Disposable clothing is an integral part of many occupational safety programs – in industry, food processing, laboratories, medicine, cleanrooms, and waste disposal. For resellers, not only pricing matters, but especially the correct selection according to protection level, standard, and duration of use. Nevertheless, poor purchasing decisions regularly lead to delivery complaints, material surpluses, or inappropriate protection levels.
The following five points summarize the most common mistakes from sales practice and show how they can be systematically avoided.
Error 1: Protection class and standard are confused.
A common misconception is to equate the PPE category (I, II, III according to Regulation (EU) 2016/425) with the protection type classification (e.g., Type 3–6 according to EN 14605, EN 13034, EN ISO 13982-1).
- The PPE category describes the risk level (low, medium, high risk).
- The protection type specifies what the suit has been tested against (e.g., liquid-tight, spray-tight, particle-tight).
Dealers should check both specifications in product data sheets, as an overall can be category III but still only offers limited splash protection (Type 6).
Error 2: EN 14126 is overlooked
For activities with biological risks (e.g., in healthcare, animal husbandry, or waste management), protective clothing must be tested according to EN 14126. This standard evaluates materials for penetration by infectious liquids and aerosols.
If the marking "-B" (e.g., Type 5-B) is missing, there is no certified biological protection – even if the suit appears visually identical.
Error 3: Material quality and seams are not considered
Many complaints result from improper assessment of material structure and seam processing.
- Spunbond-Meltblown-Spunbond (SMS) offers good particle protection with high breathability but is not liquid-tight.
- Laminated materials (Microporous Film, PE-Coating) are liquid-repellent but less breathable.
- Seams can be stitched, welded, or taped; for liquid-tight applications, at least welded or glued is required.
These characteristics are central to consultation discussions – especially in tenders or technical approvals.
Error 4: Size and fit aspects are underestimated
Disposable clothing is only functional with the correct fit. Suits that are too tight tear, while those that are too loose lose their seal at transitions. Retailers should offer products with a clear size chart (min. S–3XL) and tolerance specifications.
Practical recommendation: Fitting or sampling before bulk purchase, as sizes can vary by manufacturer by up to 1 size.
Error 5: Cost-effectiveness is assessed in the short term
Often, the unit price determines purchasing, although storage and disposal costs have a greater impact on the overall expenditure.
Essential economic factors:
- Packaging units and storage compatibility (e.g., flat vs. vacuum-packed suits)
- Durability and storage conditions (temperature, humidity)
- Disposal costs for contaminated clothing (according to hazardous materials law)
- Stability of the supply chain and minimum stocks at the manufacturer
A pure focus on price without considering the lifecycle can lead to bottlenecks and quality deviations.