Recommendation for Limited Life Coveralls with Coronavirus outbreak
For wearers looking for biohazard suits, the Alpha Solway Alphashield 2000+ coverall is an excellent barrier against biological hazards such as blood, infective agents and virus hazards such as Coronavirus. This suit is tested to EN14126, which is the manufacturer recommended standard to protect against infective agents such as 2019-nCoV Coronavirus. Please note the World Health Organisation primary advice for protection is to perform hand hygiene frequently, using alcohol-based hand rub if hands are not visibly soiled or soap and water when hands are visibly soiled.
Currently there are no guidelines from the World Health Organization (as of late Feb 2020) (WHO), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nor the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding use of coveralls for protection from the 2019-nCoV coronavirus. There is, however, some guidance from both the WHO and CDC regarding protective clothing for Healthcare Personnel. There are no recommendations for people to use protective clothing for potential exposures to the 2019-nCoV coronavirus outside of the healthcare setting.
The ISO standard ISO16604 offers protection against contaminated liquids. The test is EN14126 Resistance To Penetration By Contaminated Liquids Under Hydrostatic Pressure - Using Synthetic Blood.
The PROTECTION AGAINST MICRO-ORGANISM HAZARDS
Significantly, current protection against virus hazards, "Resistance To Penetration By Infective Agents Due To Mechanical Contact With Substances Containing Contaminated Liquids." is very important and is tested to EN ISO 22610 Class 6.
Alphashield 2000+ is a limited life coverall made from lightweight spun-bonded polypropylene with an outer breathable film. It is designed to protect workers from hazardous substances or sensitive products and processes from contamination.
We recommend when choosing a coverall garment that a breathable garment is a sensible choice to avoid overheating and potential issues coupled perspiration and dehydration.
Protection against particulate hazards (Type 5) and or limited liquid splashes or sprays (Type 6) depending on the chemical toxicity and exposure conditions
- Agriculture
- Biological Hazards
- Chemical Handling
- Clean Room
- Electronics
- Hazardous Material
- Handling
- Paint Spraying
- Printing
Alphashield 2000+ is manufactured from materials made from polypropylene and polyethylene. These inert polymers are proven not to degraded within 10 years. Therefore a product shelf life of 10 years should be reasonable in correct storage conditions. It is advised to keep products stored in cool, dry areas where possible and away from direct heat and sunlight.
We have further reference points here:
Infection Control: Novel Coronavirus 2019 (2019-ncov). U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Updated February 3, 2020, (Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/hcp/infection-control.html)
2) Infection prevention and control during health care when novel coronavirus (nCoV) infection is suspected Interim guidance. Geneva: World Health Organization; 25 January 2020. (Available at: https://www.who.int/publications-detail/infection-prevention-and-control-during-health-care-when-novel-coronavir us-(ncov)-infection-is-suspected-20200125)
3) Considerations for Selecting Protective Clothing used in Healthcare for Protection against Microorganisms in Blood and Body Fluids. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vie