Kae Hwa Knowledge Center

Breathable Film Technology & Industry FAQ Guide

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3. Certifications & Standards

What does EN 14126 certification mean for biological protective clothing?

EN 14126 is the European standard that defines the requirements for protective clothing against infective agents. For B2B buyers in the medical and industrial safety sectors, this certification is the critical proof that a material can block bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.

The 5 Key Performance Tests of EN 14126

To carry the “B” suffix (e.g., Type 4-B), the fabric must pass these rigorous simulations:

  • ISO 16604 (Viral Barrier): Resistance to penetration by blood-borne pathogens using the Phi-X174 bacteriophage (similar to ASTM F1671).
  • ISO 22610 (Wet Bacteria): Resistance to wet bacterial penetration (simulating mechanical contact with contaminated fluids).
  • ISO 22611 (Bio-Aerosols): Resistance to penetration by biologically contaminated aerosols.
  • ISO 22612 (Contaminated Dust): Resistance to penetration by biologically contaminated dry particles.

The “B” Suffix: Why It Matters

In industrial safety, a garment might be rated as “Type 4” (spray-tight), but only a “Type 4-B” garment is certified to protect the wearer against biological hazards. At Kae Hwa, our InduBarrier™ and MediShield™ series are specifically engineered to achieve the highest class (Class 6) in these tests.

Standard Compliance: By choosing EN 14126 certified fabrics, manufacturers ensure their PPE is suitable for high-risk environments such as pandemic response, surgical theaters, and laboratory settings.