) mm in
diameter for performance level 1 materials and (2 – 0,2) mm for performance level 2 materials. If, however, the
aperture into which the rod is to be inserted is smaller, the rod shall be reduced in size until it just enters the
aperture.
Information about the principles underlying this test and some possible types of apparatuses are given in
informative annex B.
6.5 Cut resistance apparatus
The cut resistance measuring apparatus shall be as described in EN ISO 13997.
6.6 Water permeability
The apparatus for measuring water permeability shall conform with EN 20811:1992.

)
Sphere RB-63 is the trade-name of a product supplied by SKF-Kugellager-Fabriken GmbH, D-70336 Stuttgart. This
information is given for the convenience of users of this European standard and does not constitute an endorsement by CEN of
the product named. Equivalent products may be used if they can be shown to lead to the same result.
7 Test procedures
7.1 General
For each of the required sequences of measurements performed in accordance with this standard a corresponding
estimate of the uncertainty of the final result shall be determined. This uncertainty (Um) shall be given in the test
report in the form Um = ± X. It shall be used in determining whether a "Pass" performance has been achieved. For
example if the final result minus Um is below the pass level when the requirement states that a certain value shall be
exceeded, the sample shall be deemed to have failed.
7.2 Test specimens
Test items shall be supplied by manufacturers or their agents complete with labels and the Information Supplied by
the Manufacturer that will be supplied with the garments. Test items shall be washed, disinfected and dried five
times according to the manufacturer’s instructions in the Information supplied by the manufacturer, see clause 9,
before testing according to the procedures in 7.3 to 7.12.
Test specimens for procedures 7.7 to 7.12 shall be conditioned in an environment of (20 – 2) °C, and a relative
humidity of (65 – 5) % for at least 48 h before testing. Testing shall be carried out in the same environment, or
immediately after the specimens are taken from the conditioning environment.
7.3 Innocuousness
The garment shall be examined visually and by hand to locate any hard or sharp edges, seams, buckles or other
items that might injure the user or other persons. The Information Supplied by the Manufacturer shall be examined
for a list of allergenic or sensitizing materials used in the garments. The results of the examination shall be
recorded in the test report.
7.4 Sizing
The dimensions of the garment, restraint systems and adjustments, shall be measured with appropriate tape
measures or other devices, and compared to the size marked on the garment and details in the Information
Supplied by the Manufacturer, to determine whether the garment corresponds to the marking and to the information
given. The garment may be checked by fitting to subjects of the appropriate body dimensions. The results of the
examinations shall be recorded in the test report.
7.5 Measurement of the dimensions of zones of protection
7.5.1 Performance Level 1 aprons
The minimum dimensions of the zone of protection for the largest user that the apron is labelled to fit, shall be
calculated from Table 1 in 5.3.1. The extent of the material in the apron providing protection shall be determined
and its dimensions measured. The measurements shall be made on the apron after it has been laid flat on a level
surface and stretched in all directions with the flat palm of the hand to maximise its surface area. If the apron has a
three dimensional structure, the measurements shall be made on the outer face of the curved dimension.
The dimensions l , l and l in 5.3.1 are measured from the line A-A which is the line of the waist. The position of
1 2 4
this line shall be determined by fitting and adjusting the apron to an approp
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