This standard establishes a system of classification for protective apparel and drapes used in health care facilities based on their liquid barrier performance and specifies related labeling requirements and standardized test methods for determining compliance. By specifying a consistent basis for testing and labeling protective apparel and drapes and providing a common understanding of barrier properties (e.g., effiacy against liquid or liquid-borne microorganism penetration) based on this new classification system, the standard is intended to ulitmately assist end-users in determining the type(s) of protective product most appropriate for a particular task or situation.