Personal protective clothing and equipment is designed to keep wearers safe and, ultimately, save lives. However, before any PPE can go to market, it must be performance tested to ensure that it’s able to offer suitable protection against the hazards faced by the wearer. Fabric samples, garments and garment systems are tested against several performance metrics to ascertain the type and level of protection they offer. If the PPE satisfies the performance criteria, it may then be awarded a safety certification for a particular region or country. While there are many PPE manufacturers and suppliers in the market, not all of them are able to offer a wide range of PPE that is internationally certified. CHARNAUD® is a leading global supplier and manufacturer of PPE which is fully certified, meets international safety standards and is designed to save lives.
ASTM D1922: Testing for Tear Resistance
Depending on its intended use, PPE must be tested for flammability, colour fastness and tear resistance. ASTM D1922, (Elmendorf Tear) is a test method which tests for the Propagation of Tear Resistance in a fabric sample. Garments and/or fabric are tested to see how physically strong they are, or how much force or pressure they can withstand before breaking open or tearing.
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ASTM D 1922: How is Fabric Tested?
ASTM D1922 is a test method used to assess the force required to increase the size or propagate an existing tear in a fabric sample. Ten fabric samples are cut – in the machine direction and in also in the transverse direction. Each sample is affixed onto the tester panel and securely clamped down. A cutter is then used to make a slit in the fabric sample and the slit is made across the fabric sample up to 43mm from the edge of the sample. The pendulum is then released to see if it can propagate the slit through the remaining uncut 43mm of the fabric sample. The energy loss of the pendulum is recorded and used to calculate how much tearing force, on average, is needed to propagate the slit beyond the 43mm uncut section of the fabric sample. The ultimate test results are recorded as force in milli-newtons/ grams-force.
It is important to know how much force a garment can withstand before a tear occurs, because changes in the structure of a fabric can have a direct impact on the fabric’s performance. Even a minor tear in the fabric of a garment can be dangerous, and expose the wearer to toxic fumes, harmful dust or even deadly contact with live electrical components. The best practice is to always invest in the best quality PPE you can afford from reputable companies like CHARNAUD®.
Get in Touch with CHARNAUD® Today
Don’t hesitate to get in contact with your CHARNAUD® agent to discuss how its internationally certified PPE is designed to keep employees safe. Get in touch with us today. When it comes to saving lives, CHARNAUD® is Your Last Line of Defence®.
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