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EN 1073-2:2002

Radioactive contamination is a silent but deadly hazard. Workers in nuclear, maritime, offshore, petrochemical, or construction environments may face airborne radioactive particles that require specialized protective clothing. EN 1073-2:2002 defines the requirements and test methods for non-ventilated protective clothing designed to reduce these risks.

This standard covers protective suits that shield the body, arms, and legs from particulate radioactive contamination. For complete protection, garments may be worn with accessories such as boots, gloves, and respiratory protective equipment (RPE), each governed by additional European standards.

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Test Method: Inward Leakage

The protective performance of EN 1073-2 clothing is measured through the inward leakage test, defined in EN ISO 13982-2 Method B.

  • The test exposes a suit to particulate contamination during different activities (standing, walking, squatting).
  • The Total Inward Leakage (TIL) is measured at three points inside the suit.
  • The highest mean value of TIL is used to determine the suit’s Nominal Protection Factor (NPF).

This test is similar to the Type 5 particulate protective clothing test, ensuring consistent and reliable results.

Classification of EN 1073-2

Protective suits under EN 1073-2 are divided into three classes, based on the mean inward leakage values.

Class One Activity TIL E % All Activities TIL A % Nominal Protection Factor (NPF)
Class 3 < 0.3% < 0.2% 500
Class 2 < 3.0% < 2.0% 50
Class 1 < 30.0% < 20.0% 5

Class 3 provides the highest level of protection, while Class 1 offers basic protection.

Why EN 1073-2 Matters

Protective clothing against radioactive contamination is not limited to nuclear plants. It has applications across demanding industries where particle exposure is a risk:

  • Maritime & Offshore – crews handling decommissioning projects or contaminated materials.
  • Petrochemical – workers exposed to particulates in specialized refining or waste environments.
  • Construction – teams involved in demolition or maintenance of facilities with radioactive risk.

By classifying suits based on inward leakage and NPF, EN 1073-2 helps ensure workers receive protection matched to the severity of exposure.

Frequently asked questions

Does EN 1073-2 clothing protect against radiation itself?
No. EN 1073-2 covers protection against particulate contamination, not ionizing radiation. Additional shielding measures are needed for direct radiation exposure.
What is the difference between ventilated and non-ventilated suits?
EN 1073-2 covers non-ventilated suits, which rely on the barrier properties of the material. Ventilated suits fall under different standards and include air supply systems.
What is Nominal Protection Factor (NPF)?
The NPF expresses the suit’s protective performance. For example, Class 3 suits with NPF 500 reduce particulate exposure by a factor of 500.
Are gloves, boots, and respirators included in EN 1073-2?
No. The standard only covers the body garment. Accessories are regulated under separate PPE standards.
Which class is recommended for high-risk environments?
Class 3 suits are required where maximum protection against radioactive particulates is essential.

Caution!