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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| Standard | Test | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| EN 1149-1 | Surface Resistivity | Measures electrical resistance across fabric surface |
| EN 1149-2 | Vertical Resistance | Assesses charge movement through fabric thickness |
| EN 1149-3 | Charge Decay | Determines how quickly static charges dissipate |
| EN 1149-5 | Performance Requirements | Sets design and construction rules for protective clothing |
