In work environments where there is the risk of clothing coming into contact with heat and flame, FR workwear must be worn in accordance with EN ISO 11612: 2015 (Protective Clothing Against Heat and Flame). In addition to protecting the wearer from contact, radiant or convective heat, it also covers clothing that needs to protect against splashes of molten metal.

This standard stipulates that the garment must give full coverage from the neck right down to the ankles. This means that t-shirts, shorts, and similar garments cannot meet the EN 11612 standard for FR workwear. The wearer may wear garments certified to EN 14116 underneath those certified to the EN 11612 standard, however, these do not offer sufficient protection on their own. 

When garments are tested to assess their performance, should they come into contact with heat/flames, this test must also apply to any logos, seams, closures, or other features, in addition to the main fabric of the workwear. Note that headwear is not generally covered by EN 16612, the exception being certified hoods. Likewise, footwear is not covered by this standard, with the exception of gaiters and overboots.

What standards must the fabric used in FR clothing meet?

Under EN standard 11612, the fabric used in FR garments must be able to maintain its heat resistance and mechanical strength at a temperature of 180°C, and it must not melt or ignite, nor should it shrink by more than 5%.

What do the letter codes mean in terms of FR clothing?

FR garments produced to the EN ISO 11612 standard will also be categorised with a letter code, in the series A-F, indicating the test procedures to which they have been subjected. These are:

1. Limited flame spread
2. Protection against convective heat
3. Protection against radiant heat
4. Protection against molten aluminium splash
5. Protection against molten iron splash:
6. Protection against contact heat

What does the term ‘Limited flame spread’ mean in relation to FR workwear?

When conducting a limited flame spread test of FR garments, a flame is applied to a fabric sample for 10 seconds. The after flame, smoulder times, and hole formation must be within the tolerances of this standard in order for the limited flame spread test to be passed. The test consists of two parts: A1 surface ignition and A2 edge ignition.

An example of Portwest FR suits.

At M.A. Healy & Sons, we are authorised distributors for FR workwear from a range of trusted manufacturers, including Snickers Workwear, Portwest, SIOEN and Blaklader. If you are trying to assess the best FR protective clothing for your business, contact our team today on 0402 32116 (Arklow) or 021 484 1370 (Cork). You are also welcome to visit our showrooms in either location where you can chat with our experts.