Provide everything they need, as fast as possible. This is the principle for the experts at the Hohenstein Institute in Bönnigheim/Germany when supporting manufacturers, importers and distributors with testing and certification of all types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The various testing services and their speedy implementation are particularly beneficial for customers when the PPE has to meet different requirements. The warning effect in line with EN ISO 20471 (formerly EN 471) in combination with cut protection in line with EN 381 can usually be tested within 10 working days, for example. In forest work, for example, cut protection trousers are mandatory PPE while high-visibility warning clothing is not mandatory but certainly a practical addition. The warning effect is based on materials which improve the visibility of the wearer by day and by night. The EN ISO 20471 standard defines the requirements for the fluorescent colour and the retroreflection of the materials to be used as well as the guidelines for minimum areas and positioning of the fluorescent and retroreflective materials. Cut protection according to EN 381 is usually achieved by using loosely woven, very long, fine and highly tear-proof threads. If a power saw comes into contact with the protective clothing these threads get tangled in the chain. This blocks the drive and the saw comes to a standstill in a matter of seconds. More information about the tests for personal protective equipment can be found on the Hohenstein Insitute website.
