Overview
EN ISO 13998:2003 - "Protective clothing - Aprons, trousers and vests protecting against cuts and stabs by hand knives" (CEN adoption of ISO 13998:2003) specifies performance, design and testing requirements for garments that protect users from hand-knife cuts and stabs. The standard covers protective aprons, divided aprons, trousers and vests (and similar garments), and describes classification of protection performance levels, required test methods, marking and manufacturer information.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and garment types: Applies to aprons, divided aprons, protective trousers and vests and other garments with a protective surface.
- Performance classification: Defines Performance Level 1 (some cut protection - for light work) and Performance Level 2 (higher protection - suitable for slaughterhouses and boning operations).
- Knife categories: Provides definitions for blade types used in testing: ultra-narrow (< 8 mm at 20 mm from tip), narrow (8–12.5 mm), and broad (> 12.5 mm).
- Design & sizing: Minimum coverage zones, apron supports (X/Y straps, harnesses), divided-apron restraints and sizing/ergonomic requirements to ensure correct fit and coverage.
- Mechanical properties & tests:
- Penetration resistance (knife impact/penetration testing apparatus and procedures).
- Cut resistance (reference to EN ISO 13997 for determination of resistance to cutting by sharp objects).
- Tensile strength (metal rings, welds; annex on imperfect weld testing).
- Interstices/gap measurement to limit openings between protective elements.
- Water permeability (optional - EN 20811 hydrostatic test) and innocuousness (material safety and hygiene).
- Cleaning and disinfection: Requirements addressing hygiene critical in food industries.
- Marking & information: Manufacturer labeling, pictograms and user information including risk assessment guidance (Annex A).
Applications and users
EN ISO 13998:2003 is targeted at:
- PPE manufacturers and designers building aprons, trousers and vests for cut/stab protection.
- Testing laboratories conducting penetration, cut and tensile tests.
- Health & safety managers, procurement and compliance officers in industries where hand knives are used - slaughterhouses, meat, fish and poultry processing, large-scale catering, boning operations, plus sectors like leather, textiles, flooring and plastics where knife risks occur.
- Regulators and certification bodies assessing conformity with PPE standards and EU directives.
Related standards
- EN ISO 13997 - Determination of resistance to cutting by sharp objects (ISO 13997:1999)
- EN 340 - Protective clothing - General requirements
- EN 1082-1 - Chain mail gloves and arm guards
- EN 20811 - Water penetration - Hydrostatic pressure test
Use EN ISO 13998:2003 when specifying or procuring protective clothing for knife-related operations to ensure appropriate protection levels, test-proven performance and compliance with hygiene and ergonomic requirements.