Avian influenza (avian influenza), especially in its highly pathogenic form (HPAI), leads to increased infection and contamination risks for occupationally exposed persons (e.g., veterinary staff, disease control, barn staff). Employers are required to conduct a risk assessment and provide appropriate protective measures; therefore, specialized dealers must offer norm-compliant and operationally suitable solutions.
Requirements for PPE in avian influenza
Legal and organizational framework
- In Germany, there are specific recommendations from the Committee for Biological Agents (ABAS) regarding avian influenza; these recommendations should be used as a technical basis for occupational safety measures. Employers must conduct a risk assessment based on the Biostoffverordnung and TRBA requirements.
- Registration, documentation, and requirements for the cleaning/disposal of contaminated work clothing are part of the operational measures. Specific procedures must be defined in operational instructions.
Classification of the pathogen and occupational medical consequences
- Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus variants (e.g., H5 clades) are regularly treated as risk group 3 in relation to occupational safety and laboratory conditions, or for laboratory work with at least BSL-3 requirements; this has implications for laboratory work and for the protection requirements in activities with increased exposure risk. (see WHO/CDC/TRBA guidelines).
Protection classes and relevant standards
- Protective clothing against infectious media is classified according to EN-/ISO standards: EN 14126 is the relevant standard for evaluating materials against infectious agents (test methods for liquid, aerosol, and particulate media). Protective suits are additionally classified by types (EN 14605, EN ISO 13982-1, EN 13034): Type 3 (liquid-tight), Type 4 (spray-tight), Type 5 (particle-tight), and Type 6 (limited spray protection). In the case of biological hazards, a combination of EN 14126 + appropriate type requirements (e.g., Type 4-B, Type 5-B) is often required; the suffix designation “-B” refers to tests against infectious agents.
Respiratory protection
- Particle-filtering respiratory masks are required in aerosol or dust risk situations. Internationally (CDC), the recommendation in many work situations is “N95 or higher”; in Europe or Germany, FFP2 or FFP3 are used depending on the risk. In high exposure scenarios (e.g., intensive barn work, disinfection work with aerosol formation, handling dead/sick animals), higher-grade filters (FFP3) or even respiratory devices with blower/supply air should be considered. The exact determination is the responsibility of the risk assessment and national regulations.
Gloves, head, foot, and eye protection
- Recommended practice (official guidelines): at least one liquid-tight, tear-resistant pair of gloves; in case of high contamination risk, two pairs (inner and outer pair) are common. Head coverings (hood or cap, ideally connected to the overall), liquid-tight boots (disinfectable) or overboots, as well as suitable eye protection (close-fitting safety glasses or face shield plus glasses) are part of the standard equipment in exposed areas.
Donning/Doffing procedures and hygiene
- Donning/Doffing must take place in separate areas; the order of removal is relevant, hand disinfection should be provided between individual steps. Contaminated disposable protective clothing should be collected separately and disposed of according to regulations or, if reusable, cleaned/disinfected. These procedural requirements are part of the ABAS recommendations and the SVLFG guidelines.
Practical tips for specialist dealers
Product profile and assortment selection
- Ensure that products can demonstrate both the respective EN/ISO standards and, if relevant, EN 14126 markings. In the assortment, you should offer variants suitable for different levels of risk (e.g., Type 5/6 as a base, Type 3/4 for work with significant liquid risk). Pay attention to manufacturer or test reports that document EN 14126 tests or corresponding virucidal tests.
Wearing comfort and duration of use
- Full protection systems create thermal stress. Products with better water vapor permeability, designs with back panels, or systems with fan support reduce stress and increase practical wear time. These aspects must be emphasized in consultations; the wear time is product- and application-dependent and must be included in the risk assessment.
Inventory management and delivery capability
- In the event of outbreaks, the demand increases sharply in the short term. Dealers should review inventory strategies (buffer stocks, prioritized suppliers, storage conditions). Pay attention to expiration dates and storage requirements of the manufacturers (protection against moisture/UV, etc.). These points are economically relevant and are often recommended in the specialist literature and practice.
Certification and proof obligations
- Customers (e.g., veterinarians, authorities) expect proof of compliance with standards. Request test certificates (e.g., EN certificates, test results for EN 14126 tests) and document them in your offers. If proof is missing, mark the product transparently as "not tested" or "manufacturer's information" — speculative safety promises should be avoided.