Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) Testing
The IOM provides commercial testing of PPE for many manufacturers and our results are used as the basis of certification (CE marking). Our service includes competitive pricing agreed in advance, advice on the standards and clauses required, clear specifications, liaison throughout the test programme and agreed schedule of delivery through to reporting. Our testing to the appropriate UK and European standards is fully accredited by UKAS.
We can also work with manufacturers on to develop and test options prior to full submission and to assess batch quality.
Testing services include:
- Fully accredited (UKAS) testing services for PPE to BS, EN and NIOSH standards
- Practical performance testing and total inward leakage testing for protective clothing, ventilated and non-ventilated (Types 1, 2 and 5) to European Standards ISO 13982 (parts 1 & 2), EN943 (part 1) and ISO 1073 (parts 1 & 2). Please note that a few tests contained within these standards are not covered by our UKAS accreditation
- Face fit testing according to HSE guidance (see below) of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) including disposable masks, filters, powered and airline devices (helmets, hoods, masks, escape) and self contained open circuit breathing apparatus. We are fully accredited (UKAS) to undertake face fit testing at our facilities and at clients premises.
- Particulate penetration through fabrics (Aloxite test)
- Penetration of house dust mite (surrogate) through pillowcases
- Development of test methods
- Coming soon: Spray test for Type 4 suits to British Standard EN 468 and 14605.