EN ISO 11611 standard: protective clothing for use in welding processes

The international standard ISO 11611 specifies minimum performance requirements and test methods for clothing for protection against heat, sparks and contact with flames. These are designed to protect the body of the user during welding processes, excluding the hands, feet and head. According to two exposure classes, it is basically aprons and sleeves that reflect exposure to two levels of protection. When an individual is in contact with a sharp rise in temperature in his professional environment, he must be equipped with appropriate clothing (EN ISO 11611 standard) designed with specific fabric to protect him.

Details on EN ISO 11611: 2007, class 1 and class 2

Depending on the intensity and duration of exposure to radiant heat, the function of clothing conditions varies between two classes. Class 1 applies to protection against techniques and less risky welding situations, including the risk of sparks and radiant heat. Class 2, on the other hand, concerns the protection of the user in more dangerous situations.

These essential safety requirements are applicable to protective clothing which must be worn during welding and other technical processes presenting comparable risks. However, it should be noted that ISO 11611: 2007 only applies to hoods and gaiters. It does not cover any requirements for hand protection.

Indeed, these protective garments can be used in a wide range of end-use applications, namely:

  • When equipment with limited flame spread properties is required,
  • When the operator must be protected against radiant heat,
  • By convection or by contact against splashes of molten metal (aluminum or iron)

This type of workwear for women or men is designed to provide a certain degree of electrical insulation in the event of accidental contact with an electrical conductor whose upper voltage is around 100 V direct current. Note that in these conditions, sweat, dirt and other pollutants can affect the level of protection of the garment. In any case, it must minimize the risk of electric shock in the event of brief and unexpected contact with electronic conductors. In addition, the icon of the EN ISO 11611 standard represents a pictogram with a welding arc. This indicates that work clothing can be worn during welding and related techniques.

A few small precautions

Protective clothing with EN ISO 11611 certification is intended to protect the wearer. In its design, it has very few pockets, thus preventing the sparks from igniting quickly. In order to obtain optimal protection, the garment must cover the whole body. To this end, it is recommended to wear PPE covered by other standards in addition. We are mainly talking about additional protections for the head, hands and chest. Ideally, a matching jacket and trousers should be worn.