EN ISO 12402-10:2020

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-december-2020
Nadomešča:
SIST EN ISO 12402-10:2006
Osebna plavalna oprema - 10. del: Izbira in uporaba osebne plavalne opreme in
druge primerne opreme (ISO 12402-10:2020)
Personal flotation devices - Part 10: Selection and application of personal flotation
devices and other relevant devices (ISO 12402-10:2020)
Persönliche Auftriebsmittel - Teil 10: Auswahl und Anwendung von persönlichen
Auftriebsmitteln und anderen entsprechenden Geräten (ISO 12402-10:2020)
Équipements individuels de flottabilité - Partie 10: Sélection et application des
équipements individuels de flottabilité et d'autres équipements pertinents (ISO 12402-
10:2020)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO 12402-10:2020
ICS:
13.340.70 Rešilni jopiči, vzgonska Lifejackets, buoyancy aids
pomagala in plavajoči and floating devices
pripomočki
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN ISO 12402-10
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
October 2020
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 13.340.70 Supersedes EN ISO 12402-10:2006
English Version
Personal flotation devices - Part 10: Selection and
application of personal flotation devices and other
relevant devices (ISO 12402-10:2020)
Équipements individuels de flottabilité - Partie 10: Persönliche Auftriebsmittel - Teil 10: Auswahl und
Sélection et application des équipements individuels Anwendung von persönlichen Auftriebsmitteln und
de flottabilité et d'autres équipements pertinents (ISO anderen entsprechenden Geräten (ISO 12402-
12402-10:2020) 10:2020)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 10 June 2019.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2020 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 12402-10:2020 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 3

European foreword
This document (EN ISO 12402-10:2020) has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 188 "Small
craft" in collaboration with Technical Committee CEN/TC 162 “Protective clothing including hand and
arm protection and lifejackets” the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by April 2021, and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by April 2021.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN ISO 12402-10:2006.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of
North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the
United Kingdom.
Endorsement notice
The text of ISO 12402-10:2020 has been approved by CEN as EN ISO 12402-10:2020 without any
modification.
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 12402-10
Second edition
2020-07
Personal flotation devices —
Part 10:
Selection and application of personal
flotation devices and other relevant
devices
Équipements individuels de flottabilité —
Partie 10: Sélection et application des équipements individuels de
flottabilité et d'autres équipements pertinents
Reference number
ISO 12402-10:2020(E)
©
ISO 2020
ISO 12402-10:2020(E)
© ISO 2020
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting
on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address
below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved

ISO 12402-10:2020(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Classification; risks and recommended areas of application . 3
4.1 General . 3
4.2 Performance criteria . 5
4.3 Interaction with other devices or equipment . 5
4.4 Performance levels . 6
4.4.1 Level 50 . 6
4.4.2 Level 100. 6
4.4.3 Level 150. 6
4.4.4 Level 275. 6
4.5 Selection and use . 7
5 Essentials that should be observed . 8
5.1 Personal flotation devices (PFDs) . 8
5.1.1 General. 8
5.1.2 Risk assessment . . 8
5.1.3 Interaction with clothing . 9
5.2 Accessories .10
5.2.1 General.10
5.2.2 Location aids .10
5.2.3 Improved design .10
5.2.4 Harnesses .10
5.2.5 Sprayhood .10
5.3 Immersion suits .11
5.3.1 General.11
5.3.2 Rationale .12
6 Guidance for risk management .14
6.1 General .14
6.2 Description of operation and environment .14
6.3 Identification of risk areas and establishment of safety levels .14
6.4 Guidance for the identification of risk managing measures .14
6.4.1 General.14
6.4.2 Measures to reduce risk.14
6.4.3 Measures to reduce consequences .14
6.4.4 Safety level management .15
6.5 Guidance for the selection of a risk management .15
6.5.1 General.15
6.5.2 Training .15
6.5.3 Personal protective equipment .15
6.5.4 Rescue services .15
6.6 Guidance for the selection of personal protective equipment .15
6.7 Checklist.16
6.7.1 Typical exposure hazards .16
6.7.2 Constant use comfort and ergonomics .16
6.7.3 Basic in-water safety functions .17
6.7.4 Search-and-rescue functions .17
6.7.5 Additional hazards by emergency donning .17
6.7.6 Factors that reduce performance .17
6.8 Example: evaluation of PPE for offshore workers, based on risk assessment .17
ISO 12402-10:2020(E)
Bibliography .19
iv © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved

ISO 12402-10:2020(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, Subcommittee Small craft, SC 1,
Personal safety equipment.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 12402-10:2006), which has been
technically revised.
The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows:
— the document has been updated to be consistent with ISO 12402-2:2020 to ISO 12402-9:2020
(second editions).
A list of all parts in the ISO 12402 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/ members .html.
ISO 12402-10:2020(E)
Introduction
ISO 12402 (all parts):2020 has been prepared to give guidance on the design and application
of personal flotation devices (hereafter referred to as PFDs) and immersion suits according to
ISO 15027 (all parts):2012. This document deals with personal floatation devices 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 level of safety against
drowning.
Based on a risk assessment, a PFD according to ISO 12402 (all parts):2020 can be used in combination
with other personal protection equipment (PPE) according to the European PPE Regulation (EU)
2016/425.
ISO 12402 (all parts):2020 and ISO 15027 (all parts):2012 neither cover life saving appliances (LSA) on
1)
commercial vessels, which are regulated by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) under the
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), nor devices used in aircraft, which are
under IATA rules. All those devices are equipment on board used in case of emergency and not suitable
for permanent use.
Rescue devices, throwable devices and flotation cushions are also not covered in
ISO 12402 (all parts):2020.
Devices under ISO 12402-2:2020 to ISO 12402-10:2020 and ISO 15027-1:2012 to ISO 15027-3:2012 are
regarded as personal protective equipment.
Performance criteria
PFDs can be divided into the following two main classes, based on their performance:
— lifejackets, providing face-up in-water support to the user regardless of physical conditions, and
— buoyancy aids, requiring swimming and other movements to keep the user with airways free out
of the water.
"Buoyancy" is a main criterion to meet those basic performances.
The ISO 12402 series: 2020 encourages manufacturers to adopt innovative designs of PFDs providing
buoyancy by a wide variety of materials, devices and performance levels.
Buoyancy can be provided by means requiring preparation before entering the water (e.g. inflation of
chambers by gas) or inherent materials.
"Inherently buoyant" provide permanent buoyancy; the user needs only to don the PFD to achieve full
performance.
"Inflatable PFDs" provide full buoyancy without further intervention other than arming. They can be
operated in fully automatic mode or require initiating the inflation (manual mode).
"Hybrid PFDs" provide some minimum inherent buoyancy but rely on additional inflatable buoyancy,
such as inflatable PFDs, to achieve full buoyancy.
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

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 12402-10:2020(E)
Personal flotation devices —
Part 10:
Selection and application of personal flotation devices and
other relevant devices
1 Scope
This document provides requirements and recommendations for the selection and application of both
personal flotation devices (PFD) complying with the relevant Parts of the ISO 12402 series: 2020, and
immersion suits according to ISO 15027 (all parts):2012.
It is intended to assist manufacturers, suppliers, users and regulators in the appropriate selection and
application of those garments for the circumstances in which they will be used.
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 12402-8:2020, Personal flotation devices — Part 8: Accessories — Safety requirements and test methods
ISO 12402-9:2020, Personal flotation devices — Part 9: Evaluation
ISO 15027-1:2012, Immersion suits — Part 1: Constant wear suits, requirements including safety
ISO 15027-2:2012, Immersion suits — Part 2: Abandonment suits, requirements including safety
ISO 15027-3:2012, Immersion suits — Part 3: Test methods
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 15027-1:2012 and the
following apply.
Where terms are defined below and in ISO 15027-1:2012, the definitions given below 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/
ISO 12402-10:2020(E)
3.1
personal flotation device
PFD
garment or device which, when correctly worn and used in water, provides the user with a specific
amount of buoyancy which increases the likelihood of survival
3.2
inherently buoyant
permanently less dense than water
3.3
automatic inflation
inflation of the PFD (3.1) without the user carrying out any action at the time of water immersion
3.4
emergency position indicating light
device which emits light so as to increase the chances of a user being located
3.5
multi-chamber buoyancy system
PFD (3.1) with buoyancy to meet the applicable PFD performance requirement provided by two or more
independent chambers
Note 1 to entry: This excludes supplemental inflation chambers.
3.6
deck safety harness
device that allows a user to be securely attached to a strong point on a vessel or on shore, preventing a
fall into the water or, if falling occurs, preventing separation from the vessel or shore
3.7
buddy line
length of cord which can be tied or otherwise fixed to another person or to that person's PFD (3.1) or
other objects, so as to keep a user in the vicinity of that person or object with a view to making location
and thus rescue easier
3.8
lifting loop
device which facilitates manual recovery of a person from water
3.9
protective cover
cover that is normally in place over the functional elements of a PFD (3.1) in order to protect them from
physical damage, or snagging on external objects
Note 1 to entry: The protective cover may be designed to provide additional properties, i.e. to make the PFDs
suitable for use when the subject is exposed to additional hazards, e.g. significant abrasion, molten metal splash,
flame and fire.
Note 2 to entry: The inflatable chamber of an inflatable PFD is an example of a functional element.
3.10
whistle
device which, when blown by mouth, produces an audible sound which can aid in the location of the user
3.11
hybrid PFD
PFD (3.1) of combined buoyancy types, i.e. inherent and inflatable
2 © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved

ISO 12402-10:2020(E)
3.12
sheltered waters
water with protection from significant breaking waves, current, or strong winds, where the possibility
of being blown or carried away from shore or a place of safety is minimal
3.13
offshore
water that is unprotected and influenced by a variety of threat conditions such as waves, tide, currents,
or wind, at sea or on inland waters
4 Classification; risks and recommended areas of application
4.1 General
ISO 12402-2:2020 to ISO 12402-9:2020 have been developed to set safety requirements and test
methods for PFD and to support design and application of PFDs for persons engaged in activities,
related to their work or their leisure, in or near water.
A system of various classes and performance levels (see 4.4 and Figure 1) has been established to serve
the numerous needs.
The buoyancy of the device is the physical quantity determining its performance level. With regard to
the recommended basic application, both the conditions of environment (offshore, near shore, etc.) and
the type of clothing worn are the overriding criteria for the selection of PFDs.
The fundamental distinction between lifejackets and buoyancy aids divides the system. Lifejackets
provide face-up in-water support in case of unconsciousness in most conditions appropriate to their
level. Buoyancy aids require active movements from the user to keep their airway clear of the water.
Figure 1 illustrates a PFD label that conveys this information in plain text. Marking information
displaying the same information is shown in Figure 2.
PFDs manufactured, selected, and maintained in accordance with the relevant part of the ISO 12402
series: 2020 give a reasonable assurance of safety from drowning to a person who is immersed in water.
None of the PFDs however guarantee rescue.
They are always to be seen as means to reduce the risk of drowning.
PFDs can be provided in a wide variety of materials or designs. Some can require preparation before
entering the water, e.g. inflation of a chamber by gas from a cylinder.
ISO 12402-10:2020(E)
Figure 1 — Label specification
Figure 2 — Marking information
4 © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved

ISO 12402-10:2020(E)
4.2 Performance criteria
Lifejackets and buoyancy aids according to ISO 12402 (all parts):2020 cover a number of performance
levels, which require a suitable type of buoyancy, activation methods for inflatable devices, and
auxiliary items (such as location aids). The selection of products should be based on a risk evaluation
considering the following factors, which will affect the user's probability of survival.
Automatically operating PFDs should be required and worn in activities where persons are likely to
enter the water unexpectedly.
Manual-only operated PFDs should be used only under certain circumstances, allowing for sufficient
time to activate the PFD, and with either prior training of the user or help close at hand.
In any case, the user shall ensure that the operation mode of the PFD is suited to the specific application.
The required inspection and maintenance is another factor to be regarded for the choice and application
of specific PFDs.
The conformity of a PFD to ISO 12402 (all parts):2020 does not imply that its performance is appropriate
to all possible situations.
This document is intended to guide and encourage manufacturers, purchasers, and users to choose the
safety equipment providing an effective level of performance in practical use.
It encourages designers to create a comfortable and attractive device for continuous wear on or near
water, rather than to be stored in a locker for emergency use.
PFDs shall also fit to the different applications and uses by supporting a reasonable safety.
PFDs under ISO 12402 (all parts):2020 offer the following alternatives to manufacturers, designers
and users:
— provision of different levels of buoyancy (levels 100, 150, or 275), that generally float the user with
greater freeboard to ensure a safe floating position, or use of buoyancy aids (level 50) for activities
requiring good mobility as in leisure activities such as canoeing or wake boarding for people with
swimming capability;
— provision of different methods of buoyancy (inherently buoyant material, hybrid or inflatable
devices) to accommodate the needs of reliability and durability, in-water performance, and
continuous wear;
— provision of automatically operating (inherently buoyant or automatically inflated) PFDs to float
users without any intervention except an initial donning (regular inspection and rearming of
inflatable types requested) covering the risk of unexpected immersion;
— provision of controlled inflation by manual and oral operation for special application only, based on
a risk assessment requiring special training of the user;
— assistance in detection, rescue and recovery by additional active (lights, radio beacon etc.) or
passive (retroreflective materials) location aids;
— provision of attachment devices, like lifting loops and buddy lines to ease recovery.
4.3 Interaction with other devices or equipment
PFDs, in their effectiveness as personal protective equipment, shall provide the performance level
(see 4.4) for the intended use, but also shall be lightweight and only as bulky and restrictive as needed.
This requires PFDs in accordance to ISO 12402 (all parts):2020 to be safe when worn and to provide
positive support in the water.
ISO 12402-10:2020(E)
Under certain environmental conditions, such as rough water, waves and water spray,
— the use of watertight or multilayer clothing, creating additional buoyancy by trapped air and
impeding the self-righting action of a lifejacket, or
— the use of equipment with additional weight or counteracting buoyancy (such as tool belts),
alter the performance of the PFD.
Inflation devices and inflation time can be influenced by extreme temperature.
The exposure to chemical substances or to effects caused by mechanical work, such as welding, requires
additional protection of the PFD to cover those specific uses and applications as listed above.
A PFD under ISO 12402 (all parts):2020 may also be an integral part of a safety harness designed to
conform to ISO 12401:2009 or equivalent industrial harnesses.
Furthermore, the PFD may be used with, or be an integral part of, a garment with other uses, for
example an immersion suit for thermal protection according to ISO 15027 (all parts):2012.
In those applications, the complete assembly as used is required to conform to ISO 12402 (all parts):2020.
4.4 Performance levels
4.4.1 Level 50
This level is intended for use by those who have help or a means of rescue close at hand, and who are
able to swim. This device often has minimal bulk, but requires active participation by the user and
cannot be expected to keep the user safe for a long period of time.
As tested in swimming attire (when fully inflated, if inflatable) the device helps to support the user in a
position with the mouth and nose clear of the water. It can support a fully clothed user in this position.
4.4.2 Level 100
This level is intended for use in sheltered or calm water, where users may have to wait for rescue.
As tested in swimming attire (when fully inflated, if inflatable) the device has some turning ability to
bring the user into a position with the mouth and nose clear of the water. It is intended to maintain a
fully clothed user in this position without active participation.
4.4.3 Level 150
This level is intended for general, offshore, and rough water use.
As tested in swimming attire (when fully inflated, if inflatable) the device is capable of turning an
unconscious user into a position with the mouth and nose clear of the water. It is intended to maintain a
fully clothed user in this position without active participation.
4.4.4 Level 275
This level is intended primarily for offshore use under severe weather or sea conditions. It is of value
to those who are wearing clothing which traps air and adversely affects the self-righting capacity of
the lifejacket. It is also intended for a user who requires a high level of buoyancy, for example when
carrying heavy objects.
As tested in swimming attire, (when fully inflated, if inflatable) it is capable of turning an unconscious
user into a position with the mouth and nose clear of the water. It is intended to maintain a fully clothed
user in this position without active participation.
6 © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved

ISO 12402-10:2020(E)
4.5 Selection and use
PFDs according to ISO 12402 (all parts):2020 offer different levels of buoyancy, performance and use.
By allowing intermediate steps within the range of each performance level, there is the opportunity
to design and manufacture PFDs which meet the diverse needs of commercial applications or for
participating in leisure activities in or on water.
Before purchasing a lifejacket or buoyancy aid, the users shall evaluate the risks to which they would
likely be exposed. Risks of sudden immersion due to falls overboard or capsizing or caused by an
accident have to be taken into account.
When selecting a PFD, the users, owner organisations, employers and regulators have to ensure that
those aspects are taken into account, based on a risk assessment.
The length and conditions of service, individual use and storage of the PFD should also be considered.
These conditions are the responsibility of the owner, user and/or employer but should be evaluated by
the manufacturer and shall be part of a risk assessment.
It is essential to choose a PFD that meets the performance level corresponding to its intended use.
Manufacturers, sellers and retailers have to provide information about the product properties, offer
alternative choices and clearly spell out the limitations of normal use, prior to purchase of the PFD.
Associations, societies and regulators considering the use of PFDs shall consider the most appropriate
PFD for the foreseeable conditions in use, also considering higher risk circumstances such as the
probability of accidental immersion and the expected consequences in the case of an emergency. Such
evaluations should be based on a risk assessment.
Figure 3 illustrates a PFD label with information for its selection.
Figure 3 — Example of a PFD label with additional information for its selection
ISO 12402-10:2020(E)
5 Essentials that should be observed
5.1 Personal flotation devices (PFDs)
5.1.1 General
The performance of a PFD can be altered when it is worn in addition to, or in combination with, other
personal protective equipment (PPE) or additional components. For example, the interaction between
protective clothing, in particular immersion suits, and PFDs shall be considered. The amount of
buoyancy created from insulating material is always likely to be a problem.
Occupational use such as welding or other processes can damage the PFD. PFDs according to
ISO 12402-2:2020 to ISO 12402-5:2020 are not intended for such specific applications. To assure their
basic performance, the use of protective covers according to ISO 12402-6:2020 and multi-chamber
buoyancy devices is encouraged; it is a requirement if any contact with corrosive or noxious chemicals
are expected. The additional items detailed in ISO 12402-8:2020 are designed to cope with the most
common hazards. PPE manufacturers should be informed by the purchaser of special circumstances to
co-operate in specifying the equipment needed for such applications.
The PFD shall be worn when the risk of immersion is a possibility, preventing to enter into water
without a PFD donned. This requires that the PFD does not hinder the mobility of the user and does
not endanger the user’s safety in other respects. Where working in confined spaces or where rigging
or other elements can entrap, the PFD shall provide means to reduce snagging hazards and to provide
easy removal. A cover as an additional item and quick release closures may be a solution. Inherently
buoyant devices can be too bulky and risky as inflatable PFDs shall be required.
To minimize the risk of an accidental immersion, consideration shall, in general, first be given to
technical means of protection, such as rails, safety harnesses or other technical solutions, before
requiring the use of a PFD.
PFDs shall be simple to don and to doff. The relevant standards include timed tests for donning, but it
can be necessary in certain circumstances to consider additional requirements. In special applications,
the requirements to ensure rapid and reliable donning in complete darkness or in confined spaces or
when using gloves or mittens have to be considered. Donning can also be affected by the compatibility
of the PFD with other equipment. Those special applications have to be considered and trained with the
dedicated user group.
Physical or environmental circumstances are also important for the selection of a PFD.
Inflatable PFDs stored or worn in temperatures below –5 °C can show a reduced inflation performance,
the CO -inflation gas being adversely affected and inflation slowing down. Other components such as
nylon poppers can become rigid and difficult to open.
Meeting the basic requirements of ISO 12402 (all parts):2020 ensures a reasonable performance of all
PFDs in climates from tropical to cold temperate, except under extreme climatic conditions. Therefore,
it is important to specify the lowest performance temperature to select the adequate PFD. Short day
length in winter or reduced visibility, and current or rough waters can influence the tracking of a
victim in emergency situations. Those circumstances require the use of emergency lights complying
with ISO 12402-8:2020.
5.1.2 Risk assessment
Occupational health and safety guidelines, legal requirements such as the EU Directive for Occupational
Health and Safety (89/391 EEC) and the EU Directive 89/656/EEC for the use of personal protective
equipment in the workplace require a risk analysis that evaluates all surrounding conditions and
influences. As a result, emergency management activities and the choice of adequate PPE will be
required.
8 © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved

ISO 12402-10:2020(E)
Contrary to popular belief that most cases of drowning result from hypothermia and exhaustion after
a lengthy time in cold water, research has shown that the first seconds or minutes are most critical
due to shock or cold shock responses of the body. Cardiac shock, inspiratory gasp, hyperventilation,
uncontrolled cold shivering, disorientation, local confusion and amnesia or uncontrolled reactions
under panic require that a PFD be worn.
Cold shock arises if water is below 15° C (cold water) or if the gradient between skin temperature and
water is greater than 20° C.
All the effects mentioned above require that the PFD be effective and fully functional, rapidly after
entry into the water.
Inflatable PFD’s shall be of automatically operating type in case the user can enter cold water suddenly
and unexpectedly or be in a disabled or unconscious condition.
Once the PFD has been properly armed, inspected and donned, it requires no further action by the user.
Once it has brought the user to the surface, an effective PFD then has to maintain the user in a safe face-
up position.
Rough environment can counteract that ability, as explained in a) and b) below.
a) Waves washing over, and water-splash or spray entering the airways
— High wind speeds and steeper waves increase the likelihood of water or splash entering the
airways, so that even waves of only 30 cm height can threaten an unprotected airway and
a spray hood becomes necessary. A spray hood is not required on inland waters; it shall be
common at sea.
— The orientation of the user with respect to waves is an important key of PFD design. A widely
split front or keyholes for the head funnels water onto the face.
— Independent from freeboard between mouth and waves, but related to wind forces, the face can
be continually splashed resulting in inhalation of water and drowning.
b) Waves inverting the user
— The self-righting ability of PFDs is of importance if an unconscious or disabled person is capsized.
The buoyancy and the turning moment of a PFD could be inverted if air has been trapped in the
clothing. Although lifejackets are tested in swimming costumes, experience has shown that
a PFD performing well in these tests is generally good in its overall performance and offers a
good stability.
c) With heavy weather gear or cold protection garment, a PFD according to ISO 12402-2:2020 shall
be worn.
5.1.3 Interaction with clothing
The development of modern clothing systems for foul weather gear also creates the risk of trapped air,
which can produce an unpredictable, counteracting buoyancy distribution in the clothing. This shall be
given consideration when selecting a PFD in combination with this gear. If the manufacturer does not
recommend a particular combination, a PFD according to ISO 12402-2:2020 shall be worn.
In particular, the selection of lifejackets to infants and children shall be given careful consideration.
Counter buoyancy arising from diapers has led to accidents.
The anthropometric differences in the proportions of body configuration and centre of gravity shall be
adopted by design.
ISO 12402-10:2020(E)
5.2 Accessories
5.2.1 General
Performance, safety and quality of accessories shall comply with ISO 12402-8:2020, which specifies a
selection of accessories from which optional items can be chosen to meet the specific applications and/
or red
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