What is EN ISO 11612:2015?

EN ISO 11612:2015 is a standard developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and is part of the EN ISO 11612 series. This standard specifies the performance requirements for protective clothing made from flexible materials, which are designed to protect the wearer against heat and flame.

Main Requirements of EN ISO 11612:2015

EN ISO 11612:2015 covers various aspects of protective clothing, including heat resistance, flame spread, heat transfer, and molten metal splashes. The standard provides specific testing methods and performance levels for each requirement, ensuring that the garments meet the necessary safety standards.

Key Testing Methods and Performance Levels

One of the key testing methods used in EN ISO 11612:2015 is the flame spread test. In this test, a vertical specimen is exposed to a gas burner and the flame spread is measured. The standard specifies different performance levels based on the time it takes for the flame to spread. This helps categorize the protective clothing into different classes, indicating the level of protection they provide.

Another important aspect covered by the standard is resistance to convective and radiant heat. This is evaluated through thermal manikin testing, where a thermal manikin wearing the protective clothing is exposed to a heat source. The heat transmission through the fabric is measured, and the garment's performance is classified accordingly.

Benefits of EN ISO 11612:2015

The implementation of EN ISO 11612:2015 provides several benefits. Firstly, it ensures that workers who are exposed to heat and flame hazards have reliable protection. The standard sets minimum performance requirements that must be met by the protective clothing, guaranteeing a certain level of safety.

Additionally, the standard promotes consistency and harmonization across the industry. By having a unified set of testing methods and performance levels, manufacturers can produce garments that meet the same standards regardless of their location. This facilitates international trade and promotes trust in the quality of the protective clothing.