Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of washable fabric face masks is recommended for the population. What criteria can apply to these masks to provide optimal protection?

Abrasion-resistant gloves must be used as personal protective equipment (PPE) in any environment where workers face a significant exposure to abrasive material. EN 420 – Occupational Protective Gloves, General Requirements – defines the requirements for all protective gloves (except electrical and medical gloves) for glove construction, cleaning, comfort and efficiency, marking and information.

Rubber or plastics coated fabrics - Determination of resistance to combined shear flexing and rubbing

The aging of textiles, composites and plastics under the influence of light, temperature and humidity, causes changes in their appearance (decolouration, yellowing, loss of glossiness) and in their physical and chemical properties, often to the point of material failure.
Outdoor textiles, fibre-reinforced composites for wind turbines, cars, trains or airplanes parts and many consumer products demand high long life stability.

Technical and high performance fibres are used to obtain a very high level of cut resistance. To take into account the continous innovetions and material developments, the testing procedures to assess the mechanical resistance of protective gloves has been adapted.

The impact protection on the back of the hand of protective gloves is tested according to EN 388:2016 that includes an impact resistance test in accordance with clause 6.9 of EN 13594.

Colour fastness is an important demand and refers to the resistance of colour to fade or bleed of a dyed or printed textile materials to various types of influences including water, light, rubbing, washing, perspiration, etc. to which they are normally exposed during textile manufacturing and in daily use.

A laser is a device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation. The term “laser” originated as an acronym for “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation”. Although frequenlty used in surgery, it is essential that the patient is protected with laser resistant surgical drapes.

A simple, reproducible and effective technique to evaluate the hardness of coatings and other surfaces, such as floor coverings.

Testing materials intended to be used in the manufacturing of electrostatic dissipative protective clothing (or gloves) to avoid incendiary discharge.