BEFORE

The method called Couptest consisted in calculating the number of cycles needed to cut a glove specimen, at constant speed (back and forth) at a pressure of 5N (about 500g).

NOW

The Couptest has been made more reliable, with better blade control (blade change every 5 tests). If the glove dulls the blade, the reference test will be ISO 13997 .

A fifth digit is added below the pictogram to indicate the cut resistance test level according to ISO 13997. If there is no blade wear, the Couptest remains the reference test. However, the level of resistance according to ISO 13997 can be indicated (optional). 

The abrasion test is carried out with a new type of abrasive paper (Klingspor PL31B Grit 180) of much more consistent quality than the previous one.

The new EN 13594 : 2015 test which allows to declare impact protection on joints and fingers. If the glove passes the test, the letter “P” is added after the 5 digits of the pictogram.

SRA:

– Test surface: 

ceramic
– Lubricant: 

water and detergent

child restraint:

– Test surface:  steel

– Lubricant:  glycerine

SRC:

SRA + SRB

Facepiece – a device that covers the nose and mouth.

Half mask – a device that covers the nose, mouth and possibly the chin.

Full face mask – a device that covers the eyes, nose, mouth and possibly the chin.

Negative Pressure Respirators – respirators that use lung power to draw contaminated air from the atmosphere and purify it through a filter.

Assisted Ventilation Systems – systems that use a ventilated electric motor to draw contaminated air from the atmosphere, pass it through a filter and blow it clean inside the facepiece.

Compressed Air Systems – systems that deliver clean air of breathable quality from an independent source directly to the face piece.

Gas filters are classified according to the specific type of gas they remove:

Type A : For use with certain organic gases and vapors with a boiling point above 65°C as specified by the manufacturer. Type A filters should be identified with the Brown color code .

Type B : For use with certain inorganic gases and vapors as specified by the manufacturer (excluding CO). Type B filters should be identified with the Gray color code .

Type E: To be used for sulfur dioxide and other acid gases and vapors as specified by the manufacturer. Type E filters must be identified with the yellow color code .

Type K : To be used for ammonia and organic ammonia derivatives as specified by the manufacturer. Type K filters should be color coded Green .

Type A, B, E and K filters are further classified according to their filtering capacity:

Class 1 – low capacity, up to 1,000ppm

Class 2 – medium capacity, up to 5,000ppm

Class 3 – high capacity, up to 10,000ppm

Type NO-P3: To be used for nitrogen oxides. The filter also provides protection from dust. The filter must be identified with the Blue-White color code , in association with the filter class, i.e. NO-P3.

Type Hg-P3: To be used for mercury. The filter also provides protection from dust. The filter must be identified with the Red-White color code , in association with the filter class, i.e. Hg-P3.

COMBINED FILTERS

Combined filters, which 

combine different types , must meet the requirements prescribed separately for each type of filter. The filter must also be identified with each color code. For example, an ABEK2P3 filter should be identified with the colours: 

Brown, Grey, Yellow, Green and White.

The UNI EN 166:2001 work eyewear standard regulates the use of acronyms on the frame and on the lens of these individual devices. The legislation establishes that both the frame and the lens must be marked on work glasses . The abbreviations that are stamped are the following:

–  CE : indicates approval of the prototype and compliance with the legislation

– The protection of the lens, i.e. what it protects from and how much (2 ultraviolet / 3 ultraviolet without color alteration / 4 infrared / 5 solar / 6 solar and infrared)

–  The initials of the reference manufacturer

–  The optical class from 1 to 3 (3 indicates that they can only be used for short periods)

–  The impact resistance of the lenses

–  The sector of use of the work glasses

–  The specific requirements (K resists deterioration of fine particles, N resists tarnishing).

The standard specifies the physical and performance requirements, test methods and marking requirements for protective helmets for industry. Protective helmets for industry are primarily intended to protect the user from falling objects and the resulting brain injuries and skull fractures.

BINDING REQUIREMENTS:

– Vertical shock absorption

– Resistance to penetration

– Resistance to flames

– The chin strap releases with a force greater than 150N

Helmets intended to be used in environments where there is the possibility of contact with a high electrical voltage potential (up to 1,000 V ac and 1,500 V dc) must be tested for electrical insulation according to  EN 50365 . This standard exceeds the optional electrical resistance test requirements of EN 397 and EN 812 and the electrical requirements of EN 443 .

This standard specifies minimum requirements for helmets for firefighters to protect the top of the head primarily against the effects of impact, penetration as well as heat and flame when fighting fires in buildings and other structures.

They specify constructional design requirements, performance, test methods, marking requirements and information intended for users of ear muffs, inserts and ear muffs on work helmets for industry.

The standards are the reference both for the manufacturer and for the control body for the verification of the PPE tested.

Here is a summary of the specifications of UNI EN 352.

–  UNI EN 352 – 1 and 2 (July 2004) Hearing protectors – General requirements- Headphones and inserts;

–  UNI EN 352 – 3 (July 2004) Hearing protectors – General requirements – Headphones mounted on a protective helmet for industry;

–  UNI EN 352 – 4 (January 2007) Ear protectors – Safety requirements and tests – Headphones with response according to the sound level;

–  UNI EN 352 – 5 (August 2006) Hearing protectors – Safety requirements and tests – Headphones with active noise reduction control;

–  UNI EN 352 – 6 (July 2004) Hearing protectors – Safety requirements and tests – Headphones with audio communication;

–  UNI EN 352 – 7 (July 2004) Hearing protectors – Safety requirements and tests – Inserts with attenuation according to the sound level;

–  UNI EN 352 – 8 (October 2008) “Hearing protectors – Safety requirements and tests – Headphones with the possibility of listening to audio not related to work.