What standards apply to disposable coats?
Depending on the hazards, a disposable coat may fall under several references, which guide the choice of model and its limits of use. The standards below help select protection consistent with actual exposure.
- EN 14126: clothing (reusable or disposable) designed to reduce exposure to infectious agents (micro-organisms, bacteria); often used alongside chemical protection.
- EN 1073-2: protection against particulate radioactive contamination; does not protect against ionising radiation.
- EN 1149-5: anti-static requirements to dissipate static electricity, particularly in chemical/petrochemical environments and in the presence of explosive elements.
For chemical hazards, resistance is not permanent: the instructions specify the products concerned and the permeation times.
What types of disposable coat are there, and for which sectors?
Disposable coats come in different forms according to the use and the working environment, to adapt protection to the workstation. The format and associated accessories are chosen in particular according to hygiene, dust or splash constraints.
- Disposable food-industry coat: suited to areas where hygiene and dirt control are a priority.
- Disposable apron (including disposable plastic apron): relevant against splashes and dirt on the front of the body.
- Single-use coat with specific requirements (infectious, anti-static, particles): to be matched to the identified hazard and the expected standards.
To complete the outfit, you can pair disposable coveralls or disposable overshoes and overboots.
When should disposable coats be replaced?
A disposable coat is single or very limited-use PPE: it is not washed and not reused after exposure, soiling or splashing. Store it in its original packaging, dry and away from dust, to preserve its properties until it is issued. Consult the instructions for use to find out the limits against chemicals and the permeation times; resistance is not permanent. Replace it as soon as it is torn, punctured, damp, damaged, or if the seams and fastenings no longer hold. Watch for signs of wear such as abrasion, weakened fibres or loss of water resistance. After use, dispose of it according to internal procedures suited to the type of contamination.
What specific points should be considered for disposable coats?
The main specific point of a single-use coat relates to its period of effectiveness, which depends directly on the hazard and exposure conditions. In the event of contact with chemicals, protection is not permanent: over time, substances can pass through the garment's barrier.
To select a suitable disposable coat or disposable apron, refer to the instructions for use, which indicate compatible products and permeation times. In an anti-static environment (EN 1149-5), performance also depends on the organisation of the workstation: earthing via conductive footwear may be necessary, whereas certain live-working tasks conversely require insulation from earth.