DIN EN 13034-6 - Protective clothing against liquid chemicals

Banner with man in BP® protective clothing (PPE).

DIN EN 13034-6

Protective clothing against liquid chemicals - Type 6

Protection against potentially hazardous working conditions holds a central significance in various industries. Particularly in workplaces where contact with liquid chemicals is unavoidable, the selection and use of appropriate protective clothing play a crucial role. The EN 13034-6 standard establishes clear requirements for protective clothing against liquid chemicals of Type 6.

This standard not only defines performance characteristics but also serves as a guideline for the selection and deployment of suitable protective clothing to safeguard workers from potential risks. In this introduction, we will delve into the requirements and features of protective clothing according to EN 13034-6, aiming to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of this standard in the context of occupational safety.

Here you can take a direct look at PROTECTIVE CLOTHING ACCORDING TO EN 13034!

Questions and answers about DIN EN 13034-6*

What is DIN EN 13034-6?

DIN EN 13034-6 defines the requirements and test methods for protective clothing against liquid chemicals (type 6 = lowest type of 6 classifications). Protective clothing according to the standard serves to protect against light chemical splashes occurring at low pressure. The suitability for protection against chemicals must be determined individually for each chemical depending on concentration and temperature.

What does "Type 6 PB" mean?

As a rule, garments are labelled "Type 6". However, it is also possible to find the label "Type 6 PB" on a garment. PB means "Partial Body Protection" and is always used when the garment in question offers partial body protection (e.g. arm protectors). However, the protective function is the same as for "Type 6".

A tradesman in work clothes during electrical installation.

How is the chemical resistance of protective clothing tested?

The resistance of a garment to chemicals is tested with four different reference chemicals. These are applied to each garment to be tested. Then the liquid repellency and resistance to liquid penetration is measured.

The following chemicals are used for testing:

30% sulphuric acid (H2SO4 )

10% caustic soda/sodium hydroxide (NaOH)

o-Xylene undiluted

Butan-1-ol undiluted

How does EN 13034-6 differ from EN 14605?

The EN 13034 standard describes Type 6 protective clothing and offers limited protection against liquid chemical splashes. It is suitable for low-risk activities where contact with small amounts of chemical substances occurs only occasionally – such as during maintenance work, cleaning tasks, or in laboratory settings. Clothing certified to EN 13034 is usually made from lightweight, breathable materials and features stitched seams that do not provide full liquid barrier protection.

In contrast, the EN 14605 standard covers more intensive protection against liquid chemicals. It distinguishes between Type 3 (liquid-tight) and Type 4 (spray-tight) protective clothing. This type of PPE is designed for professional use in high-risk environments, such as chemical processing plants, tank cleaning operations, or hazardous material incidents. It typically uses robust, often coated materials with welded or sealed seams that can withstand strong liquid exposure. While EN 13034 is intended for limited risk scenarios, EN 14605 provides protection in cases of direct and intense exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Characteristic	EN 13034 (Type 6)	EN 14605 (Type 3/4)
Protection level	Low	High
Type of exposure	Light spray / splashes	Liquid jet (Type 3), spray mist (Type 4)
Typical application	Routine tasks, low hazard	Intensive chemical work
Seams	Stitched	Welded / sealed
Compatible with PPE?	Optional	Usually required (e.g., respiratory protection)

A man on a roof wears multi-standard arc fault protection clothing.

This is how a garment meets the DIN EN 13034-6 standard (type 6):

Repellent index of at least class 3 for at least one of the four reference chemicals.

Penetration index of at least class 2 for one of the reference chemicals.

How am I optimally protected in accordance with EN 13034-6?

For optimal protection, it is recommended to cover the entire body. This can be done in one piece (e.g. by coveralls) or in two pieces, also with the support of accessories/attachments. However, it is important that each individual piece is EN 13034 certified.

What are the types and areas of application of the DIN EN 13034-6 standard?

Possible designs of chemical protective clothing:

Reusable chemical protective suits
Protective clothing for ‘limited use’ to protect the whole body as a one-piece overall or two-piece suit or as partial body protection.

Here are some areas of application in which this standard could be relevant. These are mainly industries in which hazardous substances are handled:

Energy suppliers & public utilities

Electrical installation

Electroplating

Hazardous goods transport

Chemicals industry

Solar plants, wind turbines

Plant construction

Combined and grid fitters

It is important to note that the areas of application may vary depending on the specific requirements and hazards in different industries. Companies and organisations should consult and follow the relevant standards and regulations for their specific application.

* As these are abridged summaries of mandatory occupational health and safety standards, this article does not claim to fully reflect the requirements defined in the standards. Although this article is regularly revised by our experts, we cannot guarantee that the information is up-to-date and correct.

THE 6 TYPES OF EN 13034 QUICKLY EXPLAINED

There are 6 types in EN 13034, which are categorised according to the level of risk from exposure. Type 1 corresponds to the highest risk class and type 6 to the lowest risk class: