EN ISO 13688
What is it?
EN ISO 13688 specifies general requirements for protective clothing, covering ergonomics, innocuousness, size designation, aging, compatibility, and marking of protective garments, as well as the information to be supplied by the manufacturer.
Purpose:
It serves as a reference standard for protective clothing manufacturers and certification bodies, ensuring that clothing designed to protect wearers from various hazards meets essential safety and quality criteria. It is not a standalone performance standard for specific hazards (like fire or chemicals), but a base standard used in conjunction with specific EN standards for different types of protective clothing.
Main aspects addressed:
- Design & Ergonomics: Clothing must allow proper fit, comfort, and freedom of movement.
- Innocuousness: Materials must not harm the wearer’s health (e.g., avoid toxic or allergenic substances).
- Sizing & Marking: Consistent and clear size labeling, plus appropriate labeling for identification and traceability.
- Aging & Durability: Guidance on the expected lifespan of the garment considering wear and cleaning cycles.
- Compatibility: Ensuring clothing items can be worn together with other PPE (e.g., helmets, gloves) without compromising protection or comfort.
- User Information: Clear instructions for donning, use, cleaning, maintenance, storage, and disposal.
EN ISO 13688 underpins CE marking for protective clothing in the EU, as it’s a harmonized standard under the PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425.