The garment is classified for the protection ability against different levels of welding technology, which cause more or less spatter and radiant heat.

Specifies two Classes

• Class 1 ProtectionSpecifies two Classes
• Class 2 Protectionagainst less hazardous welding techniques & situations, causing lower levels of splatter and radiant heat.(≥ 15 drops)

Protective garments that comply with this International Standard shall meet the following parameters:

• Code A1 – Limited flame spread to outer surface
• Code A2– Limited flame spread to edge
• Code B – Convective heat (Levels B1, B2, & B3)
• Code C – Radiant heat (Levels C1, C2, C3, & C4)
• Code D – Molten aluminium splash (D1, D2, & D3)
• Code E – Molten iron splash (E1, E2 & E3)
• Code F – Contact heat (F1, F2 & F3)

Protective clothing according to EN ISO 14116 may consist of severalseparate garments, or a single garment with one or more layers. All assemblies claiming compliance with this standard shall achieve a limited flame spread index of 1, 2 or 3 when tested in accordance with ISO 15025.

Limited flame spread index

• Index 1 (flame spread, flaming debris and afterglow properties)
• Index 2 (as index 1 and included hole formation properties)
• Index 3 ( as index 2 and included after flame properties)

The selection and use of high-visibility clothing should be based on a risk assessment of the conditions in which the wearer of the high-visibility clothing will be working.

A = Class according to visible materials minimum area (maximum 3)

B = The reflective material\'s reflection ability (maximum 2)

Protective clothing certified according to EN 1149-5 provides the wearer with electrostatic dissipative clothing with reduced risk of sparking. The garment should be used as part of a total earthed system to avoid combustible discharges.

EN 14360:2004 creates a basis on which the waterproofness of rain-protective clothing can be tested throughout the EU under appropriate practical conditions.

Impermeability to rain is an important characteristic that is tested on the complete garment in order to test, in particular, its constructional design characteristics. To do so, a stationary test mannequin is exposed to artificial rain. EN 14360 applies to the testing of jackets, trousers, coats and one or two piece suits.

Protective clothing certified according to EN 61482-1-2 protects the wearer against the hazards of an electric arc. (Box Test)

The garment is classified as follows (using a low voltage test procedure)

This standard specifies the minimum requirements for limited use and re-useable limited performance chemical protective clothing.

Limited performance chemical protective clothing is intended for use in cases of a potential exposure to a light spray, liquid aerosols or low pressure, low volume splashes, against which a complete liquid permeation barrier (at the molecular level) is not required.

Chemical protective suits (Type 6) cover and protect at least the trunk and the limbs, e.g. one-piece coveralls or two piece suits, with or without hood, boot-socks or boot-covers

This standard addresses electrical safety related work practices for employee workplaces & includes guidance for selecting the appropriate Arc Flash PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for the employees.

One of the following methods shall be used for the selection of PPE.

• Incident Energy Analysis - Determine the potential incident energy exposure of the worker in cal/cm². Based on this analysis, the worker must wear PPE with an Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV - measured in cal/cm²), or EBT greater than the potential exposure level.
• PPE Categories (CAT) - Select from table of common electrical job tasks and determine a PPE category for each task. The table lists the four PPE categories, corresponding required minimum arc rating of flame-resistant clothing

Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace

Standard performance specification for flame resistant & arc rated textile materials for wearing apparel for use by electrical workers exposed to momentary electric arc and related thermal hazards.

These materials must meet the following performance requirements:

• The fabric must not melt, drip, or have more than 2.0 seconds after flame or 6.0 inches char Length when tested as received and after 25 launderings or dry cleanings. Testing for flame resistance is in accordance with ASTM Test Method D6413.
• The fabric may not have more than 5.0 seconds After flame time when tested as received in accordance with ASTM Test Method F1959. The arc rating is reported as either: arc rating ATPV or arc rating EBT (if the ATPV cannot be calculated because of fabric break open). The arc rating is reported as guidance on the performance of the fabric in arc exposure testing. There is no minimum required value for arc rating.

Standard on Flame Resistant Garments for the protection of Industrial Personnel Against Flash Fire.

The standard provides a minimum performance specification & certifications that Fabric & garments must achieve in order to be considered flame resistant.

• In order for these standards to be met, a comprehensive battery of thermal tests must be passed.
• Testing by an accredited laboratory to meet certification
• Must be by a third party to the manufacturer or vendor without a monetary interest in the product’s profitability.

NFPA 2112 - Thermal Tests

Specifies two Classes

• ASTM D6413 – Vertical Flammability test: Fabric must not have more than a maximum of two seconds after flame and a 4-inch char length.
• ASTM F2700 – Heat Transfer Performance (HTP) test: Fabric must have a minimum HTP of 6 cal/cm2 with a spacer and 3 cal/cm2 when in contact with the heat source.
• Thermal Stability test: Fabric must not melt or drip, separate or ignite after five minutes in an oven at 260° C (500 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Thermal Shrinkage test: Fabric must not shrink more than 10 percent after five minutes in an oven at 260° C (500 degrees Fahrenheit).
• ASTM F1930-11 – Thermal Mannequin test: Fabric must not have more than a maximum of 50-percent predicted body burn after a three-second thermal exposure.

Standard on Selection, Care, Use and Maintenance of Flame Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Flash Fire.

• Serves as a user guide for Industrial Flame Resistant Clothing & provides guidance for FR garment selection, care, use, & maintenance
• This standard will require that garments be certified to NFPA 2112
• Is mostly for end users of FR Garments
• Requires that a hazard analysis be performed for the industrial work place.
• Provides common sense protocol for issues like:
  1. Selecting FR garments
  2. Coverage
  3. Cleaning & Care/Maintenance
  4. Properly using FR garment

Standard for the Flammability of Clothing Textiles (not related to Flame resistant clothing textiles) but only for normal work apparel & everyday clothing fabrics

Establishes three classes of flammability. The classes are based on measurement of burn time, along with visual observations of flame intensity.

The classes are:
Class 1 or normal flammability
Class 2 or intermediate flammability
Class 3 or rapid and intense burning

Note: Only Class 1 & 2 rated fabrics are used for all wearing apparel in the US.

OSHA Regulation/Clothing for employees exposed to the hazards of flames or electric arcs

• The employer shall ensure that each employee who is exposed to the hazards of flames or electric arcs does not wear clothing that, when exposed to flames or electric arcs, could increase the extent of injury that would be sustained by the employee.
• NOTE: Clothing made from the following types of fabrics, either alone or in blends, is prohibited by this paragraph, unless the employer can demonstrate that the fabric has been treated to withstand the conditions that may be encountered or that the clothing is worn in such a manner as to eliminate the hazard involved: acetate, nylon, polyester, rayon.

OSHA Regulation / US general requirement for employers to assess hazards in the workplace and provide appropriate PPE

• Protective equipment, including PPE for eyes, face, head, & extremities, protective clothing, respiratory devices, & protective shields & barriers, shall be provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary & reliable condition wherever it is necessary
• by reason of hazards of processes or environment, chemical hazards, radiological hazards, or mechanical irritants encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body through absorption, inhalation or physical contact.