Welding & allied processes
When to use EN ISO 11611 garments
EN ISO 11611 clothing is designed for professionals engaged in welding, cutting, grinding, or related hot work where sparks, molten droplets, and radiant heat are present.
These garments protect the body parts they cover against:
Small molten metal splashes
Momentary contact with flames
Heat radiated from the welding arc
Limited electrical shock from brief contact with live conductors (under normal welding voltage conditions)
Welding classes and suitable processes
The EN ISO 11611 standard defines two protection classes - Class 1 and Class 2 - to reflect the varying levels of heat, spatter and radiant energy encountered in different welding and cutting operations. Class 1 garments are intended for less hazardous techniques that produce lower levels of spatter and radiant heat, while Class 2 garments are designed for more intensive welding processes and environments where exposure is higher, such as overhead or confined positions.
| Class | Process selection criteria | Environmental conditions selection criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 |
- gas and spot welding - MMA, MIG and TIG welding - micro plasma welding - brazing |
- oxygen and plasma cutting - machinesresistance welding - machinesmachines for thermal spraying - bench welding |
| Class 2 |
- MMA, MAG and MIG welding - self-shielding flux - gouging - oxygen and plasma cutting - thermal spraying |
- confined spaces - overhead welding or cutting, or similarly constrained positions |
Performance requirements under EN ISO 11611
EN ISO 11611 garments are tested for protection against the main welding hazards: molten metal spatter, flame exposure, radiant heat and limited electrical conductivity. The table below summarises the key performance tests criteria and minimum values per class.
| Hazard / test property | Test criteria | Class 1 | Class 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Molten metal spatter | Number of drops before a 40 K temperature rise | ≥ 15 | ≥ 25 |
| Flame spread (A1/A2) | Surface (A1) mandatory, edge (A2) optional | Pass | Pass |
| Radiant heat (RHTI24) | Time before 24°C temperature rise | ≥ 7 s | ≥ 16 s |
| Electrical resistance | Minimum surface resistance | > 10⁵ Ω | > 10⁵ Ω |
About the symbol
For example, the Sedna work jacket with ARC protection (APC1) from the Multinorm UP collection is certified as EN ISO 11611:2015 Class 2 – A1/A2. This means it has been tested for surface and edge ignition (A1 + A2) and provides Class 2 protection, the highest level under this standard, against welding-related risks such as molten metal spatter, radiant heat and brief contact with flame.
Correct use and maintenance of EN ISO 11611 garments
To maintain certified protection, always follow these usage and care recommendations:
When wearing a two-piece suite, make sure there is a minimum overlap of 20 cm. Ensure your wrists, ankles and lower arms remain covered in all working positions. If necessary, use additional protective equipment (e.g. leather aprons, hoods, or sleeves) for full coverage.
Close all fastenings securely before starting work and make sure that no metal parts are left exposed.
Take addition precautions when welding in confined places or in oxygen-enriched atmospheres, as these conditions reduce flame protection.
Avoid damp or contaminated clothing, as this reduces protection against heat and electricity. Replace or repair damaged garments immediately.