Flame Resistant vs Flame Retardant Workwear | Tuffshop Guide

Flame-resistant (FR) fabrics are inherently built to resist ignition.

• The fibre itself contains heat-resistant properties.

• The protection will not wash out or wear off.

• If exposed to flame, the fabric chars and self-extinguishes rather than melting.

Common inherently FR materials include:

• Meta-aramid (Nomex ®)

• Para-aramid (Kevlar ® blends)

• Modacrylic fibres

• FR-treated cotton blends that bond the treatment into the yarn

These are ideal for trades where continuous or unpredictable exposure to heat and sparks is possible — such as welding, foundry work, utilities, and offshore industries.

Flame-retardant (FR-treated) garments are made from ordinary fibres (like cotton or polyester) that are chemically treated to reduce flammability.

• The treatment forms a barrier that slows ignition.

• It can degrade over time through washing or heavy wear.

• Regular re-treatment or replacement may be needed to maintain protection.

These are often used in lighter-duty environments — for example, by maintenance teams, warehouse staff, or electricians who only face occasional flame risks.

If you work regularly with heat, molten metal, or open flame, choose inherently flame-resistant workwear — it provides long-term protection.
If you only need occasional protection, flame-retardant clothing can be a cost-effective option, provided you maintain and replace it correctly.

Below are the main standards relevant to heat, flame and related risks.

EN ISO 11612 covers clothing designed to protect against heat and flame exposure, excluding welders (covered by EN ISO 11611). It sets minimum performance for materials that resist ignition, radiant heat and molten splash.

Garments certified to EN ISO 11612 provide dependable protection across industries such as manufacturing, engineering, utilities and general site work.

CODE LETTERS

Each garment is marked with letters indicating protection type:

Higher numbers = better performance.

This standard applies specifically to welders and anyone working with welding, grinding, cutting or similar processes.

It ensures protection against:

• Small splashes of molten metal

• Short contact with flames

• Radiant heat from an arc

EN ISO 11611 garments come in two classes:

• Class 1 – Protection against lower-risk welding techniques

• Class 2 – Higher protection for more hazardous welding tasks
  
  

These garments typically include reinforced seams, flame-resistant fabrics and designs that minimise the risk of molten metal catching in pockets or folds.

EN ISO 14116 covers garments designed for brief, accidental contact with small flames, where no significant heat hazard is present.
It applies to items such as outer shells, lightweight layers and certain hi-vis garments.

Three performance indices define flame spread resistance:

• Index 1 – Lowest level; must not be worn next to the skin

• Index 2 – Moderate flame resistance

• Index 3 – Highest flame resistance under this standard
  
  

This standard is often used for garments worn over other protective layers, especially when full EN ISO 11612 protection isn’t required.

This standard applies to environments where a spark could cause an explosion — such as oil and gas, petrochemical, chemical processing or explosive atmospheres (ATEX zones).

It ensures clothing is designed to:

• Dissipate electrostatic charge

• Prevent sparks that could ignite flammable gases or dusts

• Maintain electrostatic performance when combined with appropriate footwear and grounding procedures
  
  

EN 1149-5 is commonly combined with flame-resistant standards in multinorm workwear, offering protection from multiple hazards in one garment.

The correct standard depends entirely on the hazards identified in your risk assessment.

For example:

• Welders = EN ISO 11611

• General heat and flame = EN ISO 11612

• Brief flame exposure only = EN ISO 14116

• Explosive or ATEX environments = EN 1149-5
  
  

Your PPE supplier or safety manager should help ensure garments are chosen, layered and maintained correctly for compliance.

At Tuffshop, we supply a wide range of flame-resistant (FR) and flame-retardant (FR-treated) clothing designed for both men and women.

Every brand we stock is tested to meet relevant EN standards, offering dependable protection across industries from construction and utilities to rail and manufacturing.

Swedish-built for performance, Blåkläder specialises in multi-functional FR workwear that balances protection with comfort. Expect reinforced seams, durable fabrics and ergonomic fits ideal for demanding site work.
View the Blåkläder FR Workwear Range

Engel Workwear combines Scandinavian design with reliable EN ISO 11612 and EN ISO 11611 compliance. Their FR collections use soft, breathable fabrics for excellent all-day comfort without compromising protection.

View the Engel FR Workwear Range

A long-standing European leader, Fristads is known for innovation and sustainability. Their FR and multinorm garments protect against heat, flame, static electricity and limited chemical splash — ideal for industrial and energy sectors.

View the Fristads FR Workwear Range

Helly Hansen delivers advanced technical protection inspired by its maritime heritage. Its Alna and Chelsea Evolution FR ranges combine inherent FR fabrics with waterproofing for superior all-weather safety.

View the Helly Hansen FR Workwear Range

Danish-made MASCOT Workwear offers premium flame-retardant gear that’s lightweight yet durable. Certified to EN ISO 11612 and EN ISO 11611, their clothing is favoured by professionals in welding, engineering and offshore work.

View the MASCOT FR Workwear Range

Portwest provides one of the UK’s most comprehensive FR collections, from lightweight FR-treated polos to high-performance Bizflame coveralls. With options for men and women, Portwest ensures affordability without sacrificing certification.

View the Portwest FR Workwear Range

Engineered for visibility and protection, Pulsar offers garments certified to EN ISO 20471 and RIS-3279-TOM alongside flame-retardant standards. Their hi-vis FR jackets and coveralls are perfect for railway and roadside environments.

View the Pulsar FR Workwear Range

Snickers focuses on modern fit and movement. Their ProtecWork line combines inherent flame resistance with arc flash and antistatic protection, providing versatile, stylish safety wear for electrical and utility trades.

View the Snickers ProtecWork FR Workwear Range

Renowned for technical excellence, Tranemo produces inherently flame-resistant clothing only — no chemical treatments. Their specialist multinorm solutions deliver top-tier protection for industries facing high thermal and arc risks.

View the Tranemo FR Workwear Range

Each of these trusted brands is available through Tuffshop’s Flame-Resistant Clothing range, with options tailored for men and women across sizes, fits and job roles. 

Whether you need everyday FR workwear or industry-certified multinorm protection, Tuffshop provides the gear that works as hard as you do.

Look for certification to EN ISO 11612 (protective clothing against heat and flame) or EN ISO 11611 (for welders). Garments meeting these standards will have clear pictograms and performance levels on the label.

Yes — but always follow the care label. Use mild detergent, avoid bleach or fabric softeners, and dry at moderate heat. Industrial laundering may be required for heavy-duty FR garments.

Over time, yes. Frequent washing, sunlight, and abrasion can reduce the effectiveness. Always replace garments that have lost certification or show damage.

Check the inside label for the EN standard number and pictograms. Reputable brands such as Portwest, Helly Hansen Workwear, and Carhartt FR clearly list compliance information.

Multinorm workwear is protective clothing that meets multiple EN safety standards in a single garment.

This means the item has been tested and certified to protect against several different types of hazards at once, such as:

• Heat and flame (EN ISO 11612)

• Welding sparks (EN ISO 11611)

• Arc flash risks (IEC 61482-2)

• Antistatic discharge (EN 1149)

• Limited chemical splash (EN 13034)

• High visibility (EN ISO 20471)

Multinorm garments are ideal for workers who face varied or unpredictable hazards, including utilities, rail, energy, engineering, petrochemical and industrial maintenance roles.

Because multinorm clothing carries several certifications, it saves workers needing multiple layers of PPE — offering all-round protection in one piece, with the convenience and comfort of everyday workwear.

To view the most current UK legislation visit the HSE website and see 'Guidance on the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations'

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