EN ISO 12402-10:2006

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-maj-2006
Osebna plavalna oprema – 10. del: Izbira in uporaba osebne plavalne opreme in
druge primerne opreme (ISO 12402-10:2006)
Personal flotation devices - Part 10: Selection and application of personal flotation
devices and other relevant devices (ISO 12402-10:2006)
Persönliche Auftriebsmittel - Teil 10: Auswahl und Anwendung von persönlichen
Auftriebsmitteln und anderen entsprechenden Geräten (ISO 12402-10:2006)
Equipements individuels de flottabilité - Partie 10: Sélection et application des
équipements individuels de flottabilité et d'autres équipements pertinents (ISO 12402-
10:2006)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO 12402-10:2006
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 12402-10
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
February 2006
ICS 13.340 Supersedes CR 13033:1997
English Version
Personal flotation devices - Part 10: Selection and application of
personal flotation devices and other relevant devices (ISO
12402-10:2006)
Equipements individuels de flottabilité - Partie 10: Sélection Persönliche Auftriebsmittel - Teil 10: Auswahl und
et application des équipements individuels de flottabilité et Anwendung von persönlichen Auftriebsmitteln und anderen
d'autres équipements pertinents (ISO 12402-10:2006) entsprechenden Geräten (ISO 12402-10:2006)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 6 February 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 12402-10:2006: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Foreword
This document (EN ISO 12402-10:2006) 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 August 2006, and conflicting national
standards shall be withdrawn at the latest by August 2006.

This document supersedes CR 13033:1997.

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 a means of conforming to Essential
Requirements of the New Approach Directive 89/686/EEC on the approximation of the laws of
the Member States relating to personal protective equipment.

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 clauses of this standard confers, within the limits of the scope of this
standard, 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 product(s)
falling within the scope of this standard.

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 12402-10
First edition
2006-02-15
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 12402-10:2006(E)
©
ISO 2006
ISO 12402-10:2006(E)
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ii © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved

ISO 12402-10:2006(E)
Contents Page
Foreword. iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions. 2
4 Classification, risks and recommended areas of application of PFDs . 4
4.1 General. 4
4.2 Performance criteria. 6
4.3 Performance levels. 7
4.4 Selection and use . 8
5 Essential items to be observed by legislative authorities, manufacturers, retailers and
users. 10
5.1 Personal flotation devices (PFDs). 10
5.2 Accessories. 11
5.3 Immersion suits . 12
6 Guidance for drowning risk management. 13
6.1 General. 13
6.2 Description of operation and environment . 13
6.3 Identification of risk areas and establishment of safety levels . 13
6.4 Guidance on identification of risk managing measures. 13
6.5 Guidance on selection of risk managing measures. 14
6.6 Guidance on selection of personal protective equipment . 15
6.7 Checklists . 15
Annex A (informative) List of terms defined in ISO 15027-1. 17

ISO 12402-10:2006(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 12402-10 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 12402-10:2006(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
Organisation (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 to 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 12402-10:2006(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.
vi © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 12402-10:2006(E)

Personal flotation devices —
Part 10:
Selection and application of personal flotation devices
and other relevant devices
1 Scope
This part of ISO 12402 gives guidance for the selection and application of personal flotation devices
complying with the other relevant parts of ISO 12402 and immersion suits according to ISO 15027-1 to
ISO 15027-3.
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 12401, 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, Personal flotation devices — Part 2: Lifejackets, performance level 275 — Safety
1)
requirements
ISO 12402-3, Personal flotation devices — Part 3: Lifejackets, performance level 150 — Safety
1)
requirements
1)
ISO 12402-4, Personal flotation devices — Part 4: Lifejackets, performance level 100 — Safety requirements
1)
ISO 12402-5, 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
ISO 12402-7, Personal flotation devices — Part 7: Materials and components — Safety requirements and test
1)
methods
ISO 12402-8, Personal flotation devices — Part 8: Accessories — Safety requirements and test methods
1)
ISO 12401-9, Personal flotation devices — Part 9: Test methods
ISO 15027-1, Immersion suits — Part 1: Constant wear suits, requirements including safety

1) To be published.
ISO 12402-10:2006(E)
ISO 15027-2, Immersion suits — Part 2: Abandonment suits, requirements including safety
ISO 15027-3, Immersion suits — Part 3: Test methods
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, as amended, International Maritime
2)
Organization
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 15027-1 and the following apply.
NOTE The terms and definitions from ISO 15027-1 are reproduced in Annex A for the convenience of the user.
Where terms are defined below and in ISO 15027-1, the definitions given below 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 that 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 its Member State.
2 © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved

ISO 12402-10:2006(E)
3.9
yoke-type PFD
PFD worn around 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 12402-10:2006(E)
4 Classification, risks and recommended areas of application of PFDs
4.1 General
ISO 12402-1 to ISO 12402-9 have been developed to set minimum safety requirements and test methods for
PFDs as well as to give support for design and application of PFDs for persons engaged in activities, whether
in relation to their work or leisure, in or near water.
Requirements for lifejackets on large, commercial seagoing ships are regulated by the International Maritime
Organization (IMO) under the International Convention for Safety of Life At Sea (SOLAS). IMO/SOLAS
requires such ships to have primary lifesaving appliances — lifeboats and/or liferafts — which are intended to
allow those onboard to evacuate the ship dry. SOLAS lifejackets are therefore backup equipment and
designed to be compatible with the primary lifesaving appliances. ISO 12402-1 is intended for evaluation of
lifejackets which may comply with SOLAS regulations.
A system of various classes and performance levels (see 4.3 and Figure 1) was established to serve the
numerous needs. The buoyancy of the device is the ruling factor to indicate performance level. With regard to
the recommended standard application, the conditions of location (offshore, near shore, etc.) in which the PFD
will be used and the type of clothing worn are the overriding criteria for the range of PFDs. The fundamental
distinction between lifejackets and buoyancy aids divides the system into PFDs which are more suitable in the
case of an unconscious victim and those which are more likely to be used but may require more effort by the
victim to keep the airway clear of the water. Figure 1 conveys this information in a plain text version.
Pictograms visualizing this information are shown in Figure 2. PFDs manufactured, selected, and maintained
in accordance with the relevant part of ISO 12402 shall be used to provide 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 design. Some of them may require preparation before
entering the water, e.g. inflation of chamber by gas from a cylinder or blown in orally.
Lifejackets provide face-up in-water support to the user in most conditions appropriate to their level. Buoyancy
aids require the user to be conscious to orientate herself/himself with the face out of the water.
4 © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved

ISO 12402-10:2006(E)
ISO 12402-2
PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE to (1)
ISO 12402-6
Performance
Application (2)
level
Offshore, extreme conditions, special protective
275 (3)
clothing, heavy equipment
Offshore, foul weather clothing 150 (4)
Sheltered waters, light clothing 100 (5)
Swimmers only, sheltered waters, help at hand,
50 (6)
limited protection against drowning, not a lifejacket
all
Special purpose device performance (7)
levels
..........................................................................
Manufactured by:  . (8)
..........................................................................
WARNING:
FLOTATION DEVICES ONLY REDUCE
(9)
THE RISK OF DROWNING
THEY DO NOT GUARANTEE RESCUE
NOTE Clause 6 in ISO 12402-1 does not specify a label layout.
Figure 1 — Label specification

Figure 2 — Pictograms
buoyancy
lifejackets
aids
ISO 12402-10:2006(E)
4.2 Performance criteria
Among lifejackets and buoyancy aids there are a number of performance levels, 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 at the time of immersion (e.g. those inflated by a fully automatic
method) or require the user to initiate the inflation. In particular, all inflatable PFDs require the user to regularly
service them and require checks of the status indicators before each donning/use of the PFD. Hybrid PFDs
always provide some buoyancy but rely on these same methods to achieve full buoyancy. With inherently
buoyant PFDs, the user only needs to put the PFD on to achieve the performance required.
PFDs that do not require intervention 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 shall ensure that the operation of the PFD is suited to the specific application. The
conformity of a PFD to the relevant 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
selection and application of PFDs.
The primary function of a PFD according to the relevant parts of ISO 12402 is to support the user in
reasonable safety in water, enabling his efforts to be expended in recovery rather than in remaining afloat.
Alternative attributes make some PFDs better suited to certain circumstances than others or make them
easier to use and care for than others. Important alternatives allowed by the relevant parts of ISO 12402 are
the following:
a) to provide higher levels of support (level 100, 150, or 275) that generally float the user with greater water
clearance, enabling his efforts to be expended in rescue rather than avoiding waves, or to provide lighter
or less bulky PFDs (levels 50 and 100);
b) to provide the kinds of flotation media (inherently buoyant foam, hybrid, and inflatable) that will
accommodate the sometimes conflicting needs of reliability and durability, in-water performance, and
continuous use;
c) 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 with manual and
oral operation;
d) to provide devices that are easy to use on a continuous basis while on or near water, thus ensuring
flotation in the event of sudden immersion, as opposed to having to find and don the PFD when the
unexpected happens;
e) to enable the user to propel himself in the water without it being a significant encumbrance;
f) to assist in detection and rescue of the user through the use of location aids and/or buddy lines, lifting
loops and the like.
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 and to provide positive
support in the water, allowing the user to swim or actively assist himself or others. The PFD selected shall
ensure that the user is supported with his mouth and nose clear of the water under the expected conditions of
use and 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 this performance. Users, owners and employers shall ensure that this is taken into
account when selecting a PFD. Similarly, certain PFDs may not perform as well in extreme climate conditions,
although fully approved under the relevant 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
6 © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved

ISO 12402-10:2006(E)
requirements of use. If the user intends taking a PFD into such conditions, he shall satisfy himself that it will
not be adversely affected.
A PFD can also be an integral part of a safety harness designed to conform to ISO 12401 or of a garment with
other uses, e.g. to provide thermal protection during immersion, in which case the complete assembly as used
shall conform to the relevant part of ISO 12402.
In compiling the attributes required of a PFD, consideration shall also be given to the potential length of
service that the user might expect. Whilst a PFD which conforms to the specification needs to be of
substantial construction and material, its potential length of service often depends on the conditions of use
and storage, which are the responsibility of the owner, user and/or employer. Furthermore, whilst the
performance tests included are believed to assess relevant aspects of performance in real-life use, they do
not accurately simulate all conditions of use. For example, the fact that a device passes the self-righting tests
described herein does not guarantee that it will self-right an unconscious user using waterproof clothing, nor
can it be expected to completely protect the airway of an unconscious person in rough water.
4.3 Performance levels
It is essential that owners, users and employers select those PFDs that conform to the relevant part of
ISO 12402 for the circumstances in which they will be used. Manufacturers and those selling PFDs shall make
clear to prospective purchasers the product properties and alternative choices, and the limitations to normal
use, prior to the purchase.
Similarly, those framing legislation regarding the use of these PFDs shall consider carefully which PFD and
performance level and/or intended application is most appropriate for the foreseeable conditions of use,
allowing for the wide variety of use and for the higher risk circumstances. These higher risk circumstances
shall account for the highest probabilities of occurrence of accidental immersion and the expected
consequences in such emergencies. Apart from the sea conditions and distance to shore, the type of clothing
likely to be worn shall be considered because clothing will probably impair the performance of the lifejacket.
ISO 12402 specifies different performance levels and design features to satisfy the need of different users. If
properly maintained and used, once deployed, the classes and performance levels are as follows.
a) Lifejackets for seagoing ships in accordance with ISO 12402-1 are intended primarily for use on seagoing
ships under IMO rules.
b) Lifejackets, performance level 275, in accordance with ISO 12402-2 are intended primarily for offshore
use and by people who are using items of significant weight and thus require additional buoyancy. They
are also of value to those who are using clothing which traps air and which will adversely affect the self-
righting capacity of the lifejacket. They are designed to ensure that the user is floating with his mouth and
nose clear of the surface at an angle and with sufficient freeboard to limit mouth immersions in waves.
c) Lifejackets, performance level 150, in accordance with ISO 12402-3 are intended for general offshore and
rough weather use where a high standard of performance is required. As tested, they will turn an
unconscious person in swimming attire into a safe position. Additionally they should maintain a fully
clothed person in a safe position with no subsequent action by the user.
d) Lifejackets, performance level 100, in accordance with ISO 12402-4 are intended for those who may have
to wait for rescue, but are likely to do so in sheltered and calm water. Whilst these lifejackets may be less
bulky than other types of lifejacket, they should not be used in rough conditions or when there is wave
splash.
e) Buoyancy aids (level 50) in accordance with ISO 12402-5 are intended for use by those who are
competent swimmers and who are near to bank or shore, or who have help and a means of rescue close
at hand. These devices have minimal bulk and cost, but they are of limited use in disturbed water and
cannot be expected to keep the user safe for a long period of time. They do not have sufficient buoyancy
to protect people who are unable to help themselves. They require active participation by the user.
ISO 12402-10:2006(E)
f) PFDs (both lifejackets and buoyancy aids) may also be approved in accordance with ISO 12402-6, which
recognizes that ISO 12402-1 to ISO 12402–5 are required to be general in their nature and real-world
needs may conflict. ISO 12402-6 provides general requirements for the approval of special purpose
devices such as those for use in white water.
4.4 Selection and use
These different devices conform to different levels of buoyancy, performance and use. By allowing
intermediate steps within the range of performance level, they create the opportunity to design and
manufacture PFDs which meet the diverse needs of everyone working or participating in leisure activities on
water. For seagoing ships, IMO rules apply.
Before purchasing a lifejacket or buoyancy aid, the user shall evaluate the risks to which he or she is likely to
be exposed. Certain activities present a somewhat higher risk of sudden immersion due to falls overboard,
capsizing and the like. Certain users, e.g. dinghy sailors, may be better served by devices of less than 100 N
buoyancy, if help is close at hand.
In principle, national bodies, in particular those responsible for making recommendations, should be left to
determine what is appropriate for the activities under their jurisdiction. The advice of such bodies should be
sought by groups, clubs or authorities in order to select a suitable device.
Having made a decision about the appropriate class, detailed information with regard to operational sizes,
design and buoyancy has to be considered. When selecting a lifejacket, it has to be taken into consideration
whether this device shall be usable over foul weather clothing. Manufacturers are encouraged to provide
additional information for selection of PFDs, as shown in Figure 3.
Performance tests shall be undertaken under conditions which can be replicated, i.e. under calculable and
controllable standard conditions. The unforeseeable circumstances of an emergency are neither known nor
can they be simulated in laboratories.
8 © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved

ISO 12402-10:2006(E)
SPECIAL FEATURES Integrated emergency light and spray cap
ISO 12402-2
PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE to SPECIAL APPLICATION Use in extreme climate conditions (–50 °C)

ISO 12402-6
OPERATION MODE DESIGN
Amount Amount Use with
Auto- Oral Multi- of of harness
Performance Manually Integrated
Application matically inflation chamber
inflatable inherent
level operated harness
operating only system buoyancy buoyancy
yes no
(N) (N)
Offshore, extreme conditions, special protective
clothing, heavy equipment
Offshore, foul weather clothing 150 √ √  90 70 √ √
Sheltered waters, light clothing 100

Swimmers only, sheltered waters, help at hand,
limited protection against drowning, not a 50
lifejacket
all
Buoyancy for specified body mass
Special purpose device performance
(N)
levels
Chest Body mass
Size
(cm) (kg)
...............................................................
Manufactured by:  . Actual value Nominal value
...............................................................
WARNING:
FLOTATION DEVICES ONLY REDUCE
Medium > 70 160 150
THE RISK OF DROWNING
THEY DO NOT GUARANTEE RESCUE
Figure 3 — Example of additional information for selection of PFDs

buoyancy
lifejackets
aids
ISO 12402-10:2006(E)
5 Essential items to be observed by legislative authorities, manufacturers, retailers
and users
5.1 Personal flotation devices (PFDs)
5.1.1 General
The performance of a PFD may be altered when it is worn in addition to or in combination with other personal
protective equipment (PPE). For example the interaction between protective clothing, in particular immersion
suits, a
...