ASTM F903-03(2004)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Resistance of Materials Used in Protective Clothing to Penetration by Liquids
Standard Test Method for Resistance of Materials Used in Protective Clothing to Penetration by Liquids
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This test method is normally used to evaluate the barrier effectiveness against liquids of materials used for protective clothing and specimens from finished items of protective clothing.
5.1.1 Finished items of protective clothing include gloves, arm shields, aprons, suits, hoods, boots, and the like.
5.1.2 The phrase “specimens from finished items” encompasses seamed and other discontinuous regions as well as the usual continuous regions of protective clothing items.
A substitute challenge liquid (for example, water) is appropriate in some cases. However, it is possible that differences in chemical and molecular properties (for example, surface tension) lead to different results.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method is used to test specimens of protective clothing and candidate materials and constructions to be used in protective clothing. The resistance to visible penetration of the test liquid is determined with the liquid in continuous contact with the normally outside surface of the test specimen.
1.2 In some cases, significant amounts of hazardous materials will permeate specimens that pass the penetration tests. For more sensitive analysis use Test Method F 739 to determine permeation.
1.3 This test method is not applicable to finger tips or crotch areas of gloves, which are possible failure points.
1.4 The values as stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in brackets are for information only.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific hazards are given in Section 7.
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
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Designation:F903–03 (Reapproved 2004)
Standard Test Method for
Resistance of Materials Used in Protective Clothing to
Penetration by Liquids
ThisstandardisissuedunderthefixeddesignationF903;thenumberimmediatelyfollowingthedesignationindicatestheyearoforiginal
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
Workers involved in the production, use, and transportation of liquid chemicals can be exposed to
numerous compounds capable of causing harm upon contact with the human body. The deleterious
effects of these chemicals can range from acute trauma such as skin irritation and burn to chronic
degenerative disease, such as cancer. Since engineering controls may not eliminate all possible
exposures, attention is often placed on reducing the potential for direct skin contact through the use
of protective clothing that resists permeation, penetration, and degradation.
This test method determines resistance to penetration only. Resistance to permeation and
degradation should be determined by other test methods.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This test method is used to test specimens of protective 2.1 ASTM Standards:
clothing and candidate materials and constructions to be used D1777 Test Method for Thickness of Textile Materials
in protective clothing. The resistance to visible penetration of E105 Practice for Probability Sampling Of Materials
the test liquid is determined with the liquid in continuous F104 Classification System for Nonmetallic Gasket Mate-
contact with the normally outside surface of the test specimen. rials
1.2 In some cases, significant amounts of hazardous mate- F739 Test Method for Permeation of Liquids and Gases
rials will permeate specimens that pass the penetration tests. through Protective Clothing Materials under Conditions of
FormoresensitiveanalysisuseTestMethodF739todetermine Continuous Contact
permeation.
3. Terminology
1.3 This test method is not applicable to finger tips or crotch
3.1 Definitions:
areas of gloves, which are possible failure points.
1.4 The values as stated in inch-pound units are to be 3.1.1 degradation, n—a deleterious change in one or more
properties of a material.
regarded as the standard. The values in brackets are for
information only. 3.1.2 penetration, n—the movement of matter through clo-
sures, porous materials, seams, and pinholes or other imper-
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the fections in protective clothing on a nonmolecular level.
3.1.2.1 Discussion—For this test method, the specific mat-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
ter is a liquid chemical.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.Specifichazardsare 3.1.3 permeation, n—the process by which a chemical
moves through a protective clothing material on a molecular
given in Section 7.
level.
3.1.3.1 Discussion—Permeation involves the following: (1)
absorption of molecules of the chemical into the contacted
(challenge side) surface of the material, (2) diffusion of the
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F23 on
Protective Clothing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F23.30 on
Chemical Resistance. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
CurrenteditionapprovedJune1,2004.PublishedJuly2004.Originallyapproved contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
in 1984. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as F903 - 03. DOI: 10.1520/F0903- Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
03R04. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
F903–03 (2004)
sorbed molecules in the material, and (3) desorption of the 7. Hazards
molecules from the opposite (collection side) surface of the
7.1 Beforecarryingoutthistestmethod,identifyandreview
material.
safety precautions recommended for handling each hazardous
3.1.4 protective clothing, n—agarmentusedforthepurpose
chemical of interest to provide full protection to all personnel.
of isolating parts of the body from contact with a potential
7.1.1 For carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, and other
hazard.
toxic (poisonous) chemicals, isolate the work area under
3.1.4.1 Discussion—The potential hazard addressed by this
adequate exhaust ventilation and keep it meticulously clean.
test method is penetration by liquids.
Outfit involved personnel with appropriate protective clothing
and equipment.
4. Summary of Test Method
7.1.2 For corrosive or otherwise hazardous chemicals, outfit
4.1 A specimen is subjected to a liquid for a specified time involved personnel, as a minimum, with protective clothing
and pressure sequence and observed for visible penetration of and equipment.
the liquid. If the liquid passes through the specimen, the 7.2 Keep emergency equipment, such as a safety shower,
material fails the test for resistance to penetration of the liquid. eye wash, and self-contained breathing apparatus readily ac-
4.2 In the penetration test apparatus, the specimen acts as a cessible to the test area.
7.3 A transparent safety shield (6.2.2) shall be present
partition separating the hazardous liquid chemical from the
viewing side of the test cell. between the test cell and the observer.
7.4 Dispose of hazardous chemicals according to federal,
5. Significance and Use state, and local regulations.
5.1 This test method is normally used to evaluate the barrier
8. Test Specimen
effectiveness against liquids of materials used for protective
clothing and specimens from finished items of protective
8.1 Specimensconsistofeitherasinglelayeroracomposite
clothing. of multiple layers which is representative of an actual protec-
5.1.1 Finished items of protective clothing include gloves,
tive clothing material or construction with all layers arranged
arm shields, aprons, suits, hoods, boots, and the like. in proper order.
5.1.2 The phrase “specimens from finished items” encom- 8.1.1 If in the design of an item of protective clothing,
passes seamed and other discontinuous regions as well as the different materials or thickness of materials are specified at
usual continuous regions of protective clothing items. different locations, specimens from each location shall be
5.2 A substitute challenge liquid (for example, water) is selected.
appropriate in some cases. However, it is possible that differ- 8.1.2 If in the design, stitched-through or other type seams
ences in chemical and molecular properties (for example, arespecified,additionalspecimenscontainingsuchseamsshall
surface tension) lead to different results. be tested.
8.2 Each material specimen to be tested shall have a
6. Apparatus minimum dimension of 2.5-in. [65 mm]. A 2.75-in. [70-mm]
square is convenient.
6.1 Thickness Gage, suitable for measuring thickness to the
8.3 A minimum of three random specimens shall be tested
nearest 0.001 in. or [nearest 0.01 mm], as specified in Test
for each material, composite, area (in the case of a heterog-
Method D1777.
enous design), or other condition. Random specimens shall be
6.2 Liquid Penetration Tester, as shown in Figs. 1-8 . See
generated as described in Practice E105.
Table 1 for parts and materials.
6.2.1 Test Cell, consisting of a chamber for the challenge
9. Procedure
liquid and a restraining ring which holds the outside surface of
the specimen in contact with the challenge liquid on the open 9.1 Using Test Method D1777 measure the appropriate
side of the chamber and which allows observation of the
thickness of each specimen to nearest 0.001 in. or [nearest 0.02
specimen’s inside surface through a viewing port. A transpar- mm] and record. For nonuniform samples, record the lowest
ent cover is optional.
values.
6.2.2 Safety Shield, transparent and shatter (proof)/resistant, 9.2 Place a droplet of the challenge liquid on the normally
to separate the liquid penetration tester from the observer (see
inside surface of an extra piece of the material to be tested to
Fig. 1). predetermine the appearance of end point penetration. The
6.2.3 Screen, retaining, optional (see Table 2), with at least
droplet must remain easily visible to ensure that a droplet that
50 % open area.The purpose of the screen is to limit distention penetratesthematerialwillbeseen.Ifnot,oneofthefollowing
of the test specimen to 0.2 in. [5 mm] or less. Examples of
methods has usually been effective in enhancing droplet
retaining screens are 11 by 11 nylon screen, 14 by 14 visibility by producing a characteristic discoloration.
polypropylene screen, and 13 by 13 polyester screen.
9.2.1 Apply talcum powder on the normally inside surface
of the specimen.
9.2.2 Add food color
...
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