Over-reaction in France causes confusion regarding chemical resistant clothing

French laboratories have tested a range of type-4 chemical protective clothing and established that problems exist with the current harmonised standards in that the test results are not always reproducible when the clothing is made from microporous materials. This is not wholly surprising since the current standards were designed when impervious [not microporous] materials were the norm and there has been little standards development since. Despite the fact that there are no know injuries to workers, the French government have taken the view that, in the interests of safety, they should ban these products.

Furthermore, they have asked the EU Commission to accept a safeguard clause objection to de-harmonise these standards across the EU. The BSIF believes that, on the basis that many products conform totally to the current standards and that a restriction of the free-flow of goods might result, the EU Commission has declined the French request.

There is little doubt that it would be preferable for the current standards to be revised but it is in nobody’s interest to prevent suitable protection being available in the mean-time for no obvious reason. The BSIF is involved with seeking to bring the appropriate parties together to develop an interim solution and to assist its members in representations to urge the French government to think again.