Chemical Protective Suit Types 1 to 6 - Which One?
The right chemical protective suit depends on the physical state of the hazardous substance and on permeation through the suit material. This guide explains Types 1 to 6 under EN 943, EN 14605, EN ISO 13982 and EN 13034 and shows how to pick the right protection using the safety data sheet and the breakthrough time.
View protective suitsWhat do Types 1 to 6 mean?
Chemical protective suits are classified into six types by the kind of impermeability they offer. What matters is whether the hazardous substance appears as gas, liquid, spray, splash or solid particles. Each type is tied to its own standard, from the gas-tight fully encapsulating suit to the limited splash-protective coverall.
How to combine suit, respiratory protection and gloves into a coherent ensemble.
Read the guideHow does the physical state set the type?
The first step in selection is the physical state of the hazardous substance at the workplace. A gaseous agent demands a gas-tight Type 1, whereas a solid dust is already held back safely by Type 5. Between these extremes lies the full range of liquid exposures.
- Gases and vapours: Type 1 gas-tight, usually with supplied air or self-contained breathing apparatus.
- Pressurised liquid (jet): Type 3 keeps a directed liquid jet out at the seams.
- Fine mist and aerosols: Type 4 protects against saturated spray exposure.
- Dry solid particles and fibres: Type 5 against airborne dusts.
- Light splashes, small quantity: Type 6 for brief, limited exposure.
Why is permeation decisive?
Permeation is the passage of a chemical molecule through the intact suit material at molecular level, without any visible hole. The breakthrough time is measured under EN 16523‑1, the interval until the substance reaches the inside. This yields six permeation classes.
The class alone is not enough: it only ever applies to the specific chemical tested. A material may reach class 6 against one substance and break through within minutes against another. So match the manufacturer's permeation table against the safety data sheet of your hazardous substance.
Frequently asked questions
Which type protects against gases?
Only a gas-tight Type 1 suit under EN 943 holds back gases and vapours. It is worn with self-contained breathing apparatus, since gases also endanger the airways.
What is the difference between Type 3 and Type 4?
Type 3 is liquid-tight against a directed jet under pressure, Type 4 spray-tight against fine aerosol mist. Type 3 offers the higher protection and also covers Type 4.
Is the permeation class alone enough to select?
No. The class only applies to the chemical tested. You must match the breakthrough time for your exact substance from the manufacturer table against the safety data sheet.
Are chemical protective suits reusable?
Single-use suits are disposed of after contamination. Reusable suits of coated fabric can be decontaminated if the manufacturer approves it for the substance and inspection intervals are met.
Looking for the right chemical protective suit?
We stock protective suits Type 1 to 6 under EN 943, EN 14605, EN ISO 13982 and EN 13034 - including permeation data for your hazardous substance.
Standard-compliant
All types certified from EN 943 to EN 13034.
Permeation proven
Breakthrough times documented per chemical.
Category III
Tested PPE under Regulation (EU) 2016/425.
Expert advice
We help you select based on your risk assessment.