Chemical protective clothing is classified into six types, numbered by the kind of protection they are designed to give. Type 1 is the most protective, a gas-tight suit; Type 6 is the lightest, for limited splashes. Most businesses buying disposable coveralls will be choosing between Types 4, 5 and 6, and understanding the difference makes the labels far easier to read.
The six types at a glance
| Type | Designed to protect against | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 | Gases and vapours (gas-tight suits) | EN 943 |
| Type 2 | Gases, non gas-tight (older classification, rarely seen now) | formerly EN 943-1 |
| Type 3 | Pressurised jets of liquid (liquid-tight) | EN 14605 |
| Type 4 | Liquid sprays and saturation (spray-tight) | EN 14605 |
| Type 5 | Hazardous dry particles in the air | EN ISO 13982-1 |
| Type 6 | Limited light spray and liquid splashes | EN 13034 |
A garment is often certified to more than one type. A common disposable coverall, for example, is marked Type 5 and Type 6, meaning it has passed the tests for dry particles and for limited liquid splash.
Types 5 and 6: the everyday disposable coverall
Type 5/6 coveralls are the ones most people picture: lightweight, usually white, often with a hood and elasticated cuffs. They are widely used for tasks involving dusts and light splashes, such as some cleaning, painting, maintenance and insulation work. Type 5 covers hazardous dry particles; Type 6 adds limited protection against light spray and small splashes of liquid.
Types 3 and 4: when liquids are the main hazard
Where the job involves spraying liquids, chemical washing or a risk of being soaked, a Type 4 (spray-tight) or Type 3 (liquid-tight) garment may be needed. These typically use heavier or laminated fabrics and sealed seams, because stitch holes let liquid through.
Types 1 and 2: specialist gas protection
Gas-tight suits are specialist equipment used in areas such as hazardous-materials response and some chemical industries. They are selected, fitted and maintained under specialist arrangements rather than bought off the shelf.
Other markings you may see
- PB [3], PB [4], PB [6]: partial body protection, such as aprons, sleeves or lab coats, tested to the corresponding liquid-protection level.
- EN 1073-2: protection against radioactive particle contamination (not against radiation itself).
- EN 14126: protection against infective agents.
- EN 1149-5: electrostatic (anti-static) properties, relevant where static could ignite a flammable atmosphere. See our anti-static and ESD workwear guide.
- CE or UKCA mark with the notified body number, and a size pictogram.
Fit, wear and disposal
A coverall only protects if it fits and is worn properly: the right size so seams do not split when bending, hood up where required, and cuffs and ankles sealed to gloves and boots where the task calls for it. Disposable coveralls are designed for limited use; replace them when damaged or contaminated, and dispose of contaminated garments in line with your own waste procedures. For reusable workwear, see our guide on when to replace workwear.
The short version
Chemical protective clothing is classified from Type 1 (gas-tight) to Type 6 (limited splash). Most everyday disposable coveralls are Type 5/6, for dusts and light splashes. Heavier liquid hazards need Type 4 or Type 3. Choose based on your own risk and COSHH assessment and the manufacturer's chemical data, not the type number alone. For the difference between disposables and reusable kit, see coveralls vs boiler suits, and for reading PPE labels generally, EN standards on workwear labels explained.
