ISO 11611:2024 Protective clothing for use in welding and allied processes
ISO 11611:2024 Protective clothing for use in welding and allied processes
ISO 11611:2024 is the latest edition of the international standard that specifies the minimum safety requirements and test methods for protective clothing worn during welding and allied processes. The standard ensures that garments provide adequate protection against common welding hazards, including short-term exposure to flame, radiant heat, spatter, sparks, and brief electrical contact during typical welding operations.
WHAT IS ISO 11611:2024?
ISO 11611:2024 sets out the performance requirements for protective clothing such as jackets, trousers, coveralls, hoods, aprons, sleeves, and gaiters intended to safeguard workers who perform welding or related tasks. These garments help protect the wearer’s body, and in the case of hoods and gaiters, the head and feet, from the thermal and mechanical hazards associated with welding.
The standard is not applicable to specialised PPE for the face, eyes, hands, or feet, as these are addressed by other dedicated standards (such as, ISO 16321 for eye and face protection and EN ISO 21420 for protective gloves).
This updated 2024 edition reflects improved test methods, clearer classification requirements, and enhanced guidance for manufacturers and employers. ISO 11611 defines two performance classes based on the protection level required:
- Class 1 – Suitable for lower-risk welding techniques that generate fewer sparks and lower levels of heat and spatter.
- Class 2 – Suitable for higher-risk welding operations producing more molten metal, higher heat levels, and increased exposure to sparks and spatter.
These garments play a critical role in occupational health and safety, especially in environments such as metalworking, foundries, welding workshops, petrochemical facilities, utilities, and manufacturing plants where thermal hazards are a daily risk. ISO 11612:2015 ensures that protective clothing consistently performs in real-world conditions and provides clear guidance for selection, testing, and use.
Why does an organisation need ISO 11611:2024?
Organisations that perform welding or allied processes require ISO 11611:2024 to protect employees from thermal, mechanical, and electrical hazards inherent in these operations. The standard supports compliance with legal obligations under occupational health and safety legislation and ensures that employers provide certified, effective PPE suitable for the hazards identified.
By implementing ISO 11611:2024, organisations demonstrate a commitment to worker safety, risk reduction, and responsible PPE management, strengthening trust with clients, auditors, and employees.
ISO 11611:2024 will assist an organisation with:
- Establishing uniform technical and performance specifications for welding PPE.
- Selecting certified protective clothing that meets verified international test criteria.
- Supporting ISO 45001 risk assessments and hazard controls for welding environments.
- Training welders and supervisors on correct PPE selection, use, maintenance, and inspection.
- Maintaining accurate compliance records for audits, legal inspections, and customer requirement
What are the benefits of implementing ISO 11611:2024?
ISO 11611:2024 delivers substantial benefits by ensuring that clothing worn during welding activities is of a consistent, reliable, and safety-tested quality. When properly implemented, the standard enhances both worker safety and operational efficiency.
Key benefits include:
- Enhanced worker safety
Reduced risk of burns, heat exposure, and spatter-related injuries. - Protection against specific hazards:
Performance-tested shielding from sparks, molten metal, radiant heat, and brief flame contact.. - Regulatory compliance:
Meets recognised PPE standards and supports legal obligations. - Improved workplace efficiency and morale:
Workers feel protected and confident while performing high-risk tasks. - Quality assurance:
Ensures garments are durable, flame-resistant, and tested for real-world welding conditions. - Guidance on selection and care:
Encourages correct maintenance and handling to extend PPE service life. - Stronger safety culture:
Promotes awareness and responsibility among welders and supervisors. - Client and audit confidence:
Demonstrates commitment to safe, certified operations. - Reduced accidents and lost time:
A measurable improvement in incident prevention.
A structured implementation approach ensures that protective clothing is selected, used, and maintained effectively in line with ISO 11611:2024.
Implementation steps:
- Understand the Standard Requirements
Review the full ISO 11611:2024 standard, focusing on performance classes, design criteria, and testing requirements. - Conduct a Welding Risk Assessment
Identify welding activities (arc welding, gas welding, thermal cutting, grinding, brazing) and assess exposure to sparks, molten metal, radiant heat, and environmental conditions. - Select Certified Protective Clothing
Choose garments tested and certified to ISO 11611:2024:
• Class 1 for lower-risk welding tasks.
• Class 2 for higher-risk operations requiring enhanced protection. - Integrate PPE Requirements into the Safety Management System
Incorporate PPE selection, usage rules, maintenance schedules, and hazard controls into ISO 45001 documentation and procedures. - Train and Communicate
Train welders, supervisors, and safety personnel on:
• Correct garment use
• Limitations
• Storage, cleaning, and inspection
• Replacement criteria - Monitor and Maintain
Implement regular inspections to ensure garments retain protective performance after laundering and repeated use. - Review and Continual Improvement
Update PPE selection and processes based on incident data, environmental changes, and worker feedback.
How do I implement ISO 21500:2021 in an organisation?
ISO Consulting & Implementation:
We have a range of professional consultants, engineers, and registered lead auditors to assist in implementing and maintaining your ISO management system. Our industry expertise includes services, telecommunication, manufacturing, construction, engineering services, fast-moving consumer goods, mining, power generation, state owned companies, and government-run organisations.
Each of our consultants takes the time to truly understand the processes of your organisation, which will enable them to implement ISO requirements accordingly and effectively. Hiring a consultant and the time spent to implement your ISO management system will pay off in the long run.
WWISE has a 4-Phase Approach:
- Phase 1: Gap Analysis Audit and Information Gathering
- Phase 2: ISO Documentation, Risk Assessment, and Process Mapping
- Phase 3: Implementation and Training
- Phase 4: Certification
At WWISE we provide a fully inclusive solution that includes full turnkey, awareness training, classroom and online training, and mentorship. As a consulting firm, we do not provide certification services. However, we will guide you through the certification process and ensure that your business becomes certified.
Why Choose WWISE to Assist your Organisation:
Certification Process:
An organisation can get certified to a requirement standard. You can implement the standard and get certified by a third party.
