How to Choose EN 13034 Type 6 Protective Coveralls
Type 6 protective clothing | EN 13034 coveralls | chemical protective coveralls | disposable protective clothing | Type 6 PPE supplier
1. What Is Type 6 Protective Clothing?
Type 6 protective clothing (EN 13034:2005+A1:2009) offers limited protection against liquid chemicals. It covers the whole body or part of it and protects against light sprays, mists, and low-pressure splashes. Select it only for low-risk environments, and base your selection on a thorough workplace risk assessment.
Common Type 6 garment designs include:
- Disposable protective coveralls
- Two-piece protective suits
- Coveralls with or without a hood
- Coveralls with elastic cuffs and ankles
- Coveralls with optional boot covers
Type 6 suit: torso+limbs min. Performance = fabric + seams + closures + fit + garment tests. B2B: no looks/fabric-only; check hazards, specs, test docs pre-order.
2. What Does EN 13034 Cover?
EN 13034 sets requirements for chemical protective clothing that offers limited protection against liquid chemicals.
The standard covers two main garment categories:
- Type 6: Full-body chemical protective suits.
- Type PB [6]: Partial-body garments, such as aprons, coats, and sleeves.
The standard looks at the performance of the garment, not just the fabric. Buyers should check how well the complete product limits liquid penetration during the tests required for its protection type.
Key performance checks
| Performance area | What buyers should check |
|---|---|
| Liquid repellency | Does the fabric repel the test liquid? |
| Liquid penetration | Does the material limit liquid from passing through it? |
| Whole-suit spray test | Does the complete suit meet the required test limits? |
| Seams and joints | Do the seams help maintain the required protection? |
| Fabric strength | Does the material meet the relevant strength requirements? |
| Fit and comfort | Can workers move safely without large gaps or excessive restriction? |
| Product labels | Do the labels and instructions explain the garment's protection level and proper use? |
A fabric test alone does not prove that a complete coverall meets EN 13034.
Before buying, ask the supplier for the relevant test reports, product specifications, conformity documents, and instructions for use.
You can also review the EN 13034 standard information.
3. How Does Type 6 Protective Clothing Work?
Type 6 coveralls use liquid-repellent materials and a suitable garment design to reduce contact with certain liquid chemicals.
Three main factors affect their performance.
3.1 Fabric performance
Fabric: repel liquid, limit penetration in required tests. Disposable coveralls: may use treated nonwoven/multilayer fabric. Fabric alone ≠ EN 13034 compliance; buyers: check fabric specs and finished-garment test results.
3.2 Seams and closures
Liquid can enter through weak seams, gaps, or poorly designed closures. Even a suitable fabric cannot provide the required protection if the garment design has weak points.
When checking a coverall, pay attention to:
- Seam design and test results
- Zippers and protective flaps
- Elastic cuffs and ankle openings
- Hood design and the connection to the main garment
- Fit around the wrists, waist, and ankles
Choose a design that matches the expected exposure and has supporting test evidence.
4. Type 6 vs Type 5: What Is the Difference?
Type 5 vs Type 6: Type 5 = hazardous dry particles; Type 6 = limited contact with certain liquid chemicals.
| Feature | Type 5 | Type 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Main hazard | Hazardous dry particles | Light sprays and small liquid splashes |
| Main purpose | Limit particle entry | Limit liquid penetration |
| Relevant standard | EN ISO 13982-1 | EN 13034 |
| Typical use | Selected dusty industrial tasks | Selected cleaning, handling, and maintenance tasks |
| Main check | Particle protection and suit performance | Liquid repellency, penetration, and whole-suit spray performance |
Some coveralls are Type 5 & 6. Verify both on the exact model. Neither type protects against all chemical hazards.
Choose by chemical, concentration, exposure route, and contact time. See our Type 5 Guide.
5. Type 6 vs Type 4: Which Should You Choose?
Type 4 vs Type 6: Type 4 = spray protection under test conditions; Type 6 = limited protection from light sprays and small splashes.
| Feature | Type 4 | Type 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Protection level | Spray-tight protection | Limited liquid protection |
| Typical exposure | More demanding spray exposure | Light sprays and small splashes |
| Relevant standard | EN 14605 | EN 13034 |
| Main selection factor | Spray exposure and required barrier performance | Limited exposure supported by the risk assessment |
Don't choose Type 6 just because it's cheaper if the job needs Type 4. Constant spray, lots of liquid, or worse hazards? Review the risk assessment and consider higher protection. More info: our Type 4 / EN 14605 Guide.
6. Where Can Workers Use Type 6 Protective Clothing?
Chemical handling and equipment maintenance
Handling diluted chemicals or checking equipment that may splash? Workers may need protective clothing. Before choosing a garment, check the chemical and the likely exposure.
Industrial cleaning
Some cleaning jobs involve detergents, cleaning agents, or the occasional liquid splash. Type 6 clothing can help reduce contact with these liquids. Just make sure the material suits the chemical and the product meets the required protection level.
Manufacturing and processing
Some production tasks expose workers to small amounts of liquid chemicals. Employers should review the work process and choose clothing that matches the actual risks.
Laboratories and technical work
Some routine tasks may involve a limited splash risk. However, laboratory work can also involve concentrated chemicals, unknown substances, or dangerous reactions.
Use Type 6 clothing only when its test results and intended use match the hazards.
7. How to Choose the Right Type 6 Coveralls
Buying protective clothing? Importers, distributors, suppliers, and purchasing teams should start by looking at the hazards in the workplace.
Step 1: Identify the chemicals
Note chemical name, concentration, temperature, and contact time. Read the SDS. If risks are unclear, ask a qualified safety professional.
Step 2: Check the level of exposure
Small splashes, light sprays, constant spray, or possible immersion? If exposure exceeds Type 6 limits, choose a more suitable protective clothing type.
Step 3: Check material compatible
Different chemicals can react differently with the same material.
Do not assume that one fabric or coating works with every liquid. Ask the supplier for test information that relates to the chemical and working conditions.
Step 4: Review the garment design
Check the hood, zipper, cuffs, ankles, seams, and overall fit.
Make sure workers can move normally while keeping the required body areas covered.
8. What Materials Do Manufacturers Use for Type 6 Coveralls?
Manufacturers use different fabrics and surface treatments to meet the required performance levels. The best choice depends on the chemical, expected exposure, comfort needs, and garment design.
| Material or design | What buyers should know |
|---|---|
| Treated nonwoven fabric | May repel liquid in suitable limited-exposure applications |
| Multilayer nonwoven fabric | Combines different material layers to meet specific product needs |
| Film-laminated fabric | May provide a liquid barrier, depending on the material and test results |
| Reinforced garment areas | May improve durability in selected areas when properly designed |
These material types do not automatically meet EN 13034. The finished garment must pass the relevant tests.
Comparing suppliers? Ask for material, fabric weight if relevant, construction, sizes, and test reports.
9. Disposable vs Reusable Type 6 Protective Clothing
EN 13034 covers both limited-use and reusable protective clothing. The right option depends on the task, pollution risk, cleaning process, and manufacturer instructions.
| Factor | Disposable or limited-use | Reusable |
|---|---|---|
| Typical use | Tasks where workers discard the garment after use or pollution | Tasks where the manufacturer permits reuse |
| Cleaning | Follow the stated use and disposal instructions | Follow approved cleaning and care instructions |
| Purchasing needs | Plan repeat orders based on usage | Consider service life and cleaning costs |
| Main check | Intended use and disposal instructions | Approved cleaning methods and retained protection |
Do not reuse a garment just because it looks clean. Chemical exposure, wear, damage, and cleaning may reduce its protective performance.
Follow the manufacturer instructions for use, storage, inspection, cleaning, and disposal.
If hazardous chemicals contaminate the garment, follow the workplace's distillation and waste-handling procedures.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What does Type 6 mean on protective coveralls?
Type 6 means that the clothing provides limited protection against certain liquid chemicals. We designed it for exposure to light sprays and small, low-pressure splashes under the relevant test conditions.
Q2: What is EN 13034?
EN 13034 is a European standard for chemical protective clothing that offers limited protection against liquid chemicals. It covers Type 6 full-body suits and Type PB [6] partial-body garments.
Q3: Are Type 6 coveralls waterproof?
Not necessarily. Type 6 clothing must meet specific requirements for liquid repellency, penetration, and garment performance. Do not assume that it can withstand immersion or every type of liquid exposure.
Q4: Can Type 6 coveralls protect against strong acids and solvents?
Do not assume that they can. Protection depends on the chemical, concentration, contact time, material, and garment design.
Check the supplier's chemical test data and complete a workplace risk assessment before use.
Q5: What is the difference between Type 6 and Type PB ?
Type 6 covers full-body chemical protective suits that cover at least the trunk and limbs. Type PB [6] covers partial-body garments, such as aprons, coats, and sleeves, that protect specific body areas.
Conclusion
EN 13034 Type 6 protective clothing helps protect workers from limited exposure to certain liquid chemicals. It does not provide universal protection against all chemicals or every type of liquid hazard.
If you want to choose the right coveralls, just look at your workplace risks first. Check the chemical compatible and the test reports, and ensure the outfit fits the intended use.
For B2B buyers, supplier selection should also cover product quality, documentation, production capacity, and delivery requirements.
Visit Hubei Haixin to discuss your disposable protective clothing needs and confirm the product specifications for your target market.
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