EN 1149-5
Protective clothing with electrostatic properties
The EN 1149-5 standard specifies requirements for materials and the design of antistatic protective clothing. Garments certified according to EN 1149-5 are designed to minimise the risk of electrostatic discharges that can cause ignition in explosive atmospheres (ATEX zones 1, 2, 20, 21 and 22).
Read our guide to THE RIGHT PROTECTION IN EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERES
WHAT DOES EN 1149-5 MEAN?
EN 1149-5 is a standard for antistatic protective clothing used in explosive atmospheres (ATEX environments). The aim is to reduce the risk of static electricity building up in the garments and causing electrostatic discharges which in turn can ignite flammable gases, vapours, liquids or dust.
To meet the requirements of EN 1149-5, the material in the garment must have antistatic properties and the ability to dissipate electrical charge in a controlled way. The properties of the material are verified by testing according to EN 1149-1 or EN 1149-3, which measure the surface resistivity of the material and its ability to dissipate electrical charge, respectively.
The standard also places requirements on the design of the garment. If the garment has parts that are not antistatic, these must be covered by antistatic material during use. For the protection to work as intended, the garment must:
- be used correctly in accordance with the user instructions
- be closed/fastened during use
- be combined with other antistatic garments or other protective equipment.
It is also important that the wearer is earthed, for example through conductive footwear and flooring.
Zone classification
ATEX environments are divided into different zones depending on the level of risk. Protective clothing certified according to EN 1149-5 is intended for use in ATEX zones 1, 2, 20, 21 and 22. In zone 0 and in environments with elevated oxygen levels, the protective clothing may not be used without prior assessment and approval by the responsible protection or safety engineer.
| Atex zone classification for gas, mist and vapour | |
| Zone 0 | Environment where a mixture of air and flammable gas, mist or vapour occurs frequently and persists for long periods. |
| Zone 1 | Environment where a mixture of air and flammable gas, mist or vapour is likely to occur under normal operating conditions. |
| Zone 2 | Environment where a mixture of air and flammable gas, mist or vapour may occur under normal operating conditions but disappears quickly. |
| Atex zone classification for dust | |
| Zone 20 | Environment where explosive dust clouds occur frequently and for long periods. |
| Zone 21 | Environment where explosive dust clouds may occur under normal operating conditions. |
| Zone 22 | Environment where explosive dust clouds are not likely to occur but if they do, they disperse quickly. |
PRODUCTS WITH EN 1149-5
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EN 1149-5
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