Testing The Sun Protection Factor of Fabrics
Increasingly, people are aware of the potentially harmful effects of exposure to sunlight. The labelling of clothing for outdoor pursuits and children's wear is starting to contain information about the protection offered against ultraviolet radiation.
Relevant Standards
There are several standards that are relevant to the sun protection factor of fabrics.
The Standard BS EN 13758 has two parts. The first part lays down the procedure to be used for testing the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of fabrics. The second part of this standard covers the design, the minimum UPF required, the marking and labelling for clothing.
British Standard BS 8466:2006, Hats - Protection against Solar UVR - Method of Test and Performance Requirements, specifies minimum ultraviolet transmission requirements for materials used in the construction of hats worn to give some protection from solar ultraviolet radiation. It also has requirements for dimensions, design and labelling.
There is also an Australian/ New Zealand standard, AZ/NZ 4399.
Available Tests
Staffordshire Scientific Services routinely tests against the following standards:
- BS EN 13758
- BS 8466
- AZ/NZ 4399
Our Credentials
Staffordshire Scientific Services is an efficient and reliable scientific service offering testing and analysis, advice and support to customers in the public and private sector.
We have two Public Analysts, twenty well-qualified, experienced staff, based in our Stafford laboratory which is accredited to UKAS Quality Standard ISO/IEC 17025 and is an Official UK Food Enforcement Laboratory.
View UKAS accreditation schedule for Staffordshire.
Getting In Touch
Staffordshire Scientific Services
14 Martin Street
Stafford ST16 2LG
T: 01785 277 825 F: 01785 277 812Email: county.analysts@staffordshire.gov.uk
Staffordshire County Council website
