STANDARD EN 1149-5

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Standard EN 1149-5:
This standard specifies requirements for protective clothing against electrostatic discharge.
It aims to prevent potentially incendiary electrical discharges.
However, these requirements may be insufficient in flammable atmospheres enriched with oxygen.
This standard does not apply to protection against network voltages.

Performance reading:
Personal protective equipment (PPE) compliant with EN 1149-5 uses a textile material with a carbon wire grid to gradually dissipate electrostatic charges.

Appearance of electrostatic phenomena and their dangers:
The human body can accumulate electrostatic charges if it is isolated from the earth.
These charges can accumulate by contact or by induction.
Sparks from these charges can be dangerous in flammable or explosive atmospheres.

Protective measures:
Workers in such environments must wear PPE complying with EN 1149-5.
This PPE must be in contact with the skin and the wearer must be earthed, usually through conductive footwear.
PPE must also provide thermal protection, in accordance with EN 14116 or EN 11612.

Professions concerned:
All activities where workers operate in flammable or explosive atmospheres are concerned, in particular:
Refineries, gas stations, airports, industrial painting, food industry, wood processing, petrochemicals, gas transport and delivery, plastics industry, welding, metallurgy, mechanics, foundry, industrial mechanics, electromechanics, electronics, etc.