Flame-Resistant Workwear – How to Choose the Right Protection

In this guide, we explain what flame-resistant workwear means, when it is needed and which standards and features should be considered when choosing protective workwear.

What Does Flame-Resistant Workwear Mean?

Flame-resistant workwear is designed to reduce the effects of heat and flames on the wearer. The materials and construction of the garment are tested to provide protection against specific hazards under defined test conditions.

It is important to understand that flame-resistant does not mean completely fireproof. Protective clothing does not eliminate the hazard itself. Instead, it is designed to reduce the level of exposure and provide additional protection in hazardous situations.

The level of protection always depends on the intended use of the garment and the standards it has been tested against.

When Is Flame-Resistant Workwear Needed?

The need for flame-resistant workwear should always be based on a workplace risk assessment. It may be required in jobs where workers can be exposed to:

• open flames
• high temperatures
• welding and welding splashes
• molten metal
• radiant heat
• electric arc hazards
• electrostatic risks
• flammable liquids or gases
• other heat- and fire-related hazards.

Typical industries and applications include welding and metalworking, energy production, electrical work, industrial maintenance and various process and production environments.

However, the industry alone does not determine the correct workwear. Different tasks within the same company can involve very different risks and therefore require different levels of protection.

Which Standards Apply to Flame-Resistant Workwear?

Several standards can apply to flame-resistant protective clothing. Standards indicate which protective properties have been tested and what type of work the garment is intended for.

EN ISO 11612 – Protection Against Heat and Flame

EN ISO 11612 is one of the key standards for protective clothing designed to protect against heat and flame.

Depending on the garment, testing may cover protection against:

• limited flame spread
• convective heat
• radiant heat
• contact heat
• molten metal splashes.

Not all EN ISO 11612 garments provide the same level of protection. The markings and certification information of the specific garment should always be checked to determine which protective properties it provides.

EN ISO 11611 – Protective Clothing for Welding

EN ISO 11611 applies to protective clothing used for welding and related processes.

The standard is designed to address hazards such as:

• welding splashes
• short-term contact with flames
• radiant heat
• heat-related hazards generated during welding.

The construction of the garment is also important. Features such as pockets, closures and openings should be suitable for the intended work environment.

EN 1149 – Electrostatic Properties

In some work environments, controlling electrostatic discharge is important. The EN 1149 series covers testing related to the electrostatic properties of protective clothing.

Antistatic properties may be required in environments where static electricity could create a hazard or interfere with the work process.

It is important to remember that antistatic clothing does not by itself provide protection against all electrical hazards. The required protection must always be determined through a workplace risk assessment.

IEC 61482 – Protection Against Thermal Hazards of an Electric Arc

Electrical work can involve the risk of an electric arc. Clothing tested according to IEC 61482 is designed to protect the wearer against the thermal effects of an electric arc under defined test conditions.

Arc-flash protection should always be considered as part of a complete PPE system. Workwear alone is not sufficient to protect against every hazard associated with electrical work.

Inherently Flame-Resistant or Treated Material?

Flame-resistant workwear can be manufactured using different types of materials and flame-resistant technologies.

Inherently flame-resistant materials have their protective properties built into the fibres or material structure. The flame-resistant performance is therefore not dependent solely on a treatment applied to the surface.

Treated materials achieve their flame-resistant properties through a specific treatment applied to the material.

The two approaches can differ in areas such as durability, wash resistance, comfort and cost. The best choice should therefore be based on the working environment, frequency of use, maintenance requirements and required protection rather than purchase price alone.

Flame-Resistant Workwear Is Only One Part of PPE

One common mistake is to look at protective workwear as an individual product rather than as part of a complete protection system.

Depending on the work, flame-resistant workwear may need to be combined with:

• safety footwear
• protective gloves
• eye and face protection
• hearing protection
• respiratory protection
• head protection
• other task-specific PPE.

The clothing worn underneath the protective garment should also be considered. Base layers and other garments should be suitable for the hazards involved and should not create additional risks during heat or flame exposure.

How Should You Choose Flame-Resistant Workwear?

The selection process should always begin with the actual work tasks and risks.

A practical approach is to consider the following:

1. What does the worker do?

Is the work related to welding, electrical installation, maintenance, metalworking or process industry?

2. What hazards are present?

Could the worker be exposed to flames, heat, welding splashes, molten metal, electric arc hazards or electrostatic discharge?

3. Which standards are required?

The identified risks determine which protective properties and standards are needed from the workwear.

4. How frequently will the garment be used?

If the garment is worn and washed frequently, durability, wash resistance, comfort and ease of maintenance become increasingly important.

5. Are additional protective properties needed?

In addition to flame resistance, the garment may need to provide high visibility, chemical protection, antistatic properties or protection against electric arc hazards.

Why Do Fit and Comfort Matter?

Protective clothing works best when it is worn correctly and consistently.

If a garment is too hot, restrictive, uncomfortable or unsuitable for the task, employees may be less likely to use it correctly. This can undermine the intended protection.

When selecting workwear, it is therefore worth considering:

• fit
• freedom of movement
• breathability
• material comfort
• pocket and closure design
• correct sizing
• compatibility with other PPE.

For companies, fitting workwear to employees is an important part of a successful workwear procurement process.

How Should Flame-Resistant Workwear Be Maintained?

The protective properties of flame-resistant workwear depend on its materials and construction. Manufacturer care instructions should therefore always be followed.

In particular:

• follow the manufacturer's washing instructions
• use only recommended washing methods
• avoid detergents or treatments that are not suitable for the garment
• inspect garments regularly for damage and wear
• replace damaged or excessively worn protective clothing when necessary.

This is particularly important with treated flame-resistant materials, where incorrect washing or maintenance can affect the garment's protective properties.

Flame-Resistant Workwear for Companies – What Should You Consider?

When purchasing workwear for a company, it is useful to look beyond the price of an individual garment and consider the entire workwear solution.

Important factors can include:

• protection requirements for different tasks
• required standards
• employee sizes and garment models
• washing and maintenance
• expected service life
• availability and stock management
• company branding
• workwear for new employees
• long-term product availability.

A well-planned workwear solution can make everyday workwear management easier. Once suitable products, sizes and protection requirements have been defined, providing workwear for new employees becomes faster and more straightforward.

Saarenpää Oy Helps Companies Choose the Right Workwear

Choosing flame-resistant workwear should always start with the job and the risks involved. The right product is not necessarily the garment with the most features, but the one whose protective properties match the actual requirements of the work.

At Saarenpää Oy, our corporate workwear sales service helps companies assess their workwear needs and find suitable solutions for different tasks and working environments. Our selection includes workwear, PPE and other professional products from several well-known manufacturers.

We serve companies in Southern Ostrobothnia and provide workwear expertise in the Lapua, Alajärvi and Seinäjoki areas.

When it is time to update your company's workwear, start with the requirements of the job – not just with an individual product.

Don't hesitate to contact

Wilma Saarenpää
Workwear Sales Representative
+358 40 355 3592
wilma.saarenpaa@saarenpaaoy.fi

Frequently Asked Questions About Flame-Resistant Workwear

Is flame-resistant workwear fireproof?
No. Flame-resistant workwear is designed to reduce exposure to specific heat and flame hazards, but it does not make the wearer completely protected from fire.

What does EN ISO 11612 mean?
EN ISO 11612 is a standard for protective clothing designed to protect against heat and flame. It covers different protective properties, depending on the specific garment and its certification.

What is the difference between EN ISO 11611 and EN ISO 11612?
EN ISO 11611 is specifically related to protective clothing used for welding and related processes. EN ISO 11612 covers protective clothing designed to protect against heat and flame more broadly.

What does inherently flame-resistant mean?
An inherently flame-resistant material has its flame-resistant properties built into the fibres or material structure rather than relying solely on a surface treatment.

Can flame-resistant workwear be washed normally?
Washing instructions depend on the specific garment and material. Always follow the manufacturer's care instructions to help maintain the garment's protective properties.

Is additional PPE needed with flame-resistant workwear?
Often, yes. Depending on the task and risk assessment, workers may also need protective gloves, safety footwear, eye and face protection, head protection or other PPE. Protection should always be considered as a complete system.

How do I know which flame-resistant workwear my company needs?
Start by identifying the actual work tasks and hazards. This helps determine the required standards and protective properties and makes it easier to select suitable workwear for different employees and tasks.