Respirex: Total protection in extreme environments
When work takes place in environments with hazardous chemicals, gases, or biological threats, there is no room for compromise. Respirex International has for decades been a leader in developing personal protective equipment (PPE) that combines advanced materials science with ergonomic design. This review dives into the technical specifications of Respirex's core products: chemical protective suits, Hazmax™ boots and the innovative Kemblok™ gloves.
Advanced Safety Suits: From Gas-Tight Protection to Splash Suits
Respirex's range of suits spans from Type 3 liquid-tight suits to Type 1A gas-tight suits, used by incident commanders and industrial workers around the world.
GTL Gas-tight Suits (Type 1A – ET): The flagship of gas-tight protection is the GTL suit, made from the high-performance Chemprotex™ 400 material.
This is a lightweight, multi-layer chemical barrier textile that has been tested against an extremely wide range of industrial chemicals and chemical warfare agents. The suit is designed to accommodate breathing apparatus (SCBA) internally, protecting the equipment from contamination. Technical details include a 122 cm gas-tight zipper, wide sleeves for optimal freedom of movement, and a visor with high chemical resistance that ensures a clear, undistorted view.
SC1 Splash Suits: For tasks where the primary risk is liquid splashes, the SC1 suit (Type 3) offers protection through Chemprotex™ 300.
The suit features welded seams and a design that ensures no liquids can penetrate at critical points such as zippers or openings.
Workmaster™Hazmax™ Boots: The foundation for safety
The footwear is often the most exposed point in chemical environments. Respirex’ Workmaster line, including the renowned Hazmax™ boots, sets the standard for chemically resistant footwear.
The boots are made from a proprietary Hazmax rubber compound that offers significantly better protection than standard PVC or PU. They are certified to EN 13832-3 (protection against chemicals) and EN ISO 20345 (safety footwear).
Technical features include:
Breakthrough time: Hazmax™ provides over 8 hours of protection against most chemicals defined in EN 943-2.
Safety components: Integrated steel toe cap (200 joules) and a puncture-resistant stainless-steel midsole.
Heat and cold insulation: The boots are tested for contact heat up to 300°C for 60 seconds (HRO) and provide excellent insulation in cold environments (CI).
Vulcanized rubber sole: Delivers 30% better slip resistance than conventional soles and is highly resistant to oil and fuel.
Kemblok™-gloves: The ultimate barrier
Hand protection requires both high chemical resistance and tactile sensitivity. Respirex's Kemblok™ gloves
are engineered using a unique seven-layer laminate technology.
These gloves are extremely lightweight and thin, making them ideal as either primary protection or as a "liner" under heavier mechanical gloves. They are certified to EN ISO 374-1:2016 (Type A) and provide protection against chemicals, microorganisms and viruses.
One of the most notable technical advantages of Kemblok™ is compatibility with PermaSURE® — a toxicity-modeling app. By entering the chemical type and working temperature, the user can calculate the precise safe working time, removing guesswork from the safety protocol. The gloves are also silicone- and latex-free, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions and surface contamination.
Why choose Respirex?
Respirex stands out by offering an integrated ecosystem. Their Locking Cuff-system makes it possible to quickly and safely change gloves directly on the suit, while their boot systems ensure a liquid-tight transition between the suit and footwear. By choosing Respirex you invest in documented safety that complies with the strictest European and international standards.
Protect your team with equipment tested for the toughest challenges. Contact us for a technical review to determine which Respirex solution best suits your specific needs.
