ISO 12402-6:2020
(Main)Personal flotation devices — Part 6: Special application lifejackets and buoyancy aids — Safety requirements and additional test methods
Personal flotation devices — Part 6: Special application lifejackets and buoyancy aids — Safety requirements and additional test methods
This document specifies the safety requirements and additional test methods for special application lifejackets and buoyancy aids (hereafter named PFD) for adults, children or infants. It is intended to be used in conjunction with ISO 12402‑2:2020, ISO 12402‑3:2020, ISO 12402‑4:2020 and ISO 12402‑5:2020, as applicable.
Équipements individuels de flottabilité — Partie 6: Gilets de sauvetage et aides à la flottabilité pour usages spéciaux — Exigences de sécurité et méthodes d'essai complémentaires
Le présent document spécifie les exigences de sécurité et les méthodes d'essai complémentaires applicables aux gilets de sauvetage et aux aides à la flottabilité à application particulière (ci-après désignés par EIF) pour adultes, enfants et jeunes enfants. Il est destiné à être utilisé conjointement avec l'ISO 12402-2:2020, ISO 12402-3:2020, l'ISO 12402-4:2020 et l'ISO 12402-5:2020, le cas échéant.
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INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 12402-6
Second edition
2020-07
Personal flotation devices —
Part 6:
Special application lifejackets and
buoyancy aids — Safety requirements
and additional test methods
Équipements individuels de flottabilité —
Partie 6: Gilets de sauvetage et aides à la flottabilité pour
usages spéciaux — Exigences de sécurité et méthodes d'essai
complémentaires
Reference number
ISO 12402-6:2020(E)
©
ISO 2020
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ISO 12402-6:2020(E)
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ii © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved
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ISO 12402-6:2020(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 Classification of PFDs . 4
4.1 Classes . 4
4.1.1 Buoyancy aids . 4
4.1.2 Lifejackets . 4
4.1.3 Special application PFDs . 4
4.2 Performance levels . 4
4.2.1 Level 50 . 4
4.2.2 Level 100. 5
4.2.3 Level 150. 5
4.2.4 Level 275. 5
5 Special application PFDs . 5
5.1 General . 5
5.2 Application-specific PFDs . 5
5.3 User-assisted PFDs . 6
6 Requirements for user-assisted PFDs . 6
6.1 Principles . 6
6.2 User-convertible inflatable PFDs . 7
6.2.1 General. 7
6.2.2 Additional requirements for user-convertible inflatable PFDs . 7
6.2.3 Additional marking, information supplied by the manufacturer, and
consumer information at point of sale for user-convertible inflatable PFDs . 7
6.3 Manual-only inflatable PFDs . 8
6.3.1 General. 8
6.3.2 Additional requirements for manual-only inflatable PFDs . 8
6.3.3 Additional marking, information supplied by the manufacturer, and
consumer information at point of sale for manual-only inflatable PFDs . 8
6.4 Inherently buoyant flotation suit PFDs . 8
6.4.1 General. 8
6.4.2 Specific requirements for inherently buoyant flotation suit PFDs . 9
6.4.3 Additional marking, information supplied by the manufacturer, and
consumer information at point of sale for inherently buoyant flotation suit PFDs 9
6.5 Hybrid PFDs . .10
6.5.1 General.10
6.5.2 Specific requirements for hybrid PFDs .10
6.5.3 Additional marking, information supplied by the manufacturer, and
consumer information at point of sale for hybrid PFDs .10
6.6 PFDs without a cylinder seal indicator .10
6.6.1 General.10
6.6.2 Additional marking, information supplied by the manufacturer, and
consumer information at point of sale for PFDs without cylinder seal
indication.11
7 Requirements for application-specific PFDs .11
7.1 General .11
7.1.1 Principles .11
7.1.2 Basic requirements .11
7.2 Offshore sailing lifejackets .11
7.2.1 General.11
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ISO 12402-6:2020(E)
7.2.2 Specific requirements for offshore sailing lifejackets .12
7.2.3 Additional marking, information supplied by the manufacturer, and
consumer information at point of sale for offshore sailing lifejackets .12
7.3 PFDs for firefighting application .12
7.3.1 General.12
7.3.2 Specific requirements for PFDs for firefighting application . .12
7.3.3 Additional marking, information supplied by the manufacturer, and
consumer information at point of sale for PFDs for firefighting application .13
7.4 Commercial white-water PFDs .13
7.4.1 General.13
7.4.2 Specific requirements for PFDs intended for commercial white-water.13
7.4.3 Additional marking, information supplied by the manufacturer, and
consumer information at point of sale for commercial white-water PFDs .15
7.5 PFDs for personal water craft, water skiing, or similar towed uses .15
7.5.1 General.15
7.5.2 Specific requirements for PFDs for personal water craft, water skiing, or
similar towed uses . .15
7.5.3 Additional marking .16
7.6 Inflatable PFDs for cold environment .16
7.6.1 General.16
7.6.2 Specific Requirements for PFDs for cold environment .16
7.6.3 Additional marking, information supplied by the manufacturer, and
consumer information at point of sale for PFDs for cold environment .17
7.7 PFDs for swift water rescue .18
7.7.1 General.18
7.7.2 Specific requirements for PFDs used for swift water rescue .18
7.7.3 Specific tests for PFDs used for swift water rescue .19
7.7.4 Additional marking, information supplied by the manufacturer, and
consumer information at point of sale for PFDs used for swift water rescue .20
7.8 PFDs for fall arrest .20
7.8.1 General.20
7.8.2 Specific requirements for PFDs for fall arrest .21
7.8.3 Additional marking, information supplied by the manufacturer, and
consumer information at point of sale for PFDs for fall arrest .21
7.9 PFDs with quick-release harness systems .21
7.9.1 General.21
7.9.2 Quick-release mechanism test .22
7.9.3 Additional marking, information supplied by the manufacturer, and
consumer information at point of sale for PFDs with quick-release
harness systems .22
Bibliography .24
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ISO 12402-6:2020(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 12402-6:2006), which has been
technically revised. It also incorporates the Amendment ISO 12402-6:2006/Amd. 1:2010.
The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows:
a) complete new structure;
b) new clauses for requirements for user-assisted PFDs (Clause 6) and requirements for application-
specific PFDs (Clause 7);
c) new definitions for application-specific PFDs;
d) amendment of Table 1, for loads and durations for tensile test of white-water PFDs;
e) new Table 2, for loads and durations for tensile test of swift water rescue PFDs.
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.
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ISO 12402-6:2020(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.
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ISO 12402-6:2020(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 PFDs
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.
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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 12402-6:2020(E)
Personal flotation devices —
Part 6:
Special application lifejackets and buoyancy aids — Safety
requirements and additional test methods
1 Scope
This document specifies the safety requirements and additional test methods for special application
lifejackets and buoyancy aids (hereafter named PFD) for adults, children or infants. It is intended to be
used in conjunction with ISO 12402-2:2020, ISO 12402-3:2020, ISO 12402-4:2020 and ISO 12402-5:2020,
as applicable.
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 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 12402-7:2020, 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
ISO 12402-9:2020, Personal flotation devices — Part 9: Evaluation
ISO 13688:2013, Protective clothing — General requirements
ISO 15025:2016, Protective clothing — Protection against flame — Method of test for limited flame spread
ISO 14116:2015, Protective clothing — Protection against flame — Limited flame spread materials,
material assemblies and clothing
ISO 17493:2016, Clothing and equipment for protection against heat — Test method for convective heat
resistance using a hot air circulating oven
ISO 20471:2013+Amd.1:2016, High visibility clothing — Test methods and requirements
EN 1621-1:2012, Motorcyclists’ protective clothing against mechanical impact — Part 1: Motorcyclists’
limb joint impact protectors — Requirements and test methods
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ISO 12402-6:2020(E)
EN 1621-2:2014, Motorcyclists’ protective clothing against mechanical impact — Part 2: Motorcyclists’
back protectors — Requirements and test methods
EN 1621-3:2018, Motorcyclists’ protective clothing against mechanical impact — Part 3: Motorcyclist's
chest protectors — Requirements and test methods
EN 12275:2013, Mountaineering equipment — Connectors — Safety requirements and test methods
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions ap
...
NORME ISO
INTERNATIONALE 12402-6
Deuxième édition
2020-07
Équipements individuels de
flottabilité —
Partie 6:
Gilets de sauvetage et aides à la
flottabilité pour usages spéciaux —
Exigences de sécurité et méthodes
d'essai complémentaires
Personal flotation devices —
Part 6: Special application lifejackets and buoyancy aids — Safety
requirements and additional test methods
Numéro de référence
ISO 12402-6:2020(F)
©
ISO 2020
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ISO 12402-6:2020(F)
DOCUMENT PROTÉGÉ PAR COPYRIGHT
© ISO 2020
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ii © ISO 2020 – Tous droits réservés
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ISO 12402-6:2020(F)
Sommaire Page
Avant-propos .v
Introduction .vi
1 Domaine d'application . 1
2 Références normatives . 1
3 Termes et définitions . 2
4 Classement des EIF . 4
4.1 Classes . 4
4.1.1 Aides à la flottabilité . 4
4.1.2 Gilets de sauvetage . 4
4.1.3 EIF à usage spécial . . 5
4.2 Niveaux de performance . 5
4.2.1 Niveau 50 . 5
4.2.2 Niveau 100 . 5
4.2.3 Niveau 150 . 5
4.2.4 Niveau 275 . 5
5 EIF à usage spécial . 5
5.1 Généralités . 5
5.2 EIF à application particulière . 6
5.3 EIF assistés par l'utilisateur . 6
6 Exigences applicables aux EIF assistés par l'utilisateur . 7
6.1 Principes . 7
6.2 EIF gonflables convertibles par l'utilisateur . 7
6.2.1 Généralités . 7
6.2.2 Exigences supplémentaires pour les EIF gonflables convertibles par l'utilisateur 7
6.2.3 Marquage supplémentaire, informations fournies par le fabricant et
informations pour le consommateur au point de vente des EIF gonflables
convertibles par l'utilisateur . 8
6.3 EIF à gonflage uniquement manuel . 8
6.3.1 Généralités . 8
6.3.2 Exigences supplémentaires pour les EIF à gonflage uniquement manuel . 9
6.3.3 Marquage supplémentaire, informations fournies par le fabricant et
informations du consommateur au point de vente des EIF à gonflage
uniquement manuel . 9
6.4 EIF constitués de vêtements à flottabilité inhérente . 9
6.4.1 Généralités . 9
6.4.2 Exigences particulières relatives aux EIF constitués de vêtements à
flottabilité inhérente . .10
6.4.3 Marquage supplémentaire, informations fournies par le fabricant et
informations du consommateur au point de vente pour les EIF constitués
de vêtements à flottabilité inhérente .10
6.5 EIF de type hybride .11
6.5.1 Généralités .11
6.5.2 Exigences particulières relatives aux EIF de type hybride .11
6.5.3 Marquage supplémentaire, informations fournies par le fabricant et
informations du consommateur au point de vente pour les EIF de type hybride 11
6.6 EIF sans indicateur d'étanchéité de la cartouche .11
6.6.1 Généralités .11
6.6.2 Marquage supplémentaire, informations fournies par le fabricant et
informations du consommateur au point de vente pour les EIF sans
indication d'étanchéité de la cartouche .12
7 Exigences pour les EIF à application particulière .12
7.1 Généralités .12
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ISO 12402-6:2020(F)
7.1.1 Principes .12
7.1.2 Exigences de base .12
7.2 Gilets de sauvetage pour la navigation hauturière sur des voiliers .12
7.2.1 Généralités .12
7.2.2 Exigences particulières relatives aux gilets de sauvetage pour la
navigation hauturière sur des voiliers .13
7.2.3 Marquage supplémentaire, informations fournies par le fabricant et
informations du consommateur au point de vente pour les EIF pour la
navigation hauturière sur des voiliers .13
7.3 EIF pour application de lutte contre l'incendie .13
7.3.1 Généralités .13
7.3.2 Exigences particulières relatives aux EIF pour application de lutte contre
l'incendie .14
7.3.3 Marquage supplémentaire, informations fournies par le fabricant et
informations du consommateur au point de vente pour les EIF pour
application de lutte contre l'incendie .14
7.4 EIF pour utilisation commerciale en eaux vives .14
7.4.1 Généralités .14
7.4.2 Exigences particulières relatives aux EIF destinés à une utilisation
commerciale en eaux vives .15
7.4.3 Marquage supplémentaire, informations fournies par le fabricant et
informations du consommateur au point de vente des EIF pour une
utilisation commerciale en eaux vives .16
7.5 EIF pour véhicules nautiques à moteur (VNM), ski nautique ou utilisations
tractées similaires .16
7.5.1 Généralités .16
7.5.2 Exigences particulières relatives aux EIF pour véhicules nautiques à
moteur, ski nautique ou utilisations tractées similaires .17
7.5.3 Marquage supplémentaire .17
7.6 EIF gonflables pour environnement froid .18
7.6.1 Généralités .18
7.6.2 Exigences particulières relatives aux EIF pour environnement froid .18
7.6.3 Marquage supplémentaire, informations fournies par le fabricant
et informations du consommateur au point de vente des EIF pour
environnement froid .19
7.7 EIF pour sauvetage en eaux vives .19
7.7.1 Généralités .19
7.7.2 Exigences particulières relatives aux EIF pour sauvetage en eaux vives .20
7.7.3 Essais particuliers pour les EIF pour sauvetage en eaux vives .21
7.7.4 Marquage supplémentaire, informations fournies par le fabricant et
informations du consommateur au point de vente des EIF utilisés pour le
sauvetage en eaux vives .21
7.8 EIF pour arrêt de chute .22
7.8.1 Généralités .22
7.8.2 Exigences particulières relatives aux EIF pour arrêt de chute .22
7.8.3 Marquage supplémentaire, informations fournies par le fabricant et
informations du consommateur au point de vente des EIF pour arrêt de chute .23
7.9 EIF avec système de harnais à largage rapide .23
7.9.1 Généralités .23
7.9.2 Essai du mécanisme de largage rapide .23
7.9.3 Marquage supplémentaire, informations fournies par le fabricant et
informations du consommateur au point de vente des EIF équipés d'un
harnais à largage rapide .24
Bibliographie .26
iv © ISO 2020 – Tous droits réservés
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ISO 12402-6:2020(F)
Avant-propos
L'ISO (Organisation internationale de normalisation) est une fédération mondiale d'organismes
nationaux de normalisation (comités membres de l'ISO). L'élaboration des Normes internationales est
en général confiée aux comités techniques de l'ISO. Chaque comité membre intéressé par une étude
a le droit de faire partie du comité technique créé à cet effet. Les organisations internationales,
gouvernementales et non gouvernementales, en liaison avec l'ISO participent également aux travaux.
L'ISO collabore étroitement avec la Commission électrotechnique internationale (IEC) en ce qui
concerne la normalisation électrotechnique.
Les procédures utilisées pour élaborer le présent document et celles destinées à sa mise à jour sont
décrites dans les Directives ISO/IEC, Partie 1. Il convient, en particulier de prendre note des différents
critères d'approbation requis pour les différents types de documents ISO. Le présent document a été
rédigé conformément aux règles de rédaction données dans les Directives ISO/IEC, Partie 2 (voir www
.iso .org/ directives).
L'attention est attirée sur le fait que certains des éléments du présent document peuvent faire l'objet de
droits de propriété intellectuelle ou de droits analogues. L'ISO ne saurait être tenue pour responsable
de ne pas avoir identifié de tels droits de propriété et averti de leur existence. Les détails concernant
les références aux droits de propriété intellectuelle ou autres droits analogues identifiés lors de
l'élaboration du document sont indiqués dans l'Introduction et/ou dans la liste des déclarations de
brevets reçues par l'ISO (voir www .iso .org/ brevets).
Les appellations commerciales éventuellement mentionnées dans le présent document sont données
pour information, par souci de commodité, à l'intention des utilisateurs et ne sauraient constituer un
engagement.
Pour une explication de la nature volontaire des normes, la signification des termes et expressions
spécifiques de l'ISO liés à l'évaluation de la conformité, ou pour toute information au sujet de l'adhésion
de l'ISO aux principes de l'Organisation mondiale du commerce (OMC) concernant les obstacles
techniques au commerce (OTC), voir: www .iso .org/ iso/ fr/ avant -propos .html.
Le présent document a été élaboré par le comité technique ISO/TC 188, Petits navires, Sous-comité 1,
Équipements de sécurité individuels.
Cette deuxième édition annule et remplace la première édition (ISO 12402-6:2006), qui a fait l'objet
d'une révision technique. Elle incorpore également l'Amendement ISO 12402-6:2006/Amd.1:2010.
Les principales modifications par rapport à l'édition précédente sont les suivantes:
a) structure entièrement nouvelle;
b) nouveaux articles spécifiant les exigences applicables aux EIF assistés par l'utilisateur (Article 6) et
les exigences relatives aux EIF à application particulière (Article 7);
c) nouvelles définitions pour les EIF à application particulière;
d) modification du Tableau 1 relatif aux charges et durées pour l'essai de traction sur équipements en
eaux vives;
e) nouveau Tableau 2 relatif aux charges et durées pour l'essai de traction des EIF pour sauvetage en
eaux vives.
Il convient que l'utilisateur adresse tout retour d'information ou toute question concernant le présent
document à l'organisme national de normalisation de son pays. Une liste exhaustive desdits organismes
se trouve à l'adresse www .iso .org/ fr/ members .html.
© ISO 2020 – Tous droits réservés v
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ISO 12402-6:2020(F)
Introduction
L'ISO 12402:2020 (toutes les parties) traite des équipements individuels de flottabilité (EIF) pour
les personnes prenant part à des activités en relation avec leur travail ou leur loisir, dans l'eau ou à
proximité. Les EIF fabriqués, choisis et entretenus conformément à la présente Norme internationale
donnent à toute personne immergée dans l'eau une assurance raisonnable d'être protégée contre la
noyade. L'ISO 12402:2020 (toutes les parties) ne couvre pas les aspects suivants:
— les exigences relatives aux gilets de sauvetage sur les grands navires de commerce au long cours,
1)
qui sont réglementées par l'Organisation maritime internationale (OMI) conformément à la
Convention internationale pour la sécurité en mer (SOLAS);
— les équipements destinés à être lancés et les coussins flottants.
L'ISO 12402:2020 (toutes les parties) permet d'obtenir la flottabilité d'un EIF à l'aide d'une grande
variété de matériaux ou de modèles, dont certains peuvent nécessiter une préparation avant l'immersion
(par exemple, gonflage des chambres soit au moyen de gaz provenant d'une cartouche, soit par gonflage
buccal). Les EIF peuvent être répartis dans les deux principales classes suivantes:
— ceux qui fournissent une position de flottaison de l'utilisateur avec le visage vers le haut, quelles que
soient les conditions physiques (gilets de sauvetage); et
— ceux qui nécessitent que l'utilisateur effectue des mouvements de nage ou d'autres mouvements de
posture pour se positionner avec le visage hors de l'eau (aides à la flottabilité).
Dans ces deux principales classes, il existe plusieurs degrés de soutien, de types de flottabilité, de
méthodes de déclenchement pour les équipements gonflables et accessoires (tels que les aides au
repérage). Tous ces éléments influent sur la probabilité de survie de l'utilisateur. Parmi les types de
flottabilité autorisés, les EIF gonflables soit fournissent une flottabilité totale sans autre intervention
de l'utilisateur que l'armement de l'EIF (c'est-à-dire, les EIF à gonflage totalement automatique), soit
nécessitent une action de l'utilisateur. Les EIF hybrides présentent toujours des propriétés de flottabilité
mais nécessitent le même type d'action que les EIF gonflables pour obtenir une flottabilité totale. Dans
le cas des EIF à flottabilité inhérente, il suffit que l'utilisateur porte l'EIF pour que celui-ci atteigne les
performances de sa classe.
Les EIF ne nécessitant pas d'intervention (les EIF à fonctionnement automatique) conviennent aux
activités dans lesquelles les personnes sont susceptibles d'être immergées accidentellement, tandis
que les EIF qui nécessitent une intervention (par exemple, les EIF à gonflage manuel) ne conviennent
que si l'utilisateur pense qu'il aura suffisamment de temps pour obtenir une flottabilité totale, si
un fonctionnement automatique entraînerait un risque de piégeage, ou si une aide est disponible à
proximité. En chaque circonstance, il convient que l'utilisateur s'assure que le mode de fonctionnement
de l'EIF est adapté à l'utilisation particulière à laquelle celui-ci est destiné. La conformité d'un EIF à la
présente partie de la série ISO 12402:2020 n'implique pas qu'il convienne dans toutes les circonstances.
La quantité relative d'inspections ou de maintenance requis est un autre facteur d'importance capitale
dans le choix et l'utilisation d'un EIF spécifique.
L'ISO 12402:2020 (toutes les parties) a pour but de fournir un guide à l'attention des fabricants, des
acheteurs et des utilisateurs d'équipements de sécurité de ce type en vue d'assurer l'obtention d'un
niveau effectif de performance lors de leur utilisation. Il est également essentiel que le concepteur
encourage le port d'un tel équipement en le rendant confortable et attrayant afin qu'il soit porté en
continu dans l'eau ou à proximité de l'eau, plutôt que stocké dans une armoire pour une utilisation
en cas d'urgence. La principale fonction d'un EIF consiste à soutenir l'utilisateur dans l'eau dans des
conditions de sécurité raisonnables. Dans les deux classes, d'autres caractéristiques rendent certains
1) L'Organisation maritime internationale (OMI) est une institution domiciliée à Londres qui publie des règlements
qui sont ensuite publiés en tant que lois par ses États membres.
vi © ISO 2020 – Tous droits réservés
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ISO 12402-6:2020(F)
EIF mieux adaptés à certaines circonstances que d'autres ou facilitent leur utilisation et leur entretien.
Les principales alternatives autorisées par l'ISO 12402:2020 (toutes les parties) sont les suivantes:
— fournir des niveaux de soutien plus importants (niveau 100, 150 ou 275) permettant généralement
à l'utilisateur de flotter avec un franc-bord plus important, lorsque des conditions de plus en plus
sévères l'exigent; ou fournir des EIF plus légers ou moins volumineux (niveau 50 ou 100);
— fournir les types de flottabilité (mousse à flottabilité inhérente, hybride et gonflable) qui s'adaptent
aux besoins parfois contradictoires en matière de fiabilité et de durabilité, de performances dans
l'eau et de port en continu;
— fournir des EIF à fonctionnement automatique (à flottabilité inhérente ou à gonflage automatique)
soutenant l'utilisateur sans aucune intervention de celui-ci, si ce n'est d'avoir préalablement enfilé
l'EIF (ainsi qu'une inspection régulière et le réarmement des EIF gonflables), ou fournir à l'utilisateur
un moyen de contrôler la flottabilité des EIF gonflables par activation manuelle et buccale; et
— fournir une aide au repérage (aides à la localisation) et au sauvetage de l'utilisateur.
Les EIF fournissent différents degrés de flottabilité dans des vêtements légers, dont le volume
et l'entrave à la liberté de mouvement ne dépassent pas ce qui est requis par l'usage auquel ils sont
destinés. Ils doivent être fermés lorsqu'ils sont portés afin de fournir un soutien positif dans l'eau et
permettre à l'utilisateur de nager ou d'agir pour son propre sauvetage ou celui des autres. L'EIF choisi
assure à l'utilisateur un soutien avec la bouche et le nez hors de l'eau dans les conditions d'utilisation
attendues et la capacité d'assister les autres.
Dans certaines conditions (telles qu'une eau agitée et des vagues), l'utilisation de vêtements étanches
et multicouches qui fournissent (intentionnellement ou non) une flottabilité supplémentaire, ou
l'utilisation d'équipements plus lourds (tels que des ceintures porte-outils), peut altérer l'efficacité
de l'EIF. Les utilisateurs, propriétaires et employeurs doivent s'assurer de la prise en compte de
ces paramètres lors du choix d'un EIF. De même, les EIF peuvent s'avérer moins efficaces à des
températures extrêmes, bien qu'en totale conformité avec les exigences de l'ISO 12402:2020 (toutes
les parties). Les EIF peuvent également être affectés par d'autres conditions d'utilisation, telles qu'une
exposition à des produits chimiques ou des travaux de soudage, et peuvent nécessiter une protection
supplémentaire pour satisfaire aux exigences d'utilisation particulières. L'utilisation d'un EIF dans
de telles conditions nécessite d'avoir la garantie que l'équipement n'en sera pas altéré de manière
défavorable. L'ISO 12402:2020 (toutes les parties) permet également qu'un EIF fasse partie intégrante
d'un harnais de sécurité conçu pour être conforme à l'ISO 12401:2009, ou fasse partie intégrante d'un
vêtement destiné à d'autres utilisations, par exemple pour fournir une protection thermique pendant
l'immersion; dans ce cas, il est attendu que l'ensemble complet soit conforme à l'ISO 12402:2020 (toutes
les parties).
En compilant les qualités requises d'un EIF, la durée de vie potentielle que l'utilisateur peut en attendre
a également été prise en compte. Tandis qu'un EIF conforme aux spécifications doit être solide de par sa
fabrication et le matériau employé, sa durée de vie potentielle dépend essentiellement de ses conditions
d'utilisation et de stockage, qui sont de la responsabilité du propriétaire, de l'utilisateur et/ou de
l'employeur. De plus, bien que les essais de performance soient censés évaluer son efficacité en situation
réelle, ils ne simulent pas exactement toutes les conditions d'utilisation. Par exemple, le fait qu'un
équipement satisfasse aux essais de retournement en maillot de bain ne garantit pas qu'il assurera le
retournement d'une personne inconsciente portant des vêtements, ni qu'il protégera totalement les
voies respiratoires d'une personne inconsciente dans une eau agitée. Un vêtement imperméable peut
piéger de l'air et donc réduire encore plus la possibilité de retournement du gilet de sauvetage.
Il est essentiel que les propriétaires, utilisateurs et employeurs choisissent des EIF conformes aux
normes adaptées aux circonstances dans lesquelles ils seront utilisés.
Les fabricants et les vendeurs d'EIF doivent indiquer clairement aux acheteurs potentiels, avant l'achat,
les caractéristiques du produit, les différents choix possibles et les limites d'utilisation.
De même, il est recommandé que les personnes établissant la réglementation relative au port de ces
vêtements considèrent avec soin la classe et le niveau de performance les plus appropriés aux conditions
© ISO 2020 – Tous droits réservés vii
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...
FINAL
INTERNATIONAL ISO/FDIS
DRAFT
STANDARD 12402-6.2
ISO/TC 188/SC 1
Personal flotation devices —
Secretariat: DIN
Voting begins on: Part 6:
2020-04-30
Special application lifejackets and
Voting terminates on:
buoyancy aids — Safety requirements
2020-06-25
and additional test methods
Équipements individuels de flottabilité —
Partie 6: Gilets de sauvetage et aides à la flottabilité pour
usages spéciaux — Exigences de sécurité et méthodes d'essai
complémentaires
ISO/CEN PARALLEL PROCESSING
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 SUPPOR TING
DOCUMENTATION.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
Reference number
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO-
ISO/FDIS 12402-6.2:2020(E)
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES,
DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON
OCCASION HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE
LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL TO BECOME STAN-
DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
©
NATIONAL REGULATIONS. ISO 2020
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ISO/FDIS 12402-6.2:2020(E)
COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© 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
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Fax: +41 22 749 09 47
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved
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ISO/FDIS 12402-6.2:2020(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 Classification of PFDs . 4
4.1 Classes . 4
4.1.1 Buoyancy aids . 4
4.1.2 Lifejackets . 4
4.1.3 Special application PFDs . 4
4.2 Performance levels . 4
4.2.1 Level 50 . 4
4.2.2 Level 100. 5
4.2.3 Level 150. 5
4.2.4 Level 275. 5
5 Special application PFDs . 5
5.1 General . 5
5.2 Application-specific PFDs . 5
5.3 User-assisted PFDs . 6
6 Requirements for user-assisted PFDs . 6
6.1 Principles . 6
6.2 User-convertible inflatable PFDs . 7
6.2.1 General. 7
6.2.2 Additional requirements for user-convertible inflatable PFDs . 7
6.2.3 Additional marking, information supplied by the manufacturer, and
consumer information at point of sale for user-convertible inflatable PFDs . 7
6.3 Manual-only inflatable PFDs . 8
6.3.1 General. 8
6.3.2 Additional requirements for manual-only inflatable PFDs . 8
6.3.3 Additional marking, information supplied by the manufacturer, and
consumer information at point of sale for manual-only inflatable PFDs . 8
6.4 Inherently buoyant flotation suit PFDs . 8
6.4.1 General. 8
6.4.2 Specific requirements for inherently buoyant flotation suit PFDs . 9
6.4.3 Additional marking, information supplied by the manufacturer, and
consumer information at point of sale for inherently buoyant flotation suit PFDs 9
6.5 Hybrid PFDs . .10
6.5.1 General.10
6.5.2 Specific requirements for hybrid PFDs .10
6.5.3 Additional marking, information supplied by the manufacturer, and
consumer information at point of sale for hybrid PFDs .10
6.6 PFDs without a cylinder seal indicator .10
6.6.1 General.10
6.6.2 Additional marking, information supplied by the manufacturer, and
consumer information at point of sale for PFDs without cylinder seal
indication.11
7 Requirements for application-specific PFDs .11
7.1 General .11
7.1.1 Principles .11
7.1.2 Basic requirements .11
7.2 Offshore sailing lifejackets .11
7.2.1 General.11
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ISO/FDIS 12402-6.2:2020(E)
7.2.2 Specific requirements for offshore sailing lifejackets .12
7.2.3 Additional marking, information supplied by the manufacturer, and
consumer information at point of sale for offshore sailing lifejackets .12
7.3 PFDs for firefighting application .12
7.3.1 General.12
7.3.2 Specific requirements for PFDs for firefighting application . .12
7.3.3 Additional marking, information supplied by the manufacturer, and
consumer information at point of sale for PFDs for firefighting application .13
7.4 Commercial white-water PFDs .13
7.4.1 General.13
7.4.2 Specific requirements for PFDs intended for commercial white-water.13
7.4.3 Additional marking, information supplied by the manufacturer, and
consumer information at point of sale for commercial white-water PFDs .15
7.5 PFDs for personal water craft, water skiing, or similar towed uses .15
7.5.1 General.15
7.5.2 Specific requirements for PFDs for personal water craft, water skiing, or
similar towed uses . .15
7.5.3 Additional marking .16
7.6 Inflatable PFDs for cold environment .16
7.6.1 General.16
7.6.2 Specific Requirements for PFDs for cold environment .16
7.6.3 Additional marking, information supplied by the manufacturer, and
consumer information at point of sale for PFDs for cold environment .17
7.7 PFDs for swift water rescue .18
7.7.1 General.18
7.7.2 Specific requirements for PFDs used for swift water rescue .18
7.7.3 Specific tests for PFDs used for swift water rescue .19
7.7.4 Additional marking, information supplied by the manufacturer, and
consumer information at point of sale for PFDs used for swift water rescue .20
7.8 PFDs for fall arrest .20
7.8.1 General.20
7.8.2 Specific requirements for PFDs for fall arrest .21
7.8.3 Additional marking, information supplied by the manufacturer, and
consumer information at point of sale for PFDs for fall arrest .21
7.9 PFDs with quick-release harness systems .21
7.9.1 General.21
7.9.2 Quick-release mechanism test .22
7.9.3 Additional marking, information supplied by the manufacturer, and
consumer information at point of sale for PFDs with quick-release
harness systems .22
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the essential
requirements of Regulation (EU) 2016/425 of the European Parliament and of the
Council of 9 March 2016 on personal protective equipment aimed to be covered .24
Bibliography .25
iv © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved
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ISO/FDIS 12402-6.2:2020(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 12402-6:2006), which has been
technically revised. It also incorporates the Amendment ISO 12402-6:2006/Amd. 1:2010.
The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows:
a) complete new structure;
b) new clauses for requirements for user-assisted PFDs (Clause 6) and requirements for application-
specific PFDs (Clause 7);
c) new definitions for application-specific PFDs;
d) amendment of Table 1, for loads and durations for tensile test of white-water PFDs;
e) new Table 2, for loads and durations for tensile test of swift water rescue PFDs.
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.
© ISO 2020 – All rights reserved v
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ISO/FDIS 12402-6.2:2020(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.
vi © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved
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ISO/FDIS 12402-6.2:2020(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 PFDs
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.
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FINAL DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/FDIS 12402-6.2:2020(E)
Personal flotation devices —
Part 6:
Special application lifejackets and buoyancy aids — Safety
requirements and additional test methods
1 Scope
This document specifies the safety requirements and additional test methods for special application
lifejackets and buoyancy aids (hereafter named PFD) for adults, children or infants. It is intended to be
used in conjunction with ISO 12402-2:2020, ISO 12402-3:2020, ISO 12402-4:2020 and ISO 12402-5:2020,
as applicable.
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 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 12402-7:2020, 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
ISO 12402-9:2020, Personal flotation devices — Part 9: Test methods
ISO 13688:2013, Protective clothing — General requirements
ISO 15025:2016, Protective clothing — Protection against flame — Method of test for limited flame spread
ISO 14116:2015, Protective clothing — Protection against flame — Limited flame spread materials,
material assemblies and clothing
ISO 17493:2016, Clothing and equipment fo
...
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