Heat, Flame and Welding Protective Clothing (EN ISO 11612, 11611, 14116)

Each letter shows a test the garment has passed, and the number after it shows the level, with a higher number meaning better performance. A is limited flame spread, tested with the flame on the fabric surface (A1) or on the edge (A2). B is convective heat (B1 to B3), C radiant heat (C1 to C4), D molten aluminium splash (D1 to D3), E molten iron splash (E1 to E3) and F contact heat (F1 to F3). Every garment must pass A1 or A2 and at least one of B to F.

Your risk assessment should set them. As a general guide, D or E matters where molten aluminium or molten iron could splash, such as foundry work, C matters near furnaces and other sources of radiant heat, and F matters where you may touch hot surfaces. Check the full code on the label, as two garments that both meet EN ISO 11612 can have very different ratings.

EN ISO 14116 covers limited flame spread only. Index 1 material doesn't spread flame but may form a hole, so it must be worn over an Index 2 or Index 3 garment and never next to the skin. Index 2 adds no hole formation, and Index 3 adds a limit of 2 seconds on afterflame. It doesn't test protection against heat, so where heat is a risk you need EN ISO 11612 clothing.

EN ISO 11611 covers clothing for welding and allied processes. Class 1 is for less hazardous welding with lower levels of spatter and radiant heat. Class 2 is for more hazardous work, such as welding in confined spaces or overhead.

Inherent FR fabrics are made from fibres such as aramids or modacrylic, where the flame resistance is part of the fibre, so it can't be washed out. Treated FR fabrics, often cotton or cotton blends, have a flame-retardant finish applied, and the maker states how many washes the protection has been tested to. Both can meet the same standards, so check the certification rather than the fibre alone.

Follow the care label and the maker's instructions. As general guidance, don't use fabric softener, starch or bleach, as they can coat the fibres or damage the finish and reduce protection. Remove oil and grease thoroughly, as they can burn. Keep count of washes if the maker gives a limit, and replace garments that are worn through, torn or heavily contaminated.

Product pages show the standards the maker gives, and the label and the maker's datasheet show the full code letters, index or class, plus any wash limits. If you'd like help choosing, email sales@theworkwearco.com with the task and the protection your risk assessment calls for.