EN 11612: A Comprehensive Guide To Flame And Heat Protective Clothing

‌EN 11612: A Comprehensive Guide to Flame and Heat Protective Clothing‌

EN 11612 is a European standard that sets out the minimum performance requirements for protective clothing designed to safeguard workers against heat and flame hazards. This standard is crucial for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of protective garments used in high-temperature environments. Let's delve into the testing scope, criteria, and the corresponding test equipment and standards associated with each performance level.

Testing Scope of EN 11612

The EN 11612 standard covers a wide range of protective clothing, including coveralls, jackets, trousers, and other garments intended for use in high-temperature work environments such as welding, firefighting, metallurgy, and other industries where exposure to heat and flame is a risk1. The standard evaluates the performance of these garments against various heat sources, including flame spread, convective heat, radiant heat, and molten metal splash.

Test Criteria and Performance Levels

To meet the EN 11612 standard, protective fabrics must pass at least two tests: Test A (Flame Spread) and at least one of Tests B, C, D, or E (Convective Heat, Radiant Heat, Molten Metal Splash, or Contact Heat, respectively)25. Each test assesses specific performance criteria, and the results are categorized into performance levels, indicating the degree of protection provided

1. Flame Spread Test (Test A)

Objective: To assess the material's resistance to flame spread.

Criteria:

• A1: Limited flame spread from surface ignition.

• A2: Limited flame spread from edge ignition.

Test Machinery: Flame spread tester (e.g., ISO 15025).

Protective Clothing Flame Spread Tester, ISO 15025

2. Convective Heat Test (Test B)

Objective: To evaluate the material's ability to resist heat transfer from convective sources.

Criteria:

• B1: 4 < 10 seconds exposure before temperature rise of 24°C.

• B2: 10 < 20 seconds exposure before temperature rise of 24°C.

• B3: 21 seconds or more exposure before temperature rise of 24°C.

Test Machinery: Convective heat tester (e.g., ISO 9151).

Clothing for protection fire contact heat transmission Tester ISO 9151

3. Radiant Heat Test (Test C)

Objective: To measure the material's resistance to radiant heat transfer.

Criteria:

• C1: 7 < 20 seconds exposure before temperature rise of 24°C.

• C2: 20 < 50 seconds exposure before temperature rise of 24°C.

• C3: 50 < 95 seconds exposure before temperature rise of 24°C.

• C4: 95 seconds or more exposure before temperature rise of 24°C.

Test Machinery: Radiant heat tester (e.g., ISO 6942).

thermal protection (radiation) performance testing ISO 6942

4. Molten Metal Splash Test (Test D and E)

Objective: To determine the material's ability to withstand molten metal splashes.

Criteria:

• D1: 100 < 200 grams of molten aluminum.

• D2: 200 < 350 grams of molten aluminum.

• D3: 350 grams or more of molten aluminum.

• E1: 60 < 120 grams of molten iron.

• E2: 120 < 200 grams of molten iron.

• E3: 200 grams or more of molten iron.

Test Machinery: Molten metal splash tester (e.g., ISO 9185).

Protective Clothing Molten Metal Splash Tester ISO 9185

5. Contact Heat Test (Test F)

Objective: To evaluate the material's resistance to contact heat.

Criteria:

• F1: 5 < 10 seconds exposure before temperature rise of 24°C.

• F2: 10 < 15 seconds exposure before temperature rise of 24°C.

• F3: 15 seconds or more exposure before temperature rise of 24°C.

Test Machinery: Contact heat tester (e.g., ISO 12127).

Conclusion

EN 11612 provides a robust framework for ensuring that protective clothing meets the necessary standards to safeguard workers in high-temperature and flame-exposed environments. By understanding the test scope, criteria, and associated machinery, manufacturers and users can make informed decisions about the suitability of protective garments for specific applications. Compliance with EN 11612 not only ensures regulatory adherence but also contributes to a safer working environment for all.

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We provide all the testing equipment for EN11612, and can provide technical support and installation training in your area. If you are interested, please contact me.