Fire retardant EN standards and materials

EN 469 - PROTECTIVE CLOTHING FOR FIREFIGHTERS

Requirements and test methods for:

Flame resistance. Radiation heat. Waterproofness. Breathability.

EN 1149-1 - PROTECTIVE CLOTHING - ELECTROSTATIC PROPERTIES

Requirements and test methods for:

Surface resistivity from electrostatic discharge.

EN ISO 11611 - PROTECTIVE CLOTHING FOR USE IN WELDING AND APPLIED PROCESSES

Requirements and test methods for:

Does not to cover clothing worn for special welding jobs.

EN ISO 11612 - PROTECTIVE CLOTHING FOR INDUSTRIAL WORKERS EXPOSED TO HEAT:
EXCLUDING FIREFIGHTERS AND WELDING CLOTHING

Requirements and test methods for:

A - Limited flame spread, and at least one of:
B# - Convective heat resistance (# = 1 to 5)
C# - Radiant heat resistance (# = 1 to 4)
D# - Molten aluminium splash (# = 1 to 3)
E# - Molten iron splash (# = 1 to 3).

In all cases, higher number denotes better performance.
If no number is given, no protection is claimed.

Example Marking

EN ISO 14116 - PROTECTION AGAINST HEAT AND FLAME

Requirements and test methods for:

Limited flame spread materials or material assemblies from which
garments with limited flame spread properties are made.

Such information may appear in the manufacture's literature.
Markings in the form: EN533 flame spread index/durability.
Flame spread index - 1, 2 or 3 - Limited flame spread index (3 is best).

If index 1 materials are present:
Use only over EN533 Index 2 or 3 material and
DO NOT use next to skin.

What is Protex/Protal

Protex/Protal is a high performance flame retardant (FR) modified acrylic fibre.
Protex/Protal is cotton-like in its appearance and feel. it is inherantly fire retardant which means its
FR is permanent - further treatments or re-treatments are not required.

Multi-Function protection

Blends of Protex/Protal fabrics can meet stringent heat and flame protection standards.
EN531 A, B1, C1, E1.
Works with other fibres and/or fabric treatments: anti static (EN1149), chemical resistance
(EN368), anti-bacterial, thermal power, etc.
Pigment printable.
High Visibility EN471.
Breathable membrane.

Easy to care for

FR properly built in: does not wash out.
Domestic or industrial laundry: can withstand severe laundry conditions without loss of
shape, colour or mechanical properties.
Dry cleanable and easy-iron.

Good for wearer

Permanent protection
No additional treatment required
Comfortable to wear
Easy to home launder
Stays looking good
Peace of mind

Alternative - treatments

PROBAN
PYROVATEX
Both of the above are treatments that are generally added to the fabric after its manufacture,
usually used on cotton and cotton blend fabrics.
The FR abilities of the fabric created can have very good FR properties; though it is perceived
and actual permanency is always under question.
ZIRPO
Used on wool and wool blends, classed as a "permanent treatment" as it physically bonds at
a "molecular" level with the wool.

Fire Retardant

Fire retardant EN standards and materials