EN ISO 12402-9:2006

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-december-2006
2VHEQLSODYDMRþLSULSRPRþNLGHO3UHVNXVQHPHWRGH,62
Personal flotation devices - Part 9: Test methods (ISO 12402-9:2006)
Persönliche Auftriebsmittel - Teil 9: Prüfverfahren (ISO 12402-9:2006)
Équipements individuels de flottabilité - Partie 9: Méthodes d'essai (ISO 12402-9:2006)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO 12402-9:2006
ICS:
13.340.70 5HãLOQLMRSLþLY]JRQVND Lifejackets, buoyancy aids
SRPDJDODLQSODYDMRþL and floating devices
SULSRPRþNL
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN ISO 12402-9
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
September 2006
ICS 13.340.70
English Version
Personal flotation devices - Part 9: Test methods (ISO 12402-
9:2006)
Équipements individuels de flottabilité - Partie 9: Méthodes Persönliche Auftriebsmittel - Teil 9: Prüfverfahren (ISO
d'essai (ISO 12402-9:2006) 12402-9:2006)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 6 August 2006.

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 Central Secretariat 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 Central Secretariat has the same status as the official
versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania,
Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36  B-1050 Brussels
© 2006 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 12402-9:2006: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Foreword
This document (EN ISO 12402-9:2006) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 162
"Protective clothing including hand and arm protection and lifejackets", the secretariat of which is
held by DIN, in collaboration with Technical Committee ISO/TC 188 "Small craft".

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 March 2007, and conflicting national standards
shall be withdrawn at the latest by March 2007.

This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission
and the European Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EU Directive(s).

For relationship with EU Directive(s), see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this
document.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus,
Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland,
Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania,
Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

ANNEX ZA
(informative)
Relationship between this standard and the Essential
Requirements of EU Directive 89/686/EEC

This standard has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission
and the European Free Trade Association to provide one means of conforming to Essential
Requirements of the New Approach Directive 89/686/EEC.
Once this standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Communities under that Directive
and has been implemented as a national standard in at least one Member State, compliance with
the normative clauses of this standard, together with the requirements given in the specific
standards, confers, within the limits of the scope of these standards, a presumption of conformity
with the corresponding Essential Requirements of that Directive and associated EFTA regulations.

WARNING — Other requirements and other EU Directives may be applicable to the products
falling within the scope of this standard.

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 12402-9
First edition
2006-09-01
Personal flotation devices —
Part 9:
Test methods
Équipements individuels de flottabilité —
Partie 9: Méthodes d'essai
Reference number
ISO 12402-9:2006(E)
©
ISO 2006
ISO 12402-9:2006(E)
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ii © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved

ISO 12402-9:2006(E)
Contents Page
Foreword. iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions. 2
4 Classification of personal flotation devices . 4
5 Test methods. 4
5.1 General. 4
5.2 Sampling and conditioning. 4
5.3 Criteria for passing and failure. 4
5.4 Magnetic properties testing. 5
5.5 Mechanical properties tests . 5
5.6 Human subject performance tests. 18
Annex A (informative) Classification of personal flotation devices. 32
Annex B (normative) Adult reference vest for test-subject disqualification and test-subject group
validation . 34
Annex C (normative) Child reference vest for test subject disqualification and test subject group
validation . 46
Annex D (normative) Infant reference vest for test subject disqualification and test subject group
validation . 55
Annex E (informative) Child manikins. 63
Bibliography . 68

ISO 12402-9:2006(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.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
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.
ISO 12402-9 was prepared by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) Technical Committee
CEN/TC 162, Protective clothing including hand and arm protection and lifejackets, in collaboration with
Technical Committee ISO/TC 188, Small craft, in accordance with the Agreement on technical cooperation
between ISO and CEN (Vienna Agreement).
ISO 12402 consists of the following parts, under the general title Personal flotation devices:
⎯ Part 1: Lifejackets for seagoing ships — Safety requirements
⎯ Part 2: Lifejackets, performance level 275 — Safety requirements
⎯ Part 3: Lifejackets, performance level 150 — Safety requirements
⎯ Part 4: Lifejackets, performance 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 personal flotation devices and other relevant devices
iv © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved

ISO 12402-9:2006(E)
Introduction
ISO 12402 has been prepared to give guidance on the design and application of personal flotation devices
(hereafter referred to as PFDs) for persons engaged in activities, whether in relation to their work or their
leisure, in or near water. PFDs manufactured, selected, and maintained to this standard should give a
reasonable assurance of safety from drowning to a person who is immersed in water.
Requirements for lifejackets on large, commercial seagoing ships are regulated by the International Maritime
Organization (IMO) under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). ISO 12402-1
addresses lifejackets for seagoing ships.
ISO 12402 allows for the buoyancy of a PFD to be provided by a wide variety of materials or designs, some of
which may require preparation before entering the water (e.g. inflation of chambers by gas from a cylinder or
blown in orally). However, PFDs can be divided into the following two main classes:
⎯ those which provide face up in-water support to the user regardless of physical conditions (lifejackets),
and
⎯ those which require the user to make swimming and other postural movements to position the user with
the face out of the water (buoyancy aids).
Within these main two classes there are a number of levels of support, types of buoyancy, activation methods
for inflatable devices, and auxiliary items (such as location aids), all of which will affect the user‘s probability of
survival. Within the different types of buoyancy allowed, inflatable PFDs either provide full buoyancy without
any user intervention other than arming (i.e. PFDs inflated by a fully automatic method) or require the user to
initiate the inflation. Hybrid PFDs always provide some buoyancy but rely on the same methods as inflatable
PFDs to achieve full buoyancy. With inherently buoyant PFDs, the user only needs to put the PFD on to
achieve the performance of its class.
PFDs that do not require intervention (automatically operating PFDs) are suited to activities where persons
are likely to enter the water unexpectedly; whereas PFDs requiring intervention (e.g. manually inflated PFDs)
are only suitable for use if the user believes there will be sufficient time to produce full buoyancy, or help is
close at hand. In every circumstance, the user should ensure that the operation of the PFD is suited to the
specific application. The conformity of a PFD to this part of 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 choice and application of specific PFDs.
ISO 12402 is intended to serve as a guide to manufacturers, purchasers, and users of such safety equipment
in ensuring that the equipment provides an effective standard of performance in use. Equally essential is the
need for the designer to encourage the wearing of the equipment by making it comfortable and attractive for
continuous wear on or near water, rather than for it to be stored in a locker for emergency use. Throwable
devices and flotation cushions are not covered by this part of ISO 12402. The primary function of a PFD is to
support the user in reasonable safety in the water. Within the two classes, alternative attributes make some
PFDs better suited to some circumstances than others or make them easier to use and care for than others.
Important alternatives allowed by ISO 12402 are the following:
⎯ to provide higher levels of support (levels 100, 150, or 275) that generally float the user with greater water
clearance, enabling the user’s efforts to be expended in recovery rather than avoiding waves; or to
provide lighter or less bulky PFDs (levels 50 or 100);
⎯ to provide the kinds of flotation (inherently buoyant foam, hybrid, and inflatable) that will accommodate
the sometimes conflicting needs of reliability and durability, in-water performance, and continuous wear;
ISO 12402-9:2006(E)
⎯ to provide automatically operating (inherently buoyant or automatically inflated) PFDs that float users
without any intervention on their part, except in initially donning the PFD (and regular inspection and
rearming of inflatable types), or to provide user control of the inflatable PFD’s buoyancy by manual and
oral operation; and
⎯ to assist in detection (location aids) and recovery of the user.
PFDs provide various degrees of buoyancy in garments that are light in weight and only as bulky and
restrictive as needed for their intended use. They will need to be secure when worn, in order to provide
positive support in the water and to allow the user to swim or actively assist herself/himself or others. The PFD
selected shall ensure that the user is supported with the mouth and nose clear of the water under the
expected conditions of use and the user’s ability to assist.
Under certain conditions (such as rough water and waves), the use of watertight and multilayer clothing, which
provide (intentionally or otherwise) additional buoyancy, or the use of equipment with additional weight (such
as tool belts) will likely alter the performance of the PFD. Users, owners and employers need to ensure that
this is taken into account when selecting a PFD. Similarly, PFDs may not perform as well in extremes of
temperature, although fully approved under this part of ISO 12402. PFDs may also be affected by other
conditions of use, such as chemical exposure and welding, and may require additional protection to meet the
specific requirements of use. If the user intends taking a PFD into such conditions, she/he has to be assured
that the PFD will not be adversely affected. This part of ISO 12402 also allows a PFD to be an integral part of
a safety harness designed to conform to ISO 12401, or an integral part of a garment with other uses, for
example to provide thermal protection during immersion, in which case the complete assembly as used is
required to conform to this part of ISO 12402.
In compiling the attributes required of a PFD, consideration has also been given to the potential length of
service that the user might expect. Whilst a PFD needs to be of substantial construction and material, its
potential length of service often depends on the conditions of use and storage, which are the responsibility of
the owner, user and/or employer. Furthermore, whilst the performance tests included are believed to assess
relevant aspects of performance in real-life use, they do not accurately simulate all conditions of this. For
example, the fact that a device passes the self-righting tests in swimming attire, as described herein, does not
guarantee that it will self-right an unconscious user wearing waterproof clothing; neither can it be expected to
completely protect the airway of an unconscious person in rough water. Waterproof clothing can trap air and
further impede the self-righting action of a lifejacket.
It is essential that owners, users and employers choose those PFDs that meet the correct standards for the
circumstances in which they will be used. Manufacturers and those selling PFDs have to make clear to
prospective purchasers the product properties, alternative choices and the limitations to normal use, prior to
the purchase.
Similarly, those framing legislation regarding the use of these garments should consider carefully which class
and performance levels are most appropriate for the foreseeable conditions of use, allowing for the higher risk
circumstances. These higher risk circumstances should account for the highest probabilities of occurrence of
accidental immersion and the expected consequences in such emergencies. More information on the
selection and application is given in ISO 12402-10.
vi © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 12402-9:2006(E)

Personal flotation devices —
Part 9:
Test methods
1 Scope
This part of ISO 12402 specifies the test methods for personal flotation devices.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application 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 139:2005, Textiles — Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing
ISO 2768-1, General tolerances — Part 1: Tolerances for linear and angular dimensions without individual
tolerance indications
ISO 3386-1:1986, Polymeric materials, cellular flexible — Determination of stress-strain characteristics in
compression — Part 1: Low-density materials
ISO 12401:2004, Small craft — Deck safety harness and safety line for use on recreational craft — Safety
requirements and test methods
ISO 12402-1, Personal flotation devices — Part 1: Lifejackets for seagoing ships — Safety requirements
ISO 12402-2:2006, Personal flotation devices — Part 2: Lifejackets, performance level 275 — Safety
requirements
ISO 12402-3:2006, Personal flotation devices — Part 3: Lifejackets, performance level 150 — Safety
requirements
ISO 12402-4:2006, Personal flotation devices — Part 4: Lifejackets, performance level 100 — Safety
requirements
ISO 12402-5:2006, Personal flotation devices — Part 5: Buoyancy aids (level 50) — Safety requirements
ISO 12402-6, Personal flotation devices — Part 6: Special purpose lifejackets and buoyancy aids — Safety
1)
requirements and additional test methods
1)
ISO 12402-7:— , Personal flotation devices — Part 7: Materials and components — Safety requirements and
test methods
1) To be published.
ISO 12402-9:2006(E)
ISO 12402-8:2006, Personal flotation devices — Part 8: Accessories — Safety requirements and test methods
ISO 12402-10, Personal flotation devices — Part 10: Selection and application of personal flotation devices
and other relevant devices
ASTM D471-98:1999, Standard test method for rubber property — Effect of liquids
International Convention for the Safety of Life of Sea (SOLAS), 1974, as amended, International Maritime
2)
Organization
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
personal flotation device
PFD
garment or device which, when correctly worn and used in water, will provide the user with a specific amount
of buoyancy which will increase the likelihood of survival
3.2
inherently buoyant material
material which is permanently less dense than water
3.3
automatically operating PFD
PFD in which buoyancy is provided by permanent means (inherently buoyant material) or by suitable means
(gas inflation) effected by a system which automatically activates upon immersion and which, except for the
inspection and rearming of inflatable types, when correctly donned requires no further action by the user
3.4
automatically inflated PFD
PFD in which inflation is effected as a result of immersion without the user carrying out any action at the time
of immersion
3.5
manually inflated PFD
PFD in which inflation is effected as a result of the user operating a mechanism
3.6
orally inflated PFD
PFD inflated by mouth to produce buoyancy
3.7
PFD with secondary donning
PFD for which additional donning or adjustment is needed to place the PFD in its functioning position from the
position it is normally worn
NOTE Pouch-type devices are examples of the type of PFDs which usually require such additional positioning.
3.8
vest-type PFD
PFD covering the upper trunk of the user like a vest

2) IMO is an institution with domicile in London issuing regulations which are then published as laws by the member
states.
2 © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved

ISO 12402-9:2006(E)
3.9
yoke-type PFD
PFD in a style worn around the back of the neck and secured by a waist strap
3.10
emergency light
device which emits light so as to increase the chances of a user being located
3.11
multi-chamber buoyancy system
system that divides the buoyancy provided by an inflatable lifejacket into two or more separate compartments,
such that if mechanical damage occurs to one, others can still operate and provide buoyancy so as to aid the
user when immersed
3.12
deck safety harness and safety line
device that allows a user to be securely attached to a strong point on a vessel or on shore, so as to prevent
him from falling into the water, or, if he does fall into the water, to prevent him from being separated from the
vessel or shore
3.13
buddy line
length of cord which can be tied or otherwise fixed to another person or to that person's PFD 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
3.14
lifting loop
device which facilitates manual recovery of a person from water
3.15
sprayhood
cover brought or placed in front of the airways of a user in order to reduce or eliminate the splashing of water
from waves or the like onto the airways and thereby to promote the survival of the user in rough water
conditions
3.16
protective cover
cover that is normally in place over the functional elements of a PFD in order to protect them from physical
damage, or snagging on external objects
NOTE 1 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 The inflatable chamber of an inflatable PFD is an example of a functional element.
3.17
overpressure relief valve
valve which may be used in an inflatable system to avoid the likelihood of destruction caused by overpressure
3.18
whistle
device which, when blown by mouth, produces an audible sound which can aid in the location of the user
3.19
hybrid-type PFD
PFD of combined buoyancy types, i.e. inherent and inflatable
ISO 12402-9:2006(E)
4 Classification of personal flotation devices
An overview of this classification is given in Annex A for information.
5 Test methods
5.1 General
Unless otherwise specified, a new sample of the PFD to be tested may be used for each of the tests.
When material and components of PFDs specified in ISO 12402-7 are conditioned as specified therein and
successfully tested according to this part of ISO 12402, they can be assumed to meet the requirements of
ISO 12402-7 for the PFD design test.
A combination of PFD and accessories in accordance with ISO 12402-8 shall not impair the performance of
either item. This shall be proved during the test required for both PFD and accessories. If necessary, the test
sequence shall be arranged accordingly.
The human subject performance tests shall be witnessed by a test panel of at least 2 experts familiar with
testing and the products specified in the relevant parts of ISO 12402.
The human subject performance tests shall be carried out under the direction of a test house’s test panel that
is experienced in these specific test procedures. These tests shall be observed by at least 2 experienced
observers from the panel and repeated with 3 experienced observers from the panel if there is any question
about the performance observed. An observer is to be qualified by having expertise in observing
(or conducting under the supervision of a qualified observer) the specific test on at least 3 occasions.
NOTE 1 Specific test means, for instance, that experience with stability testing would not qualify for self-righting testing
or that experience with self-righting testing of inherently buoyant PFDs would not qualify as experience with similar testing
of inflatable PFDs.
NOTE 2 It is recommended that the test panel have at least one member of the test house regularly participating in
experience exchanges and round robin tests.
All tests according to 5.5 shall be carried out after submitting the samples to the temperature cycling test
(see 5.5.3) and the rotating shock bin test (see 5.5.2).
5.2 Sampling and conditioning
5.2.1 Sampling
At least one example of each size of the device to be tested shall be provided.
5.2.2 Conditioning
Prior to testing, the samples shall be conditioned for (24 ± 0,1) h under the appropriate standard atmosphere
as defined in ISO 139 according to the specific fabric used for the PFD.
If spelled out to be tested under wet conditions, the sample shall be soaked for at least 5 min in fresh water, or
as specified by the test procedure itself.
5.3 Criteria for passing and failure
All required samples shall pass all tests specified in 5.5 for the entire device to meet the requirements of the
relevant parts of ISO 12402. Due to the high variability between human subjects and the difficulty in assessing
some subjective measures, for tests according to 5.6 a test subject may be disqualified if demonstrated not to
perform in accordance with this standard when tested in a reference vest as described in Annex B, C or D.
4 © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved

ISO 12402-9:2006(E)
When a reference vest is used, the test report shall state the model of reference vest(s). Whenever a subject
is disqualified from this test, another two subjects with similar weight, height and anatomic build shall be
subjected to the same test and before the same test panel. If these additional tests are still not clearly passed
in accordance with this standard and the part of ISO 12402 applicable to the performance level of device, the
device shall be deemed to have failed.
5.4 Magnetic properties testing
Place a direct-reading magnetic compass in an undisturbed magnetic area (i.e. an area in which magnetic
items and d.c. electrical cables are not continually moved or switched). Check the compass to ensure that it
has negligible pivot friction. This can be done by deflecting the compass card 10° by means of a magnet and
then removing the deflecting force, when the card should return to within 0,5° of its original position.
Present the metal components (with any hooks closed) individually to the compass on an approximately east-
to-west line, to a position where the nearest point of the component is (300 ± 10) mm horizontally from the
center of the compass. Lightly tap the compass to eliminate the effect of friction. Record the angle, in degrees,
of any deflection of the compass from its position before the metal components were brought near the
compass.
5.5 Mechanical properties tests
5.5.1 Horizontal and vertical load tests
5.5.1.1 Principles
The PFD shall be subject to tension via its integral structure, such as waist belt or harness arrangement, by
means of a specified load. The tests shall be carried out in the following order and be applied to the same
PFD sample:
a) horizontal load test wet;
b) vertical load test wet.
NOTE Test houses may use other test arrangements as described in 5.5.1.3, i.e. by means of a hydraulic jig, if the
load maintained and the same accuracy of results can be achieved.
5.5.1.2 Apparatus
The apparatus consists of a horizontally suspended upper cylinder, of diameter (50 ± 5) mm for PFD user
masses less than 40 kg, or of diameter (125 ± 10) mm for PFD user masses of 40 kg and above, to which the
PFD is fitted. The length of the test cylinder shall be sufficient to accommodate the full width of the portion of
the PFD under test.
For the horizontal load test shown in Figures 2 and 4, an additional lower test cylinder of similar size to the
upper cylinder shall be placed in the PFD in the position indicated. The axes of the upper and lower cylinders
shall be regarded as the datum positions A1-A2 and B1-B2, respectively, shown in Figures 2 and 4.
For the horizontal load test shown in Figures 2 and 4, a pre-load is required. The total pre-load shall be
(20 ± 2) N.
For the vertical load tests shown in Figures 3 and 5, the lower apparatus shall have the dimensions as
indicated in Figures 6 and 7. The diameter of the tube shown in Figure 7 shall be (50 ± 5) mm for PFD user
masses less than 40 kg and (125 ± 10) mm for user masses of 40 kg and above.
For these vertical load tests, a test mass shall be applied to the attachment positions indicated by means of
webbing (25 ± 5) mm in width.
ISO 12402-9:2006(E)
5.5.1.3 Procedure
5.5.1.3.1 General
The webbing or movable part of the assembly shall be marked at each point of adjustment prior to application
of each test load. This includes tie tapes, draw cords, and lacing, as well as webbing-hardware adjustments.
5.5.1.3.2 Horizontal load test
The PFD shall be fitted (if inflated by its primary means of inflation (30 ± 5) min prior the test being carried out)
to the upper test cylinder, in the manner shown in Figure 2 for halter types or Figure 4 for vest types. If
inflatable, it shall be tested both when uninflated and when inflated by its primary means of inflation. The PFD
shall be attached to the cylinders such that all adjustment devices are tested. The position of the webbing
relative to the adjustment devices it passes through shall be marked.
The lower test cylinder shall be fixed in the appropriate positions shown in Figures 2 and 4. The specified pre-
load shall be added and the test arrangement shall be adjusted such that the axes A -A and B -B of the
1 2 1 2
upper and lower test cylinders are substantially parallel and horizontal.
The additional test load shall be applied steadily until the PFD is hanging freely. The load shall be maintained
for the specified period.
The PFD shall be examined for any failures resulting in functional damage of the PFD.
5.5.1.3.3 Vertical load test
The PFD shall be fitted to the upper test cylinder, in the manner shown in Figure 3 for halter types or Figure 5
for vest types. If inflatable, it shall be tested both when uninflated and when inflated by its primary means of
inflation.
For halter types, adjust the harness to fit the test body according to Figure 6. For vest types, fasten the PFD in
such a way that any adjustment devices are tested. Mark the position of the webbing relative to any
adjustment devices it passes through.
Attach the load suspension cord to the PFD in the appropriate positions shown in Figures 3 and 5. Apply the
test load steadily without jerking. Maintain the test load for the specified period. Remove the test load and
examine the PFD for any resultant failures. Measure any adjustment device slippage.
5.5.1.4 Lifting loop test
All PFDs equipped with a lifting loop shall be soaked in fresh water for a period of 5 min. The PFD shall then
be fitted to the appropriate test dummy according to the manufacturer’s donning and adjustment instructions.
If inflatable, the lifejacket shall be inflated prior to load application.
Then apply the loads F or F (see Figure 1) to the lower attachment point of the dummy in accordance with
1 2
ISO 12401:2004, 5.2.2.1. Lift the dummy by means of a cylinder of (50 ± 5) mm in diameter, which is put
through the loop without jerking until it is suspended freely.
Maintain the load for (1 ± 0,1) min.
See also 5.5 in the relevant parts of ISO 12402.
6 © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved

ISO 12402-9:2006(E)
5.5.1.5 Buddy line test
If a buddy line is attached to a PFD, a load of 750 N shall be applied for (1,0 ± 0,1) min perpendicular to the
PFD, whilst the PFD is fitted to a torso in accordance with ISO 12401. No damage shall occur to the buddy
line or to the PFD.
Key
F load for adult size (according to 5.5 in the relevant part of ISO 12402)
F load for child size (according to 5.5 in the relevant part of ISO 12402)
1 test load
Figure 1 — Test dummy
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1 test load
Figure 2 — Horizontal load test of yoke-type PFD
ISO 12402-9:2006(E)
Key
1 test load
Figure 3 — Vertical load test of yoke-type PFD

Key
1 test load
Figure 4 — Horizontal load test of vest-type PFD
8 © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved

ISO 12402-9:2006(E)
Key
1 test load
Figure 5 — Vertical test of vest-type PFD
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
R = 155 mm
Figure 6 — Body for vertical load test (general tolerances ISO 2768-1, v)
ISO 12402-9:2006(E)
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
∅ = (125 ± 10) mm for adult size
∅ = (50 ± 10) mm for child size
Figure 7 — Bent tube for vertical load test (general tolerances ISO 2768-1, v)
5.5.2 Rotating shock bin test method
5.5.2.1 Principle
The PFD shall provide a minimum resistance against wear and tear.
5.5.2.2 Apparatus
The equipment used shall be that shown in Figure 8, and consists of a box made from plywood board, the
inside surface of which shall be coated with a hard plastic laminate or similar. The bearing of the bin shall be
in the center of its mass, as shown in Figure 8, and permit the bin to be rotated freely.
5.5.2.3 Procedure
The PFD shall be exposed to this test in the condition “ready for use”, i.e. unpacked and un-inflated, if
inflatable, buckles closed but not tightened or wrapped around.
The test specimen shall be placed in the bin through a flush panel in one of its faces, which shall then be
closed and secured. The bin shall then be rotated for a total of 150 revolutions at a steady rate of 6 rev/min.
On completion of the rotations, the specimen shall be removed. The device, if inflatable, shall be inflated for
(5,0 ± 0,1) min then examined for damage and checked for leaks under water. Perform the functional test
according to the relevant performance level if damage is detected.
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ISO 12402-9:2006(E)
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 8 — Design of rotating shock bin apparatus
5.5.3 Temperature cycling test
5.5.3.1 For inherently buoyant PFDs, six samples shall be alternately subjected for 8 h to surrounding
temperatures of (− 30 ± 2) °C and (+ 65 ± 2) °C. These alternating cycles need not follow immediately after
each other and the following procedure, repeated for 10 cycles, is acceptable.
An 8 h cycle at (+ 65 ± 2) °C is to be completed in one day. The samples are to be removed from the warm
chamber that same day and left exposed under ordinary room conditions until the next day.
An 8 h cycle at (− 30 ± 2) °C is to be completed the next day. The samples are to be removed from the cold
chamber that same day and left exposed under ordinary room conditions until the next day.
Two of the samples shall be cut open and shall not show any sign of internal change of structure.
Four of the samples shall be used for the water absorption test according to 5.5.5. Two of these samples shall
be so tested after they have also been subjected to the oil and water resistance tests (5.5.4).
5.5.3.2 If inflatable, two PFDs shall be subjected to the temperature cycling test in the uninflated
condition and shall then be externally examined. The inflatable PFDs shall show no sign of damage such as
shrinking, cracking, swelling, dissolution or change of mechanical qualities. The automatic and manual
inflation systems shall each be tested immediately after each temperature cycling test as follows.
a) After the high temperature cycle at (+ 65 ± 2) °C, the two inflatable PFDs are removed from the warm
chamber. One shall be activated using the automatic inflation system by placing it in sea water at a
temperature of (+ 30 ± 2) °C and the other shall be activated using the manual inflation system.
ISO 12402-9:2006(E)
b) After the low temperature cycle at (− 30 ± 2) °C, the two inflatable PFDs are removed from the cold
chamber. One shall be activated using the automatic inflation system by placing it in sea water at a
temperature of − 1 °C and the other shall be activated using the manual inflation system.
5.5.4 Oil and water resistance tests
5.5.4.1 General
The PFD (if inflatable, in the un-inflated condition) shall be immersed completely in oil and artificial sea water.
Between immersions, the PFD shall be cleaned and left to dry for (17,0 ± 0,1) h according to the instructions
given in the information supplied by the manufacturer.
If the PFD is automatically inflated, the mechanism producing automatic activation shall be disabled prior to
this test, and it shall be inflated using the manual mechanism on completion.
5.5.4.2 Sea water resistance test
The PFD shall be immersed in a tank of artificial sea water (4,5 % NaCl) horizontally (300 ± 30) mm below the
surface for a period of 72 h at normal room temperature.
The PFD shall be examined for any failures resulting in functional damage of the PFD.
5.5.4.3 Oil resistance test
A sample of the device, with any automatic inflation means disabled, is to be subject to a series of three
separate 5 min immersion periods of total submergence in fuel B according to ASTM D471-98:1999, with a
30 min drying period between submersions. After the last submergence period, the sample is to be removed
from the liquid and the excess liquid allowed to run off for 5 min. The sample, if inflatable, is to be inflated by
the primary means of inflation in accordance with the design inflation range.
The PFD shall be examined for any failures resulting in functional damage of the PFD.
5.5.5 Water absorption test
The test is applicable to devices with inherently buoyant material, insofar as material samples have not been
exposed when tested according to ISO 12402-7.
A set of two samples of the PFD as delivered, two samples having been exposed to the temperature cycling
test according to 5.5.3 and two samples having been exposed according to 5.5.3 and 5.5.4 shall be placed in
a tank of fresh water at a depth of 1 250 mm for seven days. Changes of dimensions shall be reported. The
minimum buoyancy shall be not less than required in 5.3.4.2 of ISO 12402-2:2006 to ISO 12402-5:2006.
The changes of buoyancy after one day and seven days shall be reported.
5.5.6 Over-pressure test
The inflatable buoyancy chambers shall be capable of withstanding an internal over-pressure at ambient
temperature. All chambers of a PFD shall be inflated to 4,0 kPa using the oral method of inflation. After
inflation the relief valves shall be disabled and a fully charged gas cylinder (but not multiple cylinders as would
be present on SOLAS dual-chamber PFDs) according to manufacturer’s instructions shall be fitted to the
same inflation device and the device actuated. The device shall be set aside for 10 min. The pressure shall
then be increased by 20 % in all chambers. All fully charged gas cylinders used in this test shall be sized
according to the markings on the PFD. Chamber integrity and leakage shall be checked after 5 min by
functional tests.
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ISO 12402-9:2006(E)
If the PFD is of multi-chamber design, the test procedure shall continue. With one buoyancy chamber inflated
(at 4,0 kPa), the operating head on the opposite buoyancy chamber shall be fired manually, using a fully
charged gas cylinder according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The operation of the relief valves shall be
noted to ensure that the exce
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