ActivSorb Protective Hood

The ActivSorb protective hood, when used in combination with respiratory protection equipment, is classified as Category III personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to protect the head, front of the face, neck, shoulders, and parts of the chest and back. It is the ideal choice for members of emergency response services, the military, and the police, as well as workers in the chemical industry, customs, and chemical laboratories.

The hood is made from adsorbent carbon fabric (ACF), which captures hazardous chemicals in the form of vapours and gases whilst ensuring sufficient breathability and user comfort when worn. ACF is characterised by the physical adsorption of chemical substances in the form of gases and vapours, and it meets the requirements of the ISO 14116 standard for flame spread index 3. Thanks to double-sided lamination with a reinforcing fabric, the hood is durable and suitable even for demanding operational conditions.

The hood is designed for seamless integration with protective masks, whether used with positive-pressure breathing apparatus or filtering masks. Furthermore, its ergonomic design allows for comfortable wear under uniforms or protective gear, making it ideal for extended use in critical situations.

Key features of the protective hood material

• special adsorbent carbon fabric, laminated on both sides with a reinforcing, breathable fabric
• effective adsorption of chemical substances (including chemical warfare agents) in the form of vapours and gases
• complies with the requirements of ISO 14116 for flame spread index 3
• breathable and mechanically durable construction
• the protective hood is compatible with protective masks and respiratory equipment
• the protective hood is certified personal protective equipment (PPE Category III)
• long service life – up to 10 years of storage

Usage and Target Groups

The hood is worn under outer clothing (uniforms, protective gear, workwear, etc.) and is always used in combination with respiratory protection.

The ActivSorb protective hood is suitable for:

• Emergency services (firefighters, police, ambulance services)
• the military and security forces
• chemical industry workers
• laboratories and research facilities
• customs authorities and crisis response teams
• medical personnel

It can be used in any situation where there is a risk of exposure to toxic chemicals and CBRN substances in the form of vapours and gases and combustion products..

Testing and Protective Efficacy

The efficacy of the ACF (hood material) has been verified through testing by renowned institutions (SÚJCHBO, v.v.i., VVÚ, s.p., and ITC a.s.):

• industrial chemicals: benzene, xylene in the form of vapours and gases in accordance with the ČSN EN 16523-2+A1:2019
• chemical warfare agents: mustard gas (HD), soman (GD) in the form of vapours and gases in accordance with the NATO AEP-38 standard
• test in a chlorine atmosphere (8 ppm): no penetration detected after 30 minutes of exposure

As a result, it provides reliable protection even under extreme conditions.

Standards and Certifications

• Regulation (EU) 2016/425
• ČSN EN ISO 13688:2014/A1:2022
• ČSN EN ISO 14116:2021 (Index 3 – limited flame spread)

Storage and Shelf Life

The hood is supplied in vacuum packaging, which allows for long-term storage without loss of properties.

• shelf life up to 10 years (in undamaged packaging)
• store in a dry place, away from UV radiation and heat
• wash using washing soda only (sodium carbonate at a concentration of 3 g/l of wash water); to preserve the protective properties, do not exceed 10 wash cycles
• after use, it is recommended to store in an airtight container