EN ISO 13688 (formerly EN 340) is the basic standard for protective clothing. It sets out the general requirements every protective garment must meet: harmlessness of the materials (for example pH value and no harmful azo dyes or chromium VI), ergonomics and wearing comfort, sizing and size designation, ageing, and clear labelling with information from the manufacturer. EN ISO 13688 does not provide protection against a specific risk on its own; it is always combined with a specific protection standard, such as EN ISO 11612, EN ISO 20471 or EN 343. Together with the CE marking under the European PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425, it shows that the garment is safe and suitable as personal protective equipment.
EN ISO 11612 applies to protective clothing against heat and flame for industrial workers (not for firefighters or welders). The clothing limits flame spread and protects against brief contact with various forms of heat. Performance is indicated by codes: A (limited flame spread, A1 and/or A2), B (convective heat, B1–B3), C (radiant heat, C1–C4), D (molten aluminium splash, D1–D3), E (molten iron splash, E1–E3) and F (contact heat, F1–F3). The higher the number, the higher the level of protection. Clothing must meet at least code A plus at least one heat code. Used in, among others, the petrochemical industry, metal industry, foundries and high-temperature maintenance work.
EN ISO 14116 covers materials and clothing with limited flame spread. This clothing is intended for situations with occasional, brief contact with small flames where no protection against heat is required. The result is expressed as an index from 1 to 3: at index 3 flame spread is most limited and the fabric self-extinguishes quickly; at index 1 a hole may form in the fabric. Index 1 clothing must therefore not be worn directly against the skin, only over clothing with index 2 or 3. The label also states after how many washes the property was tested. If you need protection against heat, choose clothing certified to EN ISO 11612.
EN 1149-5 sets the requirements for antistatic protective clothing. The clothing dissipates static electricity in a controlled way, so that no sparks occur that could ignite an explosive atmosphere, for example in ATEX zones in the (petro)chemical industry, offshore or at tank storage sites. To work properly, the clothing must be worn fully closed, cover all non-antistatic clothing underneath, and the wearer must be grounded, for example via antistatic or ESD safety footwear (resistance between body and earth below 10⁸ Ω). Never take off or open antistatic clothing in an explosive atmosphere. Please note: EN 1149-5 does not protect against electric shock or mains voltage.
EN 13034 applies to chemical protective clothing offering limited protection against liquid chemicals, also known as Type 6 (PB[6] for clothing that covers part of the body). The clothing protects against a light spray, small splashes and droplets of chemicals, with the fabric repelling the liquid and limiting penetration. This type is suitable for low-risk situations where the wearer has time to take off the clothing and wash after a splash. Think of cleaning, laboratories, maintenance and work in the chemical and petrochemical industry. For larger quantities of chemicals or liquids under pressure, a higher protection type is required.
EN 343 is the standard for clothing that protects against rain, snow, fog and ground moisture at temperatures down to -5 °C. Two properties are assessed: the waterproofness of fabric and seams, and breathability (water vapour resistance, Ret). Both are expressed as a class; the higher the class, the better the performance. In the current edition (EN 343:2019) both classes range from 1 to 4, in the older edition from 1 to 3. With a low breathability class, a maximum wearing time may apply. Waterproof workwear is essential for outdoor work, such as in construction, infrastructure, ports, logistics and offshore.
EN 14058 applies to garments such as jackets, bodywarmers, trousers and vests that protect against cool environments down to about -5 °C, indoors and outdoors. The most important value is thermal resistance (Rct), divided into classes 1 to 4: the higher the class, the better the insulation. Optionally, the following can also be stated: air permeability (class 1 to 3, class 3 being the most windproof), water penetration resistance (WP) and the insulation value of the complete garment (Icler). Properties that were not tested are marked with an X. Suitable for cold stores and freezer facilities, the food industry, construction and outdoor work. For real cold below -5 °C, EN 342 applies.
IEC 61482-2 is the standard for protective clothing against the thermal hazards of an electric arc: extreme heat, flames and spattering molten metal. This pictogram belongs to the previous edition of the standard (IEC 61482-2:2009). The clothing is tested in two ways. In the box test (IEC 61482-1-2), the clothing is classified as class 1 (4 kA) or class 2 (7 kA). In the open arc test (IEC 61482-1-1), the protection value is determined in cal/cm² as ATPV or EBT. The higher the value, the more energy the clothing can withstand. Used for work on or near electrical installations, such as at energy companies, grid operators and in industrial maintenance.
This pictogram belongs to the new edition of IEC 61482-2 (IEC 61482-2:2018, in Europe EN IEC 61482-2:2020) for clothing that protects against the thermal hazards of an electric arc. The familiar tests still apply: the box test with APC class 1 (4 kA) or class 2 (7 kA) and the open arc test with an ATPV or EBT value in cal/cm². New is the ELIM value (Incident Energy Limit): the energy level below which no second-degree burns are expected. This lets you match the clothing more precisely to the risk assessment of your workplace. Suitable for electrical engineers, grid operators, power plants and industrial maintenance.
EN ISO 11611 is the standard for protective clothing for welding and allied processes, such as cutting and grinding. The clothing protects against welding spatter (small droplets of molten metal), brief contact with flames and radiant heat, and provides limited electrical insulation in case of brief, accidental contact with live parts up to approx. 100 V DC. There are two classes: class 1 for less hazardous welding techniques with little spatter and radiant heat (for example TIG welding or soldering) and class 2 for more hazardous techniques with a lot of spatter (for example MAG welding, manual metal arc welding, plasma cutting, or welding overhead and in confined spaces). In addition, flame spread is indicated with A1 and/or A2.
EN ISO 20471 is the standard for high-visibility warning clothing for professional use. The clothing makes you stand out during the day thanks to fluorescent material (yellow, orange or red) and visible in headlights in the dark thanks to retroreflective stripes. There are three classes, based on the minimum area of visible material: class 1 (0.14 m² fluorescent and 0.10 m² reflective), class 2 (0.50 m² and 0.13 m²) and class 3 (0.80 m² and 0.20 m²), with class 3 offering the highest visibility. By combining, for example, a jacket and trousers, a higher class can be achieved. Used for road works, railways, logistics and ports.
EN 13758-2 is the standard for clothing that protects against harmful UV radiation from the sun. Clothing that meets this standard has a UV protection factor (UPF) of more than 40 and lets less than 5% of UVA radiation through. This is indicated by the ‘UPF 40+’ label. The standard also sets design requirements: clothing for the upper body must cover the torso, shoulders and a large part of the upper arms, and clothing for the lower body must extend to below the knee. Only covered skin is protected, and protection may decrease with wear, stretching or getting wet. Ideal for outdoor workers in construction, infrastructure, landscaping and offshore.
EN ISO 20345 is the European standard for safety footwear. Every safety shoe has a toecap that withstands an impact of 200 joules and a compression of 15 kN. The classification (2022 edition) indicates additional properties: SB (basic), S1 (closed heel, antistatic, energy-absorbing heel), S2 (S1 + water-resistant upper), S3 (S2 + perforation resistance and cleated outsole), S4 and S5 (rubber or polymer boots; S5 with perforation resistance and cleated outsole), and new: S6 and S7 (fully water-resistant). Perforation resistance is marked P, PL or PS. Basic slip resistance is mandatory; SR stands for additional slip resistance on a smooth surface with glycerine. On older models you may still see SRA, SRB or SRC (2011 edition).
EN 166 is the basic standard for personal eye protection, such as safety glasses, goggles and face shields. The marking on the frame and lens tells you what protection the product offers. The optical class (1, 2 or 3) indicates the lens quality; class 1 is suitable for prolonged use. Mechanical strength is marked S (increased robustness), F (low-energy impact, 45 m/s), B (medium energy, 120 m/s) or A (high energy, 190 m/s); T means tested at extreme temperatures. Fields of use include 3 (liquids), 4 (large dust particles), 5 (gas and fine dust), 8 (short-circuit electric arc) and 9 (molten metal). K stands for scratch resistance and N for anti-fog.
NFPA 2112 is an American standard for flame-resistant clothing that protects industrial workers against a flash fire: a sudden, short-lived burst of flame, for example from the ignition of gas, vapour or dust. The fabric is tested on, among other things, char length (maximum 100 mm) and afterflame (maximum 2 seconds), heat resistance without melting or dripping, and shrinkage. In addition, a complete coverall is tested on a mannequin fitted with sensors: after 3 seconds of flame exposure, predicted body burn must not exceed 50%. Certification is carried out by an independent body. This standard is often required in the oil and gas industry, petrochemicals and offshore, especially by American clients.
NFPA 70E is the American standard for electrical safety in the workplace. It describes safe work practices for work on or near electrical installations and the personal protective equipment required against shock and arc flash. Clothing must be ‘arc rated’, with an arc rating (ATPV or EBT in cal/cm²) at least equal to the calculated energy of a possible arc flash. NFPA 70E uses PPE categories: category 1 (minimum 4 cal/cm²), 2 (8 cal/cm²), 3 (25 cal/cm²) and 4 (40 cal/cm²). Clothing with this marking is suitable for electricians and maintenance technicians, especially on projects that follow American standards. The European counterpart for clothing is IEC 61482-2.
ASTM F2413-18 is the American standard for safety footwear with a protective toecap. Every shoe offers protection against impact (I/75) and compression (C/75). Additional properties may also be stated, such as EH (Electrical Hazard), Mt (metatarsal protection), PR (puncture resistance), SD (static dissipative) and Cd (conductive). Shoes with the EH marking are tested at 18,000 volts for one minute, with a maximum leakage current of 1.0 mA. They provide secondary protection against accidental contact with live parts, under dry conditions. Protection decreases in wet conditions or when the sole is worn or damaged. Suitable for electricians and technicians, especially on projects where American standards apply.
ASTM F3445-21 is the American standard for slip resistance of safety footwear. The complete shoe is tested using the ASTM F2913 method on a quarry tile floor, both dry and wet. In every test, both heel-forward and forefoot-backward, the coefficient of friction must be at least 0.40. Shoes that pass receive a permanent label stating ‘F3445-21’ and the marking SR (slip resistant). The test is carried out by an independent laboratory. Good slip resistance helps prevent slipping, one of the most common causes of accidents in the workplace, such as in hospitality, logistics, industry and maintenance.