EN ISO 13688 General requirements for protective clothing
The standard specifies, among other things, the following general requirements for protective clothing: ergonomics, harmlessness, size designation, ageing, compatibility, user information and markings. In addition, the standard includes information provided by the manufacturer about the protective clothing.
This reference standard is not used on its own, but together with other standards for protective clothing that define specific protective properties. The standard is not marked on the product.
EN ISO 20471:2013+A1:2016 High-visibility clothing
High-visibility clothing that ensures the wearer is seen in daylight and twilight, and in the dark when illuminated by an external light source, such as vehicle headlights.
The standard sets requirements for the placement of fluorescent material and reflectors. The reflectors must encircle the torso and sleeves on the upper part and the legs on the lower part. The fluorescent background material must be evenly distributed on the front and back of the garment (50% ± 10%).
The permitted colours of fluorescent background material are yellow, orange and red.
High-visibility clothing has three protection classes 1, 2 and 3, which are determined by the amount of fluorescent and reflective material in the product. Class 3 is the best
The table below shows the minimum surface areas required for the different classes.
Dimexprotective garments are designed and certified so that combinwith of the class 1 and 2 products they comply with together of visibility class 3 requirements. Check tyet always slightly smals possibilities for combining sizes XS and S as indicated on the care label.
The number next to the pictogram indicates the protection class of the garment.
In models has been taken into account maximum logo sizes, whor they can be printed without fluof the fluorescent material in accordance with the requirementsisen surface arean decreasefrom which. Sthe back print may be a maximum of 30 x 8 cm, where the print colour may cover 2/3 of the surface area.
Psmall print on upper and lower garments may be maximum 12 x 3 cm, alithe print colour may cover at most half of the print of the surface area.
Keep the garment clean and maintain it regularly, as dirt can reduce its visibility. You can test the functionality of the reflectors in the dark, for example with a flashlight.
Choose a garment that meets the appropriate protection class based on the risk assessment and intended use.
EN 1149-5:2018 Protective clothing – electrostatic properties, material and design requirements
Protective clothing that conducts static electricity in accordance with the standard can be used in work involving flammable liquids where static electricity may cause a fire or explosion hazard.
The user must be properly grounded. TThis can be ensured, for example, by using suitable footwear and mats in addition to clothing to prevent the conduction of electricity. The workwear ensemble must be properly grounded.
The protective garment must not be worn open or removed in flammable or explosive atmospheres or when handling flammable or explosive substances. Protective clothing must not may be used in oxygen-enriched atmospheres only with prior permission from the person responsible for safety.
The clothing must permanently cover all non-conductive materials during normal use, including while moving and when the body is bending.
The required protective equipment must be defined based on a riskassessment according to.
Pictogram 
EN ISO 11612:2015 Protective clothing against heat and flames
Heat-protective clothing protects the worker from brief contact with flame and from radiant heat and from molten metal splashes.
Heat-protective clothing consists of a jacket and trousers or may be a one-piece coverall. The jacket and trousers must be worn together to achieve the stated level of protection. Additional protection can be provided by, for example, a helmet, gloves, hoods or shoe covers. All parts of the body, such as the head, neck, hands and feet, must be covered with approved protective clothing to ensure complete protection. Flame-retardant material does not continue to burn when exposed to heat stress such as flame heat.
Standard defines requirements:
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for the garment model, materials and garment construction, such as seams
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for accessories, such as for the brands and for logos
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A heat-protective garment must meet at least protection level A1 and the requirements of one heat transfer property (B, C, D, E or F).
Protection levels
A Flame spread, i.e. ignition of the material
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A1 = surface ignition, the material’s flammability test has been carried out with a flame applied to the surface
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A2 = edge ignition, the material’s flammability test has been carried out with a flame applied to the edge
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The marking A1 or A1+A2 is mandatory.
B Protection against flame contact
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Protection levels B1 (lowest level), B2 and B3 (highest level)
C Protection from radiant heat
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Protection levels C1 (lowest level), C2, C3 and C4 (highest level)
D Protection from molten metal from molten aluminium splashes
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Protection levels D1 (lowest level), D2 and D3 (highest level)
E Protection from molten metal from molten iron splashes
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Protection levels E1 (lowest level), E2 and E3 (highest level)
F Protection against contact heat
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Protection levels F1 (lowest level), F2 and F3 (highest level)
EN ISO 11611:2015 Protective clothing for welding and allied processes
The protective clothing is intended for welding and similar work. The clothing protects the worker from welding sparks (small molten metal splashes), short-term contact with flame and radiant heat from the welding arc.
In use, it must be ensured that the outfit covers the entire body, neck, arms and legs. For two-piece clothing, both parts must be worn together to achieve the protection level. The protective garment must be selected according to the welding method used at work.
The standard classifies welder’s protective clothing into two different protection classes:
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Class 1 is suitable for manual welding methods that produce few welding sparks and droplets, e.g. TIG, MIG and MMA (rutile-coated electrode) welding, gas welding, micro plasma welding, spot welding and brazing.
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Class 2 (best) is suitable for manual welding methods that generate a lot of sparks and spatter, e.g. MMA (basic or cellulose electrode), MAG (CO2 or gas mixtures) and MIG (high-frequency current) welding, self-shielded flux-cored arc welding, plasma cutting, gouging, oxy-fuel cutting and thermal spraying. Class 2 is also recommended for welding work in confined spaces or difficult working positions.
In addition, the flammability of the material has been tested, which is indicated by the letter and number combination A1 or A1+A2.
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A1 = the material’s flammability test has been carried out with a surface ignition flame
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A2 = the flammability test of the material has been carried out with a flame applied to the edge
When welding should be well protected also the head, face, hands and feet areat. Protection can be improved with additional protectors, such as a hood or neck protector.
Welder’s protective clothing must be cleaned regularly to maintain the protective properties of the garment.
EN 13034:2005+A1:2009, type 6
Protective clothing against liquid chemicals
Chemical protective clothing provides limited protection against chemical splashes. It is intended for situations where chemical exposure is occasional and minimal, such as small splashes or short-term sprays. The protective garment is designed so that the wearer can remove it quickly before the liquid penetrates through the material.
Test methods
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Type 6 equipment is tested with a full-suit test. Type 6 refers to whole-body protection. In this, the products are tested and certified together as a complete ensemble that provides full protection against chemicalsplashes against. The outfit can be either kcoverall or two-piece suit.
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Type PB [6] partially body-protecting clothing, e.g. a jacket or trousers, which are tested separately.
The durability of the material is tested with the chemicals listed below. In order for the material to be marked of the standard EN 13034 according to for at least one chemical, liquid repellency must reach level 3 and liquid penetration at least level 2. LiIn addition, the durability of the material is tested.
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Sulphuric acid H₂S04, 30%
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Sodium hydroxide NaOH, 10 %
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Xylene (o-xylene)
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butanol (Butan-1-ol)
EN 342:2017 Protection against cold
Cold-protective clothing that protects the wearer from the harmful effects of cold. Cold refers to temperatures below -5 degrees the combination of frost, moisture and wind.
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Thermal insulation of the clothing ensemble Icler (B, C, R) is given in the unit m2K/W (thermal insulation) and it has been measured on a moving thermal manikin under laboratory conditions. The movement simulates the effect of light or moderate work on thermal insulation.
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B/C/R is the underwear used in the tests
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B standard underwear
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C manufacturer’s underwear
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R standard outfit individual of the garment for measuring
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AP Air permeability (wind resistance) mm/s. Classes 1–3, of which 3 is the best.
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WP Waterproofness, an optional test that assesses the waterproofness of the material and seams. The marking “X” indicates that the garment is not waterproof or that the property has not been tested.
The table is for guidance only. The table shows the estimated time a person can spend in a cold environment before the body temperature drops too quickly. The duration is affected by the person’s activity level, the outdoor temperature and the wind speed.
Cold-protective clothing must be selected according to working conditions, workload and weather conditions.
Layered clothing improves the body’s thermal protection and helps retain warmth in cold conditions. It also makes it easier to adapt to changing weather conditions, such as sudden temperature changes.
The best protection against cold is achieved when the jacket and trousers are worn together. The garment’s ability to protect against cold is reduced if the wearer sweats and becomes wet.
EN 61482-2:2020 Protective clothing against thermal hazards of electric arc
The protective clothing protects the worker from brief contact with flame as well as from radiant heat and thermal hazards caused by an electric arc.
The standard contains two different test methods, which cannot be compared with each other.
EN 61482-1-1 is the so-called Open arctest (open arc test). The thermal insulation value of a garment/fabric exposed to an electric arc indicates the amount of energy (cal/cm²) the fabric can block to prevent a second-degree burn. The test result for a protective garment made from the tested material is Arc rating, arc rating: Arc rating refers to a numerical value that describes its performance in protecting against an electric arc.
Protection can be indicated with three different values: ATPV, EBT, ELIM.
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ATPV (Arc Thermal Performance Value), which indicates the maximum thermal energy, in cal/cm², from which the material protects before the wearer has a 50% probability of receiving second-degree burns.
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EBT (Energy Breakopen Threshold) which indicates the value at which the fabric breaks (break-open) electric arc exposure. The EBT value is given if it is lower than the ATPV value, and in that case the ATPV value cannot be stated.
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ELIM (Incident Energy Limit, cal/cm²), which indicates the energy level to which the garment can be exposed without causing second-degree burns to the wearer.
EN 61482-1-2 is the so-called Box test. The voltage used in the test is 400 V AC and the arc duration is 500 ms. There are two classes in the test, which are classified according to the intensity of the arc used;
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class 1, (APC 1), (4 kA) basic protection
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class 2, (APC 2), (7 kA) higher protection level
What the values have in common is that the higher the value, the better the protection.
EN 343:2019 Protective clothing against rain
Rain-protective clothing in accordance with EN 343:2019, which protects against rain and snow, mist and ground moisture. The standard sets requirements for the garment’s waterproofness and breathability. The waterproofness of the fabric and seams and the water vapour resistance are also tested.
The number next to the pictogram indicating rain-protective clothingt numbert indicate:
X = garment’s resistance to water penetrations i.e. waterproofnessclasska (best 4)
Y = water vapour resistances i.e. breathabilitslclaa (best 4)
R = rain tower test. This test is optional. The marking ”X” indicates that the garment has not been tested.
Recommended wearing times:
The table shows the effect of water vapour permeability on the recommended wearing times of the garment during continuous use at different ambient temperatures. The table is indicative.
The figures in the table indicate the recommended maximum times for continuous use of the whole suit (jacket and trousers without thermal lining). Particular attention must be paid to the limited wearing time for garments with water vapour resistance class 1.
EN 1440414404:2004+A1:2010 Knee pads for work performed on your knees
The standard specifies requirements for knee protectors used for work performed in a kneeling position.
Knee protector has been developed to effectively protect the knees of people working on their knees. The working posture is not natural but uncomfortable for workers, and they may be injured by objects or hard surfaces if they do not use appropriate protection.
The type and protection class of the knee protector are indicated in the CE marking.
Everythingnext to the pictogramä the number shownt iindicate:
X = type of knee protectorpi (1–4)
Y = of the knee protector protection classka (best 2)
Knee protector types:
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Type 1: Knee protectors that are separate from other clothing and are attached to the leg.
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Type 2: A foam or other soft material knee pad that is kept in the trouser’s knee pad pocket or permanently attached to the trousers manufactured knee protector
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Type 3: Devices that are not attached to the bodyon, but which are put in place while the user is moving. These may be intended for each knee separately or for both knees together.
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Type 4: Knee protectors intended for one or both knees that are parts of devices with additional functions, such as a standing support frame or kneeling stool. Knee protectors can be use on the body or they may be separate.
Protection classes:
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Level 0: Knee protectors are suitable only for flat floor surfaces; they do not provide penetration protection.
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Level 1: Knee protectors are suitable for flat or uneven floor surfaces and protect against at least 100 ±5 N penetration.
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Level 2: Knee protectors are suitable for flat or uneven floor surfaces in demanding conditions and provide protection of at least 250±from penetration by 10 N
EN ISO 15797:2018 Industrial washing programs for testing workwear
SThe standard defines methods for testing the suitability of textiles and garments for industrial washing and drying.
Garments that are suitable for industrial washing and drying in accordance with ISO 15797 are marked with the PRO symbol.
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