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BS EN 1149-5
British and EU standard for electrostatic dissipative protective clothing, designed to prevent ESD in sensitive industrial environments.
Alsico provides BS EN 1149-5-compliant garments that combine industry-leading safety, quality, and comfort. Our protective clothing helps businesses meet regulatory standards whilst keeping employees safe from electrostatic hazards in electronics, chemical, and manufacturing environments.
what is BS EN 1149-5?
BS EN 1149-5 is the British and European standard that defines the performance requirements for protective clothing with electrostatic properties. In simple terms, it focuses on reducing the risk of static electricity build-up on garments — helping to prevent dangerous discharge in environments where flammable gases, vapours, or dusts may be present.
The standard applies most commonly to industries such as petrochemical, chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, utilities, manufacturing, and any controlled environment where static electricity could ignite an explosive atmosphere. It is often used alongside other PPE standards, particularly those covering flame resistance, to deliver layered protection in high-risk workplaces.
Compliance with BS EN 1149-5 matters because static discharge is an invisible hazard with potentially severe consequences. Certified garments help protect workers by dissipating electrostatic charges safely, support employers in meeting regulatory and site-specific requirements, and reduce the likelihood of fires, explosions, and unplanned downtime. By specifying compliant clothing, businesses demonstrate a proactive approach to risk management — safeguarding people, operations, and reputations alike.
who needs BS EN 1149-5 protective clothing?
BS EN 1149-5 protective clothing is essential in industries where electrostatic discharge could create a serious safety risk. It is typically specified for roles and environments where flammable substances, combustible dusts, or sensitive processes are present, and where static build-up must be controlled as part of a wider risk assessment.
our BS EN 1149-5 certified protective clothing
Alsico’s BS EN 1149-5 certified protective clothing is designed to control electrostatic build-up in high-risk environments, without compromising on comfort, durability, or wearability. Every garment is developed with a clear understanding of how static electricity behaves in real working conditions — not just in a test environment.
design and testing
To meet and exceed the requirements of BS EN 1149-5, alsico uses carefully selected fabrics with proven electrostatic dissipative properties, combined with garment constructions that support consistent performance throughout the life of the product. Our clothing is tested in accordance with the relevant parts of the BS EN 1149 series, ensuring reliable charge dissipation and compliance with British, European and international standards.
quality
Quality assurance is built into every stage of the process. From material sourcing and garment design through to manufacturing and final inspection, alsico follows robust quality control procedures to ensure consistency, traceability, and long-term performance. Plus our independent testing and certification provide additional reassurance that our garments perform as intended in hazardous environments.
experience
With decades of experience supplying protective clothing to regulated industries, alsico understands the practical challenges faced on site. That experience informs how we design, test, and refine our anti-static and ESD garments — delivering solutions that support compliance, reduce risk, and stand up to demanding daily use.
looking for ESD garments for your team?
Read more about our anti-static and ESD clothing, or discover our bespoke design service for completely custom-made workwear and PPE for your company.
frequently asked questions
EN 1149-5 garments are made from conductive or anti-static fabrics that safely dissipate static electricity generated by movement, friction, or environmental conditions. By controlling electrostatic build-up, the clothing reduces the risk of sparks, which can ignite flammable gases, vapours, or dusts, keeping workers safer in hazardous environments.
Yes. EN 1149-5 protective clothing is designed to be compatible with other PPE. It can be worn alongside high-visibility garments compliant with EN ISO 20471, flame-resistant clothing, or general protective wear, providing multi-layered protection without compromising comfort or performance.
Compliance is confirmed through independent testing, certification, and clear labelling in accordance with the standard. Alsico ensures every garment meets or exceeds BS EN 1149-5 requirements, providing traceable documentation and confidence that your workforce is protected to the highest standard.
These garments typically use fabrics woven with anti-static threads or conductive fibres, or blended fabrics engineered for electrostatic dissipation. The material choice and construction ensure static charges are safely conducted away from the wearer while maintaining durability and comfort.
Selecting the correct garments involves assessing the workplace risks, the types of tasks performed, and environmental factors. Garment type, sizing, and compatibility with other PPE are key considerations. Alsico’s PPE experts can guide you through this process to ensure your workforce is fully protected.
Absolutely. Alsico has extensive experience supplying large-scale contracts and can provide EN 1149-5 clothing tailored to your company’s requirements, including bespoke designs, branding, and sizing solutions.
EN 1149-3 focuses on measuring the electrostatic properties of materials, often in laboratory settings, whereas EN 1149-5 sets performance requirements for full garments in actual use. In short, 1149-3 tests the material, and 1149-5 ensures the finished clothing safely dissipates static in the workplace. Selecting the right standard depends on your operational risks — alsico can help determine the appropriate solution.
get expert advice on BS EN 1149-5 protective clothing
With decades of experience supplying high-quality protective clothing, alsico is a trusted partner for businesses looking to safeguard their employees and meet regulatory requirements. We understand that selecting the right garments for your workforce is about more than compliance — it’s about protecting people, processes, and productivity.
Make sure your team is fully protected with BS EN 1149-5-compliant clothing from alsico. Our PPE experts provide tailored guidance on garment selection, technical specifications, and industry best practice, ensuring your business meets regulatory standards while keeping your employees safe.
contact us today to find the best fit for every member of your team
learn more about the sub environments we supply into
electricity and arc flash
Our clothing, tailored to specific risk levels, offers significant protection, enhancing safety in industries where Arc Flash incidents are prevalent, minimising the risk of serious burns and injuries.
heat, flame, and welding
Burning hot embers, sparks and fire should never touch the skin of a human, our high-performance, FR and Welding protection garments are essential for workers in these environments.
visibility
Stay seen and secure with our high-visibility solutions, designed to keep workers visible and protected in environments such as railways, roads, docks, airports, and construction.
anti-static / ESD
Industries where electrostatic discharge poses a threat require anti-static/ESD garments. These specialized garments prevent static electricity buildup during sensitive operations, providing a crucial line of defense for worker safety.
molten metals
Protective solutions to ensure your team's safety from molten metal hazards, ensuring maximum-level protection against various metals, including zinc, nickel, and lead, ensuring your team's safety.
chemical
Chemical-resistant attire is necessary for protecting workers from hazardous substances in various industries. Alsico's reliable protective clothing creates a secure barrier against potentially harmful chemicals, prioritizing workplace safety.
rain and cold
Rain and cold weather workwear is pivotal in ensuring safety and comfort in challenging conditions, ensuring workers across diverse industries can perform their tasks safely and efficiently.
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