ISO/DIS 12402-10

Personal flotation devices

Equipements individuels de flottabilité

Standards Content (sample)

DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/DIS 12402-10
ISO/TC 188 Secretariat: SIS
Voting begins on Voting terminates on
2002-10-24 2003-03-24

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR STANDARDIZATION • МЕЖДУНАРОДНАЯ ОРГАНИЗАЦИЯ ПО СТАНДАРТИЗАЦИИ • ORGANISATION INTERNATIONALE DE NORMALISATION

Personal flotation devices —
Part 10:
Selection and application of flotation devices and other relevant
devices
Équipements individuels de flottabilité —

Partie 10: Sélection et application des équipements de flottabilité et d'autres équipements apparentés

ICS 13.340.10
ISO/CEN PARALLEL ENQUIRY

This draft International Standard is a draft European Standard developed within the European

Committee for Standardization (CEN) and processed under the CEN-lead mode of collaboration as

defined in the Vienna Agreement. The document has been transmitted by CEN to ISO for circulation for

ISO member body voting in parallel with CEN enquiry. Comments received from ISO member bodies,

including those from non-CEN members, will be considered by the appropriate CEN technical body.

Accordingly, ISO member bodies who are not CEN members are requested to send a copy of

their comments on this DIS directly to CEN/TC 162 (DIN, Burggrafenstraße, 6, D-10787 Berlin) as

well as returning their vote and comments in the normal way to the ISO Central Secretariat.

Should this DIS be accepted, a final draft, established on the basis of comments received, will be

submitted to a parallel two-month FDIS vote in ISO and formal vote in CEN.

In accordance with the provisions of Council Resolution 15/1993 this document is circulated

in the English language only.

Conformément aux dispositions de la Résolution du Conseil 15/1993, ce document est

distribué en version anglaise seulement.

THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED FOR COMMENT AND APPROVAL. IT IS THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND MAY NOT BE REFERRED TO

AS AN INTERNATIONAL STANDARD UNTIL PUBLISHED AS SUCH.

IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNOLOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES, DRAFT

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL TO BECOME STANDARDS TO WHICH

REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
© International Organization for Standardization, 2002
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DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
prEN ISO 12402-10
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
October 2002
ICS Will supersede CR 13033:1997
English version
Personal flotation devices - Part 10: Selection and application of
flotation devices and other relevant devices (ISO/DIS 12402-
10:2002)

Equipements individuels de flottabilité - Partie 10 : Persönliche Auftriebsmittel - Teil 10: Auswahl und

Sélectapplication des équipements de flottabilité d'autres Anwendung von Auftriebsmitteln und anderen

équipem entsprechenden Geräten (ISO/DIS 12402-10:2002)

This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for parallel 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 Management Centre has

the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,

Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

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: rue de Stassart, 36 B-1050 Brussels

© 2002 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN ISO 12402-10:2002 E

worldwide for CEN national Members.
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prEN ISO 12402-10:2002 (E)
Contents

Foreword......................................................................................................................................................................3

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................4

1 Scope ..............................................................................................................................................................5

2 Normative references ....................................................................................................................................5

3 Terms and definitions....................................................................................................................................5

4 Classification, risks and recommended areas of application of PFDs ....................................................6

5 Essential items to be observed by legislative authorities, manufacturers, retailers and users ...........9

5.1 PFDs ................................................................................................................................................................9

5.2 Accessories (additional items)...................................................................................................................11

5.3 Immersion suits............................................................................................................................................11

6 Check list for selection and application of PFDs .....................................................................................15

6.1 General..........................................................................................................................................................15

6.2 Check list ......................................................................................................................................................15

Annex A (informative) Model for the information supplied by the manufacturer for PFDs...............................17

Annex B (informative) Example of an instruction for use .....................................................................................20

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prEN ISO 12402-10:2002 (E)
Foreword

This document (prEN ISO 12402-10:2002) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 162 “Protective

clothing including hand am protection and lifejackets”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN, in collaboration with

Technical Committee ISO/TC 188 “Small craft”.
This document is currently submitted to the parallel Enquiry.

It is the tenth part of a series covering personal flotation devices. The series consists of:

Part 1: Lifejackets for seagoing ships — Safety requirements

Part 2: Lifejackets for extreme offshore conditions (level 275) — Safety requirements

Part 3: Lifejackets for offshore conditions (level 150) — Safety requirements

Part 4: Lifejackets for inland/close to shore conditions (level 100) — Safety requirements

Part 5: Buoyancy aids (level 50) — Safety requirements

Part 6: Special purpose lifejackets and buoyancy aids — Safety requirements and additional test methods

Part 7: Materials and components — Safety requirements and test methods

Part 8: Accessories — Safety requirements and test methods

Part 9: Test methods

Part 10: Selection and application of flotation devices and other relevant devices

The annexes A and B are informative.
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prEN ISO 12402-10:2002 (E)
Introduction

This standard is intended to provide support for the selection and application of personal flotation devices (here-

after referred to as PFD) and other relevant devices based on the relevant standards prepared in CEN and ISO.

This standard is of value to those responsible for specifying the carriage or use of lifejackets and to those who are

contemplating the purchase of such garments. The primary aim of the guide is to increase awareness of those

factors which should inform a purchaser or user in the choice of a PFD. There is much that can be done at the point

of sale to bring important information to the attention of the consumer, or end user. Information can be provided to

the user on the packaging, swing tags, or on labels attached to the garment. A particular important role can be

performed by leaflets or booklets prepared by manufacturers and other that explain the contribution of different

types of PFDs to enhanced safety on or near water.

However, the most important factor for the PFDs is to ensure that they are used. Use will be maximised when the

garments have been designed to be attractive in appearance, comfortable, and economical.

PFDs are remarkably recent innovations. In spite of various well-intentioned attempts to design personal flotation

th th

gear during the 18 and 19 centuries, it was not until 1852, that Alexander Carte introduced a cork lifejacket, and

the First World War before that apparatus was issued to sailors in an attempt to protect them. However the basic

requirements of personal flotation devices were not properly investigated until the Second World War, and most

National Standards were evolved in the 1960s and later.

To date there have been three main groups who have specified requirements for PFDs.

a) The International Maritime Organisation's Safety of Life at Sea (IMO SOLAS) for those lifejackets to be used

internationally in larger surface vessels operating in the open sea.

b) The US Federal Aviation Authority, UK Civil Aviation Authority, and other associated national bodies for those

lifejackets to be carried and used in Civil aviation settings.

c) Various national Standards Bodies (such as AFNOR, DIN, and BSI) have produced specific national Standards

which have been applied to certain national circumstances for lifejackets and buoyancy aids required by na-

tional law or by rules of the governing bodies of sports.

Preparation for the implementation of a single market within the EU led to the requirements for that PFDs have to

be considered as personal protective equipment. This has also been reflected in the EU Directive for PPE

(89/686 EWG).

The work to develop harmonised European standards for PFDs was started in June 1989 by experts from nearly all

nations of EN and EFTA, representing interests of researchers, Standard Setting Bodies, test houses, manu-

facturers, suppliers, users, consumer organisations and sporting associations.
Meanwhile the work has been extended as a common work within CEN and ISO.
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prEN ISO 12402-10:2002 (E)
1 Scope

This part of EN ISO 12402-10 gives guidance for the selection and application of personal flotation devices com-

plying with the other relevant parts of EN ISO 12402.

It also applies to the selection and application of safety harnesses and immersion suits.

2 Normative references

This European Standard incorporates by dated or undated references, provision from other publications. These

normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the publications are listed hereafter. For

dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications apply to this European

Standard only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated references the latest edition of the

publication referred to applies (including amendments).

prEN ISO 12401-1, Personal flotation devices — Part 1: Lifejackets for seagoing ships — Safety requirements.

prEN ISO 12402-2, Personal flotation devices — Part 2: Lifejackets for extreme offshore conditions (level 275) —

Safety requirements.

prEN ISO 12402-3, Personal flotation devices — Part 3: Lifejackets for offshore conditions (level 150) — Safety

requirements.

prEN ISO 12402-4, Personal flotation devices — Part 4: Lifejackets for inland/close to shore conditions (level 100)

seagoing ships — Safety requirements.

prEN ISO 12402-5, Personal flotation devices — Part 5: Buoyancy aids (level 50) — Safety requirements.

prEN ISO 12402-6, Personal flotation devices — Part 6: Special purpose lifejackets and buoyancy — Safety re-

quirements.

prEN ISO 12402-7, Personal flotation devices — Part 7: Materials and components — Safety requirements and test

methods.

prEN ISO 12402-8, Personal flotation devices — Part 8: Accessories (additional items) — Safety requirements and

test methods.

prEN ISO 12401-9, Personal flotation devices — Part 9: Test methods for lifejackets and buoyancy aids.

EN ISO 15027-1, Immersion suits — Part 1: Constant wear suits, requirements including safety

(ISO 15027-1:2001).

EN ISO 15027-2, Immersion suits — Part 2: Abandonment suits, requirements including safety

(ISO 15027-2:2001).
EN ISO 15027-3, Immersion suits — Part 3: Test methods (ISO 15027-3:2001).

ISO/DIS 12401, Small craft — Deck safety harness and safety line for use on recreational craft — Safety require-

ments and test methods.
3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this standard, the terms and definitions given in prEN ISO 12402-1 to prEN ISO 12402-9 apply.

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prEN ISO 12402-10:2002 (E)
4 Classification, risks and recommended areas of application of PFDs

The standards EN ISO 12402-1 to EN ISO 12402-10 have been developed to set minimum safety requirements

and test methods as well as to give support for designing application of PFDs for persons engaged in activities,

whether in relation to their work or leisure, in or near water.

A system of various classes and performance levels (see Table 1) was established to serve the numerous needs.

The buoyancy of the device is the ruling factor to indicate performance and to determine the classes. With regard to

the recommended standard application the type of clothing is the overriding criteria for the range of lifejackets. The

fundamental distinction between lifejackets and buoyancy aids divides the system in PFDs which are reliable also

in case of an unconscious victim and those which only assist the victim in staying afloat. PFDs manufactured,

selected, and maintained in accordance with the relevant part of EN ISO 12402 standards are to be used to pro-

vide a reasonable assurance of safety from drowning to a person who is immersed in water. Non of the PFDs how-

ever guarantee rescue. They are always to be seen as means to reduce the risk of drowning.

Table 1 — Classification and application of PFDs
EN ISO
PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES
12402-1 to –5
Standard Application Level
offshore extreme conditions,
heavy protective clothing 275
(lifejackets)
offshore, foul weather clothing
150
(lifejackets)
sheltered waters
100
(lifejackets)
swimmers only, sheltered waters
help at hand
50
no protection against drowning
(buoyancy aids)
special purpose device all levels
sea going ships SOLAS
............................................................................
Manufactured by: ......................................., ...........
..............................: ...................
WARNING — Flotation devices only reduce the risk of drowning
They do not guarantee rescue

PFDs can be provided by a wide variety of materials or design. Some of them may require preparation before

entering the water, e. g. inflation of chamber by gas from a cylinder or blown in orally.

Lifejackets provide face up in-water support to the user regardless of his condition. Buoyancy aids require the user

to be conscious to either orient himself with the face out of the water or to deploy the device to achieve face flota-

tion.

Among the lifejackets and buoyancy aids there are a number of levels of support, type of buoyancy media, activa-

tion methods for inflatable types, and auxiliary items (such as location aids), all of which will affect the user's pro-

bability of survival. Within the types of buoyancy mediums allowed, inflatable PFDs either provide full buoyancy

without any user intervention (e. g., those inflated by a fully automatic method) or require the user to initiate the

buoyancy provision. Hybrid PFDs always provide some buoyancy but rely on these same methods to achieve full

buoyancy. With inherently buoyant PFDs, the user only needs to put the PFD on to achieve the performance

required.
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prEN ISO 12402-10:2002 (E)

PFDs that do not require intervention are suited to activities where persons are likely to enter the water unexpect-

edly; whereas PFDs requiring intervention (e. g., manually inflated PFDs) are only suitable for use if the wearer be-

lieves there will be sufficient time to produce full buoyancy, benign conditions, or help close at hand. In every

circumstance, the user has to ensure that the operation of the PFD is suited to the specific application. The con-

formity of a PFD to the relevant part of EN ISO 12402 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 selection

and application of PFDs.

The primary function of a PFD according to the relevant parts of EN ISO 12402 is to support the wearer in

reasonable safety in water. 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 allowed by the relevant parts of

EN ISO 12402 are the following:

a) to provide higher levels of support (level 100,150, or 275) that generally float the wearer with greater water

clearance, enabling his efforts to be expended in recovery rather than avoiding waves, or to provide lighter or

less bulky PFDs (levels 100, 70 or 50);

b) to provide the kinds of flotation media (inherently buoyant foam, hybrid, and inflatable) that will accommodate

the sometimes conflicting needs of reliability and durability, in-water performance, and continuous wear;

c) to provide self-acting (inherently buoyant or automatically inflated) PFDs that float wearers without any inter-

vention on their part, except in initially donning the PFD (and regular inspection and rearming of inflatable

types), or to provide user control of the inflatable PFD's buoyancy with manual and oral operation;

d) to support the wearer in reasonable safety in the water. In the case of automatically-operated lifejackets, to

perform in this way without any intervention on the part of the wearer, except in initially donning the lifejacket;

e) to enable the wearer to propel himself in the water without it being an encumbrance;

f) to support the wearer, enabling his efforts to be expended in recovery rather than in remaining afloat;

g) to assist in detection (location aids) and recovery of the wearer.

PFDs provide various degrees of buoyancy in garments that are light in weight and only as bulky and restrictive as

needed for their intended uses. They will need to be secure when worn, providing positive support in the water,

allowing the wearer to swim or actively assist himself or others. The PFD selected shall ensure that the wearer is

supported with his mouth and nose clear of the water under the expected conditions of use and wearer's ability to

assist.

In certain circumstances of the environment (such as waves), the wearing of garments which provide intentionally

or otherwise additional buoyancy (such as immersion suits) or the use of equipment with additional weight (such as

tool belts) will likely alter this performance. Users, owners and employers need to ensure that this is taken into ac-

count when selecting a PFD. Similarly, certain PFDs may not perform as well in extremes of temperature, although

fully approved under this standard. PFDs may also be affected by other conditions of use, such as chemical expo-

sure and welding, and may require additional protection to meet the specific requirements of use. If the user intents

taking a PFD into such conditions, he needs to satisfy himself that it will not be adversely affected.

A PFD can also be an integral part of a safety harness designed to conform to ISO/DIS 12401 or of a garment with

other uses, e. g., to provide thermal protection during immersion, in which case the complete assembly as used is

required to conform to the relevant part of EN ISO 12402.

In compiling the attributes required of a PFD, consideration has also to be given to the potential length of service

that the user might expect. Whilst a PFD which conforms to the specification 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 are not necessarily accurate simulations of it. For

example, the fact that a device passes the self-righting tests described herein does not guarantee that it will self-

right an unconscious user wearing waterproof clothing, neither can it be expected to completely protect the airway

of an unconscious person in rough water.
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prEN ISO 12402-10:2002 (E)

It is essential that owners, users and employers select those PFDs that meet the relevant part of EN ISO 12402 for

the circumstances in which they will be used. Manufacturers and those selling PFDs have to make clear to

prospective purchasers the product properties and alternative choices and the limitations to normal use, prior to the

purchase.

Similarly, those framing legislation regarding the wearing of these garments has to consider carefully which PFD

and performance level is most appropriate for the foreseeable conditions of use, allowing for the more severe

circumstances which often pertain in emergencies.

The set of prEN ISO 12402 standards specifies different performance levels and design criteria to satisfy the need

of the users as follows:

a) buoyancy aids (level 50) according to prEN ISO 12402-5 are intended for use by those who are competent

swimmers and who are near to bank or shore, or who have help and a means of rescue close at hand. These

garments have minimal bulk and cost, but they are of limited use in disturbed water, and cannot be expected to

keep the wearer safe for a long period of time. They do not have sufficient buoyancy to protect people who are

unable to help themselves. They require active participation by the wearer.

b) lifejackets for inland/close to shore conditions (level 100) according to prEN ISO 12402-4 are intended for

those who may have to wait for rescue, but are likely to do so in sheltered and calm water. Whilst these life-

jackets are less bulky than other types of lifejackets, they should not be used in rough conditions, or when

there is wave splash.

c) lifejackets for offshore conditions (level 150) according to prEN ISO 12402-3 are intended for general offshore

and rough weather use where a high standard of performance is required. It will turn an unconscious person

into a safe position and requires no subsequent action by the wearer to maintain this position.

d) lifejackets for extreme offshore conditions (level 275) according to prEN ISO 12402-2 are intended primarily for

offshore use and by people who are carrying significant weights and thus require additional buoyancy. They

are also of value to those who are wearing clothing which traps air and which may adversely affect the self-

righting capacity of the lifejacket. They are designed to ensure that the wearer is floating in the correct position

with his mouth and nose clear of the surface.

e) lifejackets for seagoing ships according to prEN ISO 12402-1 are intended primarily for the use on seagoing

ships under IMO rules.

These different devices conform to different levels of buoyancy and performance. Nevertheless, by allowing inter-

mediate steps within the defined performance criteria they create the opportunity for the design and manufacture of

PFDs which may enhance the performance of a device and make it suitable for special conditions or applications.

Before purchasing a lifejacket or buoyancy aid the user shall evaluate the risks to which he or she is likely to be ex-

posed. Certain trained and experienced users may consider the use of devices with less buoyancy. Examples in-

clude experienced canoeists and dinghy and wind surfing sailors, who may be able to use garments of less than

100 N buoyancy, if help or other buoyant devices are to hand.

In principle, national bodies, in particular those responsible for making recommendations, should be left to deter-

mine what is appropriate for the activities under their jurisdiction. The advice of such bodies should be sought by

groups, clubs or authorities in order to select a suitable device.

Having made a decision about the appropriate class detailed information with regard to operation sizes, design and

buoyancy has to be considered. When selecting a lifejacket, it has to be taken into consideration that this device

shall be wearable on foul weather clothing. Additional criteria for selection of PFD see Table 2.

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prEN ISO 12402-10:2002 (E)
Table 2 — Additional criteria for selection of PFD
SPECIAL FEATURES: integrated emergency light and spray cap
SPECIAL APPLICATION: offshore use / yachting / leisure mariners / not industrial
OPERATION MODE DESIGN
amount of amount of
oral multi- may not be
automatically manually inflatable inherent integrated
inflation chamber used with
operated operated buoyancy buoyancy harness
only system harness
(N) (N)
 80 70 
Levels of minimum buoyancy (N)
Body
Chest
for:
Size weight
(cm)
(kg)
lifejackets buoyancy aids
large 112 to 127 > 70 275 / 150 / 100 50
 medium 99 to 112 60 to 70 230 / 130 / 80 45
small 86 to 99 55 to 60 200 / 110 / 70 40
youth 76 to 86 40 to 50 170 / 90 / 60 40
child 66 to 76 30 to 40 140 / 75 / 50 35
infant 50 to 66 20 to 30 120 / 60 / 40 —
infant 34 to 50 < 20 90 / 45 / 30 —

5 Essential items to be observed by legislative authorities, manufacturers, retailers and

users
5.1 PFDs

The performance of a PFD may be altered when it is worn in addition or in combination with other personal protec-

tive equipment. For example the interaction between protective clothing, in particular immersion suits and PFDs is

difficult. Furthermore attempting to specify the amount of buoyancy protection of a PFD in isolation is always likely

to be a problem when integrated assemblies are used. The ideal situation is one in which it is possible to identify

the buoyancy of an integrated assembly intended for an individual in a specified water environment.

Certain occupational use, such as welding, is to be observed.

There is no protective value in a PFD if it has become damaged in normal use so that it no longer functions as in-

tended.

Also the use of protective covers and multi-chamber buoyancy devices is very essential. A user can come into

contact with some corrosive or noxious chemicals and it may be they require elaborate PPE. No two applications

are precisely the same; but the additional items detailed in these standards are designed to cover most common

hazards. PPE manufacturers have to be advised by the purchaser of special industrial circumstances when speci-

fying equipment for such applications.
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prEN ISO 12402-10:2002 (E)

Another fundamental decision which influences all requirements for PFDs is whether or not the item will be worn all

the time that immersion is a possibility. The aim is to ensure that no one enters the water without having donned a

PFD. Once more, however, some element of compromise may be necessary. If a device is to be worn for pro-

longed periods, then it should not hinder the mobility of the wearer and it is essential that it does not endanger his

safety in other respects. Persons working in confined spaces, or where there is rigging or other material which

could entrap them, should also have a cover specified as an additional item to reduce snagging hazards. They will

also not be able to use inherently buoyant devices and automatically inflatable PFDs shall be required. Considera-

tion shall be given first to use safety harnesses or other technical means to prevent accidental immersion alto-

gether.

PFDs need to be simple to don and to doff. Although the relevant standards include timed tests for donning, it may

be necessary in certain circumstances to consider additional requirements beyond those required by the standards.

For example, the requirement to ensure rapid and reliable donning in complete darkness or in confined spaces or

when wearing gloves or mittens. Donning is also effected by the compatibility of the PFD with other equipment.

The physical circumstances of intended use are also of importance in determining the specification required of a

PFD. If inflatable PFDs are stored or worn in temperature below 0 °C, carbon dioxide, the traditional inflation gas,

may be adversely affected and result in only partial inflation. Other components such as nylon poppers may be-

come rigid and difficult to open. The set of prEN ISO 12402 is intended to provide a reasonable performance for all

PFDs from the tropics to cold temperate but do not require all devices to meet the more severe cold conditions

likely to be
...