GUIDE TO ANTI-STATIC CLOTHING

TO THE EN 1149 STANDARDS

Anti-static clothing is designed to prevent the build-up of electrostatic discharge (ESD) on the body and reduce the risk of sparks that could ignite flammable or explosive environments. It is a critical form of protective clothing in industries where even small static discharges can cause severe safety hazards.

The relevant European standard for anti-static clothing is EN 1149, which covers a series of tests for electrostatic properties.

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Why Anti-Static Clothing Is Needed

Electrostatic discharge can occur when two materials rub together and create an imbalance of electrical charges. In everyday life this might result in a small “static shock,” but in high-risk workplaces this can be catastrophic.

Industries where anti-static clothing is required include:

• Petrochemical plants – risk of sparks near flammable vapours.
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing – to protect both product and worker.
• Electronics and cleanroom environments – prevent damage to sensitive components.
• Mining and grain handling – risk of explosion from dust particles.

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EN 1149 Standards Overview

The EN 1149 series is made up of several parts that measure different aspects of anti-static performance.

• EN 1149-1: Surface resistivity test.
• EN 1149-2: Vertical resistance test.
• EN 1149-3: Charge decay test — how quickly static is dissipated.
• EN 1149-5: Performance requirements for protective clothing — specifies design and construction rules.

Note: Anti-static clothing is not sufficient on its own to protect against mains electricity or high-voltage power sources. It is specifically designed to reduce ignition risk from electrostatic discharge.

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Choosing the Right Anti-Static Clothing

When selecting garments, consider the following factors:

Type of Environment

• Explosive atmospheres (oil, gas, dust) require garments certified to EN 1149-5.
• Cleanrooms may require combined anti-static and particle-shedding control.

Garment Construction

• Look for garments with conductive fibres woven into the fabric to dissipate charges.
• Ensure that all components (including seams, zips, and fasteners) comply with the standard.

Combination with Other PPE

• Anti-static clothing is often combined with flame-resistant (FR) protection under EN ISO 11612 or IEC 61482 for arc flash environments.
• Footwear, gloves, and headgear must also be anti-static to maintain protection.

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Care and Maintenance

The protective properties of anti-static clothing can diminish if not cared for properly.

• Washing: Follow manufacturer instructions carefully; incorrect laundering can damage conductive fibres.
• Inspection: Regularly check garments for wear, damage, or contamination.
• Replacement: Replace clothing that has lost its conductivity or has visible damage.