ProGARM summary of changes to the EN 1149 Standard

The standard for anti-static clothing – EN 1149-5:2018 – was updated in 2018. It’s critical to understand the changes to this key standard, especially if you’re working in an environment where Arc Flash is a risk, so as market leading specialists in electrical hazard protective clothing we’ve picked our experts’ brains and put together this summary.

What are EN 1149-5:2018 standards?

The standards set out in EN 1149-5:2018 are designed to supplement the requirements of other protective clothing standards such as those designed to protect against other hazards (e.g. chemicals or fire).

They set out the additional standards where a risk assessment identifies that electrostatic dissipative protective clothing is necessary.

The standards cover the:

• Test method to measure how resistant the surface is
• Test method to measure the electrical resistance through a material (also known as vertical resistance)
• Test methods to measure charge decay (the number of seconds needed to dissipate a certain percentage of charge induced on the material’s surface)
• Garment test (while the item of clothing is under development)
• Performance of the material(s) and design requirements of the garment

Non-dissipative layers

The updated standards now include more detailed safety specifications relating to non-dissipative layers (layers which don’t protect against static electricity) or attachments such as garment labels or reflective tape on the outside of the clothing.

Such layers and attachments must now be less than 2mm thick in total and must be attached permanently to the garment with no loose hanging parts.

While attachments which are wider than 50mm are allowed, there is now a maximum coverage limit of 10,000mm² for all such attachments combined.

Conductive components

The standard also requires that any conductive components such as zips, buttons, press-studs and so on, are covered completely by protective material to discharge any static.

The standards set out that electrostatic dissipative fabrics must pass one of the tests while making it clear that fabrics which comply with two or more of these tests are not necessarily any better than fabrics which only comply with one:

• Geometric mean of t50 < 4s
  (Tested according to EN1149-3:2004, test method 2 – induction charging)
• Arithmetic mean of S > 0,2
  (Tested according to EN1149-3:2004, test method 2 – induction charging)

Geometric mean of surface resistance ≤ 2,5 x 10⁹ Ω on at least one surface
(Tested according to EN1149-1)

Conducting threads

It’s also essential that where any part of the material contains conducting threads (surface or core conducting fibres) in a stripe or grid pattern, that the spacing between any threads running in the same direction will be less than 10mm.

Using, maintaining and caring for your garments

• Don’t open, put on or take off electrostatic dissipative protective clothing while in an explosive or flammable atmosphere or while handling flammable or explosive substances.
• Dirt build up, wear and tear and washing the garments can affect the garment’s performance. Always make sure you follow the care label instructions to properly care for your item.
• Make sure any non-compliant materials are completely covered by the garment.
• Don’t alter your garment in any way. If you need any alterations to ensure good fit, always make sure this is done by a safety garment specialist to make sure your safety isn’t compromised.
• You can have branded workwear if required as minor embroidery or transfer is allowed provided it’s permanently attached to the item and is certified to EN 531 / EN ISO 11612 standards.

As Arc Flash market-leaders in the UK we’ve ensured all of our new ranges fulfil the requirements of the new standards. If you have any questions about safety clothing which complies with EN 1149:5 2018 call our specialist team at ProGARM for guidance on +44 (0) 1482 979149.

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