BS EN 1149-5:2018

Comprehensive Electrostatic Properties Standard for Protective Clothing

BS EN 1149-5:2018 is the essential standard for evaluating the electrostatic properties of protective clothing. This standard provides detailed technical requirements and test methods to ensure the safety and compliance of garments used in potentially explosive or flammable environments.

Ensure Worker Safety in Hazardous Conditions

Protective clothing plays a critical role in safeguarding workers who operate in high-risk settings, such as petrochemical facilities, refineries, and manufacturing plants. BS EN 1149-5:2018 specifies the performance requirements for electrostatic dissipative clothing, which is designed to prevent the build-up of electrostatic charges and minimize the risk of ignition from static electricity.Key benefits of compliance with this standard include:• Reduced risk of fire and explosion hazards caused by electrostatic discharge• Enhanced worker safety and protection in explosive atmospheres or around flammable materials• Confidence that garments meet the highest industry standards for electrostatic properties

Detailed Technical Specifications

BS EN 1149-5:2018 outlines comprehensive requirements for the electrostatic properties of protective clothing, including:• Surface resistivity: Clothing must have a surface resistivity of less than 3.5 x 10^9 ohms per square to effectively dissipate static electricity.• Charge decay: The time required for a charged material to dissipate 90% of its initial charge must be less than 4 seconds.• Electrical resistance: Garments must have an electrical resistance between 0.1 and 100 megohms to prevent the build-up of static electricity.• Fabric and material requirements: Specific guidelines for the selection of fabrics, threads, and other components to ensure optimal electrostatic performance.The standard also provides detailed test methods and procedures to verify the electrostatic properties of protective clothing, ensuring consistent and reliable evaluation across different products and manufacturers.

Compliance and Regulatory Alignment

Compliance with BS EN 1149-5:2018 is essential for organizations operating in high-risk industries, as it aligns with key regulatory requirements and guidelines, including:• ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU: Mandates the use of electrostatic dissipative clothing in potentially explosive atmospheres.• IEC 60079 series: Covers the design, construction, and testing of equipment for use in explosive atmospheres.• NFPA 2112: Standard on flame-resistant garments for protection of industrial personnel against flash fire.By adhering to the specifications outlined in BS EN 1149-5:2018, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to worker safety, regulatory compliance, and industry best practices.Invest in the protection of your workforce and ensure the safety of your operations by incorporating BS EN 1149-5:2018 into your personal protective equipment (PPE) standards.