EN ISO 11612 is the standard for protective clothing which protects against heat and flame. Users for these garments include those who work in oil & gas, welding & allied processes, mining, petroleum and many other industries.

There are a host of specific tests conducted as part of EN ISO 11612, including tests for: Flame Spread, Tensile Strength, Tear Resistance, and Heat Resistance.

Flame Spread Test:

A flame is held against the fabric for ten seconds. After it is removed the fabric should not continue to burn. There should be no hole formation, melting or molten debris.

Tensile Strength Test:

The fabric must be able to withstand a minimum force of 300 newtons while being stretched or grabbed.

Tear Resistance Test:

The fabric must be able to withstand a minimum force of 10 newtons before it will tear.

Heat Resistance Test:

The fabric is placed in an oven at 180oC and must not ignite melt or shrink within the first 5 minutes in order to comply with the standard.

This standard investigates the fabric and garment's ability to protect against the thermal effects of an electric arc. This can be done via two test methods: 1. IEC 61482-1-1 (Open Arc Test Method) and 2. IEC 61482-1-2 (Box Test Method).

What Is An Arc Flash:

An electric arc is an intense flash of electricity which can result in numerous injuries.

Garments can be layered to achieve a better Cal rating. For example, a thermal layer may achieve an Ebt of 4.3 Cal/cm2, and an outer coverall may achieve an ATPV of 13.6 Cal/cm2. However, the combination ATPV/Ebt ratings will be greater than the sum of the two single layers, as the air gap between the two layers affords the wearer additional protection.

IEC 61482-1-1 (Open Arc Test Method)

This test method aims to establish an ELIM (Incident Energy Limit) and an ATPV rating of a fabric and/or garment. These values, expresses as cal/cm², are the highest incident thermal energy to which the garment can be exposed without the wearer getting a second degree burn or the formation of holes in the fabric. The higher the cal rating of the garment or fabric, then the greater the protection for the wearer.

IEC 61482-1-2 (Box Test Method)

This test method aims to establish an APC1 or an APC2 rating of a fabric and/or garment (APC=Arc Protection Class). Test conditions for APC1 & APC2 try to simulate typical exposure conditions for a short circuit current of 4kA and 7kA respectively.

A single layer garment in most cases will pass APC1. For APC2, a thicker fabric or multi layer system is required.

Garments must be laundered according to the manufacturer's instructions; incorrect laundering of flame resistant garments can seriously affect their performance and fit.

The flame resistant finish is retained for the normal life cycle of the garment provided that the care instructions are adhered to.

• If dirty stains are difficult to remove, they can be treated before washing with a liquid detergent applied directly to stains and lightly rubbed.
• Never use chlorine bleach or washing detergents containing bleach as these will reduce the flame resistance properties of the fabric.
• Fabric softeners, starches and other laundry additives are not recommended as they can mask the flame resistance performance and may also act as a fuel in case of combustion.

• Always wash contaminated workwear separately
• Always follow the washing temperature on the garment label.
• Always wash and dry garments inside out to minimize surface abrasion and help maintain the surface appearance of the fabric.
• Zips and Velcro fastenings should be closed during washing.
• To ensure a cleaner wash, avoid overloading the machine so the garments can move freely through the wash and rinse cycles.

• Tumble drying is not usually recommended as the temperature used is often too high and can cause garment shrinkage
• It is vital that cotton or cotton mix garments are not over dried as over drying has been determined to be the main cause of excessive garment shrinkage.
• Do not hang in direct sunlight as this can cause fading