Question 1

Inherent or Coated Flame Retardant Fabrics

Accepted Answer

This is a frequently asked question.  Which is the most suitable flame retardancy type – inherent or coated?   It depends on the application and user preference.
Inherent fabrics have the advantage of lifelong flame retardant characteristics – these never wash out.  Coated fabrics have advanced in technology in recent years to provide extremely durable protection with some available that are guaranteed to provide flame retardant protection for over 100 washes.   
What is the difference between inherent and coated fabrics?
Both options have flame resistance engineered into them.  Inherent fabrics are manufactured using fibres where the flame-retardant properties are inherently present in the fibre’s polymer structure thereby creating an innately flame-retardant fabric.  Its flame-retardant properties are not subject to degradation through laundering.  Conversely, coated fabrics may have fibres that have been chemically treated to achieve FR properties or subjected to a chemical application process after weaving, endowing the fabric with flame retardant properties for the useful life of the garment.   The first treated fabric was launched in 1987.  The gap in effectiveness between the two methods has been shrinking ever since.
What are the advantages of inherent fabrics?
Very simply, the protective characteristics never wash out;  they remain for the lifetime of the fabric.  Great for highly durable garments when you have no method of counting wash cycles and you want the assurance of guaranteed protection regardless of how long the garment remains in service.
What are the advantages of coated fabrics?
Like all fabrics, coated fabrics are available in a wide spectrum of qualities.   Provided they are washed according to the instructions, EISEN coated fabrics (EX**** and EX***) are guaranteed for 120 washes, exceeding the useful lifetime of the garment.  Secondly, polycotton is stronger and significantly more colourfast than almost all modacrylic blends.  As a result, coated garments will generally look superior after repeated washing, especially industrial laundry which is in general is significantly more demanding on fabrics, leading to a quicker loss of colour and shape.    
What fabric should I choose for hi-visibility workwear garments?
All hi-visibility garments certified to EN ISO 20471 will include certified reflective tape, applied by sewing or thermal heat transfer.   All these tapes will include a maximum number of wash cycles they have been tested and certified to – often only 25 washes, but sometimes more. Consequently, the garment can only be laundered 25 times regardless of whether it is made from inherent or coated fabric.  EISEN reflective tapes are certified to a minimum of 60 domestic washes or 50 industrial washes (dependent on product) – both representing half the laundry lifetime of the fabric.   Primarily, the decision to use coated or inherent hi-visibility garments rests on the performance and comfort of the fabric, but we can safely recommend either option from the EISEN range for flame retardant hi-visibility workwear garments knowing that they will remain flame retardant for the useful lifetime of the garment.

Question 2

Standards

Accepted Answer

IEC 61482-2: 2018 Certified and approved garments protect against the thermal hazards associated with electric arcs. Open Arc test and Box test. When there is a risk of being exposed to an electric arc e.g. when servicing equipment in non-arc-safe distribution plants or electrical switchboards, or when working on high voltage equipment, personnel are recommended to wear arc-approved protective clothing. What protection does your clothing need to provide during an arc blast? The plasma clouds, flames, radiation and metal splashes from the electrodes hit the fabric during an arc blast. When this occurs, the garment must provide enough insulation to prevent second-degree skin burns. An effective fabric used in an arc garment must provide protection against the flame and metal splashes, in addition to insulation from the intense heat. The relevant standard, IEC 61482-2, includes two test methods, IEC 61482-1-1 (open arc) and IEC 61482-1-2 (box test). Garments must be worn that cover the whole body. For example, jacket and trousers must be worn together with other personal protective equipment (PPE), including a helmet with protective visor, protective gloves and protective footwear (boots) to achieve the correct level of protection. Wearing multiple layers of garments is very important and will increase protection, all of which must be flame retardant. Arc Test IEC/EN 61482-1-1:2019 – Open Arc Test - Determination of the arc rating (ELIM, ATPV and/or EBT) of clothing materials and of protective clothing using an open arc ATPV, EBT and ELIM are all evaluated using the same test, an open arc test (EN 61482-1-1/ASTM F1959). If the material has more thermal insulation value than arc tensile strength in resistance to heat, then it will break open first. If the opposite is true, the material will allow burns before it breaks open. The lowest of these values is the one that is used in the marking of the garments. ATPV (Arc Thermal Performance Value) This is the incident energy on a material that results in a 50% probability that enough heat transfer through the specimen is predicted to cause the onset of second-degree burn injury based on the Stoll Curve. The higher the value, the better the protection. EBT (Energy Breakopen Threshold) This is the incident energy on a material that results in a 50% probability of breakopen. Breakopen is defined as any open area at least 1.6 cm². The higher the value, the better the protection. ATPV, EBT and ELIM can be tested on single or multiple layers of material. When multiple layers are tested, a higher value will be achieved than if the fabrics were tested separately because air trapped between the fabrics also has an additional insulating and protective effect. HAF (Heat Attenuation Factor) HAF is the measurement of the percentage of energy that is blocked by the material or material system. ELIM (Incident Energy Limit) ELIM complements the ATPV and EBT values for Open Arc test, indicating the energy level that the garment can be exposed to with a 0% probability of second-degree burns. ATPV measures the energy level at which there is a 50% probability of second-degree burns. ELIM will be introduced on material combinations which has been tested with multiple layers during a transitional period. Garments which are tested against open arc shall achieve at least an ELIM value ≥3,2 cal/cm², where ATPV or EBT value shall achieve at least ≥4 cal/cm². Arc Test IEC/EN 61482-1-2:2014 – Box Test - Determination of arc protection class of material and clothing by using a constrained and directed arc (box test) The garments are tested and evaluated in two classes in the same test; a box test. (Voltage: 400 V, Duration: 500 ms, Frequency: 50 Hz or 60 Hz). All electric arc protective garments are certified according to:IEC 61482-2:2009 The EBT or ATPV value IEC 61482-2:2018 The ATPV or ELIM value, or a combination of both IEC 61482-2:2018 Arc Protection Class 1 = 4 kA, arc energy 168 kJ Arc Protection Class 2 = 7 kA, arc energy 320 kJ EN ISO 11611:2015 Protective clothing for use in welding and allied processes There is a risk of exposure of skin to Ultraviolet (UV) radiation during electric arc-welding operations. During use the fabric of the clothing will degrade. Examine the garments regularly to prevent exposure to UV radiation. If user experience sunburn-like symptoms, UVB is penetrating. If garment is found to be penetrated by UV radiation, it should be repaired (if practicable) or replaced and the use of additional, more resistant protective layers should be considered in future. Two-piece protective clothing must be worn together to provide the specified level of protection. The guidance label inside the garment will state the required garment configuration. Using additional partial protective garments, the basic garment shall meet at least Class 1. Use of a welding apron which covers the width of the front body is recommended. Additional partial body protection may be required, e.g. for welding overhead. Within this EN Norm is a series of tests - the most important of which are described in ISO 6942, ISO 9150, ISO 15025 and EN 1149-2. ISO 11611 has two classes - if the arc fabric passes all the tests, it is designated as Class 1 and if the fabric receives a Class 2 rating for the ISO 6942 and ISO 9150 tests, it is designated as Class 2. Class 1 – Lower Hazard Welding Application Class 2 – Higher Hazard Welding Applications ISO 6942 This is a test method for assessing fabrics and fabric combinations exposed to radiant heat. In this test, a fabric sample is exposed to radiant heat (infrared rays). The temperature on the reverse (unexposed) side of the sample is registered using a calorimeter. Subsequently, the length of time the sample the sample can remain exposed before its temperature rises by 24°C is measured. This test is also used for EN 531C and has two different classes as follows: Class 1 temperature increase occurs after ≥ 7 second Class 2 temperature increase occurs after ≥ 16 seconds. ISO 9150 Determining the behaviour of fabrics when exposed to small spatters of molten metal. In this test, droplets of molten metal are spattered on a vertically suspended fabric sample. The number of droplets it takes to cause an increase in temperature of 40°C on the reverse side of the sample is determined. This test also has two classes as follows: Class 1 ≥ 15 droplets of molten metal Class 2 ≥ 25 droplets of molten metal ISO 15025 Test method for limited flame spread. The test consists of applying a flame to a fabric sample for 10 seconds. To pass the test, the after flame & smoulder times and formation of holes must be within the tolerances (set in the standard). This test is also used for EN 531A. The application of a flame can take place in two ways: Procedure A (leads to Class A1): the flame is applied horizontally (similarly to EN 470 and EN 531) Procedure B (leads to Class A2): the flame is applied laterally EN 1149-2 This is a test method for measuring the electrical resistance of a fabric sample and determining whether an electrical charge passes through the sample from the outside to the inside. For further information on this EN Norm please refer to the EN1149 section. EN ISO 11612:2015 Clothing to protect against heat and flame The requirements of this standard apply to clothing intended for a wide range of applications which offer limited flame spread and provide protection against various hazards including Radiant Heat, Convective Heat and splatters of Molten Metal. There are several fabric tests within this EN Norma and the results of the tests are represented by the pre-fix letters A, B, C, D, E and F. A number after these letters indicates the performance of the fabric within this test. If a (0) is shown, then the fabric has not been tested or does not achieve the lowest value attainable with the test. A: Limited flame spread A1: Surface ignition EN ISO 15025:2000 Procedure A (leads to Class A1), the flame is applied horizontally (similarly to EN470 and EN531) • No specimen shall give flaming to the top or either side edge • No specimen shall give hole formation • No specimen shall give flaming or molten debris • The mean value of afterflame time shall be ≤ 2s • The mean value of afterglow time shall be ≤ 2s A2: Edge ignition Procedure B (leads to Class A2), the flame is applied laterally. • No specimen shall give flaming to the top or either side edge • No specimen shall give flaming or molten debris • The mean value of after flame time shall be ≤ 2s • The mean value of afterglow time shall be ≤ 2s B: Protection against convective heat Convective heat is the heat transmitted through the garment when exposed to flames. If there is an outer fabric that does not burn, injury may nevertheless occur due to the heat that forms when the fabric – and, indirectly, the body – comes in contact with the flame. The length of time the sample can remain exposed before its temperature rises by 24 °C is determined. B1: 4 < 10 seconds B2: 10 < 20 seconds B3: 21 seconds and longer C: Protection against radiant heat Low radiant heat over a long period can result in a risk of injury. In this test, a fabric sample is exposed to radiant heat (infrared rays). The temperature on the reverse (unexposed) side of the sample is registered using a calorimeter. Subsequently, the length of time the sample the sample can remain exposed before its temperature rises by 24°C is measured. The test procedure is the same as ISO 11611, but the classification is different: C1: 7 < 20 seconds C2: 20 < 50 seconds C3: 50 < 95 seconds C4: 95 seconds and longer D: Protection against molten aluminium splash E: Protection against molten iron splash Even if the fabric does not start to burn or decay in contact with the molten metal, you may still get burns. The test indicates how many molten metal splashes the fabric can withstand before protection is compromised. A membrane (with similar properties to human skin) is attached to the reverse of the fabric sample sequentially rising quantities of molten metal (Aluminium or Iron as applicable) are splashed on the sample. The quantity of molten metal which deforms the membrane is determined. The classification for molten aluminium is: D1: 100 < 200 grams D2: 200 <350 grams D3: 350 grams and more The classification for molten iron is: E1: 60 < 120 grams E2: 120 < 200 grams E3: 200 grams and more F: Protection against contact heat Contact heat over a long period can result in risk of injury. This test establishes a value for contact heat. The classification is determined as follows: F1: 5 < 10 seconds F2: 10 < 15 seconds F3: 15 seconds and longer EN ISO 14116:2015 Protective clothing – Protection against flame – Limited flame spread material, material assemblies and clothing Protective clothing complying with this standard is intended to protect the user against occasional and brief contact with small igniting flames, in circumstances where there is no significant heat hazard and without the presence of another type of heat. Clothing manufactured to this standard is made from flame retardant fabric so that if the material comes into contact with a flame, it will only continue to burn for a limited amount of time. If single layer garment contains index 1 materials, those must be worn over index 2 or 3 garments, and may not come in contact with the skin. The standard is mostly used for approval of lining and trims for use in EN ISO 11612-garments. Can also be used for garments that cannot be EN ISO 11612 certified. When protection against heat hazards is necessary, EN ISO 11612 is recommended. Protective clothing according to EN ISO 14116 may consist of several separate garments, or a single garment with one or more layers. All assemblies claiming compliance with this standard shall achieve a limited flame spread index of 1, 2 or 3 when tested in accordance with ISO 15025. Index 1: No flaming to the top or side edge, no flaming debris and no afterglow shall spread from the carbonized area to the undamaged area. Hole formation is possible under this Index. These fabrics should not be worn next to the skin. An example of a fabric in the category would be an FR polyester which will meet the requirements but will always form a hole. Index 2: No flaming to the top or side edge, no flaming debris and no afterglow shall spread from the carbonized area to the undamaged area. No hole formation possible with this Index. The requirements are the same as Index 3 but no maximum afterflame time is specified. Index 3: Requirements are the same as Index 2, but the afterflame time of each individual specimen should not exceed 2 seconds. EN ISO 20471:2013 Certified and approved garments for protection when the user needs visually to signal his or her presence to vehicles in daylight, at night or in poor weather conditions. The standard covers the requirements for the base fabric colour, minimum areas for reflectivity and placement of tape for high-visibility clothing. Three colours of material are approved in the hi-vis standards; fluorescent yellow, orange and red. The standard pictogram for this standard is a safety vest in proximity to two numbers – the X and Y values. The top X value indicates the class of the garment from 1 to 3, 3 being the most visible. The Y value of the standard is determined by the quality of the reflective strip in the safety garment, and the value is shown as either 1 or 2. The requirement for the fluorescent textile is that it must retain its fluorescent properties also after a certain number of washing cycles. For the textile in contrasting colour, there is a requirement for colour fastness. For the reflective material, there is a requirement that it must retain its reflective properties also after washing. The table shows the minimum area per garment for fluorescent textile and reflective material, measured in m². Class 1 Fluorescent material: 0.14 Reflective material: 0.10 Not suitable for working on public highways Class 2 Fluorescent material: 0.50 Reflective material: 0.13 For roadwork with traffic travelling at a maximum speed of 50 km/hour Class 3 Fluorescent material: 0.80 Reflective material: 0.20 For roadwork with traffic travelling at higher permissible speeds Design Requirements The fluorescent fabric must encircle the torso, sleeves and trouser legs. And the difference in surface area between the front and back may be a maximum of 40% – 60%. The reflective strip must be 50 mm wide and the space between 2 reflective strips must be at least 50 mm. The distance from ‘the end’ of the garment (e.g. the end of a trouser leg) to the reflective strip must also be at least 50mm. Garment Combination Several garments can be certified together as a combination, such as jacket and trousers, to achieve a higher class. EN 342:2004 Certified and approved garments provide protection against cold weather A cold climate is characterised by a combination of moisture and a temperature below -5°. EN 342 indicates the value of the resulting effective thermal insulation for a wearer. It indicates the lowest temperature at which the body can maintain thermal neutral conditions indefinitely (8 hours) for light and medium duty tasks. It also indicates the lowest temperature at which body cooling is sustained at an acceptable level for 1 hour, while the wearer is performing light and medium duty tasks. Two-piece protective clothing should be used together to achieve the specified level of protection. The CE label in the garment provides information about the necessary garment combination. a: Resulting thermal insulation measured with underwear of type B (moving mannequin) b: Resulting thermal insulation measured with underwear of type B (static mannequin) c: Air permeability (Levels 1–3) d: Resistance to water penetration (optional) EN 1149-5:2008 Certified and approved garments that protect against electrostatic discharge This standard covers protective clothing against electrostatic charge for use in areas where there is an explosion hazard. Design Requirements The clothing must completely cover any textile that does not provide antistatic protection. Accessories, such as markers, labels and reflectors, must be permanently attached to the garment, in such a way that they cannot be separated from the garment. Loose parts are not permitted. Accessories that can conduct electricity, such as zips and metal buttons, are only permitted if they are completely covered by the antistatic outer layer. Textile Requirements The textile of the outer layer must be tested and approved according to one of the following standards: EN 1149-1 or EN 1149-3. The distance between the conductive threads in the textile must not exceed 10 mm. User Information When wearing garments with electrostatic properties, they must be properly earthed. Resistance between the wearer and earth must be less than 108 Ω, which is achieved e.g. by using appropriate protective footwear such as shoes with electrostatic properties that meet the requirements of EN ISO 20345: 2011 or EN ISO 20344. Protective clothing with electrostatic properties must not be opened or removed in combustible or explosive environments or when handling combustible or explosive substances. Garments should only be used in areas with increased oxygen content following approval from the authorised safety engineer at the workplace. The antistatic properties of the garment may be affected by wear, washing and contaminants. Materials that are not approved according to the standard must be covered by protective clothing during normal use (including bending and movements). EN 13034:2005 TYPE PB* [6] Protective clothing offering limited protective performance against liquid chemicals Standard for protective clothing that provides limited protection against liquid chemicals. Suitable for work in environments where there may be a risk of chemical splashes, but where a total chemical barrier is not required. The standard has two classes: Type 6 clothing has been tested as a full suit. Type PB[6] (Partial Body Protection) has not been tested as a full suit Design Requirements Seams must prevent fluid from penetrating through stitches or through other seam components, and ensure that fluid runs off. There must be no folds/pleats/pockets or similar, where chemicals may accumulate. Textile Requirements The fabric is tested in various ways to determine its tensile strength and resistance to chemicals. In these tests, four different solutions of chemicals are applied to a fabric sample and the quantities of liquid that drip off and penetrate the fabric are measured and analysed, and must be within the tolerances set within the standard. The following four chemicals are tested in accordance with EN 14325: Sulphuric acid H2SO4, 30%. Sodium hydroxide NaOH 10%. O-xylene undiluted. 1-butanol undiluted User Information Prior to use, the garment must be checked to make sure it is intact, that it fits and that the wearer knows how it is opened and removed. Two-piece protective clothing should certified together as a ‘set’ and used together to achieve the specified level of protection. If chemicals are splashed onto the garment, the wearer should immediately move away from the area, carefully remove the garment, ensuring that no chemicals or liquid come into contact with the skin. The garment must then be washed/cleaned, and then treated according to the washing instructions and assessed for future use. If this is not possible, the garment should be taken out of use. EN 343:2019 Certified and approved garments provide protection against rain and inclement weather This standard specifies the requirements and test methods for fabrics and seams of clothing offering protection against precipitation (rain, falling snow), fog and ground humidity. Resistance to water penetration and water vapour resistance are measured. Footwear, gloves and separate headwear are excluded from the scope of this standard. The X value indicates the waterproofing of the article. The Y value indicates the breathability of the fabric(s). Water Penetration Mandatory testing class 1 Textile before pre-treatment: Wp ≥ 8,000 Pa (815mm) Textile after each pre-treatment: Testing not required Seams before pre-treatment : Wp ≥ 8,000 Pa (815mm) Mandatory testing class 2 Textile before pre-treatment: Testing not required Textile after each pre-treatment: Wp ≥ 8,000 Pa (816mm) Seams before pre-treatment : Wp ≥ 8,000 Pa (816mm) Mandatory testing class 3 Textile before pre-treatment: Testing not required Textile after each pre-treatment: Wp ≥ 13,000 Pa (1,325mm) Seams before pre-treatment : Wp ≥ 13,000 Pa (1,325mm) Mandatory testing class 4 Textile before pre-treatment: Testing not required Textile after each pre-treatment: Wp ≥ 20,000 Pa (2,039mm) Seams before pre-treatment : Testing not required Seams after pre-treatment : Wp ≥ 20,000 Pa (2,039mm) Breathability Recommended maximum continuous use based on ambient temperature at the workplace Class 1 Ret >40 25°C: 60 minutes 20°C: 75 minutes 15°C: 100 minutes 10°C: 240 minutes 5°C: - Class 2 Ret >25 - ≤40 25°C: 105 minutes 20°C: 250 minutes 15°C: - 10°C: - 5°C: - Class 3 Ret >15 - ≤25 25°C: 205 minutes 20°C: - 15°C: - 10°C: - 5°C: - Class 4 Ret ≤15 25°C: - 20°C: - 15°C: - 10°C: - 5°C: Design Requirements Taped seams must be waterproof and the textile must be tested for water penetration. There are no other requirements for the design of the garment. Textile Requirements Requirements for mechanical properties: Water permeability (Wp) EN 20811 and water vapour resistance (Ret) EN 31092 are listed above. Both Wp and Ret have been tested following repeated flexing and exposure to isooctane and straight-chain paraffins, according to ISO 1817. The tensile strength, tear resistance, shrinkage and seam strength must be within the tolerances specified in the standard. EN 13758-2 Protection against UV radiation Standard for the classification and marking of long sleeve garments that give the wearer UVA + UVB protection over 40UPF. All textiles offer protection for the wearer against the sun and risk of sun burn depending on the thickness of the fabric - this standard indicates that the protection is high. Test method for fabric is EN 13758-1.

EISEN KNOWLEDGE

Correct Fibre Selection

Glove Coatings - Selecting for Protection, Comfort and Durability"

Standards

Inherent or Coated Flame Retardant Fabrics

Standards