EN ISO 11611:2015 Protective clothing for use in welding and allied processes
Protective clothing according to the EN ISO 11611 standard is intended to protect the wearer against spatter, small splashes of molten metal, short contact time with flame, radiant heat from an electric arc used for welding and allied processes, to minimize the possibility of electric shock by short-term, accidental contact with live electrical conductors at voltages up to approximately 100 V d. c. in normal welding conditions. Additionally, the clothing provides protection against ultraviolet radiation as well as dust and drafts.
In addition to material requirements, EN ISO 11611 includes design specifications that aimed at preventing molten metal splashes from adhering to the garment, such as protected fasteners and downward-stitched pocket flaps. Furthermore, the protective garment must completely cover the upper and lower body. Welders' protective clothing can be one-piece or two-piece, and additional protective gear such as a hoods, aprons, sleeves, or leg protectors may be worn over it.
EN ISO 11611 defines two protection classes. The choice of protection class depends on the welding technique used. Class 2 protective clothing provides better protection against welding sparks and heat radiation compared to class 1 garments. Class 1 clothing is suitable for less hazardous welding techniques (TIG, MIG, and MMA welding, soldering, spot welding, and gas welding) and situations . Class 1 garments offer protection in situations with fewer sparks and less heat radiation, as well as lower amounts of molten metal splashes. Class 2 clothing is suitable for more hazardous welding methods (MMA, MAG, and MIG welding, plasma cutting, and gouging) and in situations where the chance of sparks, splashes, and heat radiation is higher.