5 Key Standards for Workwear and PPE: What These Labels on Your Clothing Mean

Workwear and personal protective equipment (PPE) are crucial for ensuring worker safety across various industries. Each piece of workwear contains labels and markings that indicate its protective properties, compliance with international and national standards, and the level of safety it provides. In this article, we will examine five key workwear and PPE standards in effect in Ukraine in 2025 and explain how to interpret these markings correctly.

1. DSTU EN ISO 13688:2021 – General Requirements for Workwear
This standard sets out the basic requirements for ergonomics, material safety, durability, sizing, and labeling of workwear. It serves as a foundational standard and is used in combination with others that define specific protective properties of clothing.

Key requirements:

• Compliance with hygiene standards – fabrics and materials must not cause allergic reactions or skin irritation. The clothing should allow proper air circulation to prevent overheating, especially in high-temperature conditions. Moisture absorption is also important for keeping workers comfortable.
• Material durability – workwear should withstand frequent washing, tearing, abrasion, and other stress factors without losing its protective properties. For example, construction workers and welders often use fabrics with reinforced inserts.
• Standardized sizing system – standardized sizes make it easy to choose the right workwear without trying it on. Ukraine and the EU follow uniform size charts, simplifying procurement and reducing the risk of mismatched clothing.
• Clear labeling with understandable information – clothing labels must include safety standards, protection class, care recommendations, and material composition. This helps workers and employers select and use workwear properly.

2. DSTU EN ISO 20471:2018 – High-Visibility Clothing

This standard regulates the requirements for high-visibility clothing for workers operating in high-risk areas (construction, road work, etc.). The clothing is divided into three classes based on the level of visibility:

3. DSTU EN 343:2021 – Rain Protection

Working outdoors in adverse weather conditions requires protective clothing that shields against rain and wind. EN 343 defines protection classes based on waterproofness and breathability:

• Class 1 – minimal protection, offering short-term resistance against light rain or water splashes. The fabric has limited waterproofing and may allow moisture penetration during prolonged exposure.
• Class 2 – moderate protection, suitable for work in moderate rainy conditions. Clothing in this class has enhanced waterproofing, allowing workers to stay dry for extended periods.
• Class 3 – maximum protection, providing full resistance against heavy rain and windy conditions. The materials offer high waterproofness, and the seams are tightly sealed.

4. DSTU EN 1149-5:2021 – Protection Against Electrostatic Discharges

In explosive environments where ignition can occur due to electrostatic charges (such as oil refineries, chemical plants, and facilities handling flammable gases, vapors, or dust), antistatic protective clothing is required. This standard establishes fabric requirements to minimize the risk of spark generation, which could lead to ignition.

Key standard requirements:

• Materials must dissipate static charge – garments are made from special fabrics containing carbon or metalized threads, which evenly distribute charge and prevent electrostatic buildup.
• Combination with other standards – clothing certified under EN 1149-5 is often used alongside flame-resistant workwear (e.g., certified to DSTU EN ISO 11612) for maximum fire protection.
• Design features – antistatic workwear should not have elements that could generate sparks (such as zippers, metal buttons, or ungrounded decorative parts).
• Testing and certification – fabrics undergo tests for electrical resistance, charge distribution uniformity, and the ability to dissipate charges under specific conditions set by the standard.

Important! Antistatic clothing alone does not protect against open flames or high temperatures – additional protective equipment (such as flame-resistant suits or dielectric footwear) is required.

5. DSTU EN ISO 11612:2017 – Protection Against Thermal Risks

Workwear that complies with this standard protects against flames and high temperatures. It is essential for welders, metallurgists, and workers in the oil and gas industry.

Main protection classes:

• A – protection against open flames
• B – thermal insulation
• C – protection from contact with hot surfaces

Before purchasing or using PPE, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the standards that ensure adequate protection. Workwear certified under European regulations and adapted to the Ukrainian market helps minimize risks and provides comfort during work.

You can buy certified workwear with quality certificates at the "Pivnich-SpecOdyag" online store. The company offers delivery throughout Ukraine.