WHICH PPE STANDARD DO YOU REALLY NEED?

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE RIGHT PROTECTIVE WORKWEAR

With so many international safety standards available, choosing the right protective workwear can be confusing. Flame resistance, arc flash, anti-static, UV protection, high visibility — each hazard requires a specific standard, and selecting the wrong one can leave workers exposed.

This guide helps safety managers, engineers, and buyers identify exactly which PPE standards they need, based on real workplace risks.

STEP 1: IS FLAME OR HEAT A PRIMARY HAZARD?

If workers are exposed to flames, flash fire, or high heat, flame-resistant clothing is essential.

✅ Choose: EN ISO 11612

This standard defines protection against:

• Limited flame spread

• Radiant, convective, and contact heat

Typical industries:
Oil & gas, petrochemical, welding, metal processing, industrial maintenance.

STEP 2: IS STATIC ELECTRICITY A POTENTIAL IGNITION RISK?

In environments with flammable gases, vapors, or dust, static electricity can trigger explosions.

✅ Choose: EN 1149-5

This standard ensures garments can safely dissipate electrostatic charges and reduce spark risk.

Typical industries:
Oil & gas, chemical plants, fuel storage, ATEX environments.

STEP 3: ARE WORKERS EXPOSED TO ELECTRICAL ARC FLASH?

If tasks involve energized electrical equipment, arc flash protection is critical.

✅ Choose:

IEC 61482-2 / EN 61482

ASTM F1506

These standards define arc-rated performance and testing for clothing exposed to electrical arc flash.

Typical industries:
Electrical utilities, power generation, industrial electrical maintenance.

STEP 4: HOW DO YOU SELECT ARC FLASH PPE LEVELS?

Knowing that arc flash exists is not enough — protection must match the risk.

✅ Follow: NFPA 70E

NFPA 70E provides guidance on:

• Arc flash risk assessment

• PPE category selection

• Required arc rating (cal/cm²)

It is widely used for electrical safety programs worldwide.

STEP 5: DO WORKERS OPERATE OUTDOORS UNDER STRONG SUN EXPOSURE?

Long-term UV exposure can cause serious health risks for outdoor workers.

✅ Choose:

EN 13758-1

AS/NZS 4399

These standards classify garments based on UV protection performance.

Typical industries:
Oil fields, construction, mining, utilities, outdoor maintenance.

STEP 6: IS HIGH VISIBILITY REQUIRED FOR SAFETY?

In low-light, traffic, or industrial environments, visibility saves lives.

✅ Choose: AS/NZS 1906.4

This standard defines reflective and fluorescent performance for warning clothing.

Typical applications:
Road work, industrial sites, night operations, logistics.

STEP 7: DOES GARMENT DURABILITY AND WASH PERFORMANCE MATTER?

Protective clothing must maintain its performance after repeated washing.

✅ Look for compliance with:

ISO 5077 (shrinkage)

ISO 105

These standards ensure consistent fit, appearance, and service life.

ONE GARMENT, MULTIPLE STANDARDS?

In many industries, one single hazard does not exist alone. That’s why modern PPE often combines:

• Flame resistance

• Anti-static protection

• Arc flash protection

• High visibility or UV protection

Multi-hazard protective clothing simplifies compliance and improves real-world safety.

FINAL THOUGHTS: START WITH THE HAZARD, NOT THE LABEL

There is no “one-size-fits-all” safety standard. The right PPE standard depends on actual workplace hazards, not marketing claims.

Understanding which standards apply helps companies:

• Protect workers effectively

• Meet global compliance requirements

• Build stronger safety programs

Choosing the right standard means choosing the right protection.