ISO 16602 Chemical Protective Clothing: Classification, Standards, and Selection Guide

In industries like chemical manufacturing, emergency response, and healthcare, selecting the right chemical protective clothing (CPC) is critical for worker safety. The ISO 16602 standard, established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), provides a global framework for classifying CPC based on performance, risk levels, and application scenarios. This guide breaks down the standard to help you choose compliant, effective gear for your operations.

What is ISO 16602?

ISO 16602 defines classification criteria, performance testing, and labeling requirements for chemical protective clothing. It ensures suits meet rigorous benchmarks for resisting chemical permeation, physical damage, and environmental hazards. Key objectives include:

• Standardizing global safety protocols.
• Aligning with regional standards (e.g., EN 14126, NFPA 1991).
• Simplifying selection through clear Type 1–Type 6 classifications.

ISO 16602 Classifications: From Type 1 to Type 6

The standard categorizes CPC into six types based on protection level and hazard type:

1. Type 1 (Gas-Tight)
   • Applications: High-risk gas/vapor exposure (e.g., chemical spills, biohazard response).
   • Requirements: Passes gas-tight integrity tests (≤0.05% inward leakage) and chemical permeation resistance (e.g., ≥60 minutes for sulfuric acid).
   • Design: Fully encapsulated, requires SCBA, and includes exhaust valves.
2. Type 3 (Jet-Resistant)
   • Applications: High-pressure liquid jets (e.g., ruptured pipelines).
   • Testing: ISO 17491-3 jet test simulates pressurized chemical exposure.
3. Type 6 (Limited Splash Protection)
   • Applications: Low-risk liquid splashes (e.g., lab work).
   • Testing: ISO 22610 evaluates fabric and seam resistance to light splashes.

Other Types:

• Type 4 (Spray-Tight): Medium-pressure liquid protection (e.g., decontamination).
• Type 5 (Particle-Tight): Dust/aerosol protection (aligned with ISO 13982-1).

Key Performance Tests Under ISO 16602

To meet the standard, CPC must pass rigorous evaluations:

1. Chemical Permeation Resistance
   • Test: ISO 6529 (liquid) and ISO 16604 (viral penetration).
   • Example: Type 1 suits must resist 98% sulfuric acid for ≥60 minutes.
2. Mechanical Durability
   • Tear Strength: ≥32N for Type 3/4 suits.
   • Puncture Resistance: ISO 13996 (sharp object penetration).
3. Gas-Tight Integrity
   • Test: Sodium chloride aerosol or sulfur hexafluoride leakage detection.

ISO 16602 vs. Other Standards

1. EN Standards
   • EN 14126: Focuses on biological/chemical protection; aligns with ISO 16602’s permeation tests.
   • EN 943: Specifies gas-tight (Type 1) requirements.
2. NFPA Standards
   • NFPA 1991: Emphasizes firefighter CPC, while ISO 16602 covers broader industrial uses.
3. GB Standards
   • China’s GB 24539-2021 integrates ISO 16602 classifications but adds localized requirements.

4-Step Selection Guide

1. Assess Hazard Type
   • Gas/Vapor: Type 1 (gas-tight).
   • High-Pressure Liquids: Type 3.
   • Dust/Aerosols: Type 5.
2. Verify Material Compatibility
   • Request chemical permeation charts from suppliers.
3. Check Certifications
   • Look for labels like “ISO 16602 Type 3 Certified” or “EN 14126 Compliant.”
4. Prioritize Ergonomics
   • Breathability: ≥400g/m²/24h moisture permeability for heat stress reduction.
   • Weight: Lightweight Type 6 suits (<1.5kg) enhance mobility.

Top Applications & Recommendations

• Chemical Spill Response: Type 1 suits (e.g., DuPont Tychem® 6000) + SCBA.
• Pharmaceutical Labs: Type 6 suits (e.g., Lakeland ChemMax® 4).
• Healthcare Biohazards: Type 4/5 suits with ISO 16604 certification.

Conclusion ISO 16602 simplifies chemical protective clothing selection by aligning global safety standards. Always verify certifications, match CPC to hazard types, and prioritize ergonomic design. For complex scenarios, consult PPE specialists to ensure compliance and worker safety.