EN 1149-5 explained: antistatic protective clothing
EN 1149-5 explained: antistatic protective clothing
EN 1149-5 covers garments that safely dissipate static charge, for work in areas where a spark could ignite gas, vapour or dust.
Updated
Quick answer
EN 1149-5 (2018) garments are designed to dissipate static so that clothing does not cause a spark in explosive atmospheres such as ATEX zones. They only work as part of an earthed system: wear them with antistatic footwear and make sure they cover all non-compliant clothing underneath.
At a glance
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| What it covers | Antistatic garments for explosive atmospheres |
| Current edition | EN 1149-5:2018 |
| Status in GB | Designated in Great Britain (GOV.UK notice 0142/26, 15 October 2026) |
| Status in Ireland and NI | Harmonised in the EU, so it applies in Ireland and Northern Ireland (since 5 March 2021) |
| On the label | Static pictogram with "EN 1149-5" |
How to wear it correctly
| Rule | Why |
|---|---|
| Wear with antistatic footwear | The charge needs a path to earth |
| Keep it closed and covering other layers | Non-compliant clothing underneath can still build charge |
| Do not remove in the hazardous zone | Taking off garments can generate a spark |
Shop EN 1149-5
EN 1149-5 questions
Do I need antistatic boots with EN 1149-5 clothing?
Yes. The clothing relies on the wearer being earthed, usually through antistatic or ESD footwear.
Need this for a team?
We can supply and brand PPE for your whole team, delivered across the UK and Ireland.
Official sources
Standards and site rules change. Always check the current edition, the product's declaration of conformity and your own risk assessment.
- GOV.UK: Designated standards for PPE (Great Britain): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/designated-standards-ppe
- European Commission: Harmonised standards for PPE (EU, applies in Ireland and Northern Ireland): https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/single-market/goods/european-standards/harmonised-standards/personal-protective-equipment_en
- HSE: PPE at work regulations: https://www.hse.gov.uk/ppe/ppe-regulations-2022.htm
- HSA: Personal protective equipment (Ireland): https://www.hsa.ie/eng/topics/personal_protective_equipment_-_ppe/
- BSI: the UK National Standards Body (publishes BS EN standards): https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/about-bsi/uk-national-standards-body/
- NSAI: National Standards Authority of Ireland (publishes I.S. EN standards): https://www.nsai.ie/