EN 14126
Protection against infectious agents
Back to overviewProtection against biological contamination: EN 14126 standard for workwear
EN 14126 is the European standard for workwear that offers protection against biological contamination risks, such as contact with blood, viruses, bacteria, aerosols, or dry contamination.
This clothing is designed to prevent pathogens from coming into contact with the wearer's skin or underlying clothing via liquids, air, or dust particles.
What does EN 14126 entail?
The EN 14126 standard describes the requirements and test methods for clothing that offers protection against contamination by infectious agents. The standard uses a test family of four international standards, each simulating a different contamination mechanism – from liquid to dry transfer.
The clothing must be demonstrably resistant to blood, body fluids, viruses, bacteria, and contaminated aerosols, depending on the situation in which it is used.
Symbol and technical requirements of EN 14126
Clothing that complies with EN 14126 can be recognized by the biological risk pictogram. Performance is determined using four test methods and associated protection classes.
The main test categories are:
ISO 16603 / ISO 16604 – protection against blood and viruses
- Test with synthetic blood and a bacteriophage virus under pressure
- Class 1–6: the higher the class, the higher the test pressure at which no penetration occurs
EN ISO 22610 – protection against wet microbes under friction
- Simulates contamination with moist bacteria through contact with liquids or wet surfaces
- Class 1–6: higher class means better barrier
EN ISO 22611 – protection against bacteria-carrying aerosols (in the air)
- Test for penetration by microbe aerosols
- Class 1–3 or 1–6, depending on the method used
EN ISO 22612 – protection against dry contamination (dust particles with bacterial spores)
- Measures the percentage of bacterial penetration
- Class 1–3: the lower the penetration percentage, the better the protection
Where do you use EN 14126 workwear?
EN 14126 workwear is used in work environments where exposure to infectious substances may occur. The clothing protects against contamination by liquids, aerosols, or dry particles.
Common sectors and applications:
- Healthcare and emergency services (hospitals, ambulance services)
- Laboratories and testing facilities
- Waste processing and remediation
- Pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry
- Maintenance or cleaning work in contaminated areas
The correct class selection depends on the degree of exposure: splashes, aerosols, or direct contact with contaminated material.
EN 14126 test methods
The clothing is tested for four types of contamination routes:
- Liquid contamination – resistance to blood and viruses under pressure.
- Contact contamination – resistance to wet microbes during friction.
- Airborne contamination – protection against bacteria-carrying aerosols.
- Dry contamination – protection against contaminated dust containing bacterial spores.
Each test results in a protection class. The higher the class, the better the barrier against infectious agents.
Performance and design requirements of the standard
The standard does not specify fixed requirements for the design of the clothing, but sets clear guidelines for design and use:
- The clothing must comply with EN ISO 13688 for sizing and comfort.
- The fabric and seams must be resistant to the specific test pressure or form of contamination.
- The clothing must fit snugly to prevent contamination through openings.
- The clothing must be worn in combination with gloves, face protection, and boots.
- Correct removal procedures are essential to prevent cross-contamination.
EN 14126 training: working with biological risks and infectious substances
In the Hydrowear EN 14126 training course, you will learn everything about working with infectious agents, the correct use of protective clothing, and safe donning and doffing procedures.
Ideal for safety experts, HSE managers, and healthcare professionals who take infection prevention seriously.