PERSONAL
PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT (PPE)
LABORATORY
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT LABORATORY
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) LABORATORY
We have a pioneering laboratory in testing protective clothing, work clothing and protective gloves where we carry out tests and tests on personal protective equipment in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/425.
We carry out tests on protective clothing and gloves used by workers and professionals, subjecting the fabrics to different types of risks where the behavior of the materials is studied.
PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT LABORATORY. APPE
We offer a complete service for the evaluation and certification of non-textile protective equipment, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/425.
We have a personal protective equipment laboratory specializing in tests for eye and face protection, respiratory protection, head protection, and evaluation of dielectric gloves for live work.
THE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT LABORATORY FACILITIES
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Support laboratory for compliance testing for Personal Protective Equipment testing according to Regulation (EU) 2016/425.
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Qualified, specialised staff, in constant professional development.
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Pioneer laboratory in Spain in testing Insulating Protective Equipment (IPE).
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Technical Committee member laboratory CTN 81/SC 1/GT 01, CTN 81/SC 1/GT 02, CTN 81/SC 1/GT 03, CTN 81/SC 1/GT 05.CEN/TC 162 member laboratory.
TESTS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
PROTECTION AGAINST THERMAL RISKS: HEAT AND FLAMES
> Radiant heat
> Convective heat
> Contact heat
> Molten metal splash
> Impact of spatter (small splashes of molten metal)
> Flash Fire Manikin test
THERMAL HAZARDS CAUSED BY ELECTRIC ARC:
> Determination of the arc rating – Open arc test
> Determination of arc protection class – Box test
> Determination of the arc rating – Open arc test
Procedure for determining the arc characteristic of materials, flame-resistant garments or assemblies of garments intended for use in workers’ clothing if an arc flash hazard exists.
The test is performed in controlled laboratory conditions: stainless steel electrodes are placed in the centre of the installation and materials are placed around them at a distance of 300 mm to determine ELIM, ATPV or EBT values of materials, garments and garment assemblies.
> Determination of arc protection class – Box test
The test involves the generation of a directed and limited electric arc using a box containing aluminium and copper electrodes.
Materials and garments are classified:
APC 1(arc protection class 1) after passing the test performed at 4kA
APC 1(arc protection class 1) after passing the test performed at 7kA
> Flash Fire Manikin test
This test provides accurate measurements of the performance of protective clothing or protective clothing ensembles in a simulated flash fire environment.
Calculation of the extent and total surface area of the burn injury.
PROTECTION AGAINST MEDIUM AND LOW VISIBILITY RISKS
Daytime and/or night-time visibility garments are assessed to determine, inter alia:
> Minimum required areas of visible material
> Design
> Chromaticity coordinates & Minimum luminance factor of new material, after xenon test and after washing
> Colour fastness
> Method of determination of retroreflective photometric performance
PROTECTION AGAINST CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS
> Penetration and permeation of liquid chemicals
> Determination of resistance to penetration by a spray of liquid (spray test)
> Determination of resistance to penetration by a jet of liquid (jet test)
> Test method of determination of inward leakage of aerosols of fine particles into suits
> Tests methods for protective clothing against infective agents
> Protection to the full body against airborne solid particulates (type 5 clothing)
> Liquid chemicals types 3, 4 & 6
PROTECTION AGAINST BAD WEATHER, COLD AND RAIN
The performance of work clothing is assessed for protection against the effects of cold environments at or below -5°C and rain.
Protection against rain:
> Test requirements for materials and seams of protective clothing against precipitation (rain or snowflakes), fog and soil moisture.
The tests include structural characteristics as well as general and specific requirements:
> Measurement of thermal and water-vapour resistance (sweating guarded-hotplate test) Ret
> Thermal resistance Rct
> Resistance to water penetration
> Air permeability
> Rain tower test
MECHANICAL PROTECTION
> Risk of entanglement with moving parts
> Abrasion test
> Test rig for testing resistance to cutting by a chainsaw
> Ballistic protection
> Knife stab resistance
Testing assesses the design, zones and different levels of protection of trousers, jackets and gaiters.
> BALLISTIC PROTECTION
Bullet-proof waistcoats, helmets, armour, glass, bulletproof vests and armoured doors using ammunition of different calibres and velocities.
> KNIFE STAB RESISTANCE
Tests are conducted to determine the protection of different levels of stabbing energy on articles to protect the wearer from injuries caused by knife and stabbing attacks.
ELECTROSTATIC PROTECTION
Testing assesses protection against electrostatic charge build-up when working in potentially explosive atmospheres.
> Test method for measurement of surface resistivity
> Charge decay
Testing also assesses the protection provided against a current passing through the component materials of the PPE.
> Electrical resistance through a material (vertical resistance)
PROTECTION AGAINST THERMAL RISKS: HEAT AND FLAMES
> Radiant heat
> Convective heat
> Contact heat
> Molten metal splash
> Impact of spatter (small splashes of molten metal)
THERMAL HAZARDS CAUSED BY ELECTRIC ARC:
> Determination of the arc rating – Open arc test
> Determination of arc protection class – Box test
> Determination of the arc rating – Open arc test
Procedure for determining the arc characteristic of materials, flame-resistant garments or assemblies of garments intended for use in workers’ gloves if an arc flash hazard exists.
The test is performed in controlled laboratory conditions: stainless steel electrodes are placed in the centre of the installation and materials are placed around them at a distance of 300 mm to determine ELIM, ATPV or EBT values of materials, garments and garment assemblies.
> Determination of arc protection class – Box test
The test involves the generation of a directed and limited electric arc using a box containing aluminium and copper electrodes.
Gloves are classified:
APC 1(arc protection class 1) after passing the test performed at 4kA
APC 1(arc protection class 1) after passing the test performed at 7kA
PROTECTION AGAINST CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS
> Penetration and permeation of liquid chemicals
> Determination of resistance to penetration by a spray of liquid (spray test)
> Determination of resistance to penetration by a jet of liquid (jet test)
> Test method of determination of inward leakage of aerosols of fine particles into suits
> Tests methods for protective clothing against infective agents
> Protection to the full body against airborne solid particulates (type 5 clothing)
> Liquid chemicals types 3, 4 & 6
PROTECTION AGAINST COLD
> Aislamiento de frio convectivo
> Aislamiento de frio por contacto
> Integridad del guante
> Flexión de frio externo
MECHANICAL PROTECTION
> Risk of entanglement with moving parts
> Abrasion test
> Test rig for testing resistance to cutting by a chainsaw
ELECTROSTATIC PROTECTION
Testing assesses protection against electrostatic charge build-up when working in potentially explosive atmospheres.
> Test method for measurement of surface resistivity
> Charge decay
Testing also assesses the protection provided against a current passing through the component materials of the PPE.
> Electrical resistance through a material (vertical resistance)
TESTS ON FACIAL ADAPTERS
> Resistance to temperature
> Leaktightness
> CO2 content of the inhalation air
> Breathing resistance
> Resistance to thermal radiation
> Inward leakage
> Field of vision
> Practical performance
TESTS ON FILTERS
> Mechanical strength
> Breathing resistance
> Filter gas capacity
> Particle filter penetration
HEAD PROTECTION TESTS
> Shock absortion
> Resistance to penetration
> Resistance to flame
> Chin strap anchorages
> Electrical properties
> Lateral deformation
> Molsten metal splash
TESTS ON SPORTS HELMETS
> Determination of shock absorption capacity
> Determination of retention system strength and ease of release
> Detemination of retention system effectiveness
> Determination of the field of vision
OPTICAL TEST
> Refractive powers
> Diffusion of light
> Transmittance
NON-OPTICAL TESTS
> Resistencia mecánica incrementada
> Stability at high temperature
> Resistance to UV radiation
> Resistance to ignition
> Resistance to corrosion
> Field of view
TESTS OF SAFETY ROPE (PROFESSIONAL AND SPORTS)
> Semi-static tests:
Diameter, Sheath slippage, Contraction, Dynamic behavior, Mass of the material of the outer sheath, Knotting, Elongation, Mass per unit length, Static resistance, Mass of the material of the soul, Maximum strength of the force F stop, Marking and information.
> Ensayos de cuerda Dinámica
Construcción, diámetro, masa por unidad de longitud, deslizamiento de la funda, alargamiento estático, prueba de caída para determinar la fuerza máxima de choque, alargamiento dinámico y el número de caídas, marcado e información.
> Auxiliary rope tests:
Diameter, Tensile strength, Mass per unit length, Marking and information.
HARNESS TESTS (PROFESSIONAL AND SPORTS)
> Design and Ergonomics
> Materials and construction
> Static resistance
> Dynamic behavior
> Additional accessories
> Marking and information
> Corrosion resistance
> Static strength testing for harnesses equipped with a Front-Mounted Attachment Element for Fall Arrest
> Dynamic Performance Test.
> Dynamic strength testing for harnesses equipped with a Front-Mounted Attachment Element for Fall Arrest
SIT HARNESSES TEST (PROFESIONAL AND CLIMBIMING)
> Ergonomics, Design, material and construction, Dynamic resistance, Static resistance, Corrosion resistance, Marking and information.
BELTS FOR WORK POSITIONING AND RESTRAINT AND WORK POSITIONING LANYARD
> Design, material and construction, Static behavior, Dynamic behavior, Marking and information, Corrosion resistance, Marking and information
CLIMBING HARNESSES TEST. A, B, C Y D
> Dimensions of the belts, Belts stability, Thread, Static resistance.
OTHER TESTS ON FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT
> Tapes
> Slings
> Lanyards
> Connectors and Carabiners
> Energy absorbers
OTHER FALL ARREST TESTS
> Guided type fall arresters with rigid or flexible anchor line
> Fall arrester
> Retractable fall arresters
> Self-retracting Lanyard
> Pulleys
> Rope clamps
> Anchor devices
> Anchorage connector qualification testing
> Descender devices for rescue
TESTING AND CERTIFICATION OF FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT
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INFORMATION
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CERTIFICATIONS RELATED TO THE PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT LABORATORY
NOTIFIED BODY
No 0161
AITEX is the Notified Body number 0161 assigned by the European Commission for the conformity assessment procedures of certain products: CE marking
OTHER AREAS OF AITEX
AITEX provides different types of services for companies that develop products for the markets in the different textile application areas. Our services fall within the following areas.
