Dupont Tyvek Technology

Coveralls (and protective wear in general) tend to have a comfort/protection tradeoff. The higher the level of protection, the less comfortable the garment tends to be. So the employer must be careful and attentive to detail when purchasing these products, making sure to provide optimal protection without creating new problems for the worker. With Tyvek and Tychem, DuPont has found a way to work around the usual problems with coveralls (primarily heat and range of movement) to create products that have shaken up the industry. There are three basic types of chemical-protective garments: single-use, limited-use, and reusable. As the designations imply, single-use garments are intended to be worn once, limited-use garments can be worn until they are damaged, and reusable garments can be worn indefinitely. Our website focuses on reusable garments, since they provide the best and most prolonged value, but make sure to read the description of any product you’re buying to make sure it fits your needs.

Coverall Classification

There are a few classification systems for protective wear, and it can get a bit confusing. There’s Classes 1-6 for permeation (substances going through the material on a molecular level) and Classes 1-3 for penetration and repellency (substances going through the material as particles, and the material’s ability to prevent it).

Industrial-strength comfort

Tyvek® protective apparel combines durability with comfort, making it extremely versatile. From painting to composites, agriculture to crime scene investigation, Tyvek® offers a range of protective apparel to meet your needs. Make sure you have the right apparel for the job

Only Tyvek® makes the difference

All suits may look the same, but only Tyvek® stands out where you need it most–on the job. Tyvek® offers unmatched protection, improved breathability and better garment durability.

Protection against chemical dangers

Tychem® offers reliable protection for everything from light liquid splashes and industrial chemicals to radioactive environments and chemical warfare agents. As a result, workers can feel confident that wearing Tychem® chemical suits will help them do the job at hand.

A potent defense

The growing abuse of fentanyl and other opioids has led to new dangers for law enforcement and emergency medical personnel. DuPont™ Tyvek® and Tychem® offer you several protective options for all layers of exposure risk to fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.

Hazmat Classification

When it comes to interacting with hazardous materials (better known by the abbreviation “hazmat”), there is a rating system in place that indicates what suit is appropriate for what application. There are four levels, indicating the extremity of applications in which each suit is to be used. Level A: The highest level of protection available, with a fully encapsulated protective suit. A self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is necessary to work in a Level A suit. It also requires chemical-resistant gloves and boots, and a radio communication system in team contexts. Level A is utitlized when the presence of severe hazmat is confirmed, requiring protection against chemicals, particulate and vapors. Level B: The only difference between Levels A and B is the type of suit. Level B has the same degree of chemical protection, but it does not shield against vapors. It is used when high-risk material is present, but a high level of skin protection is not required. SCBA is still required, with protective gloves and boots with communication system. Level C: This is the most common level of hazmat protection. Most hazmat sites are below OSHA’s permissible exposure limits, so an extreme level of protection isn’t necessary. Used in situations where contact with site materials will not affect the skin. Requires full-face respirator (not necessarily SCBA) with chemical-resistant boots and gloves. Level D: Protection level often encountered at construction sites. A basic work uniform or coverall with gloves and boots qualifies as Level D.

Tyvek

DuPont Tyvek is noted for its balance of comfort and durability, armed with a nearly impenetrable fabric that will protect from lead, asbestos, mold, and any other harmful substance it encounters. The flashspun polyethylene fabric is nearly impossible to tear, and the barrier is a labyrinthine world of fibers that locks out particles as small as 0.5 microns, while still allowing the garment to breathe. In the testing stage, Tyvek is usually tested for penetration, whether particles are able to physically get through the fabric structure. When placed on a chart alongside other materials, Tyvek easily outranks in overall performance. Other coveralls popularly use microporous film that technically has a higher particle and liquid protection rating, but which can easily be abraded and scraped off (even by a fingernail), making the coverall useless in a high-risk setting.

Tyvek Uses & applications

Tyvek coveralls have a wide range of uses in many industries. Typical applications

• Construction
• Painting
• Clean rooms
• Insulation
• Mold Remediation

Note: Tyvek overalls have limited chemical resistance. If you require a higher level of protection try DuPont's Tychem garments.

Tychem

Tychem takes everything about Tyvek to a new level. The range of dangers it’s designed to guard against is broader, including pressurized chemicals and extremely dangerous infective agents. This makes it the garment of choice for operations in regions that have been subjected to chemical weapons, or dangerous spills. It accomplishes all this while also providing a softer and lighter wearing experience without restriction. That crucial element means that workers won’t be distracted by bulky or awkward fabric while they’re performing delicate operations, often under high stress. Tychem is tested for permeation, whether liquids or vapors are absorbed at the molecular level due to prolonged exposure. DuPont developed both Tychem and Tyvek with extensive worker feedback to make sure the final product was as comfortable as possible. One of the classic issues with coveralls is discomfort and fabric bunching when the wearer stretches or bends. The joints are designed to bend with the natural contours of the body, providing an altogether more comfortable work experience. Combine that with the breathable fabric and you have a revolutionary product.

SMS

Spunbond meltblown spunbond (SMS) fabric is a nonwoven trilaminate material made of two layers of spunbond polypropylene, thermally bonded (meltblown) together with a perforated poly membrane. SMS material is known for its hydrophobic (water-repellant) qualities, making it ideal for wet conditions and interacting with hazardous fluids. In the particle and liquid protection categories, it’s rating is far lower than Tyvek’s. Where it excels is in comfort and wearability, so it’s ideal for low-risk applications that require light protection from particulate and liquids.

Other Features

Within these large families of products, there are a variety of details that should be taken into account when shopping. Some garments include a hood with an elastic rim, to protect the head in inclement conditions. Some coveralls feature elastic closures at the wrists and ankles to prevent liquid entering, while others do not. Some may come with boot covers, others do not. The seams may be serged, bound, taped, or a combination of the three. It all depends on the nature of the job. durable and abrasion resistant. Tyvek coveralls provide an instant barrier against dry particulates such as mold, lead, and asbestos. Water vapor can easily pass through Tyvek making it highly breathable, yet it repels liquids.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q: What other styles do Tyvek garments come in?

A: DuPont makes a wide range of Tyvek disposable clothing including aprons, lab coats, sleeves, boot covers and more.

Q: Can Tyvek Coveralls be used for welding applications?

A: No. Tyvek garments are not flame resistant or flame retardant and should not be used around flame, sparks, or flammable environments.

Q: How fluid repellent are Tyvek Coveralls?

A: Tyvek material will resist water penetration up to 1.5 psi, and liquid penetration by blood at a similar level. Tyvek garments are not recommended for use in environments where chemical splash protection is required.

Q: Can Tyvek Coveralls be washed?

A: Tyvek Coveralls are inexpensive and designed to be disposable. Wash and re-use of Tyvek garments has not been tested and is not recommended.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standards

29 CFR 1910.1030 "Bloodborne pathogens"
This standard shall specify the minimum responsibilities of an employer to provide PPE such as, but not limited to, gloves, gowns, laboratory coats, face shields or masks and eye protection, and mouthpieces, resuscitation bags, pocket masks, or other ventilation devices when an employee is potential exposed to bloodborne pathogens. Please note that there are 28 OSHA-approved occupational safety and health State Plans. State Plans are required to have standards and enforcement programs that are at least as effective as federal OSHA’s and may have different or more stringent standards related to PPE. More information about State Plans and their standards is available at: https://www.osha.gov/dcsp/osp/index.html

International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

ISO 6529:2013 "Protective clothing -- Protection against chemicals -- Determination of resistance of protective clothing materials to permeation by liquids and gases"
ISO 6529:2013 describes laboratory test methods to determine the resistance of materials used in protective clothing, including gloves and including footwear, when the footwear is an integral part of the clothing, to permeation by liquid or gaseous chemicals under the conditions of either continuous or intermittent contact. Method A is applicable to testing against liquid chemicals, either volatile or soluble in water, expected to be in continuous contact with the protective clothing material. Method B is applicable to testing against gaseous chemicals expected to be in continuous contact with the protective clothing material. Method C is applicable to testing against gaseous and liquid chemicals, either volatile or soluble in water, expected to be in intermittent contact with the protective clothing material. These test methods assess the permeation resistance of the protective clothing material under laboratory conditions in terms of breakthrough time, permeation rate and cumulative permeation. These test methods also enable qualitative observations to be made of the effects of the test chemical on the material under test. These test methods are only suitable for measuring permeation by liquids and gases. These test methods address only the performance of materials or certain materials' constructions (e.g. seams).