Protective clothing for welding: Class 1 or 2?

Sparks Under Control Correctly Selecting Protective Equipment for Welding Workplaces

2026-08-10 Source: Philipp Wiedemann | Translated by AI 4 min Reading Time

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Welding is characterized by molten spatter, radiant heat, and open flame. Therefore, the protective equipment must withstand these. But leather is not just leather, as Arbeitsschutz-Express points out ...

During welding, molten, glowing metal particles fly around. To ensure the welder is well protected, there are several things to consider. This includes protection from head to toe, covering the body, hands (image), and even feet. Arbeitsschutz-Express provides advice here ...(Image: Nitras) — During welding, molten, glowing metal particles fly around. To ensure the welder is well protected, there are several things to consider. This includes protection from head to toe, covering the body, hands (image), and even feet. Arbeitsschutz-Express provides advice here ...
(Image: Nitras)

Those assembling protective equipment for welding workstations address three questions simultaneously: What thermal risks arise from splatter and radiant heat? What mechanical stresses are added? And most importantly, which process will be performed in which working position? The selection depends on this, not on catalog photos. The framework is set by the risk assessment. For welding, cutting, and related procedures, the DGUV Regulation 100-500 in Chapter 2.26 specifies which equipment must be provided to the personnel.

Is Welding Protection Class 1 Sufficient, or Does It Have to be 2?

For welder protective clothing, EN ISO 11611 is decisive. It distinguishes between two classes with clearly different testing levels: Class 1 clothing must withstand at least 15 drops of molten metal without the inner temperature rising by more than 40 °C (104°F). It must also resist radiant heat for at least seven seconds. Class 2 requires 25 drops and at least 16 seconds. In practical terms, this means that Class 1 is sufficient for low-splatter processes such as TIG welding. Those performing MAG welding, stick electrode work, flame cutting, or welding in constrained positions and overhead require Class 2.

Environment, Fat, and Oil Contaminations Are Underestimated

Additionally, the labeling indicates how the material was flame-tested: A1 stands for surface ignition testing, while A2 refers to the so-called edge ignition testing—relevant because fabric edges react differently in flying sparks compared to flat surfaces. For workers around the welding station who do not require full welder's clothing, EN ISO 11612 (protective clothing against heat and flames) offers graded performance codes—such as Code E for molten iron splashes. However, two practical points are often underestimated! First, the environment: In rooms with elevated oxygen levels—such as those caused by leaking hoses in confined spaces—the flammability of even flame-resistant clothing increases significantly. Second, the clothing condition: Protective clothing soaked in oil or grease loses its flame-retardant properties. Dirty clothing should therefore be cleaned and not worn near the arc.

Contents of the article:

Page 1: Correctly Selecting Protective Equipment for Welding Workplaces
Page 2: The Type A Glove Is Not Always the Best
Page 3: The Right Welder Protection Means System Protection

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