What Are Disposable Coveralls?

What are Disposable Coveralls?

Disposable coveralls are a type of protective clothing used in various activities in different industries to keep you safe as you work. They are worn everyday for medical workers, factory workers, nearly all manufacturing industries, and also worn when you are painting at home. The fabric protects your skin and undergarments without having to decontaminate your clothes. You should decontaminate your clothes every time you are in contact with hazardous chemicals. They come in all shapes, sizes, fabrics, and protection levels. One advantage they have are that they are affordable, comfortable and will are protective. Let’s discuss more in depth what they are.

Protection and Comfort

Disposable coveralls come in different fabrics and purposes which offer various protective capabilities at work or home. Some features include hoods and boots that provide full body coverage. Full body coverage reduces the risk of chemical spills and accidents to your head, body, arms and legs. Disposable coveralls are created with different material than cloth coveralls – mainly Tyvek or polypropylene. This guide explains the different materials used when manufacturing disposable coveralls. Tyvek or polypropylene are durable, lightweight and breathable. Having the fabric durable yet breathable is important because it reduces the risk of heat stress and heat-related fatigue without compromising the garment’s strength and durability. Similarly, they allow full range of motion while you work. They are designed to withstand varying level of hazard exposure that we will discuss below. Workers in all industries can stay comfortable and safe wearing disposable coveralls.

6 Types of Protection

You may see a ‘CAT 3 Type 5-6’ when purchasing disposable coveralls. Disposable coveralls (and other personal protective equipment) have standardized levels of protection created by the European Union. Although established by EU, most countries and safety organizations adopt and recognize these standards. All personal protective equipment (PPE) is a Category 3 ‘CAT 3’. Category 3 materials are tested to meet minimum standards set by EU regulations. Samples are sent for regular testing and manufacturing processes are reviewed thoroughly. There are 6 types of protection within Category 3. Type 1 is the most protective while Type 6 is the least protective. Let’s discuss each one and how they relate to your work.

Types 1 and 2

Gas Protection: The most protective type, these coveralls are gas-tight enclosed protective suits.

Non-Gas Protection: Similar to Type 1, Type 2 are non-gas tight suits which retain positive pressure inside the garment, prevent ingress of dusts, liquids and vapors.

Type 3

Liquid Jet Protection: Type 3 coveralls feature sealed seams. Manufacturers need to produce these coveralls from a fabric that is liquid tight and can withstand strong directional jets when tested for quality.

Type 4

Liquid Spray Protection: Type 4 coveralls protect against liquid spray. Both the fabric and the seams are thoroughly tested. Testing to meet Type 4 protection is similar to Type 3 but uses a lighter spray at a low pressure.

Type 5

Particle Protection: Type 5 coveralls are tested against dust and airborne particles. They the most commonly used coverall for light industrial cleaning, site preparation, and home use. They are also suitable for asbestos work if purchasing disposable coveralls.

Type 6

Limited Liquid Splash Protection: Type 6 coveralls protect against light spray and splashes. It provides the lowest level of protection.

Affordability

Disposable coveralls are very affordable as they are designed for low usage compared cotton coveralls (Flame Resistant, High Visibility, or Insulated Coveralls) that are designed for years worth of work. They are also made out of cheaper material like Tyvek or Polypropylene which adds to the affordability. It’s important to know that even disposable coveralls have a wide range of cost. Type 1 coveralls will be more expensive than Type 6 coveralls – Hazardous waste clean versus painting your home. Disposable coveralls are usually sold in a pack of 25, 6, or singles.

Deciding the correct disposable Coverall

Disposable coveralls can be used in various applications where workers are often exposed to hazardous environments. The first step is to decide what environment will you be working in: painting your house, handling hazardous liquids or gases for example. You will then find the correct Type (1-6) to wear. Once that is complete, you will need to determine which material, features, and size will best suit you. It’s important to know that disposable coveralls are not flame resistant! Disposable coveralls will probably not fit your needs if you are in a fire hazard environment like Oil & Gas. Apart from safety, being comfortable all day is a huge factor when considering disposable coveralls. Make sure your coveralls fit your body so you can be comfortable and not have any rips or tears from your movement. You should always size up. Choose breathable, affordable coveralls that include front zippers and elastic cuffs. The most common you will need is Type 5 and 6 as they cover most situations at home or at work. Work near Asbestos, fiberglass manufacturing, Wood and plastic processing, Insulation, and painting are covered in these Types.

BEST DISPOSABLE COVERALLS

DUPONT TYVEK 400 TY122S

DuPont is a household brand that lives by durability, safety and comfort. Their Tyvek 400 TY122S Series Disposable Coveralls are a great price and come in a pack of 6. We like the 400 TY122S model since it comes with an attached respirator-fit hood, longer zip to cover your chin, and attached Tyvek skid boots that are skid resistant for hazardous environments. Weighing only 3.53 ounces makes this product travel and storage easy.

3M 4520CS

3M’s 4520CS series are designed to keep yourself safe, comfortable and cool while working. It’s Type 5 and 6 tested and compliant. Since these do not have a respirator-fit hood, you may prefer to wear these if you do not require a respirator. These are made out of polypropylene which provides more protective and durability. They also provide a cooler feel than Tyvek. Therefore these are a bit pricier than Tyvek, but worth the safety. You can 3M’s coveralls in many sizes!

KLEENGUARD A40

One of the most popular brands for coveralls – Kimberly-Clark’s Kleengaurd series offers an amazing disposable coverall for your dollar. Kleenguard’s proprietary fabric is made out of breathable, microporous film to keep out debris, non-hazardous liquid chemicals, and dry particulates. They are the most affordable pair of disposable coveralls listed and come in a wide range of sizes.

These are great for painting, liquid handling, or are in pharmaceutical manufacturing or aviation!