EN ISO 11611:2007
Welding and cutting are high-risk tasks where sparks, spatter, and radiant heat are constant dangers. EN ISO 11611:2007 sets the international requirements for protective clothing used during welding and allied processes, ensuring workers remain protected in environments where molten metal and heat are daily hazards.
This standard supersedes EN 470-1:1995 and specifies minimum safety requirements for garments such as jackets, trousers, hoods, aprons, sleeves, and gaiters. It does not cover gloves, which are regulated separately.
Scope of EN ISO 11611:2007
Protective clothing certified under this standard:
- Shields against small splashes of molten metal (spatter)
- Resists short contact with flame
- Reduces exposure to radiant heat from welding arcs
- Minimizes risk of short-term accidental contact with live conductors up to 100 V d.c. under normal welding conditions
The standard applies to garments used in welding and allied processes with comparable risks.
Protection Classes
EN ISO 11611 specifies two classes of protection:
| Class | Protection Level | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Basic protection against less hazardous welding techniques | Techniques producing lower levels of spatter and radiant heat (e.g., gas welding, TIG welding) |
| Class 2 | Higher protection for more hazardous welding techniques | Techniques producing higher levels of spatter and radiant heat (e.g., MMA welding, flux-cored arc welding) |
Class 2 garments offer maximum protection, while Class 1 suits are suitable for lighter welding tasks.
Why EN ISO 11611 Matters
Protective welding clothing is not limited to industrial workshops. It plays a critical role across multiple high-risk sectors:
- Maritime & Offshore – welding on ships, offshore platforms, and heavy steel structures.
- Petrochemical – repair and maintenance tasks in refineries and processing plants.
- Construction – welding in building, infrastructure, and civil engineering projects.
By meeting EN ISO 11611, garments provide certified protection against sparks, flames, and radiant heat, reducing the risk of burns and injuries.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between EN ISO 11611 and EN ISO 11612?
- EN ISO 11611 focuses on welding and related processes.
- EN ISO 11612 applies more broadly to garments protecting against heat and flame in general industrial use.
What is the difference between Class 1 and Class 2?
- Class 1: for less hazardous techniques with lower levels of spatter and radiant heat.
- Class 2: for more hazardous techniques with higher spatter and heat levels.