EN ISO 14116:2015
Protective clothing – Protection against flame – Limited flame spread materials, material assemblies and clothing
(EN 14116:2015 supersedes EN 14116:2008)
EN 14116:2015 specifies the performance requirements for the limited flame spread properties of materials, material assemblies, and protective clothing to reduce the possibility of the clothing burning when in occasional and brief contact with small flames and to prevent potentially fatal hazards. Additional requirements addressing design and mechanical properties are also covered by this standard.
For information about protection against heat hazards, in addition to protection against limited flame spread, we recommend referring to international standards such as EN ISO 11612.
Below, three (3) flame spread index levels, based on testing according to EN ISO 15025 Procedure A, are described:
Index levels (of which index 3 is the highest):
| Index level | Explanation |
| Index 1 | The flame should not spread, should not generate flaming residue, and there should be no residual glow |
| Index 2 | The flame must not spread, must not generate flaming residues, there must be no residual glow and the fabric must be free of holes |
| Index 3 | The flame must not spread, must not generate flaming residues, there must be no residual glow, the fabric must be free of holes and must not show deterioration for at least the first two seconds of exposure to the flame |
If protective garments are classified as index 1, they must be worn over index 2 or index 3 garments.
These garments cannot be worn in direct contact with skin.
These garments are not designed to protect against convective heat, radiant heat, molten metal, and similar hazards.
Protective clothing, according to EN ISO 14116, may consist of separate garments worn in combination or a single garment with one or more layers. Designs of two-piece suits must have an overlap of at least 20 cm when the wearer is standing.
To comply with this standard, all material assemblies must achieve a limited flame spread index of 1, 2, or 3 when tested in accordance with ISO 15025
