ISO 11613:2017

Protective clothing for firefighter's who are engaged in support activities associated with structural fire fighting - Laboratory test methods and performance

ISO 11613:2017 specifies test methods and minimum performance requirements for protective clothing used by firefighters who are engaged in support activities of firefighting. This clothing is not intended for interior attack firefighting. These support activities of firefighting are defined (see 3.8.2) as activities such as: - water and material supply; - extinguishing fires from the outside of the structure; - prevention of exterior spreading to adjacencies, preventing enviromental damage and limiting effect of smoke; - securing traffic and environment; - first aid base activities; - preparing the fire ground for subsequent activities; - RPD replenishment tasks; - assessment zone; - BA communication; - forward command post; - evacuation; - assist planning; - assist logistics; - assist communication; - transportation. ISO 11613:2017 covers the general clothing design, the minimum performance levels of the materials used, and the methods of test for determining these performance levels. ISO 11613:2017 is not equivalent to ISO 11999-3, clothing worn by firefighters who are at risk of exposure to high levels of heat and/or flame while fighting fires occurring in structures. This document provides lower minimum level of protection. Selection of the appropriate system of clothing is dependent on carrying out an effective risk assessment which identifies the hazards to be faced, evaluates the likelihood of those hazards, and provides the means to reduce or eliminate these hazards. Details of one example of a recommended risk assessment approach and some factors for consideration are included in Annex A ISO 11613:2017 does not cover special clothing for use in other high risk situations such as specialized firefighting, or clothing for use in long term firefighting operations in high ambient temperature, for example bush, wildland, or forest firefighting where clothing according to ISO 15384 could be more appropriate. It does not cover clothing for use in high-risk fire exposures, for example reflective protective clothing according to ISO 15538 could be more appropriate. ISO 11613:2017 does not cover protection for the head, hands and feet or protection against other hazards, for example chemical, biological, radiation and electrical hazards. These aspects can be dealt with in other standards. NOTE Additional "fit for purpose" personal protective equipment to protect the head, hands, respiratory system and feet should be worn with clothing specified in this document and in majority of situations appropriate protection is also required to be worn. Firefighters need to be trained in the use and care of protective clothing covered by this document including an understanding of its limitations and of the other items of personal protective equipment that can be required depending on the risks encountered

Vêtements de protection pour sapeurs-pompiers engagés dans des activités de support associées à la lutte structurelle contre les incendies — Méthodes d'essai et exigences de performance

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 18-Dec-2017
• ICS: 13.340.10 - Protective clothing
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 94/SC 14 - Firefighters' personal equipment
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 94/SC 14 - Firefighters' personal equipment
• Current Stage: 9093 - International Standard confirmed
• Start Date: 22-Mar-2023
• Completion Date: 13-Dec-2025

Relations

• Revises: ISO 11613:1999 - Protective clothing for firefighters - Laboratory test methods and performance requirements
• Effective Date: 24-Aug-2013

Overview

ISO 11613:2017 specifies laboratory test methods and minimum performance requirements for protective clothing used by firefighters engaged in support activities associated with structural firefighting. It is intended for tasks such as water/material supply, exterior fire suppression, scene logistics, evacuation, command post duties and other non‑interior-attack roles. ISO 11613:2017 covers garment design, material performance criteria and test methods, while emphasizing selection based on an effective risk assessment (Annex A).

Keywords: ISO 11613:2017, protective clothing, firefighter support activities, lab test methods, performance requirements, structural firefighting, risk assessment

Key topics and technical requirements

The standard defines minimum performance levels and laboratory tests for materials and assemblies, including:

• Design and configuration requirements for multilayer assemblies, closures, pockets and interface areas to ensure fit and function for support roles.
• Flame resistance (surface exposure and edge ignition) and heat transfer performance (flame and radiant exposures).
• Residual strength under radiant heat, and general heat resistance of materials.
• Mechanical properties: tensile strength, tear strength and seam strength.
• Liquid and water performance: water absorption resistance, water penetration resistance and liquid-chemical penetration resistance.
• Dimensional stability and effects of laundering/dry cleaning (sampling and conditioning requirements).
• Thermal comfort metrics such as water vapour resistance.
• High-visibility and retroreflective materials: photometric, colour and heat/flame spread requirements and post‑exposure performance.
• Marking and manufacturer information obligations; optional additional garment tests.

The document does not cover interior attack firefighting apparel, head/hands/feet protection, or specialized chemical/biological/electrical hazards. It sets lower minimum protection than interior-attack standards and requires complementary PPE where needed.

Applications and users

ISO 11613:2017 is practical for:

• PPE manufacturers and material suppliers designing and certifying turnout-style garments for support roles.
• Fire service procurement and safety officers specifying uniforms for staging, logistics, command and exterior firefighting operations.
• Testing laboratories applying the referenced laboratory methods to verify compliance.
• Occupational health & safety professionals conducting risk assessments to select appropriate clothing systems.
• Training coordinators educating firefighters on garment limitations and required additional PPE.

Use cases include procurement specifications, product development, compliance testing and operational planning for structural fire incidents.

Related standards

• ISO 11999-3 - interior-attack firefighter clothing (higher protection)
• ISO 15384 - wildland/bushfire clothing
• ISO 15538 - reflective protective clothing
• ISO 13688 - general requirements for protective clothing
• Test method references: ISO 811, ISO 9151, ISO 6942, ISO 6530, ISO 5077, ISO 4920, ISO 13934-1, ISO 1421

ISO 11613:2017 helps ensure that support‑role firefighting clothing is fit for purpose when selected through a documented risk assessment and used with appropriate complementary PPE.

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 11613
Second edition
2017-12
Protective clothing for firefighter's
who are engaged in support activities
associated with structural fire
fighting — Laboratory test methods
and performance
Vêtements de protection pour sapeurs-pompiers engagés dans
des activités de support associées à la lutte structurelle contre les
incendies — Méthodes d'essai et exigences de performance
Reference number
©
ISO 2017
© ISO 2017, Published in Switzerland
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, 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
Ch. de Blandonnet 8 • CP 401
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
[e-mail]
www.iso.org
ii © ISO 2017 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 2
3 Terms and definitions . 3
4 Symbols and subscripts . 7
4.1 Symbols . 7
4.2 Subscripts . 8
5 Design and performance requirements . 8
5.1 General . 8
5.2 Design requirements . 8
5.2.1 Configuration . 8
5.2.2 Restriction of movement . 8
5.2.3 Multilayer clothing assemblies . 8
5.2.4 Component assembly . 9
5.2.5 Extension of interlining and innermost layers . 9
5.2.6 Size designation . 9
5.2.7 Hardware . 9
5.2.8 Closure systems . 9
5.2.9 Interface areas . 9
5.2.10 External pocket requirements .10
5.2.11 High-visibility materials .10
5.2.12 Additional requirements .12
6 Sampling, pre-treatment and conditioning .12
6.1 Sampling .12
6.1.1 Samples .12
6.1.2 Exposure surface .13
6.2 Pre-treatment and conditioning .13
6.2.1 Pre-treatment by laundering or dry cleaning .13
6.2.2 Conditioning .13
7 Requirements .13
7.1 General .13
7.1.1 Flame resistance (surface exposure) .14
7.1.2 Flame resistance (Edge ignition) .16
7.1.3 Heat transfer (flame exposure) .16
7.1.4 Heat transfer (radiant exposure) .16
7.1.5 Residual strength of material when exposed to radiant heat .16
7.1.6 Heat resistance .17
7.1.7 Tensile strength .17
7.1.8 Tear strength .17
7.1.9 Water absorption resistance .17
7.1.10 Dimensional Stability .17
7.1.11 Liquid-chemical penetration resistance .18
7.1.12 Water penetration resistance .18
7.1.13 Thermal comfort: Water vapour resistance .18
7.1.14 Seam strength .18
7.2 Photometric requirements of high-visibility retroreflective/combined
performance materials used on garments .19
7.2.1 New materials .19
7.2.2 Performance after exposure .19
7.2.3 Colour requirements of high-visibility fluorescent/combined
performance materials used on garments .20
7.2.4 Heat resistance of high-visibility materials used on garments.20
7.2.5 Flame spread of high-visibility materials used on garments .20
7.3 Additional garment testing (Optional) .20
7.4 Marking .21
7.5 Manufacturers’ information .21
Annex A (informative) A recommended approach and considerations for performing a
risk assessment .22
Annex B (normative) Water absorption resistance .27
Bibliography .29
iv © ISO 2017 – All rights reserved

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. 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. 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 on 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 the following
URL: http://www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 94, Personal safety — Protective clothing
and equipment, Subcommittee SC 14, Fire-fighters personal equipment.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 11613:1999), which has been technically
revised.
This edition has been completely rewritten as the Scope and tittle of this document have changed.
Introduction
The purpose of this document is to provide minimum performance requirements for protective clothing
designed to protect firefighters who are engaged in support activities associated with interior attack
firefighting.
This document is intended for firefighters who are engaged in support activities associated with interior
attack firefighting. It is not intended for firefighters who are engaged in interior attack firefighting.
Interior attack firefighting and support activities of firefighting are defined in 3.8.1 and 3.8.2.
It provides guidance on the considerations for conducting a risk assessment of firefighting risks (see
Annex A).
vi © ISO 2017 – All rights reserved

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 11613:2017(E)
Protective clothing for firefighter's who are engaged in
support activities associated with structural fire fighting —
Laboratory test methods and performance
1 Scope
This document specifies test methods and minimum performance requirements for protective clothing
used by firefighters who are engaged in support activities of firefighting. This clothing is not intended
for interior attack firefighting. These support activities of firefighting are defined (see 3.8.2) as
activities such as:
— water and material supply;
— extinguishing fires from the outside of the structure;
— prevention of exterior spreading to adjacencies, preventing enviromental damage and limiting
effect of smoke;
— securing traffic and environment;
— first aid base activities;
— preparing the fire ground for subsequent activities;
— RPD replenishment tasks;
— assessment zone;
— BA communication;
— forward command post;
— evacuation;
— assist planning;
— assist logistics;
— assist communication;
— transportation.
This document covers the general clothing design, the minimum performance levels of the materials
used, and the methods of test for determining these performance levels.
This document is not equivalent to ISO 11999-3, clothing worn by firefighters who are at risk of
exposure to high levels of heat and/or flame while fighting fires occurring in structures. This document
provides lower minimum level of protection.
Selection of the appropriate system of clothing is dependent on carrying out an effective risk assessment
which identifies the hazards to be faced, evaluates the likelihood of those hazards, and provides the
means to reduce or eliminate these hazards. Details of one example of a recommended risk assessment
approach and some factors for consideration are included in Annex A
This document does not cover special clothing for use in other high risk situations such as specialized
firefighting, or clothing for use in long term firefighting operations in high ambient temperature, for
example bush, wildland, or forest firefighting where clothing according to ISO 15384 could be more
appropriate. It does not cover clothing for use in high-risk fire exposures, for example reflective
protective clothing according to ISO 15538 could be more appropriate.
It does not cover protection for the head, hands and feet or protection against other hazards, for
example chemical, biological, radiation and electrical hazards. These aspects can be dealt with in other
standards.
NOTE Additional “fit for purpose” personal protective equipment to protect the head, hands, respiratory
system and feet should be worn with clothing specified in this document and in majority of situations appropriate
protection is also required to be worn. Firefighters need to be trained in the use and care of protective clothing
covered by this document including an understanding of its limitations and of the other items of personal
protective equipment that can be required depending on the risks encountered
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 811, Textile fabrics — Determination of resistance to water penetration — Hydrostatic pressure test
ISO 1421, Rubber- or plastics-coated fabrics — Determination of tensile strength and elongation at break
ISO 3175-1, Textiles — Professional care, drycleaning and wetcleaning of fabrics and garments — Part 2:
Procedure for testing performance when cleaning and finishing using tetrachloroethene
ISO 4920, Textile fabrics — Determination of resistance to surface wetting (spray test)
ISO 5077, Textiles — Determination of dimensional change in washing and drying
ISO 6530, Protective clothing — Protection against liquid chemicals — Test method for resistance of
materials to penetration by liquids
ISO 6942, Protective clothing — Protection against heat and fire — Method of test: Evaluation of materials
and material assemblies when exposed to a source of radiant heat
ISO 9151, Protective clothing against heat and flame — Determination of heat transmission on exposure
to flame
ISO 13688:2013, Protective clothing — General requirements
ISO 13934-1, Textiles — Tensile properties of fabrics — Part 1: Determination of maximum force and
elongation at maximum force using the strip method
ISO 13935-2, Textiles — Seam tensile properties of fabrics and made-up textile articles — Part 2:
Determination of maximum force to seam rupture using the grab method
ISO 13937-2, Textiles — Tear properties of fabrics — Part 2: Determination of tear force of trouser-shaped
test specimens (Single tear method)
ISO 14116:2015, Protective clothing — Protection against flame — Limited flame spread materials,
material assemblies and clothing
ISO 15025:2016, Protective clothing — Protection against flame — Method of test for limited flame spread
ISO 17493, Clothing and equipment for protection against heat — Test method for convective heat
resistance using a hot air circulating oven
ISO/TR 19591, Personal protective equipment for firefighters — Standard terms and definitions
ISO 20471:2013, High visibility clothing — Test methods and requirements
CIE 054.2, Retroreflection — Definition and measurement
2 © ISO 2017 – All rights reserved

3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO/TR 19591 and the
following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
char
formation of a brittle residue when material is exposed to thermal energy
3.2
collar lining
that part of the collar fabric component assembly that is next to the skin when the collar is closed in the
raised position
3.3
closure system
method of fastening openings in the garment including combinations of more than one method of
achieving a secure closure, for example a slide fastener covered by an overlap fastened down with a
touch and close fasteners
Note 1 to entry: This term does not cover seams.
3.4
component assembly
combination of all materials and hardware of a multilayer garments presented exactly as in the finished
garment construction
Note 1 to entry: This term does not cover reinforced materials.
3.5
coverall
one-piece garment that is designed and configured to provide protection to the torso, neck, arms, and
legs, excluding head, hands, and feet
3.6
drip
to run or fall in drops or blobs
3.7
firefighters’ protective clothing
garments configured as a jacket (3.17), trousers or coverall (3.5) for the protection for the firefighters
upper and lower torso, neck, arms, and legs, but excluding the head, hands, and feet
3.8
firefighting activities
3.8.1
interior attack firefighting
activities of rescue, fire suppression and property conservation generally performed in the interior or
in the immediate vicinity of the fire of the involved structure
3.8.2
support activities of firefighting
activities executed by firefighters, who are not involved in interior attack but support through
activities such as
— water and material supply
— extinguishing fires from the outside of the structure
— prevention of exterior spreading to adjacencies, preventing enviromental damage and limiting
effect of smoke
— securing traffic and environment
— first aid base activities
— preparing the fire ground for subsequent activities
— RPD replenmishiment tasks
— assessment zone
— BA communication
— forward command post
— evacuation
— assist planning
— assist logistics
— assist communication
— transportation
3.9
garment
single item of clothing which may consist of single or multiple layers
3.10
hardware
non-fabric components of protective clothing including those made of metal or plastic
Note 1 to entry: Examples include fasteners, closure systems (3.3), rank markings, buttons, zippers, embroideries,
braces, etc.
3.11
HTI
heat transfer index to one decimal place calculated from the mean time (measured in seconds, to one
decimal place) to achieve a temperature rise of (12 ± 0,1) °C in the calorimeter
Note 1 to entry: When tested according to ISO 9151 with an incident heat flux of (80 ± 2) kW/m .
3.12
HTI
heat transfer index to one decimal place calculated from the mean time (measured in seconds, to one
decimal place) to achieve a temperature rise of (24 ± 0,2) °C in the calorimeter
Note 1 to entry: When tested according to ISO 9151 with an incident heat flux of (80 ± 2) kW/m .
3.13
impregnation
procedure to maintain or regain the repellent properties of the outer fabric and/or chemical penetration
resistance of the clothing
4 © ISO 2017 – All rights reserved

3.14
innermost lining
lining on the innermost face of a component assembly (3.4) which is intended to be nearest to the
wearers skin
Note 1 to entry: Where the innermost lining (3.14) forms part of a material combination, the material combination
is regarded as the innermost lining.
3.15
interface area
area where openings interrupt the continuity of material(s) or garments (3.9)
3.16
interlining
layer between the outermost layer and the innermost lining (3.14) in a multilayer garment (3.9)
3.17
jacket
long sleeved garment (3.9) incorporating materials meeting the requirements covering the areas of the
neck, shoulders, and torso, upper and lower back extending to the waist or the hips
3.18
main seam
outer-shell seam assemblies where rupture could reduce the protection of the garment (3.9) by exposing
the moisture management component, thermal barrier (3.32), the wearer’s station/work uniform, other
clothing, or skin
3.19
manufacturer
entity that assumes the liability and provides the warranty for the compliant product
3.20
materials
substances, excluding hardware (3.10) and labels, of which an item of clothing is made
3.21
material combination
material produced from a series of separate layers, intimately combined prior to the item’s
manufacturing stage
3.22
melt
to liquefy a material, usually by heat resulting in an non-reversible change
Note 1 to entry: For the purpose of this document, melting is observed as the response to heat as evidenced by
flowing or dripping.
3.23
moisture management component
fabric or membrane used in a component assembly (3.4) to achieve the properties of hydrostatic pressure
and water vapour permeability
Note 1 to entry: Moisture management component may not prevent the passage of some chemical (except
incidentally), biological or radiological agents. Appropriate PPE should be provided to protect the wearer in such
incidents.
3.24
multilayer clothing assembly
series of layers of protective clothing arranged in the order as worn
Note 1 to entry: It may contain multilayer materials, material combinations or separate layers of clothing material
in single layers.
3.25
non-woven
sheet of fibres, continuous filaments, or chopped yarns of any nature or origin, that have been formed
into a web by any means, and bonded together by any means, with the exception of weaving or knitting.
Note 1 to entry: Felts obtained by wet milling are not non-wovens.
3.26
outer material
outermost material of which the protective clothing is made
3.27
outer shell
outside facing portion of the component assembly (3.4) with the exception of trim (3.33), hardware
(3.10), reinforcing material, and wristlet (3.35) material
3.28
protective garment
single item of clothing which can consist of single or multiple layers of material
EXAMPLE Protective jacket (3.17), protective trouser, or protective coverall (3.5).
3.29
pre-treatment
standard way of preparing the samples before testing
Note 1 to entry: This might include e.g. a number of cleaning cycles, submitting the sample to heat, mechanical
action or any other relevant exposure and is finished by conditioning.
3.30
RHTI
radiant heat transfer index to one decimal place calculated from the mean time (measured in seconds,
to one decimal place) to achieve a temperature rise of (12 ± 0,1) °C in the calorimeter
Note 1 to entry: When tested according to ISO 6942 with an incident heat flux of 40 kW/m .
3.31
RHTI
radiant heat transfer index to one decimal place calculated from the mean time (measured in seconds,
to one decimal place) to achieve a temperature rise of (24 ± 0,2) °C in the calorimeter
Note 1 to entry: When tested according to ISO 6942 with an incident heat flux of 40 kW/m .
3.32
thermal barrier
that portion of the component assembly (3.4) designed to provide thermal protection
3.33
trim
retroreflective and fluorescent material attached to the outer shell (3.27) for visibility enhancement
Note 1 to entry: retroreflective materials enhance night-time visibility, and fluorescent materials enhance
daytime visibility.
3.34
undergarment
garment (3.9) designed to be worn separately under an outer garment in order to provide thermal
insulation
3.35
wristlet
circular, close-fitting part of a garment that encircles the wrist or ankles tightly
6 © ISO 2017 – All rights reserved

4 Symbols and subscripts
4.1 Symbols
Ar total retroreflective trim surface area
A total surface area of the plate
p
C coefficient of luminous intensity
l
C coefficient of reflectivity
r
H heat power input
I permeability index
m
I heat transmission index
Q
I thermal protection index
T
m mass
p water pressure
p water pressure of the ambient environment
a
p water pressure at the plate surface
p
R evaporative resistance
e
R intrinsic evaporative resistance of the test specimen
e,in
R evaporative resistance of the bare plate
e,p
R total evaporative resistance
e,tot
R thermal resistance
T
R intrinsic thermal resistance of the test specimen
T,in
R thermal resistance of the bare plate
T,p
R total thermal resistance
T,tot
T temperature
T temperature of the ambient environment
a
T temperature of the bare plate
p
t , t time necessary to reach the levels 1 and 2
1 2
w mass fraction expressed as a percentage
w mass fraction of water absorbed
w
4.2 Subscripts
a ambient environment
f final
i initial
in intrinsic
p plate or bare plate
tot total
w water
5 Design and performance requirements
5.1 General
General requirements which are not specifically covered in this document shall be in accordance with
ISO 13688.
Subsequent clauses specify test methods and minimum requirements for protective clothing to be worn
by firefighters who are engaged in support activities associated with interior attack firefighting.
5.2 Design requirements
5.2.1 Configuration
The firefighters’ protective clothing shall provide protection for the firefighters upper and lower torso,
neck, arms, and legs, but excluding the head, hands, and feet. It shall consist of:
a) a one-piece protective coverall (3.5) designed to cover the upper and lower torso including the neck,
arms, and legs, or
b) an outer two piece suit consisting of a jacket and a pair of trousers with sufficient overlap as
described in 5.2.9, or
c) a series of outer and undergarments designed to be worn together to achieve the required
performance (see 5.2.3).
NOTE For compatibility, see relevant clauses in ISO/TS 11999-2.
5.2.2 Restriction of movement
The personal protective clothing shall not restrict the wearer in any of the movements expected to be
made during firefighting support activities. Conformity shall be assessed by visual inspection.
NOTE For compatibility, see relevant clauses in ISO/TS 11999-2.
5.2.3 Multilayer clothing assemblies
Where multilayer clothing assemblies are constructed as a single garment to be worn together or by
detachable linings to achieve the specified performance levels (see also 5.2.9 and 7.4), each layer shall
be clearly labelled that they shall always be used in combination, using the following statement or
equivalent:
8 © ISO 2017 – All rights reserved

5.2.4 Component assembly
Where a component assembly is used, it shall consist of a component assembly that provides the
necessary number and type of layers for achieving the performance specified in this standard.
Any component assembly reinforcement or padding used in high-wear or load-bearing areas, such as
pockets, cuffs, knees, elbows, and shoulders shall meet the requirements of at least flame resistance
and heat resistance contained in 7.1.1, 7.1.2 and 7.1.6 equivalent to the level achieved by the garment.
Padding can include additional thermal barrier material, meeting the requirements as specified herein.
5.2.5 Extension of interlining and innermost layers
In protective jackets and single outer garments, the interlining and innermost layers shall extend, at a
minimum, to the top edge of the collar, to within 75 mm of the bottom outer material hem, and to within
25 mm of the sleeve end of the outer material. The interlining and innermost layers shall be configured
to overlap at all closures.
In all protective trousers and single outer garments cover all the interlining and innermost layers shall
extend, at a minimum, to the waistline seam, and to within 75 mm of the bottom outer material hems of
the legs.
The ends of the interlining and innermost layers shall be attached at or adjacent to the jacket sleeves or
the trouser legs. The distance between the attachment points of any mechanism used to attach the liner
shall not be greater than 25 mm, and the mechanism shall not be expandable.
5.2.6 Size designation
Size designation shall be in accordance with the requirements of ISO 13688:2013, Clause 6.
5.2.7 Hardware
Hardware penetrating the outer material shall not be exposed on the innermost surface of the
component assembly.
Protective clothing shall be designed to ensure that the hardware shall not have sharp edges, roughness
or projections which are likely to cause injury to the wearer. Verification of the fulfilment of this
requirement shall be made by manual and visual inspection.
5.2.8 Closure systems
Closures shall not interrupt the protective integrity of the garment. This means closures of the garment
shall be constructed in a manner that provides secure and complete moisture and thermal protection
to the requirements of this standard. If non-positive fasteners, such as snaps or hook and pile tape, are
utilized in these closures, except where used in the collar and pocket closure system (see 5.2.10 and
5.2.12.2), a positive locking fastener, such as hooks and eyes or zippers, shall also be utilized.
A positive locking fastener shall not be opened by inadvertently pulling on it.
5.2.9 Interface areas
While raising both hands fully above the head and bending over from an upright position until
fingertips reach the ground without bending the knees, wrists and ankles shall remain covered, when
wearing appropriate sized clothing. Where protection is provided by an outer two piece suit, that an
overlap between the jacket and trousers shall always be retained. Conformity shall be assessed by
visual inspection.
NOTE For compatibility, see relevant clauses in ISO/TS 11999-2.
5.2.10 External pocket requirements
All pockets with external openings shall be constructed entirely from the outer material and the
external opening shall be provided with a cover or closure system. Pocket flaps shall overlap the pocket
opening by no less than 10 mm on either side. All pockets with external openings shall be constructed
entirely of materials that have performance levels that are equal to or greater than the outer shell.
Pockets may be fitted with a means of draining water. Conformity shall be assessed by visual inspection
and physical measurement.
5.2.11 High-visibility materials
5.2.11.1 General
Firefighter’s clothing shall have high-visibility materials fitted which shall meet the requirements in
either 5.2.11.2 or 5.2.11.3.
5.2.11.2 Option 1 — Placement based on minimum area of coverage
The minimum area requirements for high-visibility materials shall be as specified in 5.2.11.2.1
for retroreflective materials and as specified in 5.2.11.2.2 for fluorescent or combined
retroreflective/fluorescent materials.
5.2.11.2.1 Retroreflective material
Retroreflective material shall be attached to the outermost surface of the protective clothing with a
minimum area of not less than 0,13 m . All-around visibility shall be ensured by having at least one
band encircling each of the arms, legs, and torso regions of the garments.
5.2.11.2.2 Fluorescent material or combined retroreflective/fluorescent material
When fluorescent or combined retroreflective and fluorescent material is applied, the minimum area
of fluorescent material shall not be less than 0,2 m . All-around visibility shall be ensured by having at
least one band encircling each of the arms, legs, and torso regions of the garments.
5.2.11.3 Option 2 — band encircling each of the arms, legs and torso
5.2.11.3.1 General
The minimum pattern requirements for high-visibility materials shall be as specified in 5.2.11.3.2 to
5.2.11.3.5.
5.2.11.3.2 Type of high-visibility materials
High-visibility trim utilized to meet retroreflectivity and fluorescence requirements shall be
permanently attached to the outermost surface of protective garments and shall have both
retroreflective and fluorescent surfaces. The width of the retroreflective surface of trim shall not be
less than 16 mm. Fluorescent and retroreflective areas of trim shall appear to be continuous for the
length of the trim with gaps between areas of retroreflectivity of no more than 3 mm.
5.2.11.3.3 High-visibility materials exceeding standard pattern
High-visibility material affixed to protective garments exceeding the standard pattern requirements
illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 shall be permitted to be obscured by components such as, but not limited
to, pockets, storm flaps, and reinforcing patches as long as the minimum high-visibility material
required in 5.2.11.3.5 and 5.2.11.3.6 is not obscured.
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5.2.11.3.4 Standard pattern for garments covering the upper torso including arms
The configuration for high-visibility materials on garments covering the upper torso including the arms
shall be as illustrated in Figure 1. The standard pattern of high-visibility material for the garments
covering the upper torso including the arms shall have one circumferential band of high-visibility
material or a staggered 360-degree visibility pattern meeting or exceeding the surface areas of a
continuous circumferential band around the bottom of the jacket. The lower edge of the circumferential
band on the lower part of the jacket shall be within 25 mm of the jacket hem’s highest point. The front
of the jacket shall also have at least one horizontal band of high-visibility material at the chest level. No
vertical strips of high-visibility material shall be permitted on the front of the jacket.
The back of the jacket shall also have a minimum of either two vertical strips of high-visibility material
perpendicular to the bottom band with one strip located on both the left and right sides of the back of the
jacket or a minimum of one horizontal band of high-visibility material at the chest/shoulder blade level.
The minimum high-visibility material configuration for each sleeve, between the wrist and elbow area,
shall be one circumferential band or a staggered 360-degree visibility pattern meeting or exceeding
the surface area of a continuous circumferential band. Where trim on the garment covering the upper
torso including the arms intersects a zipper, a maximum gap in the trim of 25 mm shall be permitted.
NOTE Diagrams (a) and (b) represent alternative placement for the front of the jacket; Diagrams (c), (d), (e),
and (f) represent alternative placement for the back of the jacket.
Figure 1 — Minimum pattern for placement of high-visibility materials on garments covering
the upper torso including the arms
5.2.11.3.5 Standard pattern for garments covering the lower torso including the legs
The minimum high-visibility material pattern for garments covering the lower torso including the legs
shall consist of one circumferential strip of high-visibility material around each leg at least 50 mm from
the bottom hem in accordance with Figure 2.
Figure 2 — Minimum pattern for placement of high-visibility materials on garments covering
the lower torso including the legs (front and back)
5.2.12 Additional requirements
5.2.12.1 Sleeve ends and wrist protection
The ends of the sleeves shall be designed to protect the wrist and to prevent the entry of water and
burning debris. They shall not hinder the donning of the garment and shall be compatible with the
wearing of protective gloves. Conformity shall be assessed by visual inspection.
NOTE 1 Purchasers need to consider specifying wristlets with a thumb hole or loop for wearer’s thumb in
order to assure protection when arms are in raised position.
NOTE 2 For compatibility, see relevant clauses in ISO/TS 11999-2.
5.2.12.2 Neck protection
Protective jackets or single outer garments shall have a component assembly collar no less than 75 mm
in height at any point, with a closure system. Collar and closure system shall meet at least the flame and
thermal requirements specified in 7.1, equivalent to the level achieved by the garment. Conformity shall
be assessed by visual inspection.
NOTE For compatibility, see relevant clauses in ISO/TS 11999-2.
6 Sampling, pre-treatment and conditioning
6.1 Sampling
6.1.1 Samples
The number of samples and the size of the specimens of garment materials or garments subjected to
the different test methods shall be in accordance with the respective test standards specified in the
requirements.
Samples for testing shall be taken from the original garment or shall be representative of the
component assembly, exactly as used in the finished garment. Materials not having sufficient surface
area shall be taken in combination with the outer layer to make it possible to take samples with the
dimensions as needed.
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6.1.2 Exposure surface
In all surface tests, the outermost surface of the component assembly shall be exposed, except for flame
spread testing of the innermost lining (see 7.1.1), testing of water vapour resistance (see 7.1.13) when
the innermost surface is exposed.
6.2 Pre-treatment and conditioning
6.2.1 Pre-treatment by laundering or dry cleaning
In order to ensure consistency of testing, pre-treatment by laundering or dry cleaning is done to remove
contaminants, finishes, or dressings from the manufacturing process.
NOTE Ageing and life expectancy is not to be confused with these pre-treatments.
Unless otherwise speicified (see 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 7.1.4 and 7.1.9), material test samples that are labelled as
washable, shall be laundered in line with the manufacturer’s instructions on the basis of standardised
processes for five cleaning cycles. If the cleaning method is not specified the samples shall be subjected
to five cleaning cycles in accordance with the procedure defined in Table 1.
Table 1 — Laundering procedure
Wash Procedure Dry procedure
ISO 6330 6N (front load, normal, 60 °C, 1
F (tumble dry)
g/l ECE detergent in soft water)
Unless otherwise indicated (see 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 7.1.4 and 7.1.9), materials that are labelled as dry cleanable
only shall be dry cleaned five times in accordance with ISO 3175-1.
A laundry bag shall not be used.
6.2.2 Conditioning
Conditioning is done to provide uniformly treated materials for test.
Unless otherwise specified in the specific test methods, all specimens shall be conditioned for a
minimum of 24 h by exposure to a temperature of 20 °C ± 2 °C and a relative humidity of 65 % ± 5 %
prior to testing.
Unless otherwise specified in the specific methods, all specimens shall be tested within 5 min after
removal from the pre-treatment from the conditioning.
7 Requirements
7.1 General
The following Table 2 provides a summary of requirements for fabric and component assembly tested
under Clause 7 of this document.
Table 2 — Summary of requirements for fabric and component assembly
Performance
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