6 years ago

Garments for Protection Against the Ebola Virus

The Ebola virus was recently identified again in West Africa and that quickly brings back the memory of 2014 when the Ebola virus arrived in the US.

The Ebola virus was recently identified again in West Africa and that quickly brings back the memory of 2014 when the Ebola virus arrived in the US. It reminds us that we must be cautious and diligent because this virus will return again at some point. Kappler has recently CE marked our ProVent 10,000 coverall for CE Type 4b.

This CE type is designed for low-level chemical protection but it also provides protection against blood and body fluids. There are actually four tests that are conducted on the fabric to achieve the CE type 4b. The first two tests are similar to the ASTM F 1670 and 1671 for protection against blood and body fluids that are potentially infectious. Another test evaluates mechanical contact and the fourth test evaluates protection against airborne particles.

In addition to these tests we also evaluate the whole garment’s performance with a liquid spray test. In this test the garment is placed on a manikin and subjected to a spray of liquid.

This test is designed to evaluate the whole garment system including seams and closures. The test liquid is at a surface tension that is lower than blood.

The surface tension is what drives the liquid’s ability to penetrate the fabric, seams and closures. The ProVent 10,000 fabric performed to the highest level for the fabric test and the whole garment performed acceptably as well.

We were able to achieve the top 4b mark for the coverall style MNH 39. It is ultrasonically sealed and also hot air taped to provide maximum protection. We must remember that a garment is just one part of a protective system that also includes eyewear, gloves, boots and possibly other personal protective equipment.