EN ISO 14116 explained: limited flame spread Index 1, 2 and 3
EN ISO 14116 explained: limited flame spread Index 1, 2 and 3
EN ISO 14116 covers materials and garments that limit flame spread. It is for brief, accidental contact with small flames, not for heat protection.
Updated
Quick answer
EN ISO 14116 garments are rated Index 1, 2 or 3. Index 1 must be worn over an Index 2 or 3 garment and never next to the skin; Index 3 offers the most limited flame spread. A wash rating such as 3/50 means Index 3 after 50 washes at 50°C. EN ISO 14116:2015 is not currently cited in the GB or EU lists.
At a glance
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| What it covers | Garments with limited flame spread |
| Current edition | EN ISO 14116:2015 |
| List status | Not cited in the GB designated or EU harmonised lists as of 30 October 2026 |
| On the label | "EN ISO 14116 Index 1, 2 or 3" and any wash rating |
Index levels
| Index | What it means |
|---|---|
| Index 1 | Limits flame spread but may form a hole; wear over Index 2 or 3, never next to skin |
| Index 2 | No hole formation in the test; can be worn next to skin |
| Index 3 | Highest level: no hole, limited afterflame |
Shop EN ISO 14116
EN ISO 14116 questions
Is EN ISO 14116 the same as EN ISO 11612?
No. EN ISO 14116 only limits flame spread. EN ISO 11612 also covers heat, molten metal and contact heat.
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/