Many workers are exposed to dangerous and hazardous substances in their daily work and require personal protective clothing. There are six basic types of protective clothing according to European standards - these include protection against chemical and microbiological hazards. The six types are based on different groups of applications, which include: 1) gas-tight, 2) air-fed non-gas-tight suits, 3) suits against pressurized liquids, 4) suits against sprayed liquids, 5) suits against solid particles, and 6) suits offering limited protective performance liquid chemicals.
Body Protection Solutions for a Safer Day at Work
Ansell has a wide range of solutions to protect workers against a multitude of hazards
In addition, within each type, the efficacy against different chemicals, microbes, and mechanical strength varies depending on the structure of the clothing and material properties. The level of protection reduces accordingly from Type 1, offering the highest level of protection, to Type 6 which offers the least protection. Type 5 is an exception as they are full-body protective suits, such as one-piece coveralls or two-piece suits covering the trunk, arms, and legs, and may or may not include hoods, visors and foot covers.
Body protection suits come in a range of options, that also include material types, seams, hoods, collars, zips, cuffs, elasticated wrists, waists and ankles, overflaps, integrated socks, and more. They are also used together with visors, goggles, gloves and glove connectors, and boots.
Although personal protective clothing can be used to minimise the risks, it does not remove the risk entirely. This is why it is essential to take time to understand proper donning and doffing techniques alongside the right choice of suit, storage, usage, and correct maintenance. Ansell has devised this simple flowchart as a basic tool to assist users and health and safety managers in selecting the correct type of chemical protective clothing.
AlphaTec® 2000
AlphaTec® 2000 suits provide both protection and comfort with exceptional liquid and particulate protection. Ideal for a wide range of industrial applications.
- Protection - Excellent liquid penetration resistance and barrier to fine particulates (>0.01 microns*)
- Comfort - Moisture vapour permeable ("breathable") to help reduce the risk of heat stress
- Silicone-free - Critical in paint-spraying applications
- Low-linting - Reduces the risk of fibre contamination in critical areas
- Optimised body fit - Improves wearer comfort and safety
- Anti-static - Tested according to EN 1149-5
*EMSL test method
AlphaTec® 3000
AlphaTec® 3000 is one of the lightest and most comfortable chemical protective materials on the market today. This durable multi-layer fabric provides an extremely effective barrier against both inorganic chemicals and biological hazards.
- Type 3/4/5 Protection
- Protection - Multi-layer barrier fabric effective against numerous chemicals
- Highly visible - Bright yellow colour for improved worker safety
- Comfort - Lightweight yet durable
- Anti-static - Tested according to EN 1149-5
- Designed to protect - Typical coverall features include dual zip systems and double cuffs
AlphaTec® 4000 CFR - Model 111
AlphaTec® 4000 CFR is a multi-hazard solutions suit that combines exceptional chemical and flame retardant protection without compromising wearer safety by limiting flame spread in the event of a flash fire*.
*AlphaTec® 4000 CFR should never be worn in isolation for flame retardant protection. Always wear over the top of garments which achieve EN ISO 14116 Index 2 or above.
- Type 3/4/5 Protection
- Flame-retardant multi-hazard solution suit with exceptional chemical protection
- Wearer is protected from chemical spray without compromising wearer safety by limiting flame spread in the event of a flash fire; complying with EN ISO 14116 Index 1 and ASTM D6413 Flame Resistance*
- Proven 8-hour barrier against many chemicals including non-flammable and flammable and aggressive solvents
- Protection against infective agents, tested according to ASTM F1671
- Offers protection from hydrocarbons such as hexane, HF, oleum and many more
- Optimised body fit, improving wearer comfort and safety
- Highly visible bright orange colour
- Anti-static, tested according to AATCC 76
AlphaTec® Glove Connector
The AlphaTec® Glove Connector provides an easy chemical protection solution for all workers using chemical gloves and suits.
- Innovative design utilising the latest polymer technology
- Creates a liquid-tight seal between glove and cuff
- Consistent and reliable alternative to taping
- Quick and easy fit - improves productivity
- Works with a wide variety of chemical glove thicknesses
- Ribbed cone and collar for secure attachment
- AlphaTec® - advanced chemical protection
- Tested in accordance with ISO 17491-3:2008 - determination of resistance to penetration by a jet of liquid. (jet test)(patent pending)
Manufactured More Sustainably
As part of their long-term commitment to CSR, Ansell strives to continuously improve all elements of its operations and supply chain.
Ansell's 2000,3000 and 4000 Alphatec® ranges are manufactured in their own facility to their own specification, thus ensuring complete control of the finished product. The facility utilises electricity from renewable sources and is independently certified as Zero Waste to Landfill.
Ansell are very proud to have recently been awarded an Ecovadis Silver Sustainability rating, placing them in the top 6% of manufacturers in our industry.
