EN ISO 11612

EN ISO 11612 – Protection Against Heat & Flame

Overview
EN ISO 11612 defines performance requirements for protective clothing and materials intended to shield workers from heat and flame hazards. This includes exposure to brief flame contact, convective and radiant heat, and splashes of molten metals like aluminum and iron. While commonly associated with garments, this standard is equally critical for fabrics and materials used in the manufacture of flame-retardant protective equipment. For manufacturers, achieving this certification demonstrates a material’s ability to self-extinguish, resist flame spread, and offer a high level of thermal barrier, crucial in high-risk industrial sectors.

Testing Methods & Minimum Performance Levels

Test Method Description Requirements Min. Performance Level
EN ISO 15025 Procedure A Surface Flame Spread
A small flame is applied to the surface of the fabric for 10 seconds.
  • Self-extinguish within 2 seconds after flame removal.
  • Not produce flaming debris.
  • Hole formation < 50 mm.
A1
EN ISO 15025 Procedure B Edge Flame Spread
The flame is applied to the bottom edge of a vertically suspended fabric.
  • Self-extinguish within 2 seconds.
  • Not burn the upper or vertical edge.
  • Hole formation < 50 mm.
A2
EN ISO 9151 Convective Heat
Measures how long it takes heat to transfer through the material when exposed to direct flame.Classes: B1 to B3
  • Heat transmission factor (HTI) ≥ 4 seconds.
B1
EN ISO 6942 Radiant Heat
Determines the insulation performance against radiant heat sources.Classes: C1 to C4
  • Protective time ≥ 7 seconds at 20 kW/m² exposure.
C1
ISO 9185 Molten Aluminum Splash
Assesses how much molten aluminum a fabric can resist without causing damage to a PVC film placed beneath.Classes: D1 to D3
  • Fabric resists at least 100 g of molten aluminum without penetration.
D1
ISO 9185 Molten Iron Splash
Tests resistance to molten iron (separate from aluminum).Classes: E1 to E3
  • Fabric resists at least 60 g of molten iron without PVC film damage.
E1
EN ISO 12127-1 Contact Heat
Simulates brief contact with a hot object (e.g. tools or surfaces).Classes: F1 to F3
  • At 250°C, material must delay temperature rise of 10°C for ≥ 5 seconds
F1

Additional Mechanical & Dimensional Tests

To ensure suitability for garment production and durability in harsh environments, certified fabrics should also pass the following tests:

Test Method Description Requirements
ISO 5077 Dimensional Stability to Washing
Determines shrinkage or growth of the fabric after domestic laundering.
  • Shrinkage should not exceed ±3% (woven) and ±5% (knitted)
ISO 13934-1 Tensile Strength (Strip Method)
Measures the maximum force needed to break a strip of fabric in warp and weft directions.
  • Warp: ≥ 400 N | Weft: ≥ 400 N
ISO 13937-2 Tear Strength (Wing Method)

Evaluates resistance to tearing using a trapezoidal-shaped cut and applying load to propagate it.

  • ≥ 20 N (warp and weft)
ISO 13938-1 Hydraulic Method Bursting Strength
Determines pressure required to rupture fabric using a liquid (hydraulic) medium.
  • ≥ 200 kPa (hydraulic or pneumatic method depending on fabric type)
ISO 13938-2 Pneumatic Method Bursting Strength
Similar to 13938-1 but uses compressed air (pneumatic pressure) instead of liquid.
  • ≥ 200 kPa (hydraulic or pneumatic method depending on fabric type)

Industries

  • Firefighting and Emergency Services
  • Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Industry
  • Electric and Utility Services
  • Foundries and Metalworking
  • Chemical Industry
  • Military and Defense
  • Police and Law Enforcement
  • Railways and Transportation
  • Construction and Heavy Industry
  • Forestry and Wildland Firefighting
  • Maritime and Offshore
  • Industrial FR Workwear

EN 469 Certified Structural Firefighting Fabrics by Innovare

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