Whether working in a cleanroom, a vehicle body shop with harmful sprays, moving hazardous materials or preserving evidence at a scene of crime, workers need an expert garment to keep them protected from a variety of contaminants and particulates.
After 18 years of protecting workers with Tyvek Classic, DuPont has developed a second-generation coverall, Tyvek Classic Xpert, to provide a superior level of protection and comfort in the Type 5/6 category.
DuPont says the new design and construction holds out 99.2% of dust (1) and three times more liquid (2) than its predecessor. It is lightweight and durable, and incorporates design features that ensure an exceptional level of wearer and process protection. As another bonus Tyvek Classic Xpert is the same price as Tyvek Classic.
Improved liquid protection
Tyvek Classic Xpert offers superior liquid protection owing to its new patent pending seam technology. It also passes the Type 6 test method (EN ISO 17491-4 Method A:2008) and demonstrates greater protection when tested according to the more stringent whole suit Type 4 spray test (EN ISO 17491-4 method B). It displays significantly less liquid leakage than conventional stitched seams, the firm says.
Moreover, the new Tyvek Classic Xpert fabric is certified as offering protection against infective agents (EN 14126), as well as against chemical permeation by some water-based low chemicals.
Extra particulate protection
DuPont Tyvek is a non-woven material made up of ultra-fine continuous fibres of high-density polyethylene and offers exceptional strength and flexibility. Tyvek Classic Xpert provides six times more particulate protection than Tyvek Classic, and ten times more particulate protection than microporous films (1). It sets a new standard in particulate protection, with only 0.8% whole suit inward leakage compared with 5% with Tyvek Classic and 8% with a typical microporous film. The new coverall also reaches Class 2 for nuclear particulate protection (3).
Innovative design, exceptional comfort and superior resistance
Tyvek Classic Xpert has been completely redesigned, to include a hood that perfectly fits the contours of the face and neck, reducing exposure risk, and a longer sleeve that ensures a perfect fit, even when arms are extended above the head. These design improvements mean that uncomfortable thumb loops are not needed and allow for greater comfort and flexibility.
The new coverall features a glued-in (rather than stitched) elastic waist to reduce the number of seams, giving it greater strength and less opportunity for inward leakages. The suit is tough, robust and abrasion resistant, with antistatic treatment on both sides, and is silicon-free and exceptionally low linting.
Tyvek Classic Xpert features a bigger zipper puller to make it easier to fasten and unfasten when wearing gloves. The locking zipper also ensures that the coverall will not accidentally unzip when working. Finally, being air and moisture vapour permeable, the suit maximises breathability and wearer comfort while offering excellent protection.
Clever packaging
The packaging safely stores the coverall while offering expert advice on the donning and doffing procedures in simple pictograms. Its clearer sizing information and labels, both on the packaging and on the inside of the garment also ensure selection of the correct garment.
In addition, the new packaging is more compact – reducing the amount of waste – and features a resealable sticky seal to help keep it damage-free and in good condition. Its design also facilitates the presentation of the product, as the packaging can now be hung on display stands.
DuPont claims to have redefined protection in every detail with Tyvek Classic Xpert. Its superior levels of liquid and particulate protection ensure that workers can be safe in the knowledge that they are wearing one of the best coveralls in its category.
(1) Based on the Total Inward Leakage for one activity (TILE) data according to EN ISO 13982-2 on suits taped at mask, ankles, cuffs and flap.
(2) Based on low-level spray test data according to EN ISO 17491-4 Method A.
(3) Based on the inward leakage during exercise of all activities (1/TILA) according to EN 1073-2.