Disposable Protective Wear

Disposable protective wear

Single-use protective clothing for jobs where contamination or damage makes reuse impractical — asbestos removal, chemical handling, spray painting, food processing, and clean-up work. The right disposable depends on the hazard: particulate-only, liquid chemical, or biological. European Type classifications (Type 1–6) define exactly what a coverall protects against, and mis-matching type to hazard is a common — and dangerous — shortcut.

Type classifications (EN 14605 / EN 13982 / EN 13034)

• Type 1 / 2 — gas-tight and non-gas-tight chemical suits. Rare in this category; usually supplied-air territory.
• Type 3 — liquid-tight against pressurised jets. For heavy chemical spraying.
• Type 4 — spray-tight against saturated liquid. For chemical spraying and decontamination.
• Type 5 — dust-tight. The standard for asbestos removal, silica, lead dust, fibreglass, and general particulate work.
• Type 6 — limited protection against light liquid splash. For incidental contact; not suitable for sustained spraying.

Most disposable coveralls in this range are Type 5/6 — the combined rating covers both dust and light splash. For asbestos and silica work, Type 5 (dust-tight) is the minimum and is typically combined with P3 PAPR respiratory protection.

Application guide

• Asbestos removal — Type 5 coverall, taped-seam variant, with integrated hood; combined with P3 PAPR, disposable overboots, and disposable gloves taped into sleeves. Follow the AS 2601 removal work method.
• Spray painting — Type 5/6 coverall for automotive and industrial paint work; hood protects hair and the back of the neck from overspray.
• Chemical handling — Type 4 or Type 6 depending on exposure risk. For acid/caustic spraying, step up to dedicated Category III chemical-rated suits.
• Food processing / clean-room — lighter particle-barrier coveralls with anti-static properties. Often boot and hood integrated.
• General clean-up / insulation work — Type 5/6 is the default for fibreglass batts, blown insulation, and dusty demolition.

Accessories and ancillary items

• Disposable overboots — slip over standard safety boots to prevent contamination being carried off-site. Critical for asbestos and infection-control work.
• Disposable hoods and balaclavas — worn under PAPR hoods or standalone for particulate work.
• Disposable aprons — food processing, medical, and light chemical work.
• Disposable sleeves — protect forearms in wet, greasy, or contaminated work.

Anti-static and clean-room variants

For spray-painting and any flammable-vapour environment, specify coveralls that meet EN 1149-5 anti-static requirements. Static discharge in a paint booth can ignite solvent vapour. Anti-static Type 5/6 suits are marked with the EN 1149 symbol on the tag.

Disposal

Contaminated coveralls from asbestos work must be double-bagged in compliant asbestos waste bags (AS 2601) and disposed of through a licensed waste contractor. Chemical-contaminated suits follow the relevant SDS disposal guidance. Never re-wear a coverall intended for single-use — the barrier properties degrade after the first wash.

Standards & compliance

Disposable protective suits in this range are certified to EN 14605, EN 13982-1 (Type 5), EN 13034 (Type 6), and where applicable EN 1149-5 (anti-static). Verify the Type rating for the specific hazard before issuing — Type 6 alone is insufficient for asbestos or silica work.

Frequently asked questions

Can I reuse a Type 5/6 coverall if it looks undamaged?

No — single-use means single-use. Barrier integrity cannot be verified after wearing, especially around seams and closures. Asbestos and chemical work specifically require disposal after each use.

What's the difference between SMS and microporous film coveralls?

SMS (spunbond-meltblown-spunbond) is breathable, comfortable for long shifts, and suits Type 5 particulate work. Microporous film laminates are more liquid-resistant and are preferred for Type 4/6 splash work. Choose based on whether the hazard is dust (SMS is fine) or liquid (film laminate).

Do I need taped seams for asbestos removal?

Yes — under AS 2601 and state-based asbestos codes of practice, Type 5 coveralls for licensed asbestos removal should have stitched-and-taped seams to prevent fibre ingress through stitching perforations. Plain-stitched seams are insufficient.

Do you offer trade or bulk pricing?

Yes — trade accounts get 5% off RRP on disposables, and volume orders for asbestos-removalist programs qualify for significant bulk discounts. Case-quantity pricing on overboots and hoods available. Apply for a trade account →