ZHEJIANG DEXIANG SPECIAL FABRIC & CLOTHING CO., LTD.
ZHEJIANG DEXIANG SPECIAL FABRIC & CLOTHING CO., LTD.

EN ISO 11611 VS. EN ISO 11612: WELDING VS. GENERAL FR PROTECTION

Table of Content [Hide]

    When it comes to flame-resistant (FR) clothing, not all standards are the same. Two widely recognized European standards—EN ISO 11611 and EN ISO 11612—define protection levels for different industrial hazards. Understanding the difference is essential for companies sourcing FR and IFR garments for welding, manufacturing, or general industrial use.


    EN ISO 11611 VS. EN ISO 11612: WELDING VS. GENERAL FR PROTECTION


    What Is EN ISO 11611?


    EN ISO 11611 is the standard for protective clothing for welders and allied processes. It focuses on protecting workers from:


    • Sparks, molten metal splashes, and radiant heat produced during welding

    • Short-term flame exposure in welding environments


    Garments certified under EN ISO 11611 typically include IFR coveralls, FR flame-resistant jackets, and protective sleeves featuring reinforced stitching, flame-resistant fabrics, and secure closures suitable for welding applications.


    What Is EN ISO 11612?


    EN ISO 11612 covers general industrial flame-resistant clothing designed to protect workers from:


    • Heat and flame hazards in non-welding industrial settings

    • Contact heat, radiant heat, and convective heat

    • Molten metal splashes in foundries or heavy manufacturing


    EN ISO 11612 garments include shirts, trousers, jackets, and coveralls that can also incorporate high-visibility or anti-static features for additional safety.



    Key Differences Between EN ISO 11611 and EN ISO 11612

    Feature

    EN ISO 11611

    EN ISO 11612

    Primary Use

    Welding & allied processes

    General industrial work

    Hazards Covered

    Sparks, molten metal splashes, short-term flame

    Heat, flame, molten metal, contact/radiant/convective heat

    Garment Type

    Coveralls, jackets, sleeves

    Shirts, trousers, coveralls, jackets

    Certification Labels

    Class 1 (low hazard), Class 2 (high hazard)

    Letters A–F (specific hazard protection)

    Industry Focus

    Welding, fabrication, metalwork

    Petrochemical, manufacturing, oil & gas



    FR vs. IFR Garments

    Both FR-treated fabrics and Inherently Flame-Resistant (IFR) fabrics can meet EN ISO 11611 and EN ISO 11612 standards:


    • FR Garments: Economical, reliable protection when properly maintained.

    • IFR Garments: Protection built into the fibers, permanent even after repeated washing.


    Employers often select IFR garments for long-term durability, especially in high-risk industrial environments.



    DOMEX SAFETY Solutions

    At DOMEX SAFETY, we provide EN ISO 11611 and EN ISO 11612 certified FR and IFR garments designed for maximum protection and comfort. Our range includes:


    • Welding coveralls and jackets (EN ISO 11611)

    • Industrial FR shirts, trousers, and jackets (EN ISO 11612)

    • Multi-standard garments combining anti-static (EN 1149) and high-visibility (EN ISO 20471) features



    Final Thoughts

    EN ISO 11611 and EN ISO 11612 address different industrial risks. Choosing the right standard ensures workers have protection tailored to their specific environment—whether it's welding or general industrial heat and flame hazards.


    References