EN ergonomics standards for textiles and PPE

Ergonomics in the textile context concerns the adaptation of clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) to the anatomical, physiological and psychological characteristics of the wearer. The key European framework standard is EN 13921 “Personal Protective Equipment – Ergonomic requirements”: it requires PPE to be designed so that it can be worn with as little burden as possible, does not restrict freedom of movement, adapts well to the anatomy and does not adversely affect thermal balance or sensory organs.

EN 13921 is divided into five parts: (Part 1) principles and terminology, (Part 2) anthropometric aspects, (Part 3) biomechanical aspects, (Part 4) thermal aspects, (Part 5) sensory aspects. It is complemented by EN ISO 9241 (human-centred design, originally for computer displays, today broader), plus sector standards such as EN ISO 15025 (flame-retardant ergonomics), EN 388 (cut-resistant gloves considering finger mobility), EN ISO 20345 (safety footwear with ergonomic fit) and EN 340 (general requirements for protective clothing). For a textile manufacturer this means: size systematics to EN 13402 (European sizing standard with body-height pictogram), freedom-of-movement tests (reach test, squat test, arm-raise test), thermal balance measurement to ISO 11092 (RET value), plus inclusion of user feedback in wearer trials per EN ISO 13688 Annex B.

• Core standard: EN 13921 (5 parts: terminology, anthropometry, biomechanics, thermal, sensory)
• Sizing system: EN 13402 (European apparel sizing with pictogram)
• Tests: reach test, squat, arm raise, RET value to ISO 11092
• Related: EN ISO 9241 (user-centred), EN ISO 13688 (protective clothing)