Swine flu is at present on everyone’s lips – almost literally.

This virus passes from hand to mouth.
The virus is contained in the excretions and body fluids of infected persons. 

Here, the hands – second only to inhalation of micro-fine droplets from coughing or sneezing – generally play the role of carriers. Good hygiene, frequent hand washing and keeping a safe distance from people are good guarantees for prevention. However, in many professional groups, avoiding direct contact with other people, even infected persons, is hardly possible.

Consequently, the question is raised whether people in these risk groups would be able protect themselves by additional action, such as wearing protective clothing. Such protective clothing can consist of coveralls, coats, aprons, jackets, trousers, shoe covers etc. To protect the hands, face or mouth/nose, additional personal protective equipment (PPE) must be used. In this case, can protective clothing protect the wearer from infection? A good barrier against viruses will be provided by protective clothing made of materials having good resistance to penetration by liquid media. Since the penetration resistance of these materials depends on the pressure of the medium, this dependence should be tested, and the corresponding data should be published.


This information can be found in the documentation inside the clothing package or can be obtained from the manufacturer.  Standard EN 14126 provides a foundation for the test method, and the preliminary tests with synthetic blood according to ISO/FDIS 16603 provide the necessary information on the pressure at which the barrier against viruses is defined in conformity with ISO/FDIS 16604.

In the case of the H1N1 virus – swine flu – this means that Type 4 and higher protective clothing provides protection if the material passes the test conforming to ISO/FDIS 16604. For partial body protection, only the data obtained according to ISO/FDIS 16604 can be used, because type testing is not possible.


Another important aspect in the correct choice is the decontamination that may be required after intervention. In general, decontamination is carried out with liquid disinfectants or simply with water and a detergent. Here, it is important for the coverall to provide protection during this action, both against penetration of the liquid used and against molecular breakthrough or permeation of the disinfectant. Since wiping the surface of a protective suit applies pressure to the material, seams and other
structural parts, a Type 3 coverall should be used in such cases.


3S-Arbeitsschutz GmbH is a company with a wide and varied range of products for protection against viruses.  This variety applies both to the materials used for the protective clothing and to the details of the design. The range of coveralls is supplemented by various solutions for partial body protection, such as trousers, jackets, coats, gowns, aprons, shoe covers and leggings. The Pro-Chem III coverall, with attached respiratory protection hood supplied by a PAPR, has particular advantages here. This system enables the wearer to use the coverall without having to carry out a test conforming to G26-3 (heavy respiratory equipment). We are of course also glad to provide special designs, constructions or sizes to suit the particular requirements of the user. Our production plant in Poland guarantees excellent quality and rapid service. Just contact us by phone, e-mail or post – we will respond immediately.