“With their wide-ranging specialist knowledge, they can provide all the support you need in one place: from the tender process to quality assurance, from textile patterns and fits to tests for harmful substances, to specific PPE tests. Specific requirements for any professional group and any purpose can thus be realised accordingly,” the Group explains.

New PPE directive

A number of current themes are highlighted at the A+A, in particular the new PPE directive (EU) 2016/425: this defines the complete EU-wide harmonisation of obligations for all economic operators who market PPE.

UV-C protection has not been included in the standard for welder clothing; however, according to DGUV, this should play a greater part in occupational safety in the future. For this reason, Hohenstein has developed principles for proofing the protective effect of welder clothing and can now offer manufacturers the corresponding UV-C test.

New DIN standard

There is also a new DIN standard for protective gloves against mechanical risks. Compared to the previous standard, EN 388:2017-01 contains a significant number of changes which define a standardised safety level. For example, the application area has been expanded to include the risk "impact", new performance classes and the test procedure for determining the resistance against cuts have been included as per EN ISO 13997.

Corporate fashion

At the A+A, Hohenstein will also offer knowledge and advice with regard to corporate fashion: workwear that is both practical and hard-wearing. The experts for clothing and pattern technology ensure optimum wear comfort. Each occupation involves typical postures and movements – which are incorporated in the development of the pattern and fit.

To ensure the efficient implementation in production, Hohenstein also creates a technical service description for each item of clothing which documents all parameters in detail: material requirements, finished measurements and suitability for use.

Testing and standards

The Hohenstein Institutes are also well-known for the implementation of tests for harmful substances: in accordance with the Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex and the specific conditions of the Leather Standard by Oeko-Tex. “The Standard 100 with its independent testing and certification system represents safety along the entire textiles chain,” the Group says.

Hospitals and care institutions in particular will find contact partners with specialist knowledge at the Hohenstein booth at the A+A. Textiles with anti-microbial finishes, for example, can make an important contribution to improved infection prevention: Hohenstein assesses their suitability in practice and helps to optimise them according to the specific application.

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