Overview
ISO 17491-5:2013 defines the manikin spray test for evaluating the resistance of complete chemical protective clothing to penetration by a spray of liquid. This part of ISO 17491 provides an alternative to ISO 17491-4 by using a static human-form manikin (rather than a live test subject) and a different spray configuration and duration. The test determines whether liquid penetrates the garment onto an inner absorbent overall; garments pass if no liquid is detected on the absorbent layer.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Test principle: Protective clothing is fitted on a water-resistant manikin dressed in an absorbent overall. A test liquid is sprayed from five nozzles in a specified orientation sequence.
- Test agent: A non-toxic, non-foaming water solution containing a wetting agent and fluorescent or visible dye. Surface tension requirement: (30 ± 5) × 10⁻³ N/m (≈30 ± 5 mN/m); stability of surface tension must be verified before and after tests.
- Spray system: Five low-flow nozzles positioned around the manikin (one directly above, four at corners). Typical supply rate: 3.0 ± 0.2 L/min per nozzle. Nozzle geometry and spray plate details are specified to ensure reproducible droplet distribution.
- Duration and orientations: Each specimen is exposed for 15 minutes in each of four orientations (total 60 minutes per specimen).
- Absorbent overall & calibration stain: An inner absorbent garment collects any penetrating liquid. A calibration stain (e.g., dispensing a controlled 25 µL droplet) is used as a reference for pass/fail evaluation; calibration verifies absorbent response and spot-area consistency.
- Pass/fail criterion: The garment passes if no liquid reaches the inner absorbent layer; it fails if penetration is detected. Test setup, specimen preparation, and blocking of non-tested areas (e.g., open sleeves) are required to ensure repeatability.
Applications and users
ISO 17491-5 is used by:
- PPE manufacturers for design validation and quality control of chemical-protective garments
- Accredited test laboratories performing standardized penetration and integrity testing
- Certification bodies and compliance assessors evaluating protective ensembles for industrial, emergency response, and laboratory use
- Safety engineers and procurement specialists specifying protection levels against liquid sprays and splashes
Practical value: the manikin spray test offers a reproducible, controlled method to assess whole-ensemble integrity under spray exposure without subjecting humans to hazardous agents.
Related standards
Keywords: ISO 17491-5, manikin spray test, protective clothing test, chemical protective clothing, spray penetration, PPE testing, absorbent overall, surface tension.
Open preview (PDF)Protective clothing — Test methods for clothing providing protection against chemicals — Part 5: Determination of resistance to penetration by a spray of liquid (manikin spray test)