Protective clothing – Electrostatic Properties (EN 1149-5)
EN 1149-5 is the European Standard for garments that protect against electrostatic discharge in areas where there is a risk of explosion (ATEX Environments) such as petrochemical refineries and fuel distribution companies.
Annex II, art. 2.3. of the ATEX directive 1999/92/CE concerning the protection of workers likely to be exposed to the risk of explosive atmospheres says: “Workers must be provided with appropriate working clothing consisting of materials which do not give rise to electrical discharges that can ignite explosive atmospheres”. The outer fabric of these garments are therefore made from antistatic materials and components.
Under the scope of the PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425 a series of EN Standards have been developed relating to electrostatic properties. We note the key parts of these standards as follows that relate to the protective garments that ProGARM® Produces.
EN 1149-5:2018 Performance Requirements
Antistatic PPE is certified to EN1149-5 as this standard covers the performance requirements of the garments and refers to the choice of 2 different test methods (EN1149-1 or EN1149-3).
EN 1149-1:2006 Measurements of Surface Resistivity
Antistatic PPE is certified to EN1149-5 as this standard covers the performance requirements of the garments and refers to the choice of 2 different test methods (EN1149-1 or EN1149-3).
EN 1149-3:2004 Measurements of Surface Resistivity
This test method is referenced for materials for which the electrostatic dissipative behaviour is based on core conducting fibres but can also be used for surface conducting materials.
In the EN1149 series, there is also an EN1149-2 (measurement of the electrical resistance through a material; the vertical resistance) which is used as a test method in EN ISO 11611 (welders clothing.) A further part of EN1149 is under development which will cover the testing of the full garment – this part of the standard is EN1149-4.