In many sectors such as industry, fire brigades or laboratories, wearing special protective clothing is required by law. Flame-retardant work clothing protects workers from the dangers of heat and fire. Two central European standards regulate the requirements for such protective clothing: EN ISO 11612 and EN ISO 14116.
EN ISO 11612: Protection against heat and fire
Workwear certified according to EN ISO 11612 offers protection against heat and fire. This standard describes the requirements for materials intended to protect the wearer's body from heat and/or fire. The head, hands and other particularly exposed parts of the body are not covered by this standard, which is why additional protective measures are recommended. Typical areas of application for EN ISO 11612 certified clothing are industrial environments and electrical work. This clothing protects the wearer from short-term and intense exposure to heat, significantly reducing the risk of burns.
EN ISO 14116: Limited flame spread
The EN ISO 14116 standard describes safety clothing made of materials with limited flame spread. This protective clothing is designed to protect the wearer from short-term, unintentional contact with heat or sparks. Additional protective measures are required for longer exposure to heat. EN ISO 14116 reduces the risk of the clothing itself catching fire and thus posing an additional hazard. This standard is particularly important for work where flying sparks or short-term exposure to heat are common.
Combining protective measures
For optimal protection in the workplace, it is often necessary to wear clothing that meets both standards. This ensures that the wearer is safe from both intense heat and short, flame-breathing hazards. It is important to consider the specific requirements of each workplace and select the appropriate protective clothing.
Flame-retardant and anti-static workwear in accordance with EN ISO 11612 and EN ISO 14116 standards offers comprehensive protection against the many hazards in the workplace. Invest in high-quality protective clothing to ensure the safety and well-being of your employees.