01
Purpose
EN 1149-5:2018 specifies material-performance and design requirements for electrostatic protective clothing intended to reduce electrostatic charge and spark-ignition risk. It does not provide protection against mains voltage.
Electrostatic ProtectionTECHNICAL PPE LIBRARY
EN 1149-5
Electrostatic Protective Clothing Standard
EN 1149-5:2018 specifies material-performance and design requirements for electrostatic protective clothing intended to reduce electrostatic charge and spark-ignition risk. It does not provide protection against mains voltage.
Product type
Electrostatic protective clothing
Field focus
Code + product + conditions of use
TECHNICAL PRODUCT IDENTITY
EN 1149-5
EN 1149-5StandardIDProduct identityAlways verify the actual product label, manufacturer technical documentation and conformity markings.
02
Typical use
Work in flammable atmospheres where electrostatic discharge can become an ignition source, assessed together with an appropriate earthing system.
03
What to look for?
Verify EN 1149-5 marking and manufacturer conditions of use; do not assume separate gloves or footwear are covered by this garment standard.
CLASSES & SELECTION LOGIC
Technical classes in this standard
A class code is not a selection decision by itself. Interpret it together with task-specific risk assessment and manufacturer data.
DISSIPATIVE
Electrostatic dissipative construction
Garment is designed to reduce electrostatic charge accumulation when used with an appropriate earthing system.
LIMIT
Scope limit
Does not provide protection against mains voltage.
READ THE PRODUCT LABEL
Code & marking decoder
EN 1149-5StandardElectrostatic protective clothing design/performance requirements.IDProduct identityManufacturer/model and instructions for use.
READ THE PRODUCT IN THE FIELD
Where is the standard marking found?
Location varies by manufacturer and design. These are the first places to check; final verification must use the actual product and manufacturer documentation.
1
Garment inner label and electrostatic marking
The marking should be legible, durable and match the product.
2
Manufacturer earthing/use instructions
The marking should be legible, durable and match the product.
STANDARD FAMILY
Standards often reviewed together
EN 1149-5:2018Electrostatic protective clothing requirements
EN 16350Electrostatic dissipative protective gloves are a separate standard
COMMONLY CONFUSED
They are not the same thing
Antistatic ≠ electric-shock protection
EN 1149-5 does not protect against mains voltage.
WRONG-SELECTION EXAMPLE
A typical field mistake
Using EN 1149-5 clothing as insulating clothing for live electrical work.
Why is this a problem?
The standard addresses electrostatic ignition risk, not electric shock.
Better approach
Assess electrostatic and electric-shock hazards separately.
WHERE IN THE FIELD?
Typical applications
01
Flammable atmospheres
02
Petrochemical
03
Solvent handling
04
Process areas
HSE FIELD CHECK
30-second field check
Use for quick pre-checks. It does not replace certification, competent inspection or task-specific risk assessment.
CHECK FOCUS
Is the garment earthed as required by manufacturer instructions?
CRITICAL MISTAKE
Using EN 1149-5 clothing as insulating clothing for live electrical work.
BETTER APPROACH
Assess electrostatic and electric-shock hazards separately.
1
Is the garment earthed as required by manufacturer instructions?
2
Any unsuitable insulating attachment/layer on the garment?
3
Have special limitations such as oxygen-enriched atmospheres been assessed?
4
Have gloves and footwear been verified separately?
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