EN ISO 11611
Back to overviewProtection during welding and related activities: EN ISO 11611 standard for welding clothing
Safe welding, all day long
EN ISO 11611 describes the requirements for welding clothing. This clothing protects against small splashes of molten metal, brief contact with flames, and UV radiation from the welding arc. The standard is intended for normal welding work where the clothing can be worn for an entire working day (8 hours). Separate standards apply to special welding work.
What does EN ISO 11611 entail?
EN ISO 11611 is the successor to EN 470-1 and is divided into two classes:
- Class 1: basic protection (all tests passed)
- Class 2: higher protection, with stricter requirements for heat radiation and metal splashes
Symbol and technical requirements of EN ISO 11611
The symbol is a pictogram with a welding arc. The standard prescribes various tests and design requirements to ensure the safety of welding clothing.
Explanation of the test values
ISO 6942: heat radiation.
In this test, the fabric is exposed to infrared radiation.
- Class 1: in this case, it takes longer than 7 seconds for the fabric to reach a temperature increase of 24 °C.
- Class 2: in this case, it takes longer than 16 seconds for the fabric to reach a temperature increase of 24 °C.
ISO 9150: molten metal.
This test measures how well the fabric protects against molten metal splashes.
During the test, small drops of molten metal are dropped onto the fabric. There is a sensor on the back of the fabric that measures when the temperature rises by 40 °C. The more drops needed to achieve this temperature increase, the better the protection.
Requirements according to EN ISO 11611:
- Class 1: at least 15 drops are needed before the temperature rises.
- Class 2: at least 25 drops are required.
ISO 15025: limited flame spread.
This test shows how the fabric reacts to fire.
- The fabric is held in a flame for 10 seconds.
- It is then measured whether the fabric continues to burn, smolders, or forms holes.
- Everything must remain within the standards.
Two test methods:
- A1: horizontal flame test
- A2: vertical flame test
The fabric must not burn dangerously, glow or tear, so that flames cannot pass through the clothing.
EN 1149-2: electrostatic properties.
This test measures whether a fabric conducts electrical charge well. If the charge is dissipated quickly, no spark can be generated and the garment is safer in potentially explosive environments.
Where do you use EN ISO 11611 workwear?
This standard is suitable for general welding work and related processes, such as:
- MIG/MAG, TIG, and electrode welding
- Oxyacetylene welding and cutting
- Grinding and sanding that produces sparks
Performance and design requirements of the standard
Clothing that complies with EN ISO 11611 must:
- Comply with ISO 13688 (general requirements for protective clothing).
- External pockets must have flaps (except for meter pockets and small openings).
- Cuffs must be covered with flaps or Velcro.
- Have concealed metal fasteners.
- Not have any folds where sparks can get caught.
- Have neck openings that close.
- Have a maximum distance between buttons of 15 cm.
Changes compared to standard EN 470-1
- New pictogram: welding arc instead of flame
- Flame spread is also tested after the maximum number of washes (usually 50)
- Stricter requirements for tear strength, seams, and trimmings
- Classification into two classes (depending on the type of welding work)
Welding clothing under control: Training on standard EN ISO 11611
Welding clothing must do more than just protect against fire. EN ISO 11611 sets requirements for clothing that is resistant to metal splashes, flame contact, and radiant heat during normal welding work. The training provides insight into class classifications, material selection, certification requirements, and risk analyses. Developed for organizations that want to equip welders safely and in accordance with standards for full working days.