Why is it important to read workwear labels? Using the Beloyar suit as an example
When it comes to workwear, especially in hazardous conditions, every detail matters. Workwear isn't just protection from the cold or dirt. It ensures the worker's health and safety, and in some situations, even their life. But how can you tell if a suit is truly suitable for your specific work environment? How can you be sure it will withstand all the stress of work, won't tear on the first day, and will protect against hazardous factors?
The answer is simple: you need to know how to read the label. It contains all the key information, from protective properties to fabric composition and care instructions. Let's explore what the label conceals using the Beloyar suit as an example.
What is the Beloyar suit?
"Beloyar" is a classic all-season work suit: a simple-fit jacket and trousers, without insulation. It ensures safety and protects against adverse conditions during professional duties, designed for warmer seasons and for intensive indoor work at any time of year.
Jacket:
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Elastic waistband for ease of movement.
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5cm wide reflective stripes on the front and back of the suit yoke ensure safety and visibility in various conditions, especially in low light conditions or at night.
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Two top pockets with flaps and buttons and two side pockets - everything is at hand.
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Shirt-cut sleeves with a light grey insert add a modern look.
Trousers:
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Straight, slightly tapered towards the bottom.
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Two standard side pockets.
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Comfortable knee pads with a cuff that can accommodate shock-absorbing inserts, essential for work that requires prolonged kneeling.
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Double stitching and rivets in areas of greatest stress guarantee wear resistance and double the product's strength.
Now that we understand what the suit looks like, let's see what the label says about it.
What does the label hide?
At first glance, it's just a jumble of numbers and obscure abbreviations. But behind them lies crucial information: whether the suit meets regulations, what it's made of, what it protects against, and how to care for it.
1. Standards and certification
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TR CU 019/2011 is the EAEU technical regulation "On the Safety of PPE." It is mandatory for all workwear used in hazardous conditions. If this marking is present, the suit is certified and approved for use in production.
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GOST 12.4.280-2014 is a standard that establishes technical requirements for clothing designed to protect against dirt and mechanical impacts. Its presence confirms that the product meets all basic safety and quality requirements.
2. Marking of protective properties: Mi and Z
You'll often see letter designations on the label. In the case of Beloyar, these are:
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"Mi" – protection from mechanical impacts. The fabric is durable and abrasion-resistant.
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"Z" - protection from general contaminants: dust, dirt, chips, oil drops and other typical contaminants.
3. Fabric composition: 65% polyester, 35% cotton
Blended fabric combines the best of two materials:
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Polyester provides strength, wear resistance, and does not shrink after washing.
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Cotton - provides comfort, breathability and is pleasant to the body.
This composition makes the suit practical: it maintains a neat appearance for a long time, hardly wrinkles, is easy to wash and does not lose its shape.
4. Care symbols are simple and clear
The Beloyar label contains care symbols. Here's what they mean:
5. Shelf life and disposal
The label indicates the shelf life: up to 5 years from the date of manufacture (if the suit has not been used). Additionally, there are corporate regulations that may establish stricter or specific requirements for the service life of workwear depending on the specifics of production processes. The employer may issue PPE according to the unified standard standards (hereinafter referred to as USS), approved by Order No. 767n of the Ministry of Labor dated October 29, 2021. The most common service life of protective summer workwear is 1 year, and for insulated outerwear, 2-3 years. However, the exact service life of PPE should be clarified directly in the USS, as it specifies the service life separately for each profession for which protective equipment is required. When writing off a suit, it is generally disposed of as regular household waste (unless contaminated with toxic substances).
Let's sum it up
Reading labels isn't a formality, but a skill that helps you make an informed choice. The Beloyar label shows:
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The suit complies with current standards and requirements for PPE.
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Suitable for work in contaminated and mechanically active areas.
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Made from durable and comfortable fabric.
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Easy to care for, easy to dispose of.
The label showed that this was not just workwear, but a reliable work tool.