EN ISO 14116 sets the requirements for materials and clothing that do not propagate flame. It is important to understand precisely what that means: the garment will not ignite and carry fire, but it does not insulate against heat.
The three indexes
| Index | Requirement | Restriction |
|---|---|---|
| Index 1 | Afterflame ≤2 s, no hole formation | Must not be worn next to the skin |
| Index 2 | Index 1 plus no hole formation | May be worn next to the skin under an index 3 layer |
| Index 3 | Index 2 plus afterglow ≤2 s | May be worn next to the skin |
Where it fits, and where it does not
EN ISO 14116 suits places where there is a risk of brief, accidental flame contact — a warehouse where a spark might land, or as a base layer in a multi-layer system. It is not sufficient for welding, foundry work or an electric arc risk; those need EN ISO 11612, EN ISO 11611 or EN 61482.
One practical point: index 1 material must not be in direct contact with the skin, because in a fire it transfers heat straight to it. That restriction is stated on the label next to the pictogram.