Overview
EN ISO 17491-3:2008 (CEN / ISO) specifies a standardized jet test method to determine the resistance of chemical protective clothing to penetration by a forceful jet of liquid. It applies to Type 3 protective clothing with liquid‑tight connections between garment parts and between the garment and other personal protective equipment. The test is a repeatable pass/fail method that inspects inward leakage using a dyed water jet and an absorbent undergarment; it does not address chemical permeation of materials (that is covered by other standards).
Key Topics and Requirements
- Scope: Suitability for Type 3 liquid-tight clothing and assemblies; excludes permeation testing.
- Test principle: A water jet containing a fluorescent or visible dye is projected at a human test subject wearing the protective suit and an absorbent overall. Visual inspection identifies penetration points.
- Test liquid: Water at (20 ± 2) °C with a dye (e.g., methyl blue), a surfactant (e.g., Genapol LRO / sodium lauryl ether sulphate) and, if required, a dye stabilizer (e.g., citric acid). Required surface tension: (30 ± 5) × 10−3 N/m.
- Calibration stain: A calibrated stain produced on every absorbent overall (dispense (25 ± 5) µl from 5.0 ± 0.5 cm) to establish a reference; minimum stain area 1 cm2 for pass/fail comparison.
- Absorbent overall: One‑piece garment with hood; material must be homogeneous so absorption spots vary less than 10% from the mean for a given liquid volume.
- Nozzle and pressure: Specific nozzle geometry (opening ~4 × 4 mm) and pressure measurement are specified; pressure gauge reading at (150 ± 15) kPa at the nozzle and pump capable of delivering ≥400 kPa.
- Test subjects and safety: Human subjects must fit the suit size range; tests can be hazardous (eyes, face, body) and national safety rules and precautions apply.
- Result type: Pass/fail evaluation based on presence/size of stains on the absorbent overall and inspection of inner suit surfaces.
Applications and Users
- Organizations testing and certifying chemical protective clothing, especially Type 3 suits intended for high‑pressure liquid exposure (jets and splashes).
- Manufacturers validating garment seam and connection integrity, designers of liquid‑tight interfaces (suits, glove/hood connections), PPE test laboratories and conformity assessment bodies.
- Occupational safety professionals specifying PPE for industries where forceful liquid projections (hose ruptures, spray guns, accidental ruptures) pose a hazard.
Related Standards
- EN ISO 17491 series: Part 4 (spray test) is directly related. Other parts (e.g., inward/outward leakage tests) are under development.
- Note: Chemical permeation resistance is covered by other dedicated standards and product-specific normative requirements referenced in the product standard.
Keywords: EN ISO 17491-3:2008, jet test, protective clothing, chemical protective clothing, Type 3, resistance to penetration, liquid jet test, absorbent overall, calibration stain, nozzle, test method, CEN, ISO.