Protective clothing – Protection against heat and flame – Limited flame spread materials, material assemblies and clothing
EN ISO 14116: 2015
(EN ISO 14116: 2015 2008 supersedes EN 533:1997)
This international standard specifies the performance requirements for the limited flame spread properties of materials and protective clothing. This means that, if the material comes into contact with a flame, it will only continue to burn for a limited amount of time. After removal from the flame, the material will stop burning
The standard is not applicable for fire fighters (EN 469) and welders (EN 470 – EN ISO 11611).
Although the title of EN ISO 14116 does not exclude “firefighters’ and welders’ clothing”, its scope says that it is “not applicable to protective clothing that is specified by other international Standards such as for firefighting in structures and for use in welding and allied processes”. Ambiguous overlapping with other standards is reduced if scopes are written in this way.
The aim is to reduce the possibility of the clothing burning and thereby itself constituting a hazard. The protective clothing is intended to protect workers against occasional brief contact with small flames. The working circumstances offer no significant heat hazard and there is no presence of another type of heat.
The contents of this standard
For fabrics, this standard only has a flame spread test.
The test results are given as the index values specified below.
The number of washes and the washing method used to achieve the given index value are also given under the pictogram. For example, “25H” means 25 household washes (this also be “I” industrial or “C” chemical cleaning). The “60” represents the laboratory washing temperature.
This standard also specifies requirements for the seam strength and flame retardancy along the seams
Interpretation of the different Indices
Index 3: Under the flame test EN 15025, a flame is applied to fabric samples (one new and one after the max. number of washes) for 10 seconds. Index 3 means that the material provides the best possible protection against flame spread. The after flame and smoldering times are max. 2 seconds, no holes or molten droplets of material may be formed. This classification also corresponds with both EN ISO1611 &11612 A1.
Index 2: For index 2, under the same test, the fabric must stop burning before the edge of the sample is reached, but no max. after flame time is specified. The other requirements are the same as Index 3.
Index 1: For index 1, under the same test, hole formation is also permissible. Index 1 materials may not be worn on the skin.
The design requirements set in this standard for clothing:
When protection against heat hazards is necessary in addition to protection against limited spread flammability, then standards, such as EN ISO11612(Clothing to protect against heat and flame), are more appropriate. All assemblies and materials used in a single layer garment claiming compliance with this standard achieve a limited flame spread index of 1, 2 or 3 when tested in accordance with ISO 15025. If protective clothing contains index 1 materials, these materials shall not be worn next to the skin.
Features
If the index is 1 (lowest level) the garment can only be used outside a garment with index 2 or 3.
Requirements for limited flame spread index 1
To meet limited flame spread index 1, the material must give off no flaming debris. There must be no afterglow spreading from the carbonized area to the undamaged area once exposure to flame ceases. Most importantly, no spreading of the flame occurs. With limited flame spread index 1 classification, it is possible for a hole to form.
Requirements for limited flame spread index 2
To meet limited flame spread index 1, the material can give off no flaming debris. There must be no afterglow spreading from the carbonized area to the undamaged area once exposure to flame ceases. There is zero hole formation in the material and zero spreading of flame across the material.
Requirements for limited flame spread index 3
With limited flame spread index 3 there is no spreading of the flame across the material. No notable afterglow occurs and no flaming debris are present. Additional, zero hole formation occurs and any after-flame must be less than 2 seconds.
Extract From Standard
Scope:
The standard specifies 3 areas:
Ad 1) Performance requirements for woven fabrics (after pretreatment*)
| TEST | METHOD | REQUIREMENT |
| Heat and flame requirements | ||
| Limited flame spread (code A)
A1: surface ignition |
ISO 15025 | Index 1
· No flaming or hole formation to top or side edge. · No flaming debris · No afterglow from carbonize area to undamaged area Index 2 · No flaming to top or side edge · No flaming debris · No afterglow from carbonize area to undamaged area N No hole formation Index 3 · No flaming to top or side edge · No flaming debris · No afterglow from carbonize area to undamaged area · No hole formation · Maximum 2 seconds after-flame |
* Pretreatment:
The limited flame spread in EN ISO 14116 is also carried out after the maximum amount of cleaning cycles, set by the manufacturer based on standardized cleaning standards.
Cleaning methods:
ISO 6330 Domestic laundry
ISO 15797 Industrial laundry
ISO 3175-1 Dry cleaning
EN ISO 11612:2015 Protective clothing against heat and flame
(EN ISO 11612: 2015 Supersedes EN 531:1995)
This international standard specifies the performance requirements for garments which protect the body from heat and flame (except the hands).
The standard is not applicable for fire fighters (EN 469) and welders (EN 470 – EN ISO 11611).
Although the title of EN ISO 11612 does not exclude “firefighters’ and welders’ clothing”, its scope says that it is “not applicable to protective clothing that is specified by other international Standards such as for firefighting in structures and for use in welding and allied processes”. Ambiguous overlapping with other standards is reduced if scopes are written in this way.
Anyone who works in a high fire or flame risk situation will need specialist clothing to keep them as safe as possible. So what do they need to look for?
All protective clothing needs to conform to certain safety standards to protect these workers against a short flame contact and at least one type of heat (convective heat, radiant heat, contact heat, molten metal splashes).
Until recently the safety 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 11612 not only tests the fabric used to produce the clothing, it also tests the whole fireproof garment. This is to stop an influx of sub-standard flameproof protective clothing flooding the market.
This will ensure that the wearer will have greater confidence that the specialist flameproof garment that he or she is wearing offers proper protection. Previously, there was a real danger that some manufacturers were simply buying fabric that came up to EN 531 standards, but then making cheap clothing, by using non fireproof thread, fasteners and zips etc. This meant they were actually meeting the standards set, but the garment as a whole was not tested – just the fabric. The EN ISO 11612 will ensure the whole garment is up to scratch.
Flame spread for EN ISO 11612 is tested both before and after laundry. The old standard used to test only the flame spread after 5 cycles, but with the new standard EN ISO 11612 all of the tests are made after 5 laundry cycles. The new standard also tests clothing after every complete wash and dry – so for example after 100 washes, it will go through 100 dry cycles
The new standard is now targeted at finished garments. This means that the fabric, the design specifications and the garment features, such as seams, all have to comply. EN ISO 11612 also now includes F Code for contact heat. This was not included in the old standard. There are many companies selling safety and fire or flame retardant clothing, but to be confident in the product you need to make sure it always conforms to the new standard – EN ISO 11612
Description
The standard increases the safety of persons risking contact with heat or flame. It specifies minimum performance requirement for protective clothing which could be worn for a wide range of end-uses, where there is a need for clothing with limited flame spread properties and where the user can be exposed to radiant heat or convective heat or to molten metal splashes.
Protective garments that comply with this standard meet the requirements of heat resistance and limited flame spread (code letter A1 and/or A2).
The following parameters are used:
Features
A: Limited flame spread (A1 and/or A2)
B: Convective heat (level 1 to 3)
C: Radiant heat (level 1 to 4)
D: Molten aluminium splash (level 1 to 3)
E: Molten iron splash (level 1 to 3)
F: Contact heat (level 1 to 3)
Extract from Standard EN ISO 11612 – Protective clothing to protect against heat and flame
Scope: This International Standard specifies performance requirements for garments made from flexible materials, which are designed to protect the wearer’s body, except the hands, from heat and /or flame. For protection of the wearer’s head and feet, the only items of protective clothing falling within the scope of this International Standard are gaiters, hoods and overboots.
Remarks:
However, concerning hoods, requirements for visors and respiratory equipment are not given. The performance requirements set out in this International Standard are applicable to garments which could be worn for a wide range of end uses, where there is a need for clothing with limited flame spread properties and where the user can be exposed to radiant or convective or contact heat or to molten metal splashes.
Scope:
The standard specifies 3 areas
Performance requirements for woven fabrics (after pre-treatment*)
| Test | Method | Requirement |
| Physical requirements | ||
| Dimensional change due to cleaning.(for Knitted fabrics) | ISO 5077
ISO 5077 |
max 3%
max 5% |
| Tensile strength | ISO 13934-1 | 300 N |
| Tear strength | ISO 13937-2 | 15 N |
| Innocuousness (tested in new state)
pH value Cr (VI) content |
ISO 3071 ISO 17075 |
>3.5 – < 9.5 Less than detection limit |
| Heat and flame requirements | ||
| Limited flame spread (Code A)
A1: surface ignition A2: edge ignition |
ISO 15025 |
· No flaming to the top or edge.
· No hole formation. · No flaming or molten debris. · Mean after flame time max 2 seconds. · Mean afterglow time max 2 seconds. |
| Convective heat (Code B) | ISO 9151 | B1 B2 B3 |
| Radiant heat (Code C) | ISO 6942 B | C1 C2 C3 C4 |
| Molten aluminium splash (Code D) | ISO 9185 | D1 D2 D3 |
| Molten iron splash (Code E) | ISO 9185 | E1 E2 E3 |
| Contact heat (Code F) | ISO 12127 at 250 °C | F1 F2 F3 |
| Optional tests | ||
| Resistance to water penetration (Code W) | According to EN 343 | |
| Protection against effects of electric arc | According to EN IEC 61482-1-2 | |
| Prediction of injury by burns | ISO 13506 (full garment test) |
* Pre-treatment:
All tests, with the exception of innocuousness, in EN ISO 11612 are carried out after a cleaning pre-treatment. The amount of cleaning cycles and cleaning method is set by the manufacturer based on standardized cleaning standards. The limited flame spread (letter code A) is also carried out after the maximum amount of cleaning cycles, set by the manufacturer based on standardized cleaning standards.
Cleaning methods: ISO 6330 Domestic laundry: ISO 15797 Industrial laundry: ISO 3175-1 Dry cleaning
Clothing Design Requirements
4.1 General
General requirements which are not specifically covered in this International Standard shall be in accordance with ISO 13688
(ISO 13688 – This International Standard specifies general requirements and recommendations for ergonomics, ageing, sizing and marking of protective clothing and for information supplied by the manufacturer).
Where more than one garment is needed to meet the requirements of this International Standard, each garment shall be labeled to ensure that the correct combination is used.
4.2.1 Sizes – General
Garment sizes shall be in accordance with the general requirements of ISO 13688.
4.2.2 Suits
Heat and flame protective suits shall completely cover the upper and lower torso, neck, arms and legs. Suits shall consist of:
⎯ a single garment, e.g. an overall or boilersuit or
⎯ a two-piece garment, consisting of a jacket and a pair of trousers. Jackets shall be of sufficient length to overlap by a minimum of 20 cm with the top of the trousers. This minimum overlap shall be maintained in all positions and in movements expected during use.
Conformity shall be checked by visual inspection, including an assessment of fit and practical testing, such as physical measurement of the overlap in all positions and movements normally encountered during use, when a suit of appropriate size is donned by a wearer.
4.2.3 Additional protective clothing
Heat and flame protective garments other than suits in accordance with 4.2.2 may be designed to provide protection for specific parts of the body, e.g. neck curtain, hoods, sleeves, apron and gaiters. They are typically designed to be worn in addition to a suit in accordance with 4.2.2.
Performance testing of partial protective garments shall be carried out on complete clothing assemblies. Additional protective clothing such as hoods, sleeves, apron and gaiters shall cover the intended areas if worn with a suit of appropriate size and shall also meet the requirements of this International Standard.
Conformity shall be checked by visual inspection including an assessment of fit and physical measuring when the appropriate size of a complete clothing assembly is donned by a wearer.
4.3 Pockets
Where garments are constructed with pockets, the pockets shall be made of material(s) conforming to 6.3.
4.4 Hardware
Hardware penetrating the outer material of a heat and flame protective garment or garment assembly shall not be exposed to the innermost surface of the garment or the garment assembly. (Here this is referring to metal fastenings such as Zips, and press stud fasteners)
Conformity shall be checked by visual inspection.
4.5 Additional design requirements for molten splash protective garments
Garments that are designed to protect against the risk of exposure to molten metal splash by meeting the performance requirements designated by code letters D and E, shall have the following additional design features.
Conformity to a), b), d) and e) shall be checked by visual inspection; conformity to c) by visual inspection and physical measurement.
Further guidance on design of clothing to protect against these risks. (Annex B to the Standard)
B.1 The requirements for the design of heat and flame protective clothing in accordance with this
International Standard are given in Clause 4. This annex contains some additional considerations, some of which are relevant when combining the heat and flame protective clothing according to this International
Standard with other protective items such as gloves, footwear, visors, etc.
B.2 The specific requirements of 4.5, for garments designed to protect against the risk of exposure to molten metal, should also be considered for all garments designed to protect against heat and flame.
B.3 If gloves are worn, there should be an overlap between the sleeves and the gloves and this overlap should be retained while the user is working in such a way that trapping points and entry of heat, flame or hot material is avoided.
B.4 Trouser bottoms should overlap the top of the footwear and this overlap should be maintained whilst walking and crawling.
B.5 All openings in garments should be designed in such a way that it is possible to close them in order to prevent entry of heat, flame or hot material. Front openings should be capable of being closed their entire length by appropriate overlapping.
B.6 Quick-release fastenings should be provided to enable rapid removal of the garments in the event of an emergency.
B.7 Pleats in the exterior surface of the garment can act as trapping points for hot/molten materials. If pleats are present in the garment, the bottoms of the pleats should incorporate a means whereby entrapment of molten metal can be prevented, for example by incorporating diagonal stitches or some other feature.
B.8 If the clothing covered by this International Standard is provided with a hood, the hood should be designed in such a way that it remains in position and the integrity of joints or interfaces is maintained when the wearer adopts a full range of body movements and positions. Where the hood is provided with a visor, the hood including the visor should be examined to determine whether the sensory perception (sight and hearing) is reduced to a point that would endanger the user.