EN ISO 11612 PROTECTION AGAINST HEAT AND FLAMES

The old standard for Fireproof protective clothing was EN531. This has now been replaced by EN ISO 11612 – Protective Clothing for Heat and Flame. So, what is the new standard for? Well EN ISO 11612 not only tests the fabric used to produce the clothing, it also tests the whole fireproof garment.

Safety clothing with the EN ISO 11612 standard protects workers (except welders and firefighters) who are exposed to heat, flames and molten metals.

EN ISO 11612 is a standard that uses various tests to determine the extent to which clothing is capable of enduring industrial heat. Testing is carried out on the cloth and clothing. The results of these tests are represented by the letters A, B, C, D, E and F in combination with a number indicating the degree of protection. In addition to the tests, the clothing must also meet specific design requirements such as flaps on all cases with the letters D and or E, properly constructed seams and sufficient overlap of a jacket with respect to a pair of trousers.

If the clothing has been tested and meets all the specific design requirements, it will receive a classification. This consists of one or more letters in combination with the corresponding protection level, expressed in a number. If a certain type of protection is not achieved, this will be indicated with a number 0 or the late letter.

The following types of protection, their letter code and possible number codes are possible in EN ISO 11612:

11612-A FLAME SPREADING

During this test the fabric and seams are flamed for 10 seconds. In the result, the after-lamp time, afterglow time and hole formation must remain within the values ​​of the set standard. The test can be carried out in two different ways: Procedure A (delivers A1) This is the surface flames. Procedure B (delivers A2) This is the edge ignition.

11612-B CONVECTIVE HEAT

What is the heat conduction when exposed to flames? In this test, the substance is kept above the flame, the temperature rise is measured at the top by means of a calorimeter. It measures how much time (s) is needed to reach a temperature rise of 24 ° C. Depending on this, the class is determined:

• B1: from 4 to 10 seconds
• B2: from 10 to 20 seconds
• B3: 20 seconds and more

11612-C RADIANT HEAT

In this test the substance is exposed to radiant heat by means of infrared. Via a calorimeter the temperature rise is measured on the other side of the fabric. It measures how much time (s) is needed to reach a temperature rise of 24 ° C. Depending on this, the class is determined:

• C1: from 7 to 20 seconds
• C2: from 20 to 50 seconds
• C3: from 50 to 95 seconds
• C4: 95 seconds and more

11612D / E MOLTEN METAL

In this test the protection is measured against splashes of molten metal. A membrane (which simulates human skin) is applied to the back of the fabric. Next, a certain amount of molten aluminum (Code D) and molten iron (Code E) is applied. The membrane that is on the back of the fabric may not deform.

• D1: between 100 and 200 grams
• D2: between 200 and 350 grams
• D3: 350 grams and more
• E1: between 60 and 120 grams
• E2: between 120 and 200 grams
• E3: 200 grams and more

11612-F CONTACT HEAT

In this test the protection is measured against possible contact via the clothing with a warm object. During the test, the substance is brought into contact with a test object with a temperature of 250 ° C and the time is measured at which the heat goes down to the back of the fabric. The measured threshold time determines the achieved class as follows:

• F1: between 5.0 and less than 10.0 minutes
• F2: between 10.0 and less than 15.0 minutes
• F3: 15.0 minutes and more

USE AND MAINTENANCE

The EN ISO 11612 standard is the basis for safe working. Syzmik advises the user to read the instructions for use and maintenance before the clothes are put into use. If in doubt about the use of protective clothing or questions about the correct use, it is advisable to consult a safety expert and / or manager. 

ISO 14116:

Protection clothing of limited spread materials, material assemblies Classification as followed:

• Index 1: hole may be formed, no flame spread, no flaming debris
• Index 2: no hole formation, no flame spread, no flaming debris, after flame / glow time > 2 seconds
• Index 3: no hole formation, no flame spread, no flaming debris, after flame / glow time < 2 seconds

EN ISO 14116 supersedes EN 533:1996. While the standard does deal with the issue of flame resistance to some extent, it is arguably more suited to outerwear that would usually be worn over other protective garments. Looks for garments meeting EN11612 which offers a higher standard of protection.