ASTM F2878-19

Standard Test Method for Protective Clothing Material Resistance to Hypodermic Needle Puncture

ABSTRACT
This test method is used for determining the force required to cause a hypodermic needle to penetrate through protective clothing material. It defines three common hypodermic needles - 21-, 25-, 28- gauge needles - to evaluate puncture resistance of protective clothing. This test method does not attempt to simulate all use conditions. A number of variables which impact puncture resistance, such as stiffness of backing materials, presence of lubricants, and tension on the specimen, are not addressed by this test method.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method evaluates puncture resistance of protective clothing materials which may include: plastics or elastomeric films, coated fabrics, flexible materials, laminates, leathers, or textile materials.  
5.1.1 This test method uses hypodermic needles with specified dimensions as puncture probes.  
5.1.2 This test method evaluates needle puncture resistance of protective clothing materials, perpendicular to the material’s surface and with no supporting structure under/behind the material specimen.  
5.1.3 Evaluation of puncture resistance for snag-type puncture should be performed in accordance with Test Method D2582.  
5.1.4 Evaluation of puncture resistance for non-cutting puncture should be performed in accordance with Test Method F1342/F1342M.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method is used to determine the force required to cause a sharp-edged hypodermic needle to penetrate through protective clothing material. The standard describes three needles that may be used: 21-, 25-, or 28-gauge needles.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.3 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Jan-2019
• ICS: 13.340.10 - Protective clothing
• Technical Committee: F23 - Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment
• Drafting Committee: F23.20 - Physical

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F2878-10 - Standard Test Method for Protective Clothing Material Resistance to Hypodermic Needle Puncture
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2019
• Refers: ASTM D1776/D1776M-20 - Standard Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2020
• Refers: ASTM D1777-96(2019) - Standard Test Method for Thickness of Textile Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Refers: ASTM D1776/D1776M-16 - Standard Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2016
• Refers: ASTM D1777-96(2015) - Standard Test Method for Thickness of Textile Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2015
• Refers: ASTM D1776/D1776M-15 - Standard Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2015
• Refers: ASTM E4-14 - Standard Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2014
• Refers: ASTM E177-14 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM E177-13 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM E691-13 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM E691-11 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM D1777-96(2011)e1 - Standard Test Method for Thickness of Textile Materials
• Effective Date: 01-May-2011
• Refers: ASTM E177-10 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010
• Refers: ASTM E4-10 - Standard Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2010
• Refers: ASTM E4-09a - Standard Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2009

Overview

ASTM F2878-19 is the internationally recognized standard test method for assessing the resistance of protective clothing materials to puncture by hypodermic needles. Developed by ASTM International, this standard is essential for evaluating the puncture resistance of materials used to protect workers in environments where exposure to needlestick injuries is a concern, such as healthcare, enforcement, emergency response, and industrial settings.

The test method focuses on determining the force required for a hypodermic needle-specifically 21-, 25-, and 28-gauge needles-to penetrate protective materials. The goal is to provide objective data that helps manufacturers, testers, and end users select appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for needlestick risk scenarios.

Key Topics

• Test Procedure: The method specifies the direct perpendicular application of hypodermic needles to clothing materials without any backing structure. Materials are tested using a mechanical device (penetrometer) to measure the force needed for the needle to successfully penetrate the sample.
• Needle Selection: Three common needle gauges are used for the test-21 G (large), 25 G (medium), and 28 G (fine)-to represent the range of needles encountered in occupational settings.
• Materials Assessed: The standard applies to a variety of protective materials, including plastics, elastomeric films, textiles, leathers, laminates, and coated fabrics.
• Test Conditions: While the test offers a controlled assessment, some real-world factors such as backing stiffness, lubrication, and material tension are not simulated by this method.
• Data Reporting: The standard requires detailed reporting, including the type and thickness of material, needle specifications, measurement results for twelve test replicates, and calculated averages and standard deviations.
• Performance Evaluation: Data generated helps compare the puncture resistance of different materials under consistent, reproducible conditions.

Applications

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Development: Manufacturers rely on ASTM F2878-19 to design and validate gloves, sleeves, aprons, and other protective garments for industries with risk of needlestick injuries.
• Occupational Safety Compliance: Healthcare workers, police officers, first responders, and laboratory personnel use protective clothing tested under this standard to reduce the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens such as HIV or Hepatitis C.
• Material Comparison: The standard supports procurement and safety teams in objectively comparing the needle resistance of available PPE solutions.
• Quality Assurance and Certification: Test labs and certification agencies use the test method to certify products for compliance with needle puncture resistance requirements in both domestic and international markets.
• Research and Innovation: Material scientists utilize this method to study the effects of new fabric technologies or coatings designed to improve hypodermic needle resistance.

Related Standards

• ASTM D2582: Test Method for Puncture-Propagation Tear Resistance of Plastic Film and Thin Sheeting – for snag-type puncture assessment.
• ASTM F1342 / F1342M: Test Method for Protective Clothing Material Resistance to Puncture – for non-cutting puncture evaluations.
• ASTM D1776 / D1776M: Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles – specimen conditioning prior to testing.
• ASTM D1777: Test Method for Thickness of Textile Materials – material thickness measurement procedure.
• ASTM E4: Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines – instrumentation accuracy.
• ASTM E691: Practice for Conducting Interlaboratory Studies – for precision assessment.
• ASTM E177: Guidance on precision and bias terminology in ASTM test methods.

Keywords: hypodermic needle puncture resistance, protective clothing, ASTM F2878-19, PPE, needlestick injury, bloodborne pathogens, force measurement, needle-resistant materials, occupational safety standards, personal protective equipment testing.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F2878 − 19
Standard Test Method for
Protective Clothing Material Resistance to Hypodermic
Needle Puncture
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2878; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
Occupational exposures to bloodborne pathogens (BBP) caused by needlestick injuries are a
concern for healthcare professionals, law enforcement officers, first responders, and others.
Transmission of diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C (Hep C) as
a result of percutaneous needlestick injuries have been documented worldwide. These diseases can
lead to life-long chronic health problems and possibly death.
Work practice safety procedures, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as
gloves, aprons, and sleeves, are used to diminish the risk of occupational exposure to BBPs through
needlestick injury.
The purpose of this standard is to measure relative hypodermic needle puncture resistance offered
by various materials based on the conditions specified within the standard. This standard does not
attempt to simulate all use conditions.Anumber of variables which impact puncture resistance are not
addressed by this standard. For example, stiffness of backing materials, presence of lubricants, and
tension on the specimen may all impact puncture resistance but are not considered by this standard.
This standard defines three common hypodermic needles to evaluate puncture resistance. Through
development of this standard, it has been observed that needle diameter has an effect on puncture
resistance. Therefore, needles of various diameters have been specified. Users of this method may
specify testing with one or more of the needles defined within the standard.
The hypodermic needles referenced have been selected with consideration to three main points:
(1) As needle gauge increases, the load required to puncture materials taken from commonly
available hypodermic needle-resistant PPE increases. The performance is not linear and therefore
relatively large-gauge (21 G) and small-gauge (28 G) needles are provided to better understand a
material’s performance against one end of the spectrum or the other.
(2) Certain end-use applications are concerned with protection from either large-gauge needles or
small-gaugeneedles.Forexample,policeofficerssearchingsuspectedintravenousdrugusersaremost
commonly at risk of injury from fine-gauge needles (28 G), but not large-gauge needles. Whereas,
workers inoculating poultry on commercial farms may be concerned with large-gauge needles (21 G),
but not small-gauge needles.
(3) Certain materials are optimized to resist either large-gauge or small-gauge needles and testing
against the other would not be useful. Other materials may be engineered for resistance to the full
breadth of the gauge spectrum. For example, in applications such as healthcare, where a broad range
of needle gauges is expected, testing against both ends of the spectrum allows for a better
understanding of robustness.
1. Scope 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
1.1 This test method is used to determine the force required
standard.
to cause a sharp-edged hypodermic needle to penetrate through
protective clothing material. The standard describes three 1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
needles that may be used: 21-, 25-, or 28-gauge needles. safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2878 − 19
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3.1.2 penetration, n—when the beveled tip of the needle has
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- passed through the specimen as defined in 4.3.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1.3 penetrometer, n—a material tester or similar device
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
consisting of a movable crosshead with accurate speed control,
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
a load cell used in compression, a needle holder, and a
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
specimen holder. The needle holder should be attached to the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
load cell in such a way as to accurately determine the load
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
during the needle penetration of the specimen, holding the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
needle parallel to the crosshead motion and perpendicular to
the specimen to be tested. The specimen holder should be
2. Referenced Documents
mounted rigidly with respect to the crosshead motion and
2.1 ASTM Standards:
present the specimen perpendicular to the needle.
D1776/D1776M Practice for Conditioning and Testing Tex-
3.1.4 protective clothing material, n—any material or com-
tiles
binationofmaterialsusedinanitemofclothingforthepurpose
D1777 Test Method for Thickness of Textile Materials
of isolating parts of the wearer’s body from a potential hazard.
D2582 Test Method for Puncture-Propagation Tear Resis-
tance of Plastic Film and Thin Sheeting
4. Summary of Test Method
E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
4.1 A material specimen is placed in a support assembly
ASTM Test Methods
(see Fig. 1) that is affixed to the upper or lower arm, depending
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
on machine configuration, of a penetrometer or material testing
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
device. Some materials have different performance based on
F1342/F1342M Test Method for Protective Clothing Mate-
which face is presented toward the needle. Care should be
rial Resistance to Puncture
taken when mounting to ensure the needle initiates puncture on
the desired face. When reporting results, include which side
3. Terminology
was facing the needle.
3.1 Definitions:
4.2 A needle of set dimensions is mounted to the needle
3.1.1 hypodermic needle, n—a hollow-bore stainless steel
holder which is attached or can be attached to the load cell of
cylinder with a beveled tip used to penetrate the skin by
the penetrometer or material testing device.
cutting; often used in conjunction with a syringe for injecting
or withdrawing fluids.
4.3 The needle is positioned perpendicular to the specimen
and is moved at a constant velocity until the tip of the needle
penetrates through the backside of the material specimen. The
needle length visible through the back of the test specimen
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F23 on Personal
shall be at least 2.21 mm for a 28-G needle, 2.90 mm for a
Protective Clothing and Equipment and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
F23.20 on Physical.
25-G needle, and 4.62 mm for a 21-G needle.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2019. Published March 2019. Originally
approved in 2010. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as F2878 – 10. 4.4 The maximum force required to penetrate the specimen
DOI:10.1520/F2878-19.
is measured by the load cell.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
4.4.1 The average of the maximum penetration force of the
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
twelve test replicates is reported as the puncture resistance.
the ASTM website.
NOTE 1—Holes are 1 in. from edge.
FIG. 1 Example of a Specimen Support Assembly (Two Needed)
F2878 − 19
5. Significance and Use 6.3.1 All probes shall be fabricated from 304 stainless steel
with a Rockwell C Hardness of 35 to 40.
5.1 This test method evaluates puncture resistance of pro-
6.3.2 All probes shall be: three-facet, regular bevel, regular
tective clothing materials which may include: plastics or
wall hypodermic needles. Technicians may select from the
elastomeric films, coated fabrics, flexible materials, laminates,
following gauges:
leathers, or textile materials.
6.3.2.1 28 gauge, 12.7-mm needle length (see Fig. 2a).
5.1.1 This test method uses hypodermic needles with speci-
6.3.2.2 25 gauge, 25.4-mm needle length (see Fig. 2b).
fied dimensions as puncture probes.
6.3.2.3 21 gauge, 38.1-mm needle length (see Fig. 2c).
5.1.2 This test method evaluates needle puncture resistance
6.3.2.4 Becton Dickinson model numbers 309420 or
of protective clothing materials, perpendicular to the material’s
329461 (28 G by ⁄2 in.), 305125 (25 G by 1 in.), and 305167
surface and with no supporting structure under/behind the
(21Gby1 ⁄2 in.) have been found to be suitable, though
material specimen.
needles from other sources which conform to the general
5.1.3 Evaluation of puncture resistance for snag-type punc-
description (6.3.1 and 6.3.2) and perform within the range
ture should be performed in accordance with Test Method
described in the lot validation table below may be used.
D2582.
5.1.4 Evaluation of puncture resistance for non-cutting 6.4 Atotal of twelve needles, selected from needle lots that
puncture should be performed in accordance with Test Method have been validated, are required (one for each puncture
F1342/F1342M. measurement) to conduct the test.
6.5 Specimen Support Assembly shall consist of two flat
6. Apparatus
metal specimen support plates that clamp together so the
6.1 Thickness Gauge, suitable for measuring thickness to
specimen is held tightly between them. Care should be taken to
the nearest 0.01 mm, as specified in Test Method D1777 shall
lay the specimen flat in the assembly without distortion or
be used to determine the thickness of each protective clothing
tension on the specimen. It shall also consist of a machine
specimen tested.
interface plate that can be connected to the testing machine.
There should be enough distance to allow for at least 25 mm of
6.2 Testing Machine, shall meet the following criteria:
travel of the needle. The plates should be closed tightly on the
6.2.1 The specimen holder shall be capable of holding the
specimen to reduce, to the greatest extent possible, slipping/
specimen securely between the two plates.
shifting of the material between the plates during testing.
6.2.2 Apenetrometerormaterialtestingdeviceshallbeused
6.5.1 Each plate shall have one or more puncture guide
that is capable of providing load-versus-displacement data for
holes measuring 10 mm in diameter. Ideally, the guide hole
facing surface contact through needle penetration.
diameter would be 10 mm with an edge radius of 0.4 mm. (See
6.2.3 The error of the machine shall not exceed 1 % at any
Fig. 1.) Ideally, for efficiency in testing, the plates may have
reading within its loading range. Refer to Practices E4 for
three 10-mm diameter puncture guide holes. The holes should
determining accuracy of the apparatus
be spaced equally on the plate with each hole forming the
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F2878 − 10 F2878 − 19
Standard Test Method for
Protective Clothing Material Resistance to Hypodermic
Needle Puncture
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2878; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
Occupational exposures to bloodborne pathogens (BBP) caused by needlestick injuries are a
concern for healthcare professionals, law enforcement officers, first responders, and others.
Transmission of diseases such as Human Immunodeficiency Virushuman immunodeficiency virus
(HIV) and Hepatitis C (Hep C) as a result of percutaneous needlestick injuries have been documented
worldwide. These diseases can lead to life-long chronic health problems and possibly death.
Work practice safety procedures, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as
gloves, aprons, and sleeves, are used to diminish the risk of occupational exposure to BBP’sBBPs
through needlestick injury.
The purpose of this standard is to measure relative hypodermic needle puncture resistance offered
by various materials based on the conditions specified within the standard. This standard does not
attempt to simulate all use conditions. A number of variables which impact puncture resistance are not
addressed by this standard. For example, stiffness of backing materials, presence of lubricants, and
tension on the specimen may all impact puncture resistance,resistance but are not considered by this
standard.
This standard defines three common hypodermic needles to evaluate puncture resistance. Through
development of this standard, it has been observed that needle diameter has an effect on puncture
resistance. Therefore, needles of various diameters have been specified. Users of this method may
specify testing with one or more of the needles defined within the standard.
The hypodermic needles referenced have been selected with consideration to three main points:
(1) As ) As needle gauge increases, the load required to puncture materials taken from commonly
available hypodermic needle resistant needle-resistant PPE increases. The performance is not linear
and therefore relatively large gauge (21 g) and small gauge (28 g) large-gauge (21 G) and small-gauge
(28 G) needles are provided to better understand a material’s performance against one end of the
spectrum or the other.
(2) Certain ) Certain end-use applications are concerned with protection from either large gauge
large-gauge needles or small gauge small-gauge needles. For example, police officers searching
suspected intravenous drug users are most commonly at risk of injury from fine gauge fine-gauge
needles (28 g),(28 G), but not large gauge large-gauge needles. Whereas, workers inoculating poultry
on commercial farms may be concerned with large gauge large-gauge needles (21 g),(21 G), but not
small gauge small-gauge needles.
(3) Certain ) Certain materials are optimized to resist either large gauge or small gauge large-gauge
or small-gauge needles and testing against the other would not be useful. Other materials may be
engineered for resistance to the full breadth of the gauge spectrum. For example, in applications,
applications such as healthcare, where a broad range of needle gauges areis expected, testing against
both ends of the spectrum allows for a better understanding of robustness.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F23 on Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
F23.20 on Physical.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2010Feb. 1, 2019. Published January 2011March 2019. DOI:10.1520/F2878-10.Originally approved in 2010. Last previous edition
approved in 2010 as F2878 – 10. DOI:10.1520/F2878-19.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2878 − 19
1. Scope
1.1 This test method is used to determine the force required to cause a sharp-edged puncture probe (hypodermic needle)
hypodermic needle to penetrate through protective clothing material. The standard describes three test probes needles that may be
used: 21-, 25-, or 28-gauge needles.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.3 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D1776D1776/D1776M Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles
D1777 Test Method for Thickness of Textile Materials
D2000 Classification System for Rubber Products in Automotive Applications
D2582 Test Method for Puncture-Propagation Tear Resistance of Plastic Film and Thin Sheeting
E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
F1342F1342/F1342M Test Method for Protective Clothing Material Resistance to Puncture
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 hypodermic needle, n—a hollow-bore stainless steel cylinder with a beveled tip used to penetrate the skin by cutting; often
used in conjunction with a syringe for injecting or withdrawing fluids.
3.1.2 penetration, n—when the beveled tip of the needle has passed through the specimen as defined in 4.3.
3.1.3 penetrometer, n—a material tester or similar device consisting of a movable crosshead with accurate speed control, a load
cell used in compression, a needle holder, and a specimen holder. The needle holder should be attached to the load cell in such
a way as to accurately determine the load during the needle penetration of the specimen, holding the needle parallel to the
crosshead motion and perpendicular to the specimen to be tested. The specimen holder should be mounted rigidly with respect to
the crosshead motion and present the specimen perpendicular to the needle.
3.1.4 protective clothing material, n—any material or combination of materials used in an item of clothing for the purpose of
isolating parts of the wearer’s body from a potential hazard.
3.1.2 hypodermic needle, n—a hollow bore stainless steel cylinder with a beveled tip used to penetrate the skin by cutting; often
used in conjunction with a syringe for injecting or withdrawing fluids.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 A material specimen is placed in a support assembly (see Fig. 1) that is affixed to the upper or lower arm, depending on
machine configuration, of a tension testing machine.penetrometer or material testing device. Some materials have different
performance based on which face is presented toward the needle. Care should be taken when mounting to ensure the needle
initiates puncture on the desired face. When reporting results, include which side was facing the needle.
4.2 A pointed puncture probe needle of set dimensions is mounted to the penetrometer stand and the whole assembly is attached
to the compressionneedle holder which is attached or can be attached to the load cell of the tension testing machine.penetrometer
or material testing device.
4.3 The puncture probe which needle is positioned perpendicular to the specimen and is moved at a constant velocity until the
tip of the probe perforates needle penetrates through the backside of the material specimen. The needle length visible through the
back of the test specimen shall be at least 2.21 mm for a 28-G needle, 2.90 mm for a 25-G needle, and 4.62 mm for a 21-G needle.
4.4 The maximum force required to puncturepenetrate the material specimen is measured by the compressionload cell.
4.4.1 The average of the maximum penetration force of the twelve test replicates is reported as the puncture resistance.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
F2878 − 19
NOTE 1—Holes are 1 in. from edge.
FIG. 1 Example of a Specimen Support Assembly (Two needed)Needed)
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method evaluates puncture resistance of protective clothing materials which may include: plastics or elastomeric
films, coated fabrics, flexible materials, laminates, leathers, or textile materials.
5.1.1 This test method uses hypodermic needles with specified dimensions as puncture probes.
5.1.2 This test method evaluates needle puncture resistance of protective clothing materials, perpendicular to the material’s
surface and with no supporting structure under/behind the material specimen.
5.1.3 Evaluation of puncture resistance for snag-type puncture should be performed in accordance with Test Method D2582.
5.1.4 Evaluation of puncture resistance for non-cutting puncture should be performed in accordance with Test Method
F1342F1342/F1342M.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Thickness Gauge, suitable for measuring thickness to the nearest 0.01 mm, as specified in Test Method D1777 shall be used
to determine the thickness of each protective clothing specimen tested.
6.2 Testing Machine, shall meet the following criteria:
6.2.1 It The specimen holder shall be capable of holding the specimen securely between the two clamps.plates.
6.2.2 A machine penetrometer or material testing device shall be used that is capable of providing load versus elongation data
until point of rupture shall be used.load-versus-displacement data for facing surface contact through needle penetration.
6.2.3 The error of the machine shall not exceed 1 % at any reading within its loading range. Refer to Practices E4 for
determining accuracy of the apparatus
6.2.4 It shall be outfitted with a compression cell. load cell used in compression. The testing machine may be configured with
the compressionload cell on the upper arm. The compressionload cell shall have a range sufficient to penetrate the measure the
force necessary for needle penetration of the specimen.
6.3 Hypodermic Needle Puncture Probes General Description:
6.3.1 All probes shall be fabricated from 304 stainless steel with a Rockwell C Hardness of 35 to 40.
6.3.2 All probes shall be: three-facet, regular bevel, regular wall hypodermic needles. Technicians may select from the following
gauges:
6.3.2.1 28 gauge, 12.7-mm needle length (see Fig. 2a)a).
6.3.2.2 25 gauge, 25.4-mm needle length (see Fig. 2b)b).
6.3.2.3 21 gauge, 38.1-mm needle length (see Fig. 2c)c).
6.3.2.4 Becton Dickinson model numbers BD 309309 (28g, 309420 or 329461 (28 G by ⁄2-in. long), BD305125 (25g, 1-in.
long) and BD 305167 (21g, in.), 305125 (25 G by 1 in.), and 305167 (21 G by 1 ⁄2-in. long) in.) have been found to be suitable,
though needles from other sources which conform to the general description (6.3.16.3.1 and 6.3.2-6.3.2) and perform within the
range described in the lot validation table below may be used.
6.4 A total of twelve puncture probes, needles, selected from needle lots that have been validated, are required (one for each
puncture measurement) to conduct the test.
6.5 Specimen Support Assembly shall consist of two flat metal specimen support plates that clamp together so the sample
specimen is held tightly between them. Care should be taken to lay specimens the specimen flat in the assembly without distortion
or tension on the specimen. It shall also consist of a machine interface plate that can be connected to the testing machine. There
F2878 − 19
FIG. 2 (a) Needle-tip(a) Needle-Tip Geometries (28G(28-G Needle Configuration)
FIG. 2 (b) Needle-tip(b) Needle-Tip Geometries (25G(25-G Needle Configuration) (continued)
FIG. 2 (c) Needle-tip(c) Needle-Tip Geometries (21G(21-G Needle Configuration) (continued)
should be enough distance to allow for at le
...