EN ISO 12402-9:2020
(Main)Personal flotation devices - Part 9: Evaluation (ISO 12402-9:2020)
Personal flotation devices - Part 9: Evaluation (ISO 12402-9:2020)
This document specifies the processes for evaluation of personal flotation devices for fulfilment of the requirements in ISO 12402‑2:2020 to ISO 12402‑6:2020, with which this document is intended to be used.
The classification of PFDs used in the ISO 12402 series:2020 is given in Annex A for information.
Persönliche Auftriebsmittel - Teil 9: Auswertung (ISO 12402-9:2020)
Dieses Dokument legt die Prozesse zur Bewertung von persönlichen Auftriebsmitteln auf die Erfüllung der Anforderungen nach ISO 12402 2:2020 bis ISO 12402 6:2020 fest, mit denen dieses Dokument zur gemeinsamen Anwendung vorgesehen ist.
Die Klassifizierung der in der Normenreihe ISO 12402:2020 verwendeten persönlichen Auftriebsmittel befindet sich zur Information in Anhang A.
Équipements individuels de flottabilité - Partie 9: Évaluation (ISO 12402-9:2020)
Le présent document spécifie les processus d'évaluation des équipements individuels de flottabilité pour satisfaire aux exigences des normes ISO 12402-2:2020 à ISO 12402-6:2020, avec lesquelles le présent document est destiné à être utilisé.
Le classement des EIF utilisés dans la série ISO 12402:2020 est donné à l'Annexe A à titre d'information.
Osebni plavajoči pripomočki - 9. del: Vrednotenje (ISO 12402-9:2020)
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-november-2020
Nadomešča:
SIST EN ISO 12402-9:2006
SIST EN ISO 12402-9:2006/A1:2011
Osebni plavajoči pripomočki - 9. del: Vrednotenje (ISO 12402-9:2020)
Personal flotation devices - Part 9: Evaluation (ISO 12402-9:2020)
Persönliche Auftriebsmittel - Teil 9: Auswertung (ISO 12402-9:2020)
Équipements individuels de flottabilité - Partie 9: Évaluation (ISO 12402-9:2020)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO 12402-9:2020
ICS:
13.340.70 Rešilni jopiči, vzgonska Lifejackets, buoyancy aids
pomagala in plavajoči and floating devices
pripomočki
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EN ISO 12402-9
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
September 2020
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 13.340.70 Supersedes EN ISO 12402-9:2006
English Version
Personal flotation devices - Part 9: Evaluation (ISO 12402-
9:2020)
Équipements individuels de flottabilité - Partie 9: Persönliche Auftriebsmittel - Teil 9: Auswertung (ISO
Évaluation (ISO 12402-9:2020) 12402-9:2020)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 26 July 2020.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2020 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 12402-9:2020 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
European foreword
This document (EN ISO 12402-9:2020) has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 188 "Small
craft" in collaboration with Technical Committee CEN/TC 162 “Protective clothing including hand and
arm protection and lifejackets” the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by March 2021, and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by March 2021.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN ISO 12402-9:2006.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of
North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the
United Kingdom.
Endorsement notice
The text of ISO 12402-9:2020 has been approved by CEN as EN ISO 12402-9:2020 without any
modification.
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 12402-9
Second edition
2020-07
Personal flotation devices —
Part 9:
Evaluation
Équipements individuels de flottabilité —
Partie 9: Évaluation
Reference number
ISO 12402-9:2020(E)
©
ISO 2020
ISO 12402-9:2020(E)
© ISO 2020
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting
on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address
below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
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Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved
ISO 12402-9:2020(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vii
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Classification of personal flotation devices . 4
5 Test methods . 4
5.1 General . 4
5.2 Sampling and conditioning . 4
5.2.1 Sampling. 4
5.2.2 Conditioning . 4
5.3 Criteria . 4
5.4 Magnetic properties testing . 5
5.5 Mechanical properties tests . 5
5.5.1 General. 5
5.5.2 Rotating shock bin test . 7
5.5.3 Temperature cycling test . 8
5.5.4 Horizontal and vertical load tests .10
5.5.5 Lifting loop test .11
5.5.6 Buddy line test .12
5.5.7 Collar handles .17
5.5.8 Body strap hardware secureness test .18
5.5.9 Inflation tests .18
5.5.10 Measurement of buoyancy of the whole device .19
5.5.11 Uninflated buoyancy test .20
5.5.12 Buoyancy test for inherently buoyant material .21
5.5.13 Test of the resistance to burning .21
5.5.14 Overpressure test .23
5.5.15 Strength test of attachment points .24
5.5.16 Test of the resistance to inadvertent inflation .24
5.6 Human subject performance tests .26
5.6.1 General.26
5.6.2 Donning test .31
5.6.3 Water entry test .33
5.6.4 Self-righting and stability test .34
5.6.5 Measurement of freeboard . .36
5.6.6 In-water stability test for lifejackets .37
5.6.7 Boarding test .37
5.6.8 Oral inflation .38
5.7 Tests using manikins .39
5.7.1 General.39
5.7.2 Test order .39
5.7.3 Fall from a height .40
5.7.4 Mouth freeboard .41
5.7.5 Self-righting and stability .43
Annex A (informative) Classification of personal flotation devices .44
Annex B (normative) Adult reference vest for test subject disqualification .46
Annex C (normative) Child reference vest for test subject disqualification and test subject
group validation (body mass from 25 kg to 40 kg) .60
Annex D (normative) Reference vest for test subject disqualification and test subject group
validation (body mass less than 25 kg) .69
ISO 12402-9:2020(E)
Annex E (normative) Manikin .78
Bibliography .83
iv © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved
ISO 12402-9:2020(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www .iso .org/
iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 188, Small craft, Subcommittee SC 1,
Personal safety equipment.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 12402-9:2006), which has been
technically revised. It also incorporates the Amendment ISO 12402-9:2006/Amd 1:2011.
The main changes compared to the previous edition are las follows:
a) amendment of title to make clear the need of this part for the fulfilment of the requirements in
ISO 12402-2 to ISO 12402-6 to make visible the interaction and relation of the different parts of
ISO 12402, and with this, its need of harmonization;
b) new Table 1 (A) Mechanical properties test for inherently buoyant PFDs (see 5.5.1);
c) new Table 2 (B) Mechanical properties test for inflatable PFDs (see 5.5.1);
d) horizontal and vertical load test amended (5.5.4);
e) requirements on collar handles added (see 5.5.7);
f) temperature cycling test amended (see 5.5.3);
g) over-pressure test amended (see 5.5.14);
h) air retention test deleted;
i) requirement for the colour deleted;
j) measurement of buoyancy of the whole device amended (see 5.5.9);
k) inflation tests amended (see 5.5.13);
l) strength of attachment test for inflatable chambers added (see 5.5.15);
ISO 12402-9:2020(E)
m) human subject performance tests amended (see 5.6);
n) performance levels amended (see A.2);
o) Figures B.15 to B.17 added.
A list of all parts in the ISO 12402 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/ members .html.
vi © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved
ISO 12402-9:2020(E)
Introduction
ISO 12402 (all parts):2020 deals with personal floatation devices (PFDs) for persons engaged in
activities, whether in relation to their work or their leisure, in or near water. PFDs manufactured,
selected, and maintained to this International Standard give a reasonable assurance of safety from
drowning to a person who is immersed in water. ISO 12402 (all parts):2020 does not include the
following:
— requirements for lifejackets on seagoing ships, which are regulated by the International Maritime
1)
Organization (IMO) under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS);
— throwable devices and flotation cushions.
ISO 12402 (all parts):2020 allows for the buoyancy of a PFD to be provided by a variety of materials or
designs, some of which can require preparation before entering the water (e.g. inflation of chambers by
gas from a cylinder or blown in orally). PFDs can be divided into the following two main classes:
— those which provide face up in-water support to the user regardless of physical conditions
(lifejackets), and
— those which require the user to make swimming and other postural movements to position the user
with the face out of the water (buoyancy aids).
Within these main two classes there are a number of levels of support, types of buoyancy, activation
methods for inflatable devices, and auxiliary items (such as location aids), which all affect the user‘s
probability of survival. Within the different types of buoyancy allowed, inflatable PFDs either provide
full buoyancy without any user intervention other than arming (i.e. PFDs inflated by a fully automatic
method) or require the user to initiate the inflation. Hybrid PFDs always provide some buoyancy but
rely on the same methods as inflatable PFDs to achieve full buoyancy. With inherently buoyant PFDs,
the user only needs to put the PFD on to achieve the performance of its class.
PFDs that do not require intervention (automatically operating PFDs) are suited to activities where
persons are likely to enter the water unexpectedly; whereas PFDs requiring intervention (e.g. manually
inflated PFDs) are only suitable for use if the user believes there will be sufficient time to produce
full buoyancy, if automatic operation would result in entrapment, or if help is close at hand. In every
circumstance, the user should ensure that the operation of the PFD is suited to the specific application.
The conformity of a PFD to this part of the ISO 12402 series: 2020 does not imply that it is suitable for
all circumstances. The relative amount of required inspection and maintenance is another factor of
paramount importance in the choice and application of specific PFDs.
ISO 12402 (all parts):2020 is intended to serve as a guide to manufacturers, purchasers, and users of
such safety equipment in ensuring that the equipment provides an effective standard of performance in
use. Equally essential is the need for the designer to encourage the wearing of the equipment by making
it comfortable and attractive for continuous wear on or near water, rather than for it to be stored in
a locker for emergency use. The primary function of a PFD is to support the user in reasonable safety
in the water. Within the two classes, alternative attributes make some PFDs better suited to some
circumstances than others or make them easier to use and care for than others. Important alternatives
provided by ISO 12402 (all parts):2020 are the following:
— to provide higher levels of support (levels 100, 150, or 275) that generally float the user with greater
water clearance, when required for increasingly severe conditions; or to provide lighter or less
bulky PFDs (levels 50 or 100);
— to provide the kinds of flotation (inherently buoyant foam, hybrid, and inflatable) that
accommodate the sometimes conflicting needs of reliability and durability, in-water performance,
and continuous wear;
1) The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is an institution with domicile in London issuing regulations
which are then published as laws by its Member States.
ISO 12402-9:2020(E)
— to provide automatically operating (inherently buoyant or automatically inflated) PFDs that float
users without any intervention on their part, except in initially donning the PFD (and regular
inspection and rearming of inflatable types), or to provide user control of the inflatable PFD’s
buoyancy by manual and oral operation; and
— to assist in detection (location aids) and recovery of the user.
PFDs provide various degrees of buoyancy in garments that are light in weight and only as bulky and
restrictive as needed for their intended use. They need to be secure when worn, in order to provide
positive support in the water and to allow users to swim or actively assist themselves or others. The
PFD selected ensures that the user is supported with the mouth and nose clear of the water under the
expected conditions of use and the user’s ability to assist.
Under certain conditions (such as rough water and waves), the use of watertight and multilayer clothing,
which provide (intentionally or otherwise) additional buoyancy, or the use of equipment with additional
weight (such as tool belts) can alter the performance of the PFD. Users, owners and employers need to
ensure that this is taken into account when selecting a PFD. Similarly, it is possible that PFDs do not
perform as well in extremes of temperature, although meeting ISO 12402 (all parts):2020 requirements.
PFDs can also be affected by other conditions of use, such as chemical exposure and welding, and can
require additional protection to meet the specific requirements of use. Taking a PFD into such conditions
necessitates the assurance that the PFD will not be adversely affected. ISO 12402 (all parts):2020 also
allows a PFD to be an integral part of a safety harness designed to conform to ISO 12401:2009, or an
integral part of a garment with other uses, for example to provide thermal protection during immersion,
in which case the complete assembly as used is expected to conform to ISO 12402 (all parts):2020.
In compiling the attributes required of a PFD, consideration has also been given to the potential length
of service that the user might expect. Whilst a PFD needs to be of substantial construction and material,
its potential length of service often depends on the conditions of use and storage, which are the
responsibility of the owner, user and/or employer. Furthermore, whilst the performance tests included
are believed to assess relevant aspects of performance in real-life use, they do not accurately simulate
all conditions of use. For example, the fact that a device passes the self-righting tests in swimming attire,
as described herein, does not guarantee that it will self-right an unconscious user wearing clothing;
neither can it be expected to completely protect the airway of an unconscious person in rough water.
Waterproof clothing can trap air and further impair the self-righting action of a lifejacket.
It is essential that owners, users and employers choose those PFDs that meet the correct standards for
the circumstances in which they will be used.
The characteristics of the product properties, alternative choices and the limitations to normal use are
to be explained to potential buyers by manufacturers and distributors of PFDs prior to purchase.
Similarly, it is advised that regulators regarding the use of these garments consider carefully which
class and performance levels are most appropriate for the foreseeable conditions of use, allowing
for the higher risk circumstances. These higher risk circumstances should account for the highest
probabilities of occurrence of accidental immersion and expected consequences. Requirements and
recommendations for the correct selection and application of PFDs are given in ISO 12402-10:2020.
viii © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 12402-9:2020(E)
Personal flotation devices —
Part 9:
Evaluation
1 Scope
This document specifies the processes for evaluation of personal flotation devices for fulfilment of the
requirements in ISO 12402-2:2020 to ISO 12402-6:2020, with which this document is intended to be used.
The classification of PFDs used in the ISO 12402 series: 2020 is given in Annex A for information.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 139:2005+Amd.1:2011, Textiles — Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing
ISO 2768-1:1989, General tolerances — Part 1: Tolerances for linear and angular dimensions without
individual tolerance indications
ISO 3386-1:1986+Amd.1:2010, Polymeric materials, cellular flexible — Determination of stress-strain
characteristics in compression — Part 1: Low-density materials
ISO 12401:2009, Small craft — Deck safety harness and safety line — Safety requirements and test methods
ISO 12402-2:2020, Personal flotation devices — Part 2: Lifejackets, performance level 275 — Safety
requirements
ISO 12402-3:2020, Personal flotation devices — Part 3: Lifejackets, performance level 150 — Safety
requirements
ISO 12402-4:2020, Personal flotation devices — Part 4: Lifejackets, performance level 100 — Safety
requirements
ISO 12402-5:2020, Personal flotation devices — Part 5: Buoyancy aids (level 50) — Safety requirements
ISO 12402-6:2020, Personal flotation devices — Part 6: Special purpose lifejackets and buoyancy aids —
Safety requirements and additional test methods
ISO 12402-7:2020, Personal flotation devices — Part 7: Materials and components — Safety requirements
and test methods
ISO 12402-8:2020, Personal flotation devices — Part 8: Accessories — Safety requirements and test methods
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
ISO 12402-9:2020(E)
— IEC Electropedia: available at http:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
personal flotation device
PFD
garment or device which, when correctly worn and used in water, provides the user with a specific
amount of buoyancy which increases the likelihood of survival
3.2
inherently buoyant
permanently less dense than water
3.3
automatic inflation
inflation of the PFD (3.1) without the user carrying out any action at the time of water immersion
3.4
manual inflation
inflation of the PFD (3.1) resulting from the user operating a mechanism
3.5
oral inflation
inflation resulting from the user blowing air into the PFD (3.1) by mouth
3.6
PFD with secondary donning
PFD (3.1) for which additional donning or adjustment is needed to place the PFD in its functioning
position from the position it is normally worn
3.7
vest‑type PFD
PFD (3.1) covering the upper trunk of the user like a vest
3.8
yoke‑type PFD
PFD (3.1) in a style worn around the back of the neck and secured by a waist strap
3.9
buddy line
length of cord which can be tied or otherwise fixed to another person or to that person's PFD (3.1) or
other objects, so as to keep a user in the vicinity of that person or object with a view to making location
and thus rescue easier
3.10
lifting loop
device which facilitates manual recovery of a person from water
3.11
whistle
device which, when blown by mouth, produces an audible sound which can aid in the location of the user
3.12
hybrid PFD
PFD (3.1) of combined buoyancy types, i.e. inherent and inflatable
3.13
sheltered waters
water with protection from significant breaking waves, current, or strong winds, where the possibility
of being blown or carried away from shore or place of safety is minimal
2 © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved
ISO 12402-9:2020(E)
3.14
offshore
water that is unprotected and influenced by threat conditions such as waves, tide, currents, or wind, at
sea or on inland waters
3.15
primary means of inflation
means of inflating an inflation chamber that meets the applicable PFD performance requirements and
that requires the least amount of intervention by the user, generally according to the following order of
precedence: automatic (easiest), manual (second), and oral (most difficult)
3.16
primary chamber
inflation chamber associated with the primary means of inflation (3.15) that alone meets the applicable
PFD (3.1) performance requirements
3.17
back‑up chamber
inflation chamber other than the primary chamber(s) (3.16) or supplemental chamber (3.18) that, when
used alone, provides performance in case the primary chamber fails to function
3.18
supplemental chamber
inflation chamber other than a primary chamber (3.16) or back-up chamber (3.17) that is intended
for deployment after stabilization in the water, and provides enhanced performance such as higher
freeboard, improved head support, additional stability, splash protection, location, detection
3.19
status indicator
part or parts of an inflation system which provide user feedback to assist in keeping an inflatable PFD
in an armed and ready condition
3.20
adult lifejacket
PFD (3.1) intended for users with a body mass greater than 40 kg
3.21
infant lifejacket
lifejacket intended for users with a body mass less than or equal to 15 kg
3.22
child lifejacket
lifejacket intended for users with a body mass greater than 15 kg and less than or equal to 40 kg
3.23
child buoyancy aid
buoyancy aid intended for users with a body mass greater than 25 kg and less than or equal to 40 kg
3.24
collar handle
device on the upper back of a PFD (3.1) which facilitates getting hold of the wearer
3.25
test panel
group of persons, experienced in testing PFDs (3.1), who observes the test subjects (3.26) undergoing
the tests
3.26
test subject
human selected to be an integral part of a test
ISO 12402-9:2020(E)
4 Classification of personal flotation devices
An overview of this classification is given in Annex A for information.
5 Test methods
5.1 General
PFDs/devices that aim to fulfil the requirements and essential requirements of ISO 12402-2:2020 to
ISO 12402-6:2020 shall pass the applicable procedures and sequences as specified in the following
order in this part.
Unless otherwise specified, a new sample of the PFD to be tested may be used for each of the tests.
The tests shall be performed in a sequence in accordance with Table 1 for inherently buoyant PFDs and
Table 2 for inflatable PFDs. The temperature cycling test in 5.5.3, and the rotating shock bin test in 5.5.2
shall be carried out prior to all other tests.
A combination of a PFD and accessories shall not impair the performance of either item. This shall be
proved by testing the PFD and accessories in combination. If necessary, the test sequence has to be
arranged accordingly. Requirements and test methods for accessories are specified in ISO 12402-8:2020.
The human subject performance tests shall be carried out under the direction of a test panel. The test
panel shall consist of 2 persons.
If there is any question about the performance observed, the test shall be repeated with an additional
person. The panel is to be qualified by having experience of observing or conducting the specific test
(see Note 1) on at least 3 occasions.
NOTE 1 Specific test means, for instance, that experience with stability testing would not qualify for self-
righting testing or that experience with self-righting testing of inherently buoyant PFDs would not qualify as
experience with similar testing of inflatable PFDs.
NOTE 2 It is recommended that the test panel have at least one member regularly participating in experience
exchanges and round robin tests.
5.2 Sampling and conditioning
5.2.1 Sampling
One sample of each size of the device to be tested shall be provided, unless otherwise specified in this
document.
5.2.2 Conditioning
Prior to testing, the samples shall be conditioned for (24 ± 0,1) h under the appropriate standard
atmosphere as defined in ISO 139:2005+Amd.1:2011 according to the specific fabric used for the PFD.
If testing under wet conditions is required, the sample shall be soaked for (5 ± 1) min in fresh water, or
as specified by the test procedure itself.
5.3 Criteria
All required samples of the PFD shall pass all tests specified in 5.5 for the entire device to meet the
requirements of the relevant parts of the ISO 12402 series: 2020.
4 © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved
ISO 12402-9:2020(E)
5.4 Magnetic properties testing
Place a direct-reading magnetic compass in an undisturbed magnetic area (i.e. an area in which
magnetic items and d.c. electrical cables are not continually moved or switched). Check the compass to
ensure that it has negligible pivot friction. This can be done by deflecting the compass card by 10° by
means of a magnet and then removing the deflecting force, when the card should return to within 0,5°
of its original position.
Present all metal components (with any hooks closed) individually to the compass on an approximately
east-to-west line, to a position where the nearest point of the component is (500 ± 10) mm horizontally
from the centre of the compass. Lightly tap the compass to eliminate the effect of friction. Record the
angle, in degrees, of any deflection of the compass from its position before the metal components were
brought near the compass.
5.5 Mechanical properties tests
5.5.1 General
The mechanical properties of the PFD shall be tested to determine if the device:
— provides resistance against wear and tear;
— remains functional after extreme temperatures;
— remains functional after external loads are applied; and
— remains functional after exposed to flames.
The mechanical properties tests shall be conducted in the sequence in accordance with Table 1 or
Table 2 on device(s) of the required size(s). The samples in Tables 1 and Table 2 shall follow the test
sequence defined.
ISO 12402-9:2020(E)
Table 1 — Property tests for inherently buoyant PFDs
Tests Samples
a b c b
A B C D
5.5.3 Temperature cycling test X X X X
5.5.2 Rotating shock bin test X X X X
5.5.4 Horizontal load test X X
5.5.4 Vertical load test X X
d
5.5.5 Lifting loop test X
d
5.5.6 Buddy line test X
d
5.5.7 Collar handles X
d
5.5.8 Body strap hardware secureness test X
5.5.10 Measurement of buoyancy of the whole device X
e
5.5.12 Buoyancy test for inherently buoyant material X
5.5.13 Test of the resistance to burning X
5.5.15 Strength test of attachment points X
a
For each size.
b
This sample shall be the smallest size for end user mass group.
c
This sample shall be the largest size for each user group.
d
A different sample is allowed to be used for this test, however, the samples shall be tested in accordance with 5.5.2 and
5.5.3 prior to testing.
e
This buoyancy test is only applicable for PFDs where the inherently buoyant material is qualified according to
ISO 12402-7:2020, 4.8.2.5
6 © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved
ISO 12402-9:2020(E)
Table 2 — Property tests for inflatable PFDs
Samples
Tests
a b c b
A B C D
5.5.3 Temperature cycling test X X X X
5.5.2 Rotating shock bin test X X X X
5.5.4 Horizontal load test X
5.5.4 Vertical load test X X
d
5.5.5 Lifting loop test X
d
5.5.6 Buddy line test X
d
5.5.7 Collar handles X
d
5.5.8 Body strap hardware secureness test X
5.5.14 Over-pressure test X
5.5.11 Uninflated buoyancy test X
5.5.10 Measurement of buoyancy of the whole device X
5.5.9 Inflation tests X
5.5.16 Test of the resistance to inadvertent inflation X
5.5.13 Test of the resistance to burning X
d
5.5.15 Strength test of attachment points X
a
For each size.
b
This sample shall be the smallest size for each user mass group.
c
This sample shall be the largest size for each user group.
d
A different sample is allowed to be used for this test, but the samples shall be submitted to 5.5.2 and 5.5.3 prior to
testing.
5.5.2 Rotating shock bin test
5.5.2.1 Principle
The PFD shall provide a resistance against wear and tear.
The test shall be conducted after the temperature cycling test in 5.5.3 for all samples prior to conducting
any other property tests.
The PFD shall meet the requirements in the relevant product standard after being submitted to this test.
5.5.2.2 Apparatus
The equipment used shall be that shown in Figure 1, and consist of a box made from plywood board, the
inside surface of which shall be coated with a hard plastic laminate or similar. The bearing of the bin
shall be in the centre of its mass, as shown in Figure 1, and permit the bin to be rotated freely.
5.5.2.3 Procedure
The PFDs specified by Tables 1 or 2 shall be exposed to this test in the condition “ready for use”. Buckles
shall be closed, and webbing straps shall not be tightly wrapped around the device. Inflatables shall be
packed and armed.
The test specimen shall be placed in the bin through a flush panel in one of its faces, which shall then
be closed and secured. The bin shall then be rotated for a total of 150 revolutions at a steady rate of
-1
6 min .
ISO 12402-9:2020(E)
On completion of the rotations without any readjustment, the specimen shall be removed and inspected
for any damage that would affect the function of the device.
In addition, if inflatable, the device shall be inflated, without any adjustment, then allowed to rest for
(5,0 ± 0,1) min, after which it shall be examined for damage and checked for leaks under water.
The appropriate performance test(s) according to the relevant performance level and according to
Table 1 or Table 2 shall be performed. Any damage or dislodging shall be reported if detected.
Check whether any damage, dislodging, loosening of gas cylinders and/or leakage were observed.
For an inflatable device, check whether any status indicators maintain a positive indication. Check
whether the gas cylinder has been loosened or dislodged.
Dimensions in millimetres
NOTE In this figure, dimensions are identical once rotated 180° on its central axis.
Figure 1 — Design of rotating shock bin apparatus
5.5.2.4 Results
Report whether any damage, dislodging, loosening of threads and/or leakage were observed and which
functional tests were performed including the results.
For an inflatable device, report whether any status indicators maintain a positive indication. Report
whether the gas cylinder has been loosened or dislodged.
5.5.3 Temperature cycling test
5.5.3.1 Principle
The PFD shall remain functional after exposure to extreme temperatures.
8 © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved
ISO 12402-9:2020(E)
This test is to simulate extreme storage temperatures and is not an indication of performance
temperatures.
This test shall be conducted for all samples prior to conducting any other property tests.
5.5.3.2 Procedure
5.5.3.2.1 Inherently buoyant PFDs
The PFDs specified by Table 1 shall be exposed to this test with buckles closed but not tightened or
wrapped around.
Each sample shall be alternately subjected for 8 h to surrounding temperatures of (–30 ± 2) °C and
(60 ± 2) °C. These alternating cycles need not follow immediately after each other and the following
procedure, repeated for 10 cycles, is acceptable:
a) An 8 h cycle at (60 ± 2) °C is to be completed in one day. The samples are to be removed from the
warm chamber that same day and left exposed under ordinary room conditions until the next day.
b) An 8 h cycle at (−30 ± 2) °C is to be completed the next day. The samples are to be removed from the
cold chamber that same day and left exposed under ordinary room conditions until the next day.
At the conclusion of the final 8 h cycle at (60 ± 2) °C and the final 8 h cycle at (−30 ± 2) °C, one sample
shall be removed and fully opened to simulate donning within 30 s after removal from the chamber.
Record whether the PFD shows signs of damage such as shrinking, cracking, swelling, dissolution or
change of mechanical qualities.
5.5.3.2.2 Inflatable PFDs
The PFDs specified by Table 2 shall be exposed to this test in the condition “ready for use”. Buckles sha
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