The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) withdrew specifications for coveralls after a few days of their release as they were reportedly found to be too stringent. In addition to being fluid-resistant, the coveralls or body suits also had to be virus-resistant, as per the new specifications. BIS had put together specifications for all personal protective equipment (PPE).
The organisation tweeted on April 17: “As per some media reports, confusion has arisen about standards of coveralls in the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). As of now standards specified by the ministry of health and family (welfare) are applicable. It is clarified that BIS has not notified any standard for coveralls.â€Â
For the time being, manufacturers have to keep following the specifications released earlier by the health ministry. The reason for the withdrawal is that no Indian manufacturer is capable of making coveralls as per these specifications, not even the ones approved by the textile ministry.