Protective clothing against heat and flame

EN 11612 specifies performance for clothing designed to protect from heat and/or flame (not including protection for firefighters and welders). The norm indicates protection against ignition from various heat sources: (A) limited flame spread, A1 surface ignition and A2 edge ignition, according to test method ISO15025; (B) convective heat and open flames, according to test method ISO9151; (C) radiant heat, according to test method ISO6942; (D) molten aluminum splash, according to test method ISO9185; (E) molten iron splash, according to test method ISO9185; and (F) contact heat (flat iron, hot plate etc.), according to test method ISO12127-1.

Garments certified according to EN 11612 should be used together with other protective clothing that meets the requirements of EN 11612. Furthermore, the norm requires full protection of arms and legs, which means t-shirts and shorts do not meet the EN 11612 requirements. However, the user can wear clothes certified according to EN 14116 (which does not have the same design requirements) underneath for enhanced protection. To ensure full protection, the head, neck, hands and feet must be covered with other approved protective clothing. Note that garments classified as underwear should always be worn together with outer garments that meet the protection requirements of EN 11612. The underwear will not provide the right level of protection on their own.