What is EN 1162:1997+A1:2015?

EN 1162:1997+A1:2015 is a technical standard that specifies the requirements and testing methods for protective clothing against heat and flames. It provides guidelines for the design, material selection, construction, and performance of flame-resistant garments.

History and Scope

The standard was first published in 1997 by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and underwent an amendment in 2015 to incorporate any necessary changes and updates. EN 1162:1997+A1:2015 is applicable to all types of flame-resistant clothing used in various industries where there is a risk of exposure to heat and flames.

The scope of EN 1162:1997+A1:2015 covers both primary protective clothing, which is intended to be worn alone, and secondary protective clothing, which is worn over primary clothing to provide additional protection. It also considers garments with or without built-in firefighting equipment.

Requirements and Testing Methods

The standard specifies specific requirements for the performance of flame-resistant clothing, including but not limited to:

The ability of the clothing to reduce the risk of injury from heat and flames

The thermal conductivity and resistance of the fabric

The durability and strength of seams and fastenings

Compatibility with other personal protective equipment (PPE)

Instructions for use and maintenance

Colorfastness and visibility requirements

To ensure compliance with EN 1162:1997+A1:2015, various testing methods are employed, such as measuring the thermal exposure, evaluating the fabric's behavior under heat and flame exposure, and assessing the garment's mechanical properties.

Benefits and Importance

EN 1162:1997+A1:2015 plays a crucial role in protecting workers who are exposed to heat and flames in their job environment. Compliance with this standard ensures that flame-resistant clothing provides a certain level of protection and meets specific criteria for performance, durability, and safety.

Wearing garments that conform to EN 1162:1997+A1:2015 can reduce the risk of burn injuries, protect against the spread of flames, and minimize the potential for ignition. It helps employers fulfill their duty of care to provide a safe working environment by selecting appropriate protective clothing for their employees.

In summary, EN 1162:1997+A1:2015 is an essential technical standard that sets requirements for flame-resistant clothing and contributes to the overall safety of workers facing potential heat and flame hazards.