EN ISO 11611

EN ISO 11611 – Protection Against Welding and Related Processes

Overview
EN ISO 11611 specifies requirements for protective clothing materials and garments worn during welding and related processes, where there is a risk of brief flame contact, radiant heat, and exposure to molten metal spatter. The standard ensures that certified fabrics and components protect the wearer from burns and minimize the risk of ignition while maintaining durability and mechanical integrity under demanding industrial conditions.

The standard sets performance requirements not only for finished garments but also for the fabrics and materials from which they are made. For fabric producers, compliance confirms that the material provides effective flame spread resistance, mechanical strength, and safety in welding environments.

EN ISO 11611 divides protective performance into two classes:

• Class 1: Protection against less hazardous welding techniques and situations causing lower levels of spatter and radiant heat.
• Class 2: Higher protection level for more hazardous welding situations with higher spatter and radiant heat exposure.

 

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 9185	Molten Metal Spatter Tests the fabric’s ability to withstand contact with molten metal droplets. Molten droplets are applied to the fabric, and the presence of damage or penetration is measured.	Class 1: ≥ 15 drops without PVC film damage Class 2: ≥ 25 drops without PVC film damage
EN ISO 9150	Resistance to Small Metal Splashes Molten metal droplets are applied to the surface. The number of drops causing a temperature rise of 40°C on the back is measured.	Class 1: ≥ 15 drops Class 2: ≥ 25 drops
EN ISO 9151	Convective Heat Measures the time it takes for heat to raise temperature by 24°C pass on the inner surface of the fabric under flame exposure.	Class 1: HTI ≥ 11 seconds Class 2: HTI ≥ 13 seconds

 

Additional Mechanical & Dimensional 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 Tests bursting strength using a hydraulic system.	≥ 200 kPa
ISO 13938-2 Pneumatic Method	Bursting Strength Similar to 13938-1 but uses compressed air (pneumatic pressure) instead of liquid.	≥ 200 kPa

 

 

Industries

Fabrics certified to EN ISO 11611 are used in sectors involving welding and hot work, where flame, radiant heat, and spatter protection is essential:

• Foundries and Metalworking
• Shipbuilding & Offshore Fabrication
• Automotive & Heavy Machinery Welding
• Pipeline Construction & Maintenance

EN ISO 11611 Certified Welding Protection Fabrics by Innovare

While Innovare currently does not offer certified fabrics for molten metal splash protection, we continue to monitor industry needs for potential future developments.