prEN ISO 16602-3

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2025
Varovalna obleka za zaščito pred kemikalijami - Klasifikacija, označevanje in
zahtevane lastnosti - 3. del: Kemijske preskusne metode, klasifikacija in zahteve
(ISO/DIS 16602-3:2025)
Protective clothing for protection against chemicals - Classification, labelling and
performance requirements - Part 3: Chemical test methods, classification and
requirements (ISO/DIS 16602-3:2025)
Schutzkleidung gegen Chemikalien - Klassifizierung, Kennzeichnung und
Leistungsfähigkeit - Teil 3: Chemische Testmethoden, Klassifizierung und
Anforderungen (ISO/DIS 16602-3:2025)
Habillement de protection contre les produits chimiques - Classification, étiquetage et
exigences de performances - Partie 3: Méthodes d'essai chimique, classification et
exigences (ISO/DIS 16602-3:2025)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN ISO 16602-3
ICS:
13.340.10 Varovalna obleka Protective clothing
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

DRAFT
International
Standard
ISO/DIS 16602-3
ISO/TC 94/SC 13
Protective clothing for protection
Secretariat: SNV
against chemicals — Classification,
Voting begins on:
labelling and performance
2025-07-02
requirements —
Voting terminates on:
2025-09-24
Part 3:
Chemical test methods,
classification and requirements
Habillement de protection contre les produits chimiques —
Classification, étiquetage et exigences de performances —
Partie 3: Méthodes d'essai chimique, classification et exigences
ICS: 13.340.10
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENTS AND APPROVAL. IT
IS THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AND MAY NOT BE REFERRED TO AS AN
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD UNTIL
PUBLISHED AS SUCH.
This document is circulated as received from the committee secretariat.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL,
TECHNOLOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND
USER PURPOSES, DRAFT INTERNATIONAL
STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE TO
ISO/CEN PARALLEL PROCESSING
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WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED
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NOTIFICATION OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT
RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE AND TO
PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION.
Reference number
ISO/DIS 16602-3:2025(en)
DRAFT
ISO/DIS 16602-3:2025(en)
International
Standard
ISO/DIS 16602-3
ISO/TC 94/SC 13
Protective clothing for protection
Secretariat: SNV
against chemicals — Classification,
Voting begins on:
labelling and performance
requirements —
Voting terminates on:
Part 3:
Chemical test methods,
classification and requirements
Habillement de protection contre les produits chimiques —
Classification, étiquetage et exigences de performances —
Partie 3: Méthodes d'essai chimique, classification et exigences
ICS: 13.340.10
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENTS AND APPROVAL. IT
IS THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AND MAY NOT BE REFERRED TO AS AN
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD UNTIL
PUBLISHED AS SUCH.
This document is circulated as received from the committee secretariat.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL,
© ISO 2025
TECHNOLOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND
USER PURPOSES, DRAFT INTERNATIONAL
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE TO
ISO/CEN PARALLEL PROCESSING
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BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR
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NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
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PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION.
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Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland Reference number
ISO/DIS 16602-3:2025(en)
ii
ISO/DIS 16602-3:2025(en)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 General . 2
4.1 Pre-treatment, conditioning and testing .2
4.2 Pre-treatment by abrasion or flexing prior to permeation testing .2
5 Chemical testing and classification . 2
5.1 General .2
5.2 Chemicals for testing .2
6 Resistance to permeation by chemicals . . 2
6.1 General .2
6.2 Classification of permeation resistance by permeation cumulative mass .3
6.2.1 Barrier classes of permeation cumulative mass resistance .3
6.3 Classification of permeation breakthrough time resistance .4
6.3.1 Barrier classes of permeation breakthrough time .5
7 Repellency to and resistance to penetration by liquids . 6
8 Resistance to penetration by liquid under pressure . 7
9 Particulate penetration resistance . 7
10 Performance requirements for seams and assemblages . 7
10.1 Determination of property value for rating and classification .7
10.2 Pre-treatment .8
10.3 Conditioning.8
10.4 Resistance to chemicals.8
10.4.1 General .8
10.4.2 Resistance to penetration .8
10.4.3 Resistance to permeation .10
10.4.4 Resistance to permeation for closures .10
10.5 Integral visors .10
10.5.1 Permeation resistance.10
10.5.2 Distortion of vision after chemical exposure .10
11 Test report .11
Annex A (informative) Use of time to permeation cumulative mass for reporting material
permeation resistance .12
Annex B (normative) Chemicals for testing .15
Annex C (informative) Adapted test cell for testing closures (zipper) . 19
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the essential
requirements of Regulation (EU) 2016/425 of the European Parliament and of the
Council of 9 March 2016 on personal protective equipment aimed to be covered .20
Bibliography .24

iii
ISO/DIS 16602-3:2025(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of any patent
rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or on the ISO list of
patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 94, Personal safety—Personal protective
equipment, Subcommittee SC 13, Protective clothing.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition ISO 16602:2007. The standard has completely been
rewritten and split into parts, with the most significant changes compared to the previous edition relating
to: (1) a new modular approach, (2) marking, (3) chemical protection.
A list of all parts in the ISO 16602 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.

iv
ISO/DIS 16602-3:2025(en)
Introduction
This document addresses the chemicals to be tested, the test methods and the specific chemical performance
classification of chemical protective clothing materials, seams, joins and assemblages.
This document is part of a series of standards for test methods and requirements for both limited use
and reusable chemical protective clothing. ISO 16602 consists of the following parts, under the general
title "Protective clothing for protection against chemicals — Classification, labelling and performance
requirements":
— Part 1: General requirements;
— Part 2: Physical test methods, classification and requirements;
— Part 3: Chemical test methods, classification and requirements;
— Part 4: Test methods, classification and requirements for specific designs and ensemble components
including gloves, footwear, and respirators;
— Part 5: Garment test methods, classification and requirements;
— Part 6: Guidance on Selection, Use, Care and Maintenance.
This document is based on the existing test methods found in ISO 16602 and upgraded based on last EN
14325. This series of documents is intended to provide a modular approach to design and specification for
chemical protective clothing accommodating the many types and levels of risk found, and activities carried
out, in the workplace. This document includes the requirements of ISO 8194 on radiation protection so that
it can be withdrawn.
The selection of appropriate chemical protective clothing should be based on a risk assessment. In this
assessment the user organization identifies the hazards, and determines:
— the potential for chemical contact with individual workers,
— the consequences of exposure, and
— the type of practices or controls needed to eliminate or minimize exposure.
When it is determined that chemical protective clothing is needed, the risk assessment should identify
the chemical protective clothing required in terms of its overall performance requirements from physical
characteristics, chemical protection and garment test perspective. ISO/DIS 16602-6 is intended to assist
user organizations with these determinations.

v
DRAFT International Standard ISO/DIS 16602-3:2025(en)
Protective clothing for protection against chemicals —
Classification, labelling and performance requirements —
Part 3:
Chemical test methods, classification and requirements
1 Scope
This document specifies the chemical performance classification and test methods for materials used in
chemical protective clothing, including gloves and footwear. The gloves and footwear shall have the same
minimum chemical (including solids, airborne particles, aerosols, liquids, and gases (including radioactive
contaminants)) protective barrier requirements as the fabric when they are an integral part of the clothing.
While these performance levels are intended to relate to the usage to which the chemical protective clothing
is to be put, it is essential that the chemical protective clothing manufacturer or supplier indicate the
intended use of the protective clothing and that the user (specifier) carries out a risk assessment in order to
establish the correct performance level for the intended task.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 6529:2013, Protective clothing — Protection against chemicals — Determination of resistance of protective
clothing materials to permeation by liquids and gases
ISO 6530, Protective clothing — Protection against liquid chemicals — Test method for resistance of materials
to penetration by liquids
ISO 11610, Protective clothing — Vocabulary
ISO 13994:2005, Clothing for protection against liquid chemicals — Determination of the resistance of protective
clothing materials to penetration by liquids under pressure
1)
ISO/DIS 16602-1:— , Protective clothing for protection against chemicals — Classification, labelling and
performance requirements — Part 1: General requirements
2)
ISO/DIS 16602-2:— , Protective clothing for protection against chemicals — Classification, labelling and
performance requirements — Part 2: Physical test methods, classification and requirements
3)
ISO/DIS 16602-4:— , Protective clothing for protection against chemicals — Classification, labelling and
performance requirements — Part 4: Test methods, classification and requirements for specific designs and
ensemble components including gloves, footwear, and respirators
4)
ISO/DIS 16602-5:— , Protective clothing for protection against chemicals — Classification, labelling and
performance requirements — Part 5: Garment test methods, classification and requirements
1) Under preparation. Stage at the time of publication: ISO/DIS 16602-1:2024
2) Under preparation. Stage at the time of publication: ISO/DIS 16602-2:2024
3) Under preparation. Stage at the time of publication: ISO/DIS 16602-4:2024
4) Under preparation. Stage at the time of publication: ISO/DIS 16602-5:2024

ISO/DIS 16602-3:2025(en)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 11610 apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
4 General
4.1 Pre-treatment, conditioning and testing
All samples shall be pre-conditioned, conditioned and tested in accordance with ISO/DIS 16602-1:— (4.3).
As indicated, chemical permeation testing shall be conducted at (23 ± 1) °C.
4.2 Pre-treatment by abrasion or flexing prior to permeation testing
Depending if claimed by the manufacturer based on risk assessment, specimens, shall be pre-treated
according to ISO/DIS 16602-1:— (4.3) and in accordance with either or both methods prior to testing for
permeation resistance according to clause 6:
— A number of abrasion rubs in according to ISO/DIS 16602-2:— (4.4, Table 1),
— A number of flexing cycles given according to ISO/DIS 16602-2:— (4.5, Table 2).
5 Chemical testing and classification
5.1 General
Specimens intended to be reused shall be pre-treated by cleaning and disinfection according to 4.1 and if
required by 4.2. The specimens shall be tested according to ISO/DIS 16602-1:— (6).
If fabrics are being tested for penetration/repellency and permeation resistance is also claimed, then
the permeation tests shall also be carried out against the penetration challenge chemicals at the same
concentration.
5.2 Chemicals for testing
See Annex B for table of chemicals.
At least 1 of the chemicals listed in the tables of Annex B shall be tested or more if required by the clauses
below. Additional chemicals beyond those referenced in Annex B may be tested and claimed if relevant based
on risk assessment.
6 Resistance to permeation by chemicals
6.1 General
Three representative specimens, from the suit or the construction material, (for both permeation cumulative
mass and permeation breakthrough time resistance) of the chemical protective clothing material shall

ISO/DIS 16602-3:2025(en)
be tested in accordance with ISO 6529:2013, Method A (liquids) or Method B (gases) using a normalised
permeation rate of no greater than 1,0 µg/(cm2·min).
NOTE 1 It can be dangerous to base considerations of safe wear time of given chemical protective clothing only
on the value of normalized breakthrough time for a specific tested chemical. Breakthrough time is only the result
of a laboratory test and is not always comparable to wear conditions (for further information please see SUCAM
ISO/DIS 16602-6).
NOTE 2 Chemical protection cannot be characterised solely by permeation breakthrough time or permeation
cumulative mass alone; the short-term or long-term dermal toxicity also needs to be considered.
6.2 Classification of permeation resistance by permeation cumulative mass
The resultant average for the time to permeation cumulative mass shall be classified and reported in
accordance with Annex B.4 of ISO/DIS 16602-2. The challenge chemical shall be classified according to
5)
category of skin/dermal toxicity of chemicals/mixtures based on UNECE GHS legislation as transcribed in
local legislation.
Table 1 provides upper permeation cumulative mass limits based on the toxicity of the chemical
(Annex A.1 Table A.1 classification of dermal toxicity in the 3 classes) for a specific chemical. If the cumulative
permeation mass exceeds that limit in Table 1 at the breakthrough time, the following information shall be
provided in the user instructions:
— the chemical(s) which exceed the limit,
— warning symbol on the marking and the following wording in the manufacturer’s instructions (IFU)
(see ISO/DIS 16602-1:— (11.1(e))) "Breakthrough time is not indicative of safe wear time. Significant
permeation may occur before the breakthrough time." for indicated chemical(s).
The garments shall be marked according to ISO/DIS 16602-1:— (6, Annex B.2, examples in Annex B.5).
Table 1 — Toxicity thresholds for permeation by permeation cumulative mass
Chemical skin/dermal toxicity for cumulative permeation mass (in μg/cm ) classification
Very toxic Toxic Other chemicals
Cumulative Mass Cumulative Mass Cumulative Mass
2 2 2
20 μg/cm 75 μg/cm 150 μg/cm
NOTE 1 Information on the use of permeation cumulative mass is provided in Annex A.
NOTE 2 The above is based on skin/dermal toxicity only and does not take into account oral or inhalation toxicity.
6.2.1 Barrier classes of permeation cumulative mass resistance
6.2.1.1 General
Some barrier materials provide protection against a limited group of chemicals whereas others provide
protection against a much broader range of chemicals. Table B.2 in Annex B.2 has 5 groups of chemicals (acids
and bases, organics, halo-alkanes, oxidizing agents and gases) to help determine the barrier classes in 6.2.1.
This performance classification looks at the protection provided by the fabric against:
— the number of chemicals,
— the diversity of chemical compounds, and
— the concentration of those chemicals.
NOTE The rationale for the chemicals and the groups is provided in the SUCAM ISO/DIS 16602-6, clause 5.5.3.4.
5) https:// www .unece .org/ trans/ danger/ publi/ ghs/ ghs _welcome _e .html

ISO/DIS 16602-3:2025(en)
6.2.1.2 Barrier class A
Barrier class A is the minimum permeation barrier class. The requirement is for ≥ class 1 permeation
cumulative mass time (see Table 2) for one liquid chemical out of the full list of chemicals in Annex B.2.
6.2.1.3 Barrier class B
Barrier class B is a practical permeation barrier for a category of chemicals. The requirement is ≥ class 3
permeation cumulative mass time (see Table 2) for at least 3 liquid chemicals out of the full list of chemicals
in Annex B.2, one of which shall meet class 6 permeation cumulative mass time.
6.2.1.4 Barrier class C
Barrier class C is a permeation barrier class comprising at least 2 different groups of chemicals at the
highest permeation cumulative mass time. The requirement is class 6 permeation cumulative mass time (see
Table 2) for at least 3 liquid chemicals out of two different groups of the full list of chemicals in Annex B.2.
Only the highest concentrations for acids and bases and oxidizing agents shall be used for this barrier class.
6.2.1.5 Barrier class D
Barrier class D is a wider ranging permeation barrier class comprising at least 4 different groups of
chemicals (liquids or gases) at the highest permeation cumulative mass time. The requirement is class 6
permeation cumulative mass time (see Table 2) for at least 6 chemicals out of four different groups of the full
list of chemicals in Annex B.2. Only the highest concentrations for acids and bases and oxidizing agents shall
be used for this barrier class.
6.2.1.6 Barrier class E
Barrier class E provides long duration chemical protection against examples from all 5 different groups of
chemicals. The requirement is class 6 permeation cumulative mass time (see Table 2) for at least 10 chemicals
selected from all 5 groups of the full list of chemicals in Annex B.2. Only the highest concentrations for acids
and bases and oxidizing agents shall be used for this barrier class.
6.2.1.7 Barrier class ET (Emergency teams)
Barrier class ET provides limited duration chemical protection against 16 different chemicals from different
groups. The requirement is ≥ class 3 permeation cumulative mass time (see Table 2) for at least 14 of the
16 chemicals in Annex B.3 (denoted by an asterisk in the full list of chemicals in Annex B.2). The remaining
chemicals shall at least achieve class 1 permeation cumulative mass time.
NOTE This requirement is equivalent from a chemical barrier perspective to the requirements of ISO 17223-1
“Type 1”. However, noting that ISO 17223-1 classification is based on breakthrough times, whereas ISO 16602 is based
on permeation cumulative mass times.
6.2.1.8 Barrier class ET (Emergency teams)
ng
The purpose is to provide a module for non-gaseous ET protection for non-gaseous protection garments
used in ET activities. This covers the subset if chemicals as explained in Annex B.2 excluding the three
gaseous chemicals in the Table B.3.
Barrier class ET provides limited duration chemical protection against 13 different chemicals from different
ng
non-gaseous groups. The requirement is ≥ class 3 permeation cumulative mass resistance (see Table 2) for
at least 12 of the 13 chemicals in Annex B.3 (Table B.3 other than the three gaseous chemicals denoted by an
asterisk). The remaining chemical shall at least achieve class 1 permeation cumulative mass time.
6.3 Classification of permeation breakthrough time resistance
The resultant average normalised breakthrough time value, determined according to ISO 6529 and in
accordance with ISO/DIS 16602-2:— (Annex B), shall be used for the purpose of performance rating and

ISO/DIS 16602-3:2025(en)
classification according to the levels of performance given in Table 2 for each chemical tested. The garments
shall be marked according to ISO/DIS 16602-1:— (6, Annex B.2, examples in Annex B.5).
Table 2 — Classification of permeation resistance by cumulative mass and normalized
breakthrough time
Class Cumulative mass time /
Normalised breakthrough time
6 ≥ 480 min
5 ≥ 240 min
4 ≥ 120 min
3 ≥ 60 min
2 ≥ 30 min
1 ≥ 10 min
6.3.1 Barrier classes of permeation breakthrough time
6.3.1.1 General
Some barrier materials provide protection against a limited group of chemicals whereas others provide
protection against a much broader range of chemicals. Table B.2 in Annex B.2 has 5 groups of chemicals
(acids and bases, organics, halo-alkanes, oxidizing agents and gases) to help determine the barrier classes in
6.3.1. This performance classification looks at the protection provided by the fabric against:
— the number of chemicals,
— the diversity of chemical compounds, and
— the concentration of those chemicals.
NOTE The rationale for the chemicals and the groups is provided in the SUCAM ISO/DIS 16602-6.
The barrier performance class shall be included in the marking as described in ISO/DIS 16602-1:—
(Annex B.2).
6.3.1.2 Barrier class A
Barrier class A is the minimum permeation barrier class. The requirement is for ≥ class 1 permeation
breakthrough time (see Table 2) for one liquid chemical out of the full list of chemicals in Annex B.2.
6.3.1.3 Barrier class B
Barrier class B is a practical permeation barrier for a group of chemicals. The requirement is ≥ class 3
permeation breakthrough time (see Table 2) for at least 3 liquid chemicals out of the full list of chemicals in
Annex B.2, one of which shall meet class 6 permeation resistance.
6.3.1.4 Barrier class C
Barrier class C is a permeation barrier class comprising at least 2 different groups of chemicals at the highest
permeation breakthrough time. The requirement is class 6 permeation resistance (see Table 2) for at least
3 liquid chemicals out of two different groups of the full list of chemicals in Annex B.2. Only the highest
concentrations for acids and bases and oxidizing agents shall be used for this barrier class.
6.3.1.5 Barrier class D
Barrier class D is a wider ranging permeation barrier class comprising at least 4 different groups of chemicals
(liquids or gases) at the highest permeation breakthrough time resistance. The requirement is class 6
permeation (see Table 2) for at least 6 chemicals out of four different groups of the full list of chemicals in

ISO/DIS 16602-3:2025(en)
Annex B.2. Only the highest concentrations for acids and bases and oxidizing agents shall be used for this
barrier class.
6.3.1.6 Barrier class E
Barrier class E provides long duration chemical protection against examples from all 5 different groups of
chemicals. The requirement is class 6 permeation breakthrough time (see Table 2) for at least 10 chemicals
selected from all 5 groups of the full list of chemicals in Annex B.2. Only the highest concentrations for acids
and bases and oxidizing agents shall be used for this barrier class.
6.3.1.7 Barrier ET (Emergency Teams)
Barrier class ET provides limited duration chemical protection against 16 different chemicals from different
groups (including gaseous chemicals). The requirement is ≥ class 3 breakthrough time (see Table 2) for at
least 14 of the 16 chemicals in Annex B.3 (denoted by an asterisk in the full list of chemicals in Annex B.2,
Table B.3). The remaining chemicals shall at least achieve class 1 breakthrough time.
NOTE This requirement is equivalent from a chemical barrier perspective to the requirements of ISO 17223-1
“Type 1”.
6.3.1.8 Barrier class ET (Emergency teams)
ng
The purpose is to provide a module for non-gaseous ET protection for non-gaseous protection garments
used in ET activities. This covers the subset if chemicals as explained in Annex B.2 excluding the three
gaseous chemicals in the Table B.3.
Barrier class ET provides limited duration chemical protection against 13 different chemicals from
ng
different non-gaseous groups. The requirement is ≥ class 3 breakthrough time (see Table 2) for at least 12
of the 13 chemicals in Annex B.3 (Table B.3 other than the three gaseous chemicals denoted by an asterisk).
The remaining chemical shall at least achieve class 1 breakthrough time.
7 Repellency to and resistance to penetration by liquids
Six representative specimens (3 in machine and 3 in cross direction) of the chemical protective clothing
material shall be tested in accordance with ISO 6530 at a temperature indicated in sub-clause 4.1. The
material repellency to and penetration by the liquid chemicals given in Table B.1 shall be classified
according to the levels of performance given in Tables 3 and 4 respectively for same chemical. At least one of
the chemicals in Table B.1 shall be tested, unless additional requirements are indicated in ISO/DIS 16602-1
(clause 6) and in either ISO/DIS 16602-4 or ISO/DIS 16602-5. The material may be tested in addition with
other liquid chemicals than those specified in Table B.1 and results may be reported.
In accordance with ISO/DIS 16602-2:— (Annex B ), the lowest single value of the specimens of the sample set
shall determine the performance classification for each chemical-material combination.
The performance class for repellency and penetration shall be included in the marking as described in
ISO/DIS 16602-1, Annex B.2.
Table 3 — Classification of repellency to liquids
Class Repellency index
3 > 90 %
2 > 80 %
1 > 70 %
ISO/DIS 16602-3:2025(en)
Table 4 — Classification of resistance to penetration by liquids
Class Penetration index
3 < 1 %
2 < 5 %
1 < 10 %
NOTE 1 Liquid repellency and penetration testing relates to products intended for the lowest level of chemical
protection. Such products are intended to protect from a potential exposure to small quantities of spray or accidental
low volume splashes.
NOTE 2 It may be dangerous to base considerations of safe wear time of a given chemical protective clothing only
on the value of the penetration index for a specific tested chemical. For example, a material with a penetration index of
class 3 could allow the penetration of approximately 0,1 mL of chemical assuming a spill of 10 mL, i.e. an amount which
might be dangerous depending of the toxicity of the chemical.
8 Resistance to penetration by liquid under pressure
When tested in accordance with ISO 13994:2005, Procedure D, the chemical protective clothing material
average penetration pressure of three specimens shall be classified according to the levels of performance
provided in Table 5. This test shall be performed for manikin liquid spray resistant design according to
ISO/DIS 16602-1:— (6). When this test is applied, a minimum of one chemical in Table B.2 shall be selected.
This test shall also be performed on the seams.
These results shall be reported in the manufacturer's instructions (IFU) as specified in ISO/DIS 16602-1.
The material may also be tested for other liquid chemicals with the results classified to the levels of
performance provided in Table 5 and reported as above.
The penetration under pressure class shall be defined by the lower of the results of either the material or
seam and shall be included in the marking as described in ISO/DIS 16602-1:— (Annex B.2).
Table 5 — Classification of penetration under pressure
Pressure
Class
kPa
6 > 35
5 > 28
4 > 21
3 > 14
2 > 7
1 > 3,5
9 Particulate penetration resistance
Particulate performance of chemical protective clothing materials is not evaluated. This performance is
addressed by a garment test of ISO/DIS 16602-5:— (6.3 and Annex C).
10 Performance requirements for seams and assemblages
10.1 Determination of property value for rating and classification
A number of performance classification levels defined for the chemical properties of seams, joins, zippers
and assemblages are listed in this document.

ISO/DIS 16602-3:2025(en)
The result of each test defined in 10.4 and the values which shall be used for performance classification,
shall be determined in accordance with ISO/DIS 16602-2:—(Annex B).
NOTE The performance requirements for whole garments and for accessories such as gloves, boots or respiratory
protective equipment, which are or are not an integral part of a chemical protective ensemble, are given in other
standards.
The requirements of this clause are intended to apply to all construction seams of all the integral parts of a
chemical protective garment. They also apply to assemblages between chemical protective garment parts
and/or garment accessories where such assemblages form part of the chemical protective envelope around
the wearer.
NOTE Seams and assemblages are typically:
— Seams between two fabrics;
— Assemblage between fabric and visor;
— Assemblage directly between garment fabric and glove/boot fabric;
— Seam between garment fabric and zip tape;
— Seam between garment fabric and face seal.
10.2 Pre-treatment
All specimens containing seams and assemblages shall be pre-treated as specified in clause 4.
10.3 Conditioning
All specimens shall be conditioned as specified in clause 4.
10.4 Resistance to chemicals
10.4.1 General
Seams of chemical protective clothing are constructed and/or sealed to provide protection against passage
of liquid through stitch holes or through other components of a seam or closure. The performance in these
respects may be different from that of the material from which the garment is made, but shall meet as a
minimum the same performance requirements as specified in the IFU as determined in clauses 6 and 7
(optionally 8).
10.4.2 Resistance to penetration
The seam penetration test shall be required for partial body garments for which no garment test is
performed or met (see ISO/DIS 16602-1:— (7.3.2(1))) or when no permeation or chemical penetration under
pressure testing is required for the seams (ISO/DIS 16602-4:— (4.2, 4.4.2.1 Table 3 (rows 1, 2, 4))). There
shall be no requirement for the repellency index when testing seams.
Six representative specimens of each straight construction seam type shall be mounted according to
ISO 6530 and shall be tested accordingly, at a temperature indicated in sub-clause 4.1. The six specimens
shall be mounted with the exterior facing layer being exposed to the challenge chemical.
Three specimens shall be oriented such that the seam is running down the centre of the gutter, and such that
the liquid impacts the centre of the seam (it is understood that the liquid may not run down the seam but
divert to the fabric, and this remains a valid test).
Note At the discretion of the testing laboratory, seams which may be ambiguous, such as for example stitched
seams which have external protrusion, may be oriented according to the most severe challenge, i.e. in the example
given, the liquid could contact the top of the join as it protrudes from the base fabric, or the bottom of the protrusion
where the base of the stitching meets the fabric.

ISO/DIS 16602-3:2025(en)
The other three specimens shall have the seam running in a “U” shape across the middle of the gutter,
equidistant from the top and bottom of the gutter. For these specimens, when an external seam that is not
flat shall be tested, they shall be oriented in the worst case. For example:
1) A seam which is folded over and sewed inside the garment should be oriented such that the thicker part
of the fabric and seam are located at the lower part of the gutter such that liquid is more likely to pool
in the cavity created during the test (see Figure 1). The blue arrow indicates direction of chemical flow.
Figure 1 — Photograph of non-flat seam as seen with external flat profile (left) and internal
stitching (right, where the additional stitching would be facing down the gutter)
2) A seam which is external and sticks out from the garment shall not be flattened but allowed to sit such
that liquid is more likely to pool in the cavity created during the test (see Figure 2)
Figure 2 — Photograph of a non-flat seam with external stitching
The seam penetration by the liquid chemicals given in Table B.1 shall be classified accordingly to the levels
of performance given in Table 4. Chemicals tested shall be the same as that of the fabric as per clause 7.
Note Due to potential pooling of liquid during the test, coupled with the fact that garment orientation may not be
reflective of this phenomenon in actual use, repellency requirements are not considered for seam testing, with focus
instead on penetration alone. As such, extraneous liquid lost to the cover used in the test method during contact with
the fabric and seam does not matter, although the cover should still be used in the normal way to ensure as intimate
contact as possible between the fabric/seam and the collection material beneath.
In accordance with ISO/DIS 16602-2:— (Annex A), the lowest single value of the specimens of the sample set
shall determine the performance classification for each chemical fabric-and-seam combination.
The performance class for penetration shall be included in the marking as described in ISO/DIS 16602-1:—
(Annex B.2).
No specific testing of closures and assemblages is required as testing of the performance of resistance of
closures and assemblages to penetration by liquids is part of the garment testing, where required in chemical
protective clothing performance standards.

ISO/DIS 16602-3:2025(en)
10.4.3 Resistance to permeation
If required by ISO/DIS 16602-1:— (6), resistance of seams and assemblages to permeation by liquid and
gaseous chemicals shall be tested in accordance with clauses 5, 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3. Results shall be classified
according to the levels of performance given in those clauses.
NOTE Permeation testing of seams or assemblages may require some modifications to the test cell or to the test
procedure, e.g. sealing of the edges.
Seams shall be tested in such a way that the test cell is at least wider than the whole width of the seam
construction. The total width of the seam and the diameter of the test cell shall be repor
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