Multinorm vs Tranemo
When general protection does not provide the right protection
Multinorm is often used as a collective term for protective clothing certified to several different standards. It can be perceived as both effective and economical, fewer garments in the range, simpler purchasing and a sense of maximum protection.
But protection is not about how many risks a garment can theoretically cover. It is about how well it works for the person wearing it in their actual working environment. That is why Tranemo does not use multinorm as a starting point when developing protective clothing.
As Stefan Saetran, Product Development Director at Tranemo, explains:
“The concept of being protected always starts with the person and their needs.”
Our starting point is always the person, the working environment and the real risks of everyday work.
The tests are only performed for standards that require testing after a specified number of washes. If there is no requirement for a specified number of washes in the standard, the test is normally carried out after no washes or five washes. The notified body that issues the EU type certificate also checks the tests and marking.
Why multinorm is not the right starting point
Multinorm is based on the idea that a garment should work in many different working environments and protect against many types of risks. In practice, this often means that design and functionality are limited by standard requirements that are not relevant to all users.
When multiple standards must be met at the same time, this affects how a garment can be constructed, which materials can be used and which functions can be included. This often leads to compromises that reduce both comfort and usability.
Louise Svensson, Technical Development Manager at Tranemo, highlights the challenge:
“Multiple standards mean multiple requirements, which can limit the design and functionality of the garment for the specific user.”
The result is garments that perform well on paper but work less effectively in the job they are intended for.
“Multiple standards mean multiple requirements, which can limit the design and functionality of the garment for the specific user.”
Multinorm and the risk of protecting against many risks
Designing to protect against as many risks as possible affects the entire structure of a garment. To meet several requirements at the same time, materials often need to be heavier, construction more restricted and garments less functional. This directly impacts comfort.
Linnea Creaser, Certification Manager, clearly describes the consequence:
“If a garment is certified to many different standards, it can become uncomfortable and very impractical for the user.”
This can also mean that functions essential to certain professions must be removed. Pocket solutions, stretch or flexibility may disappear in order to meet other requirements, even though they are crucial for daily work.
At the same time, it is important to remember that the standards themselves emphasise that garments should be neither overprotected nor underprotected. The right level of protection is critical for both safety and functionality.
When comfort and function are reduced, the risk increases that the garment is used incorrectly or not used at all. When that happens, the protective effect is lost, even if the garment meets multiple standards.
When general protection becomes a risk
Protection that is not relevant to the specific task can, in practice, become a new risk. This may involve details that get caught, materials that become too hot or properties that restrict movement and cause fatigue.
Louise Svensson gives a clear example:
“In practice, it can become a risk in itself.”
In some environments, protective features that are important in other contexts can become directly inappropriate. Reflective details that are necessary in traffic environments can, for example, increase risk when working with molten metal, where metal may adhere to the reflective material.
Incorrect fit can also create problems. Oversized garments increase the risk of getting caught or tripping. This is where false security arises. The garment is perceived as safe because it meets many standards, but it is not adapted to the real work situation.
Different work environments require different solutions
The garments shown above have been developed in close collaboration with professionals in the railway industry and the metallurgy sector. They meet relevant safety standards, but are designed for completely different working environments and therefore look very different.
A catenary technician often works outdoors, moves frequently and needs to climb. This requires lightweight, flexible garments with good freedom of movement and clear high visibility properties. In a foundry, the risk profile is entirely different, with extreme heat and the risk of molten metal splashes. This requires thicker, heavier protective clothing with high heat resistance and a design with as few details as possible. A general multinorm garment would have meant compromises in both function and comfort.
When the standard is not enough
Standards are important as guidance, but they are based on tests that do not always reflect real working conditions. In some environments, such as welding in confined or enclosed spaces, exposure can be significantly higher than what protective clothing is tested for under EN ISO 11611 class 2.
When welding inside a round drum, the welder is exposed to intense heat, sparks and radiation for extended periods and at angles that do not correspond to the test conditions defined in the standard. In such cases, general solutions are not sufficient.
Protective clothing must then be developed specifically for the actual working environment, using stronger materials, higher durability and complementary protection. In some situations, additional protection may also be required, such as arm protection adapted for intensive welding and protection against UV radiation.
The right protection for the right job
For Tranemo, it is clear that the most important protective garment is not the one that protects against the most risks, but the one that protects against the right risks and is actually worn every day.
Louise Svensson summarises it well:
“The safest garment is the one that is worn all day, not the one with all the symbols.”
By working closely with users and starting from real working conditions, Tranemo develops protective clothing that combines safety, functionality and comfort.
“Our focus is not on stacking standards, but on understanding the person, the environment and the risks where the garment will be used.”
The right protection starts with the right questions
Contact us via the form to get help choosing the right protection for your work environment, or book a meeting with one of our experts.