PPE Coverall Standards: Understanding Types, Ratings & Certifications

At first glance, most protective coveralls can look fairly similar. But the level and type of protection they provide can vary significantly depending on how they're designed, the materials used and, importantly, the standards they're tested against.

If you've ever looked at a coverall product description and seen terms like Type 5, Type 6, EN 14126 or EN 1149-5, you may have wondered what all those numbers and codes actually mean. Do they indicate different levels of protection? Does a Type 5/6 coverall protect against chemicals? And does having more certifications automatically mean a coverall offers better protection?

These standards aren't just technical jargon. They provide important information about the types of hazards a coverall has been designed and tested to protect against, whether that's airborne solid particles, limited liquid splashes, infectious agents or other workplace risks.

In this guide, we'll break down the most common PPE coverall types, ratings and certifications, explain what they mean in practical terms, and look at how they can help you choose suitable protective clothing for the hazards involved.

What are PPE coverall types, standards and certifications?

When looking at protective coveralls, you'll often come across a combination of types, standards and certifications listed on the product label or technical specifications. 

Coverall types

This classifies protective clothing according to the general form of hazard it is designed to protect against. Under European standards, chemical protective clothing is commonly classified from Type 1 to Type 6, covering hazards ranging from gases and vapours to liquid chemicals, sprays, airborne solid particles and limited liquid splashes. 

A single coverall can also meet the requirements for more than one Type, which is why you'll often see products described as Type 5/6 coveralls.

Standards

Standards, on the other hand, set out specific technical requirements and testing methods that protective clothing must meet. These are often identified by codes such as EN ISO 13982-1, which relates to Type 5 protection against airborne solid particles, or EN 13034, which covers Type 6 limited protection against liquid chemicals.

You may also see additional standards relating to specific hazards or performance characteristics. For example, EN 14126 covers protective clothing against infectious agents, while EN 1149-5 relates to clothing with electrostatic dissipative properties.

Certification

Certification generally refers to the process of assessing whether a particular PPE product meets the requirements of the applicable regulations and standards. Depending on the market in which the product is sold, this may involve testing, conformity assessment and certification by an appropriate third party or notified body.

Understanding the different PPE coverall types: Type 1 to Type 6

One of the most common ways protective coveralls are classified is by type, ranging from Type 1 to Type 6. These classifications indicate the general form of chemical hazard the garment is designed to protect against, from gases and vapours through to liquid jets, sprays, airborne solid particles and limited liquid splashes.

Generally, the lower type numbers relate to protection against hazards requiring a higher degree of garment sealing, such as gases or pressurised liquid chemicals. However, it's important not to think of the types as a simple ranking where a lower number is automatically "better". Each type is designed and tested for a particular form of exposure, so the appropriate choice depends on the specific hazard and task involved.

Here's a quick overview:

 

Let's look at what each classification means in more detail.

Type 1: Gas-tight protective clothing

Type 1 protective suits are designed to provide the highest level of sealing against hazardous gases and vapours within the Type 1–6 classification system. The entire suit is designed to be gas-tight, helping prevent hazardous gases, liquids and airborne contaminants from reaching the wearer.

These highly specialised suits are typically used in environments involving particularly hazardous chemicals or unknown substances, such as certain chemical emergencies, hazardous material incidents and industrial applications.

Depending on the design, the wearer's breathing apparatus may be worn either inside or outside the protective suit.

Type 2: Non-gas-tight protective clothing

Type 2 suits are also designed for environments involving gases, vapours and airborne contaminants, but unlike Type 1 garments, they are not completely gas-tight.

Instead, these suits typically use positive pressure to help prevent contaminants from entering the garment. Air supplied to the suit creates an outward flow that reduces the likelihood of hazardous substances entering through openings.

Type 2 suits are specialised protective equipment and are generally used in particular industrial or chemical environments where full gas-tight protection is not required.

Type 3: Liquid-tight protective clothing

Type 3 protective clothing is designed to protect against pressurised jets of liquid chemicals. This means the garment is tested for situations where a hazardous liquid may strike the suit with force rather than simply creating a light splash or mist.

For example, this type of exposure could occur during a hose or pipe leak, equipment failure, or certain chemical-handling tasks where pressurised liquids are involved.

Because the liquid may be delivered under pressure, Type 3 garments require liquid-tight construction, including suitable seams and closures, to help prevent penetration.

Type 4: Spray-tight protective clothing

Type 4 protective clothing is designed to protect against liquid chemical sprays. Unlike the concentrated, pressurised jet associated with Type 3, Type 4 relates to liquid sprays that may come into contact with the garment from multiple directions and potentially saturate its surface.

These coveralls may be used in certain chemical spraying, industrial cleaning, maintenance and decontamination tasks, depending on the particular substance and level of exposure involved.

The key difference between Type 3 and Type 4 is therefore the form of liquid exposure: Type 3 addresses pressurised liquid jets, while Type 4 addresses liquid sprays.

Type 5: Protection against airborne solid particles

Type 5 protective clothing is designed to provide protection against airborne solid particles, such as certain hazardous dusts and dry particles that may be present in the surrounding environment.

These coveralls are commonly encountered across industrial, construction, maintenance, pharmaceutical and contamination-control settings. Depending on the individual product and its full specifications, potential applications may involve exposure to certain types of dust, fibres, powders or other airborne particles.

However, a Type 5 rating doesn't mean that a coverall is automatically suitable for every hazardous dust or particulate. The nature and concentration of the contaminant, the level of exposure, garment design, fit and other PPE being worn must all be considered as part of an appropriate risk assessment.

Type 6: Limited protection against liquid splashes

Type 6 protective clothing provides limited protection against light sprays and splashes of liquid chemicals. It is intended for situations where the exposure risk is relatively low and there is no significant liquid pressure or extensive accumulation of liquid on the garment.

This might include minor accidental splashes or light liquid sprays in certain industrial, cleaning or maintenance environments, depending on the chemical involved.

The word "limited" is particularly important here. A Type 6 coverall should not be confused with a liquid-tight Type 3 garment or spray-tight Type 4 garment. It is designed for lower-level liquid exposure and may not be suitable where there is a risk of pressurised jets, heavy spraying or prolonged contact with hazardous liquids.

Type 5 vs Type 6 coveralls: What's the difference?

Type 5 and Type 6 are two of the most commonly seen classifications on disposable protective coveralls, and you'll often find them listed together as Type 5/6. However, they refer to protection against two different forms of exposure. 

 

It's very common to see disposable protective coveralls labelled Type 5/6. This simply means that the same garment has met the applicable requirements for both classifications. 

👉 Shop protective coverall Type 5 & 6 at Aussie Pharma Direct.

Other common PPE coverall standards and certifications

Beyond the Type 1 to Type 6 classifications, protective coveralls may also be tested against additional standards that relate to specific hazards or performance characteristics. This is why you might see a product described as Type 5/6, EN 14126, EN 1149-5 and EN 1073-2, all at the same time.

Each of these standards tells you something different about the garment. While the Type classification indicates the general form of exposure the coverall is designed to protect against, additional standards may address risks such as infectious agents, electrostatic discharge or radioactive particulate contamination.

Here are some of the common standards you may encounter when comparing PPE coveralls.

EN 14126: Protective clothing against infectious agents

EN 14126 applies to protective clothing designed to help protect the wearer against exposure to infectious agents. This can include microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and other biological contaminants that may be present in blood, bodily fluids, contaminated aerosols or other infectious materials.

Depending on the garment's specific performance and certification, protective clothing meeting EN 14126 may be relevant in settings such as:

• Healthcare and medical environments
• Laboratories
• Biological contamination control
• Cleaning and decontamination
• Waste management
• Emergency response

However, an EN 14126 certification doesn't mean that a coverall provides universal protection against every infectious agent or every possible form of biological exposure. The standard includes several test methods that assess how well the material resists different forms of penetration, and performance can vary between garments.

It's therefore important to check the manufacturer's technical data, individual test results and intended applications when selecting protective clothing for a specific biological hazard.

EN 1149-5: Electrostatic properties

EN 1149-5 relates to protective clothing with electrostatic dissipative properties. In simple terms, these garments are designed to help reduce the build-up of static electricity that could otherwise create an ignition risk in certain hazardous environments.

This can be particularly important in workplaces where flammable gases, vapours, dusts or other potentially explosive atmospheres may be present.

However, antistatic protection should not be viewed in isolation. A coverall meeting EN 1149-5 doesn't automatically make it suitable for every explosive or hazardous environment. Correct grounding, appropriate footwear, humidity, the other PPE being worn and the specific workplace conditions can all affect electrostatic safety.

EN 1073-2: Protection against radioactive particulate contamination

EN 1073-2 applies to non-ventilated protective clothing designed to help protect the wearer against contamination by radioactive particles.

One important distinction is that this standard relates to radioactive particulate contamination—not protection against ionising radiation itself. In other words, a garment meeting EN 1073-2 may help prevent radioactive particles from reaching the wearer's skin or clothing, but it does not act as a shield against radiation such as X-rays or gamma rays.

This type of protective clothing may be relevant in specialised environments such as nuclear facilities, certain industrial settings, maintenance work and contamination-control operations.

As with other PPE standards, the individual garment's classification, test performance and complete technical specifications should be considered before use.

EN 13034: Limited protection against liquid chemicals

EN 13034 is the standard associated with Type 6 protective clothing, which provides limited protection against light sprays and accidental splashes of liquid chemicals.

It is intended for situations where the risk of chemical exposure is relatively low and where a full liquid permeation barrier is not considered necessary. The garment isn't designed for pressurised liquid jets, saturated sprays or prolonged contact with hazardous chemicals.

You'll often see this written as: Type 6 – EN 13034.

For partial-body protective clothing, you may also see the designation Type PB [6].

EN ISO 13982-1: Protection against airborne solid particles

EN ISO 13982-1 is associated with Type 5 protective clothing and covers protection against airborne solid particles.

The standard includes testing to assess the inward leakage of particles into the garment, helping determine how effectively the complete suit limits the entry of airborne dry particles.

You'll commonly see this displayed as: Type 5 – EN ISO 13982-1.

However, as mentioned earlier, passing the Type 5 requirements doesn't automatically mean a garment is suitable for every hazardous dust, fibre or particle. The specific contaminant, exposure concentration, garment fit and other protective equipment all need to be considered.

How to choose the right PPE coverall for the hazard 

Understanding PPE coverall Types and standards is useful, but the most important question is still: Is this coverall suitable for the specific hazard and exposure involved?

Choosing protective clothing isn't simply about selecting the coverall with the highest type number or the longest list of certifications.

The starting point should always be to identify the hazard first, then match the appropriate level and type of protection to it.

1. Start by identifying the type of hazard

Before choosing a coverall, consider what the wearer may actually be exposed to. Is the hazard a gas, liquid, spray, splash, dust or airborne solid particle? Is there a risk of exposure to infectious agents or other biological contaminants?

The physical form of the hazard matters. A light splash of a chemical presents a very different exposure scenario from a pressurised jet of the same substance.

2. Consider the specific substance involved

Knowing that you're dealing with a "chemical" or "dust" isn't always enough. Different substances can have very different properties and levels of risk.

When selecting a coverall, consider factors such as:

• The exact chemical, substance or contaminant involved
• Its concentration
• Whether it is a solid, liquid, gas or aerosol
• The potential route of exposure
• How hazardous it is to human health
• Whether it can penetrate or degrade the garment material

For chemical exposure, it's particularly important to check the manufacturer's technical data and, where applicable, permeation, penetration and repellency test results for the specific chemical involved. A coverall being classified as Type 3, 4 or 6 does not automatically mean its material provides the same resistance to every chemical.

3. Think about how exposure could occur

The same hazard may require different protection depending on how the wearer could come into contact with it.

Ask questions such as:

• Could the substance create airborne dust or particles?
• Is there a possibility of an accidental splash?
• Could liquid be sprayed onto the wearer from multiple directions?
• Is there a risk of a pressurised leak or jet?
• Could the wearer come into direct contact with contaminated surfaces?
• How long is the exposure likely to last?

The intensity and duration of exposure can make a significant difference when determining whether a particular garment is suitable.

4. Check all relevant standards and certifications

Once the hazard has been identified, look for coveralls that meet the relevant standards. Depending on the workplace and task, this could include:

• EN ISO 13982-1 / Type 5 for airborne solid particles
• EN 13034 / Type 6 for limited liquid chemical exposure
• EN 14126 for protection against infectious agents
• EN 1149-5 for electrostatic dissipative properties
• EN 1073-2 for protection against radioactive particulate contamination

Remember that a coverall carrying several certifications isn't necessarily more suitable than one carrying fewer. What matters is whether the relevant standards correspond to the actual hazards present.

5. Consider the entire protective ensemble

A protective coverall is often just one part of a complete PPE system. Depending on the hazard, workers may also require:

• Respiratory protection
• Protective gloves
• Safety glasses, goggles or face shields
• Protective footwear
• Hearing protection
• Head protection

The different pieces of PPE also need to work together. For example, gaps between a coverall's sleeves and gloves, or between the hood and respiratory protection, could potentially affect the overall level of protection.

Compatibility, correct fit and the way different PPE items overlap should therefore be considered as part of the overall risk assessment.

6. Don't overlook fit, comfort and mobility

A coverall can only provide its intended protection when it's worn correctly and remains intact throughout the task.

A garment that's too small may restrict movement and place unnecessary stress on the fabric, seams or zip. One that's too large may interfere with movement, create snagging hazards or affect compatibility with other PPE.

Comfort also matters, particularly during extended periods of wear. Factors such as breathability, heat stress, freedom of movement and the physical demands of the task should all be considered—without compromising the level of protection required for the hazard.

7. Always check the manufacturer's instructions and technical data

The manufacturer's instructions and technical documentation may contain important details about:

• Intended uses
• Known limitations
• Chemical resistance data
• Test performance and classification levels
• Correct donning and doffing procedures
• Storage conditions and shelf life
• Whether the garment is reusable or limited-use
• Compatibility with other PPE
• Disposal requirements

How to choose the right PPE coverall for the hazard 

Ultimately, there is no single PPE coverall that's suitable for every task or hazard. That's why selecting protective clothing should always begin with a proper workplace risk assessment. Identify the hazard, understand how exposure may occur, assess its severity and duration, and then select PPE that provides an appropriate level of protection.

When there's uncertainty about the correct protective clothing for a particular substance or environment, refer to the manufacturer's technical documentation, the relevant Safety Data Sheet (SDS), workplace safety procedures and, where necessary, a qualified safety professional.

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