prEN 16448-1

Protective Clothing - Body Armour - Part 1: General requirements

This European Standard specifies the minimum general requirements for body armour intended to provide basic torso protection and high protection to some vital organs against assaults by firearms and / or edged and pointed weapons including sizing, coverage, ergonomic and innocuousness requirements, and requirements for labelling and the provision of information. The standard targets products aimed for the civilian market, for example for different types of guards. Smaller components such as collars, shoulders & groin protectors (if included) fall outside the scope of this standard.

Schutzkleidung - Körperschutz - Teil 1: Allgemeine Anforderungen

Diese Europäische Norm legt die allgemeinen Mindestanforderungen an Körperschutz fest, der dazu vorgesehen ist, grundlegenden Schutz für den Oberkörper sowie ein hohes Maß an Schutz für einige lebenswichtige Organe gegen Angriffe durch Feuerwaffen und/oder scharfe und spitze Waffen zu bieten, eingeschlossen die Größeneinteilung, die bedeckte Fläche, Anforderungen an Ergonomie und Unschädlichkeit sowie die Anforderungen an die Kennzeichnung und die Bereitstellung von Informationen.
Diese Norm bezieht sich auf Produkte für den zivilen Markt, zum Beispiel für verschiedene Arten von Wachpersonal.
Kleinere Bestandteile wie Kragen, Schulter- und Unterleibsschutz (falls eingeschlossen) fallen nicht in den Anwendungsbereich dieser Norm.

Vêtements de protection - Protection corporelle - Partie 1: Exigences générales

Varovalna obleka - Neprebojno oblačilo - 1. del: Splošne zahteve

General Information

• Status: Not Published
• Publication Date: 29-Sep-2014
• ICS: 13.340.10 - Protective clothing
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 162 - Protective clothing including hand and arm protection and lifejackets
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 162/WG 5 - Resistance to mechanical impact of protective clothing
• Current Stage: 0098 - Decision to abandon - Definition of new project
• Start Date: 31-May-2018
• Completion Date: 14-Apr-2025
• Directive: 89/686/EEC - Council Directive 89/686/EEC of 21 December 1989 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to personal protective equipment
• Mandate: M/031 - Standardization mandate to CEN/CENELEC concerning standards for Personal Protective Equipment
• Ref Project: oSIST prEN 16448-1:2012 - Protective Clothing - Body Armour - Part 1: General requirements

Overview

prEN 16448-1 is a European Standard developed by CEN that specifies the general requirements for body armour designed to provide torso protection against firearms and edged or pointed weapons. This standard focuses on body armour intended for the civilian market, such as protective gear for security personnel. It defines essential criteria including sizing, coverage, ergonomic considerations, innocuousness (safety of materials), labelling, and the provision of user information. Notably, smaller protective components like collars, shoulder, and groin protectors are excluded from its scope.

This standard lays the foundation for the two subsequent parts:

• Part 2: Bullet resistance requirements and test methods
• Part 3: Knife and spike resistance requirements and test methods

prEN 16448-1 supports harmonized production and assessment of body armour for civilian use, ensuring reliability, safety, and effectiveness.

Key Topics

• Scope and Application
  The standard targets body armour that offers basic to high protection of vital organs on the torso against physical assault, specifically firearms, knives, and spikes.

• Classification and Performance Levels
  Body armour is classified based on protection levels against ballistic and edged weapon threats. A performance class code designates the armour’s tested threat resistance, indicated through pictograms for quick recognition.

• Design and Ergonomics
  Requirements cover the design aspects related to protective coverage areas, minimum dimensions, and ergonomic fit. The armour’s ergonomic score is evaluated to ensure comfort and mobility for the wearer.

• Material Safety and Durability
  Innocuousness ensures materials used do not harm the wearer. Additional tests for dimensional stability and tear strength guarantee the durability and reliability of the protective clothing.

• Labelling and User Information
  Detailed labelling requirements ensure the wearer receives relevant information such as model, performance class, care instructions, and usage guidelines.

• Test Methods
  The standard outlines standardized procedures for physical and ergonomic testing, pre-conditioning, ballistic and stab resistance verification, and workmanship examination.

Applications

prEN 16448-1 is essential for manufacturers, distributors, and purchasers of civilian body armour, particularly:

• Security and Guard Services – Ensures protective clothing provides tested resistance against typical threats encountered by personnel.
• Personal Protection Equipment Developers – Guides design and quality assurance to meet minimum safety and ergonomic standards.
• Regulatory and Certification Bodies – Provides the baseline criteria for assessment, certification, and regulatory compliance within the European Union.
• Training and Safety Programs – Supplies detailed information to end-users about wearing, maintaining, and understanding the limitations and capabilities of body armour.

This standard enhances both wearer safety and product reliability by promoting uniform testing, clear labelling, and ergonomic comfort, crucial for everyday use in civilian protection scenarios.

Related Standards

prEN 16448-1 forms part of a comprehensive European body armour standard series, which includes:

• prEN 16448-2: Protective Clothing - Body Armour - Part 2: Bullet Resistance Requirements and Test Methods
  Focuses on performance criteria and testing procedures relative to ballistic threat protection.

• prEN 16448-3: Protective Clothing - Body Armour - Part 3: Knife and Spike Resistance Requirements and Test Methods
  Details specifications and tests for protection against edged and pointed weapon attacks.

Other relevant standards referenced include:

• EN 340:2003 – Protective clothing general requirements
• EN ISO 13937-2:2000 – Textile tear strength testing

These standards collectively provide a robust framework for developing and certifying high-quality protective clothing to meet the evolving safety needs of civilian wearers facing firearm and edged weapon threats.

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Keywords: body armour general requirements, protective clothing, torso protection, ballistic resistance, knife stab resistance, body armour standards, civilian body armour, ergonomic design, labelling requirements, body armour testing, prEN 16448-1.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2012
9DURYDOQDREOHND1HSUHERMQRREODþLORGHO6SORãQH]DKWHYH
Protective Clothing - Body Armour - Part 1: General requirements
Schutzkleidung - Körperschutz - Teil 1: Allgemeine Anforderungen
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 16448-1
ICS:
13.340.10 Varovalna obleka Protective clothing
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD
DRAFT
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
June 2012
ICS 13.340.10
English Version
Protective Clothing - Body Armour - Part 1: General
requirements
Schutzkleidung - Körperschutz - Teil 1: Allgemeine
Anforderungen
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee CEN/TC 162.

If this draft becomes a European Standard, 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.

This draft European Standard was established by CEN 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, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and United Kingdom.

Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are aware and to
provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without notice and
shall not be referred to as a European Standard.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2012 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 16448-1:2012: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
Foreword .4
Introduction .5
1 Scope .6
2 Normative references .6
3 Terms and definitions .6
3.1 General terms relating to body armour .6
3.2 Terms relating to specific injury and to associated protective mechanisms .7
3.3 Terms relating to constructions and components used in body armour .7
3.4 Terms relating to test specimens .8
4 Classification of body armour and performance levels.8
5 Requirements .9
5.1 General .9
5.2 Designation of body armour .9
5.2.1 Designation of style .9
5.2.2 Designation of the performance level . 10
5.3 Minimum dimensions of zones of protection . 10
5.4 Innocuousness . 10
5.5 Size designation. 10
5.6 Dimensional stability . 10
5.7 Tear strength . 10
5.8 Fitting . 11
5.9 Ergonomic . 11
5.9.1 Requirements . 11
5.9.2 Principles . 11
5.9.3 Evaluation of the ergonomic score . 11
6 Test methods and procedures . 11
6.1 Body armour for general examination and ergonomic testing . 11
6.2 Pre-conditioning of body armour . 11
6.3 Test team for ergonomic assessment and size verification . 12
6.4 Preparations for ergonomic assessment and fitting verification . 13
6.5 Procedure for fitting verification . 13
6.6 Procedure for ergonomic evaluation . 13
6.7 Examination of the construction and workmanship of body armour . 14
6.8 Examination of labels and information supplied by the manufacturer . 14
6.9 Test report . 14
7 Marking . 14
8 Information supplied by the manufacturer . 15
9 Graphical symbols (pictograms) . 17
Annex A (normative) Ergonomic assessment by wearer trial . 19
Annex B (informative) Example of scorecard for ergonomic assessment by wearer trail . 24
Annex C (informative) Examples of product labels . 28
Annex D (informative) Examination of the construction and workmanship of body armour . 30
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential
Requirements of EU Directive 89/686/EEC . 31
Bibliography . 33
Figures
Figure 1 — Graphical symbols - ISO 7000 . 15
Figure 2 — Graphical symbols for sizing . 17
Figure 3 — Graphical symbols showing protection classes . 17
Figure C.1 — Example of Carrier Label Example of Carrier Label . 28
Figure C.2 — Example of FRONT armour panel label . 29
Tables
Table 1 — Class Definitions for Ballistic protection . 8
Table 2 — Class Definitions for knife and spike protection . 9
Table 3 — Variance of sizes within the test panel. 13
Table B.1 — Guidance for picking scores . 26
Table ZA — Correspondence between this European Standard and Directive (Add the reference and title of
the Directive) . 31

Foreword
This document (prEN 16448-1:2012) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC TC “Protective
clothing including hand and arm protection and lifejackets”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the
European Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EU Directive(s).
For relationship with EU Directive(s), see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this document.
This European Standard consists of the following Parts:
 EN 16448-1 Protective clothing — Body armour — Part 1: General requirements
 EN 16448-2 Protective clothing — Body armour — Part 2: Bullet resistance — Requirements and test
methods
 EN 16448-3 Protective clothing — Body armour — Part 3: Knife stab resistance — Requirements and test
methods
Introduction
Body armour is worn by individuals and by groups of employees who are at risk of assault. Body armour is
generally designed to prevent serious and fatal injuries to the torso from the anticipated threats. Body armour
can be designed to provide bullet resistance or stab resistance, or a combination of both. The wide range of
threats in different operational situations, the variable risk of assault, and the ergonomic requirements of
wearers, influence the specifications of body armour. In recognition of these threats, this standard is divided
into separate parts for Part 1: General requirements, Part 2: Bullet resistance and Part 3: Knife stab
resistance.
It should be recognised that no body armour can provide complete protection from injury in all situations.
However it has been found that the incidence and severity of injuries is reduced by appropriate body armour.
Personal protective equipment produced exclusively for use in National armed forces and in police forces
engaged in the maintenance of law and order is excluded from the requirements of Directive 89/686, but may
never-the-less, be assessed in part according to this European Standard, providing additional necessary
requirements relating to specific operational needs are identified.
1 Scope
This European Standard specifies the minimum general requirements for body armour intended to provide
basic torso protection and high protection to some vital organs against assaults by firearms and / or edged
and pointed weapons including sizing, coverage, ergonomic and innocuousness requirements, and
requirements for labelling and the provision of information.
The standard targets products aimed for the civilian market, for example for different types of guards.
Smaller components such as collars, shoulders & groin protectors (if included) fall outside the scope of this
standard.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 340:2003, Protective clothing — General requirements
EN ISO 13937-2:2000 Textiles — Tear properties of fabrics — Part 2: Determination of tear force of trouser-
shaped test specimens (Single tear method) (ISO 13937-2:2000)
prEN 16448-2, Protective clothing — Body armour — Part 2: Bullet resistance — Requirements and test
methods (ISO/FDIS 14876-2:2001)
prEN ISO 16448-3, Protective clothing — Body armour — Part 3: Knife and spike resistance — Requirements
and test methods (ISO/FDIS 14876-3:2001)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1 General terms relating to body armour
3.1.1
body armour
general name for a garment designed to provide protection against one or more threats by firearms and/or
edged and pointed weapons over the whole or the part of the torso
Note 1 to entry: Normally a body armour consists of a carrier containing one or more armour panels that are designed
to provide protection against one or more threats over the whole or the majority of the torso. The carrier may also contain
modular inserts such as armour plates, and/or a trauma pack.
3.1.2
coverage
area of the body which is covered by the body armour
3.1.3
covert body armour
body armour designed to be worn close to the body under a shirt, blouse or jersey. It is intended to be
inconspicuous
3.1.4
model name
model number
manufacturer’s unique code or name that identifies a product having a particular construction common to all
examples of the model, a specified performance level, a specified zone of protection. A model may be
available in a range of sizes and styles
3.1.5
overt body armour
body armour designed to be worn on top of other clothing and often to be the outer-most layer of clothing
3.1.6
performance class code
code which designates the category of the protection that it is intended the armour should provide. This code
is used in designating the test severity to which the armour is to be subjected
3.1.7
style
manufacturer’s designation that identifies a particular combination of features or versions of a model that
define its appearance, but do not alter the model and thus its performance level
3.1.8
torso
upper part of body, both front and back, including abdomen and chest, but excluding arms, neck and head
3.2 Terms relating to specific injury and to associated protective mechanisms
3.2.1
bullet resistance
property of a material or combination of materials, reflecting their ability to defeat perforation by a bullet or
similar projectile
3.2.2
knife stab resistance
property of a material or combination of materials reflecting their ability to defeat perforation by a knife or
similar edged weapon
3.2.3
spike stab resistance
property of a material or combination of materials reflecting their ability to defeat perforation by a spike or
similar pointed weapon
3.3 Terms relating to constructions and components used in body armour
3.3.1
armour panel
specific construction of layers of materials designed to provide protection against ballistic and / or knife / spike
threats
3.3.2
carrier
enclosing fabric garment into which the armour panels are inserted to complete the assembly of a particular
body armour. The carrier normally performs ergonomic, informative, hygienic and cosmetic functions
3.3.3
cover
enclosing fabric garment that seals and encloses the armour panels. The cover normally protects the armour
panels from water or dirt
3.3.4
armour plate
additional item that can be added to a bullet, knife, or spike resistant body armour to enhance the level of
protection or the number of threats against which it provides protection in specific areas
3.4 Terms relating to test specimens
3.4.1
body side
inner surface of a sample of body armour that is against the body, and the face of a test specimen placed
against the supporting backing material
3.4.2
strike face
outer face of body armour and the face of a test specimen to be struck by a projectile, test blade or test spike
3.4.3
sample
complete item of body armour as it is supplied to be worn, or a number of units of the same model that
together will provide sufficient test specimens for the testing to be done
3.4.4
test specimen
object that have been prepared and conditioned according to this standard for a specific test procedure. A
single test specimen may be a whole sample, or a combination of more than one sample such as an armour
plate and an appropriate ballistic vest, or part of a sample such as the complete front or back of an armour, a
protective element manufactured to the correct size for ballistic test or an area of an armour cut away from the
rest of the sample for a particular test
4 Classification of body armour and performance levels
The performance class code is a unique coding system that shall denote the performance level of the body
armour determined by testing against the particular threats defined in Parts 2 and 3 of this Standard.
The performance class code corresponding to the protection class of the garment is stated together with the
applicable pictogram, showing bullet, knife or spike protection. See examples in Annex C.
A Body Armour protecting against ballistics shall be placed by the manufacturer in one of the performance
classes below.
Table 1 — Class Definitions for Ballistic protection
Class
Class Name Class Description
Code
Soft armour protecting against bullets in class G1 in
G1 Gun protection class 1
Table 1 in part 2 of this standard.
Soft armour with rigid armour plates protecting against
G2 Gun protection class 2
bullets in class G2 in Table 1 in part 2 of this standard.
Soft armour with rigid armour plates protection against
G3 Gun protection class 3
bullets in class G3 in Table 1 in part 2 of this standard.
A Body Armour in performance class G2 and G3 shall be tested and approved also for classes with lower
class number. This means that for example a Body Armour in class G3 shall be tested and approved also for
class G1 and G2.
A Body Armour protecting against knives shall be placed by the manufacturer in one of the performance
classes below.
Table 2 — Class Definitions for knife and spike protection
Class
Class Name Class Description
Code
Body armour protecting against knife stabs
with stab force according to class K1 in Table
K1 Knife protection class 1.n 1 in part 3 of this standard. General Duty soft
armour for low risk situations. May be overt or
covert;
Body armour protecting against knife stabs
with stab force according to class K2 in Table
K2 Knife protection class 2.n
1 in part 3 of this standard. Soft armour for
medium risk situations. May be overt or covert;
Body armour protecting against knife stabs
with stab force according to class K1 in Table
1 in part 3 of this standard and spike stabs
Knife protection class 1 and spike protection
K1+S1 with stab force according to class S1 in Table
class 1
1 in part 3 of this standard. General Duty soft
armour for low risk situations. May be overt or
covert;
Body armour protecting against knife stabs
with stab force according to class K2 in Table
Knife protection class 2 and spike protection 1 in part 3 of this standard and spike stabs
K2+S2
class 2. with stab force according to class S2 in Table
1 in part 3 of this standard. Soft armour for
medium risk situations. May be overt or covert;

A body armour can provide bullet protection, stab protection or both. In case the body armour is protecting
solely against bullets it is only marked with a bullet protection class. In case the body armour is protecting
solely against stabbing it is only marked with a stab protection class. In case it is providing both kinds of
protections it is marked with both protection classes.
This standard does not allow for only spike stab protection without comparable knife stab protection.
5 Requirements
5.1 General
All body armour shall meet the requirements in clauses, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7 and 5.8 and shall in addition
meet at least one minimum performance classes given in Table 1 or Table 2 when tested in accordance with
parts 2 or 3 of this standard respectively.
All body armour shall be marked according to clause 7.
All body armour shall be delivered together with the information from the manufacturer according to clause 8.
5.2 Designation of body armour
5.2.1 Designation of style
In the Information supplied by the Manufacturer, the intended use and the specific features of the body armour
shall be mentioned, e.g. overt or covert body armour, zones of protection in relation to the performance level,
etc. as stated in section 8.
5.2.2 Designation of the performance level
Body armour shall be designated as providing a particular level of protection. The test conditions
corresponding to the levels are given in parts 2 and 3 of this standard. The performance class coding system
to be used is given in 4.
Body armour shall be marked with its performance class code. (See also clauses 7 and 8.)
5.3 Minimum dimensions of zones of protection
Depending on the balance between risk and ergonomics, the zone of protection might vary.
The zone of protection shall be stated by the manufacturer in the information from the manufacturer, as
required in section 8.
The zone of protection shall not be smaller than stated in the information from the manufacturer.
5.4 Innocuousness
Construction materials and incorporated substances, shall meet the innocuousness requirements in
EN 340:2003.
5.5 Size designation
Body armour sizes shall be designated according to EN 340. Body armour dimensions and sizes shall be
based on at least three control body dimensions for male users and four control dimensions for female users.
These dimensions shall be:
a) Chest girth (male);
b) or Bust girth (female);
c) Under-bust girth (female);
d) Waist girth;
e) Waist to waist over the shoulder length.
Products to fit males should be specified on at least a, d and e, and for females on at least b, c, d and e. The
dimensions used shall be shown in a sizing pictogram, (Figure 2) on a label or in the Information Supplied by
the Manufacturer. (See also Clauses 7 and 8).
Sizing shall be verified according to 6.1 and 6.5 and Annex A.
5.6 Dimensional stability
Changes in dimension of the body armour carrier due to cleaning shall not exceed 3 % in either length or
width for woven material and not exceed 5 % in either length or width or knitted materials.
Before the inspection for dimensional changes, the carrier shall be pre-conditioned according to 6.2.
5.7 Tear strength
The cover shall have a minimum tear strength of 15 N.
The tear strength of the cover shall be determined in accordance with EN ISO 13937-2:2000 in both the
machine and cross directions.
5.8 Fitting
Body armour shall fit closely but not too tightly and shall be easily put on and taken off.
Body armour shall be provided with systems such that it is securely held on the user's body.
Fitting shall be verified according to 6.5.
NOTE A body armour that is not a good close fit should be considered as having failed.
5.9 Ergonomic
5.9.1 Requirements
Body armour shall be designed to minimize the discomfort of its use. Head, arm, torso and leg movements
shall not be unduly restricted. Body armour shall not move on the body during extreme movements in ways
that can impede the wearer’s further response to the situation. The ambient conditions and activity level of the
user shall be considered and provision made to prevent severe thermal discomfort and the accumulation of
sweat. The ergonomic requirements shall be verified according to 6.6.
Hard edges and rough surface shall not be in contact the user during normal movements. This requirement is
verified according to 6.4
5.9.2 Principles
Body armour shall be examined and measured by an assessor. The assessor determines if the body armour
is acceptable from an ergonomic standpoint based on ergonomic characteristics provided to him by a test
team of subjects who wear the body armour and perform a number of prescribed actions and answer
questions.
5.9.3 Evaluation of the ergonomic score
The resulting scores from all the test team members testing according to Annex A shall be evaluated. A body
armour under test is considered passed if:
 no single test team member has given the score "Unacceptable" on any of the tests;
 a total maximum of six "Poor" scores are given, when the results from all the test team members are
summarised;
 a maximum of two "Poor" scores are given by one single test member.
6 Test methods and procedures
6.1 Body armour for general examination and ergonomic testing
Check that body armour is supplied for test complete with labels according to clause 7, and the information
supplied by the manufacturer according to clause 8.
6.2 Pre-conditioning of body armour
All parts of the Body Armour shall be washed or cleaned according the instructions or the care label specified
by the manufacturer. If a maximum number of washing/cleaning cycles is given in the information from the
manufacturer, that number of cycles shall be used. If no maximum number of cycles is given in the information
from the manufacturer, the parts shall be subject to five cleaning cycles.
Between each washing cycle, the carrier and the protective elements shall be given time to dry completely.
Before examination the body armour shall be hung on clothes hangers in an atmosphere of (20 ± 3) ºC and a
relative humidity of (55 ± 15) % for at least 12 h.
NOTE The purpose of pre-conditioning is to verify the dimensional stability of the carrier.
6.3 Test team for ergonomic assessment and size verification
The test team shall consist of six wearers. Three of the wearers shall be habitual wearers of body armour,
three wearers shall be non-habitual wearers.
NOTE The reason for mixing habitual and non-habitual wearers of body armour is to balance the bias from the
prejudices that both categories might have. Non-habitual wearers might have too high expectations of the ergonomic
performance of a body armour, and habitual wearers might be biased by for example their previous experiences, or ideas
of their "favourite brand".
If the model to be tested is available in both male and female design, the test team should consist of three
men and three women.
The members of the test team shall be medically fit.
If the body armour is put on the market as tailor made for the user, the procedure for taking measures
prescribed by the manufacturer shall be used for measuring the body dimensions of the test team members. If
no method for taking the body measures is described, the body dimensions of the test team members shall be
measured according to EN 13402-1.
If measurements according to EN 13402-1 is used, the following measurements shall be taken and provided
to the manufacturer:
a) neck girth (3,6);
b) chest girth (3,7) or bust girth (3,8);
c) under bust girth (for woman) (3,9);
d) waist girth (3,10);
e) height (3,12).
The manufacturer shall provide body armour for each of the individual test team members, based on these
measurements.
If the body armour is put on the market as ready-made off-the-shelf products, one sample of each available
size shall be provided to the test team for trying purpose. The test team will then find the correct size using
any method described in the information from the manufacturer. If no method for finding the correct size is
given in the information from the manufacturer, the test team member and the assessor will jointly decide on
the correct size for the test team member based on their own judgement. The manufacturer will then provide
each individual test team with the size that was found to be suitable during the try out.
The Test House shall strive for a variance in sizes within the test panel. To ensure a certain variance of sizes,
the test panel member’s body dimensions should be such that at least one test panel member fits in each of
the categories 1 - 3 in the table below.

Table 3 — Variance of sizes within the test panel
Category 1 Category 2 Category 3
Chest girth a 64-81 82-95 96-115
Waist girth c 60-70 71-86 87-110
NOTE The range of the table is selected to cover both male and female sizes.

6.4 Preparations for ergonomic assessment and fitting verification
All possible measures shall be taken to hide the brand of the body armour from the members of the test team,
to avoid biasing the members, in particular the habitual wearers of body armour.
All body armours to be used by the test team shall be inspected for sharp edges, rough surfaces, protruding
wire ends or any other feature that might cause harm to a user before the test starts. If serious faults are
found no wearer trials shall be carried out and the test is considered failed.
6.5 Procedure for fitting verification
The test team members shall wear the body armour with appropriate under clothing recommended by the
manufacturer. Covert body armour shall not be covered during the examination.
The members of the test team shall put on the body armour dedicated to the particular test team member. The
body armour shall be closed and adjusted according to the instructions in the Information Supplied by the
Manufacturer. The adjustable closures shall have sufficient adjustment so that the armour can be fitted closely
but not too tightly to the body.
A deep breath shall be taken and held at the point of maximum inhalation. The armour shall continue to fit
firmly against the chest, shoulders and abdomen. If the armour restricts inhalation or if a hand can be placed
inside the armour at maximum inhalation, the shape or fit is not correct.
If after the inhalation the fit is no longer firm to the body, the shape or fit is not correct.
The body armour shall during this procedure give protection over the full zone defined in the information from
the manufacturer.
The results of the assessments shall be recorded in the test report.
The assessor and team member shall both agree if the fit is adequate or not.
6.6 Procedure for ergonomic evaluation
Correctly sized body armour shall be provided for each individual test team member as defined in 6.3. The
adjustable closures shall have sufficient adjustment so that the armour can be fitted closely but not too tightly
to the body.
The test team members shall wear overt body armour with appropriate clothing recommended by the
manufacturer. Covert body armour shall be worn over a smooth tightly fitting T-shirt, and shall not be covered
during the examination.
The members of the test team shall put on the body armour supplied to fit the particular test team member.
The body armour shall be closed and adjusted according to the instructions in the information supplied by the
manufacturer.
Test according to Annex A shall be performed and recorded.
6.7 Examination of the construction and workmanship of body armour
The body armour, its labels and the information supplied by the manufacturer shall be examined to determine
if the type of the body armour corresponds with what is stated in the information given.
The construction of the body armour shall be examined, including the materials used. Information shall be
supplied by the manufacturer to assist in this examination. Examples of body armour shall be taken apart if
necessary for this examination.
Each armour sample shall be free from wrinkles, blisters, cracks or fabric tears, crazing, chipped or sharp
corners and edges, or other evidence of inferior workmanship. Additionally, all individual samples shall be
identical in appearance, size, and manner of construction.
6.8 Examination of labels and information supplied by the manufacturer
The labels on the body armour and any packaging, and the Information Supplied by the Manufacturer shall be
examined to verify that they contain all the information required in clauses 7, 8, and 9, expressed as required
in 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, and 5.5. Guidance on assessing labels and information is given in ISO/IEC Guide 37 and
informative Annex A to this Guide should be followed.
6.9 Test report
The minimum information required in the test report should be:
a) the test sample source, identification, , model name or number, style, sizes supplied, batch numbers and
other relevant information needed to fully identify and trace the product under test;
b) the performance level(s) of testing requested;
c) any additional tests requested;
d) the dates of testing, a list of tests performed ,and the results for the following:
1) Innocuousness assessment, examination of the construction and workmanship, examination of
Information Supplied by the Manufacturer;
2) Size verification;
3) Ergonomic assessment;
e) the dates and numbers of test report(s) relating to conformance with the performance requirements in
Parts 2 and 3 of this standard;
f) the overall test result for the product, and the performance level code appropriate for the product;
g) authorising signatures.
7 Marking
All separable parts of body armour shall be permanently and conspicuously marked with at least the following:
a) The name or trademark of the manufacturer or his authorised representative in the European Union;
b) the model designation of the product that by a name or code uniquely identifies the item in the
manufacturer’s range;
c) the size designation of the item;
d) the name of the component (e.g. “Front Armour Panel”, “Body Armour Carrier”);
e) washing and cleaning instructions, or the information that the garment can not be washed;
f) any limits for temperature and moisture during use and storage;
g) an instruction to see the Information Supplied by the Manufacturer. This may be in the form of the ”i” in a
book pictogram ISO 7000-1641;
NOTE The first part of this paragraph is only applicable on components that have been certified together.
h) a statement saying: “This armour meets the requirements of EN XXX:XXXX for the following Protection Levels
ONLY”; followed by the performance level code(s) and pictogram(s) for the particular threats. The
pictograms are as follows:
Spike resistance      Knife resistance      Bullet resistance
Figure 1 — Graphical symbols - ISO 7000
i) the month and year of manufacture and batch numbers;
j) an information panel stating the side that is to be facing the body.
All carriers shall also be marked with:
k) Lists of components that should be inserted to obtain particular protection levels and, if appropriate, any
other information necessary to ensure the armour is assembled correctly;
l) a statement telling the wearer to refer to the armour panels for the protection level;
m) a warning to check all components are in place correctly positioned.
The performance level code and pictograms must not be displayed on the outer carrier unless the armour
panels cannot be removed from the carrier by the user.
Examples of compliant labels are given in Annex C.
8 Information supplied by the manufacturer
Body armour shall be supplied with information and with instructions for fitting and use. These are an essential
part of the protective equipment. They shall be precise and comprehensive and in the official language(s) of
the country of destination of the product. The information should be structured in a manner which is easy to
read and with information on similar topics being grouped together.
The information supplied by the manufacturer shall contain at least the following:
a) The name or trademark and full address of the manufacturer or his authorised representative in the
European Union;
b) the model designation of the product that by a name or code uniquely identifies the item in the
manufacturer’s range;
c) a general description of the body armour, its intended use, its components and how they relate to each
other;
d) a full explanation of the protection level(s) provided, including any pre-requisite assembly instructions
required to ensure these levels are met. This includes any additional protection required to achieve a
higher protection level (such as an upgrade armour plate certified together with the body armour);
e) a description of the area of the body that is protected by the body armour, the zone of protection;
f) a warning that no body armour can offer protection against all assaults;
g) an explanation of the protection classes and pictograms used in the standard;
h) a statement warning that armour must fit correctly in order to perform as intended;
i) a description of a how the wearer can check that the armour is the correct size (e.g. by checking that
normal body movements are not impeded and that the garment does not cause undue discomfort or
restrict deep breathing) and that it fits closely to the body;
j) an indication if the armour is intended to be used directly on the wearers skin, or if it is supposed to be
used on top of some piece of clothing, and in that case a clear indication of the type of garment expected
to be used;
k) how to adjust the body armour;
l) a note that the body armour might, under some conditions, make the user sweat more than usual, and a
recommendation that the armour should be used over a cotton T-shirt or other sweat absorber;
m) a statement of the expected normal lifespan of the garment under conditions of good maintenance and
normal use;
n) a statement regarding the type, method and frequency of inspection of the body armour and instructions
and what to do if a fault is found;
o) a warning about any changes in environmental conditions, such as temperature or moisture that would
significantly reduce the performance of the body armour;
p) a warning about any contamination, alteration to the body armour, or misuse that would dangerously
reduce the performance of the body armour;
q) detailed instructions about storage, care and cleaning of the body armour, including for example any
constraints regarding exposure for temperature, humidity, ultraviolet light, or mechanical impact;
r) instructions concerning inspection and repair of the body armour, and how to decide that it should be
thrown away because it may no longer provide adequate protection;
s) instructions for the safe destruction and disposal of the body armour and of any hazards that could arise
during mechanically disrupting or incinerating the product.

9 Graphical symbols (pictograms)
Products fulfilling the requirements of part 1 of this standard and the performance requirements in at least one
other part of this standard shall be marked with both the sizing pictograms in figure 1, with both the
performance pictograms shown in figure 2, and with the ISO pictogram ISO 7000-1641 which is the ”i in a
book”. The pictograms are to be placed on the product or the package in which it is supplied. The widths of
the shields shall be at least 30 mm. The pictograms shall be accompanied by the appropriate performance
level codes given in table 1 and table 2 in a performance level code box as shown in figure 2.
a)   b)
Figure 1 — Graphical symbols for sizing
Both views a) and b) shall be used. The same pictogram is used for male and female models. The numbers
shown are examples only.
Figure 2 — Graphical symbols showing protection classes
Only shields representing a threat that the body armour is protecting against shall be displayed. The
protection classes shown are examples only. This example shows the pictograms for a Body Armour in
protection class G1+K1+S1.
NOTE: Since stab protection is only allowed as Knife protection only or a combination of Knife and Spike protection,
the Sx pictogram will never be used without the Kx –pictogram.
The relative order of the pictograms shall be as in the example, with the bullet pictogram to the outmost right,
the spike pictogram to the outmost left.
The widths of the shields shall be at least 30 mm.
The class codes shall be at least 10 mm high.
Annex A
(normative)
Ergonomic assessment by wearer trial
Wearer trials shall be carried out in an environment of 20 C ± 3 C and a relative humidity of (55 ± 15) %.
All the test team members shall complete the movements prescribed in Table A.1 below.
The movements shall be carried out while wearing the body armour.
For all tests, the test team members shall make an overall judgement of the topic based on the questions in
the test description. The team members shall answer the questions by comparing their comfort, their sense of
restriction, their sense of effort, the accuracy of their accomplishment of the movement, and any fatigue
caused by the body armour when compared with not wearing it. The score on a certain test shall be a
summary of all the movements and judgements included in a test.
One of the following scores sh
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