In this episode, part two from Episode #100, host Mark Reggers and PPE specialist Maurice Gould dive deeper into the various technical specifications that differentiate coveralls from one another, and how these differences inform our choices when selecting the most suitable coverall for the intended workplace application.

Coveralls vary in all kinds of ways, from the type of material, the methods of layering different materials to improve protection, breathability and wearer comfort, seam and tear strength and in the overall quality, adherence to standards and compliance. We must ensure that those responsible for protecting workers with PPE such as coveralls, are doing the right thing, knowing the garments are fit for purpose, understanding all the factors involved and making fully informed choices to protect workers and keep workplaces safe.

Guest Bio:

Maurice graduated with an Honours Degree in Economics from Nottingham University many years ago. The first part of his career was in banking & finance but then he saw that you could have a more exciting career & joined a UK company called Dailys who manufactured Protective Clothing. In 2010 Dailys & Maurice were acquired by 3M – a not too unexpected move as Dailys had manufactured coveralls for 3M for many years.

He is an active member of the British Standards Institution (BSI) PH/003/03 Chemical, Biological, Radioactive and Nuclear Personal Protective Equipment Committee, and represents 3M at the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) Protective Glove and Clothing Product Group.

Maurice lives in Manchester, is married to Della, & has 3 children, the oldest of whom got married last year. Away from work & family life Maurice enjoys nothing more than long walks in the Cheshire countryside with his dog, Monty!

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In this episode, Mark & Maurice discuss the following:

• When it comes to chemical coveralls what are the types of material tests conducted for this key hazard area?
• If a workplace has a chemical, how do they find out what types of material may be suitable for their application?
• Are different coveralls materials treated with anything to give different products different characteristics?
• Coveralls can be made from different materials, can you explain what SMS, SMMS, SMMS etc actually means?
• Are there other materials coveralls are commonly made form?
• Are there different types of seam constructions to ensure similar performance to the appropriate materials?
• Are there other things workplaces should be aware of when it comes to selecting coveralls?
• When it comes to the donning and doffing of coveralls, what are the key things are listeners should know?
• Are there applications where coveralls are not suitable?
• Where can the listeners go and get further information about what we have discussed today?

Our skin is literally the largest organ in the human body and it's also one of the most complicated. Coveralls are used in all sorts of industries and applications. All have very specific needs and it's important to select the correct coverall that offers the best protection for that application, and one that has passed the various tests to ensure it complies with the standards dictated by that coverall’s ‘Type’ classification.

Additional Resources:

• Podcast Transcript
• SafeWork Australia – PPE
• WorkSafe NZ – PPE
• 3M Chemical Test Library
• Video - Donning a 3M Coverall (UK)
• Video - Doffing a 3M Coverall (UK)
• Video – Breathability Demonstration non-woven materials
• 3M Australia – Coveralls
• 3M New Zealand

Contact a 3M Safety Specialist at scienceofsafetyanz@mmm.com for more information.