Description 

Protective clothing according to EN ISO 11612 is characterised by limited flame spread and is used to protect against radiant heat, convective heat and/or contact heat and/or splashes of molten metal. 

What are the relevant test methods in the standard? 

Various test methods are carried out within the scope of the standard: 

 A Contact with flames 

• Limited flame spread test. 

Default: 

• A1 = surface ignition 
• A2 = edge ignition 

Test: 

• A flame is applied to the surface or edge of the fabric material for ten seconds. The test is only passed if the sample does not continue to burn, does not show any hole formation and no burning or melting material drips off. Both the afterburning time and the afterglow time must not exceed 2 seconds on average. 

B Convective heat 

• Determination of the heat transfer behaviour when exposed to a flame. 

Default: 

• B1 4 to < 10 seconds, 
• B2 10 to < 20 seconds, 
• B3 min. 20 seconds 

Test: 

• In this method, the sample is held over a flame. On the opposite side, the rise in temperature is measured with a calorimeter. The time it takes for a temperature rise of 24°C to occur is tested. 

C Radiant heat 

• Determination of the heat transfer behaviour when exposed to radiant heat. 

Test: 

• The material is exposed to a heat source and the associated radiant heat (20 kW/sqm). Using a calorimeter, the temperature rise is measured on the surface of the fabric. It is determined how long it takes for a temperature rise of 24° C to occur. 

Target: 

• C1 7 to < 20 seconds 
• C2 20 to < 50 seconds 
• C3 50 to < 95 seconds 
• C4 min. 95 seconds 

D Liquid aluminium splashes 

• Test of protective performance with molten aluminium 

Default: 

• D1 100g to < 200g 
• D2 200g to < 350g 
• D3 min. 350g 

Test: 

• The protection against splashes of liquid aluminium is determined. A defined amount of liquid aluminium is poured onto the test specimen with an underlying membrane simulating a skin. The membrane must not show any damage/deformation after the test. 

E Liquid iron splash 

• Test of protective performance with molten iron 

Target: 

• E1 60g to < 120g 
• E2 120g to < 200g 
• E3 > least 200g 

Test: 

• The test is carried out in the same way as for D. A defined quantity of liquid iron is poured onto a test specimen. There is a PVC film on the underside of the test specimen. This simulates human skin and must not show any damage after the test. 

F Contact heat 

Test of the protective performance at a contact temperature of 250 °C. 

• F1 5 to < 10 seconds 
• F2 >10 to < 15 seconds 
• F3 min. 15 seconds