Fluorine-free safety wear finishes explained in relation to EN 13034-Type 6 (chemical splash protection)

Within the protective clothing industry, fluorinated (specifically per- and polyfluoroalkyl) substances finishes are a hot topic. Many end users are seeking fluorine-free alternatives — but in high-risk chemical environments, safety cannot be compromised. In this blog, we unpack why C6 fluorocarbon-based finishes are still essential for compliance with EN 13034-Type 6, when protection against oil-based chemical splashes is required. 

What is EN 13034-Type 6 and what does it cover? 

EN 13034-Type 6 provides limited protection against low-volume, low-pressure chemical splashes. It is suitable in workplaces where there is a risk of light spray, liquid aerosols, or low-volume splashes, but not for situations requiring a complete barrier against liquid permeation at the molecular level. PPE clothing that requires EN 13034-Type 6 is typically seen in action within industrial, chemical processing and maintenance tasks.  

What are fluorinated substances and why are they used in safety wear? 

Certain fluorinated substances are used in a wide variety of products due to their ability to repel water, grease, and dirt. Within protective fabrics, fluorinated substances are valuable as they are currently the only types of finish available on the market which are able to repel both water and oil-based chemicals.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances chemicals are under increasing regulatory pressure. On January 13, 2023, five EU countries (Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, Norway, and Sweden) submitted a proposal for a broad ban under REACH. The ban could significantly impact high-performance fabrics used in protective clothing requiring oil and chemical repellency, such as those conforming to EN 13034-Type 6 and EN 469. 

A general phase-out was targeted for 2025, but exemptions are under discussion. Notably, PPE in Risk Category III (including EN 469, EN 13034, EN 11612, and EN 61482) will be exempted for the time being to ensure continued user protection where no alternatives exist.

How effective are fluorine-free alternatives, and in what settings can they be used?

In response to the desire to phase out these specific fluorinated substances from safety wear, a number of fluorine-free alternatives have been introduced to the market. However, these solutions are mostly only effective against water-based chemical splashes. Such options do not provide reliable protection against oils or hydrocarbons.

Fluorine-free options are suitable for specific use in laboratories or industrial sites where there will only be water-based chemical exposure. A risk assessment is crucial for determining the appropriate level of protection. It involves identifying potential hazards, assessing the likelihood and severity of exposure, and selecting appropriate protective measures.

On the other hand, in certain high-risk settings, only finishes with these specific fluorinated substances will be capable of providing the wearer with the necessary protection. 

It is therefore essential for safety managers to put in place a clear decision-making framework: aligning finish technology with the relevant exposure type.

What are the top tips for approaching chemical splash protection responsibly?

•  Start with a detailed risk assessment of chemical types and exposure: so that you can be sure that your solution matches your risks

• Evaluate finish technologies alongside fabric performance and PPE layering

• Educate procurement teams and users about the real-life impact of finishing choices

• Take care not to be swayed by "green" marketing without matching protection data: sustainability and health matter, but not at the cost of the safety of your workers
  

We understand there may be a preference for fluorine-free finishes. While we support the developments in areas where an alternative finish can be used, the technology is not there yet to offer a fluorine-free finish for safety wear that is compliant with the oil-based chemical splashes covered by EN 13034-Type 6. Until then, continuing to make informed choices that prioritise the safety needs of workers, alongside striving for fabric innovation, is the way forward.

Keen to find out more about fluorine-free finishes and EN 13034-Type 6?

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our specialists, who will be happy to advise you.