ISO 16073:2011

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 16073
First edition
2011-02-15

Wildland firefighting personal protective
equipment — Requirements and test
methods
Équipement de protection individuelle pour la lutte contre les feux
d'espaces naturels — Exigences et méthodes d'essai




Reference number
ISO 16073:2011(E)
©
ISO 2011

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ISO 16073:2011(E)
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ISO 16073:2011(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction.vi
1 Scope.1
2 Normative references.1
3 Terms and definitions .3
4 Clothing .11
4.1 General information .11
4.2 Sampling .12
4.3 Pretreatment .12
4.4 Exposure surface .12
4.5 Thermal requirements.12
4.6 Mechanical requirements .14
4.7 Ergonomic and comfort requirements.15
4.8 Dimensional change after washing and/or dry cleaning.15
4.9 Retroreflective/fluorescent performance.15
4.10 Optional clothing testing .15
5 Gloves.16
5.1 Design requirements.16
5.2 Sampling .18
5.3 Pretreatments .18
5.4 Preconditioning .19
5.5 Performance requirements.19
5.6 Mechanical requirements .21
5.7 Ergonomic requirements.22
6 Footwear.22
7 Helmets.23
7.1 Function and dimensions.23
7.2 Performance requirements.24
7.3 Test requirements .25
7.4 Headforms.26
7.5 Shock absorption test.26
7.6 Penetration test .27
7.7 Flammability test .27
7.8 Electrical insulation test .28
7.9 Lateral rigidity test .28
8 Eye protectors .29
8.1 General .29
8.2 Design and manufacturing requirements .29
8.3 Basic, particular and optional requirements for non-mesh eye protectors.29
8.4 Mesh eye and face protectors.35
8.5 Allocation of requirements, test schedules and application .37
9 Hearing protectors .41
9.1 General .41
9.2 Earmuff requirements .41
9.3 Performance.42
9.4 Earplug requirements .44
10 Fire hood .46
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ISO 16073:2011(E)
10.1 General requirements. 46
10.2 Pretreatment. 46
10.3 Performance requirements . 47
11 Respiratory protection . 48
12 Compatibility . 48
12.1 General. 48
12.2 Sizing . 48
12.3 Compatibility for helmet, fire hood, clothing and eyewear interface . 49
12.4 Compatibility for glove and clothing interface . 49
12.5 Compatibility for coat and trouser interface. 49
12.6 Compatibility for footwear and trouser interface . 50
13 Marking and labelling . 50
13.1 General marking requirements. 50
13.2 Label durability and legibility . 50
13.3 Compliance marking requirements. 50
13.4 Additional marking requirements . 51
14 Manufacturer's information . 55
14.1 General. 55
14.2 Manikin testing information. 56
Annex A (informative) Compatibility . 58
Annex B (informative) Guidelines for personal protective equipment design. 59
Annex C (normative) Grip test — Gloves. 61
Annex D (normative) Thermal stability of helmets and eyewear at elevated temperatures. 63
Annex E (informative) Recommended method of construction of wooden headforms . 65
Annex F (informative) Recommendations for the materials and construction of helmets. 68
Annex G (normative) Ease of donning and doffing test. 69
Bibliography. 71

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ISO 16073:2011(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 16073 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 94, Personal safety — Protective clothing and
equipment, Subcommittee SC 14, Fire-fighters' personal equipment.

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ISO 16073:2011(E)
Introduction
This International Standard provides minimum performance requirements for wildland firefighters' personal
protective equipment (PPE) designed for use for extended periods during wildland firefighting.
Wildland firefighting involves work carried out mostly in summer temperatures and for many hours, during
which the firefighter can develop high levels of metabolic heat. As a consequence, the PPE is required to be
light, flexible and commensurate with the risks to which the firefighter can be exposed in order to be effective
without introducing excessive heat stress to the wearer.
It is very important to train firefighters in the selection, use, care and maintenance of the PPE covered by this
International Standard, including an understanding of its limitations.
Nothing in this International Standard is intended to restrict any jurisdiction, purchaser or manufacturer from
exceeding these acceptable performance requirements.
A number of Member bodies have raised issues regarding harmonization of test methods for different items of
PPE, e.g. radiant heat tests on footwear and apparel. This has been extensively discussed, but requires
considerable testing and validation before it can be addressed in this International Standard. Technical
Committee ISO/TC 94/SC 14 has agreed that this will be a priority for the next revision. Similarly, the issue of
testing of complete assemblies of PPE has been only slightly addressed and will be further explored in the
next revision.
It is intended that a risk assessment be undertaken to determine if the PPE covered by this International
Standard is suitable for its intended use and the expected exposure. It is intended that the risk assessment be
used to determine what types of PPE are necessary for head, face, hands, body and feet.

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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 16073:2011(E)

Wildland firefighting personal protective equipment —
Requirements and test methods
1 Scope
This International Standard specifies the minimum performance requirements and methods of test for
personal protective equipment (PPE) covering the torso, neck, arms, hands, legs, feet, head, eyes and
hearing for wildland firefighting.
This International Standard covers the general design of the PPE, the minimum levels of performance for the
materials employed and the methods of test used. This PPE is not intended to provide protection during fire
entrapment.
This International Standard does not cover PPE for structural firefighting (see ISO 11613), for use against
chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear hazards, or for use where a reflective outer surface is required
(see ISO 15538).
Activities in support of wildland firefighting, such as the cutting of trees and the use of a chainsaw can require
additional protection to that provided in this International Standard. Users are directed to those relevant
standards for the requirements associated with such protection.
NOTE Performance requirements for respiratory protective devices (RPD) for wildland firefighting are not available at
the time of publication. An International Standard for RPD is under development.
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, Textiles — Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing
ISO 3071, Textiles — Determination of pH of aqueous extract
ISO 3146, Plastics — Determination of melting behaviour (melting temperature or melting range) of
semi-crystalline polymers by capillary tube and polarizing-microscope methods
ISO 3175-1, Textiles — Professional care, drycleaning and wetcleaning of fabrics and garments — Part 1:
Assessment of performance after cleaning and finishing
ISO 4045, Leather — Chemical tests — Determination of pH
ISO 4674-1, Rubber- or plastics-coated fabrics — Determination of tear resistance — Part 1: Constant rate of
tear methods
ISO 5077, Textiles — Determination of dimensional change in washing and drying
ISO 6330, Textiles — Domestic washing and drying procedures for textile testing
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ISO 16073:2011(E)
ISO 6942, Protective clothing — Protection against heat and fire — Method of test: Evaluation of materials
and material assemblies when exposed to a source of radiant heat
ISO 9151, Protective clothing against heat and flame — Determination of heat transmission on exposure to
flame
ISO 11092, Textiles — Physiological effects — Measurement of thermal and water-vapour resistance under
steady-state conditions (sweating guarded-hotplate test)
ISO 12127-1, Clothing for protection against heat and flame — Determination of contact heat transmission
through protective clothing or constituent materials — Part 1: Test method using contact heat produced by
heating cylinder
ISO 12947-2, Textiles — Determination of abrasion resistance of fabrics by the Martindale method — Part 2:
Determination of specimen breakdown
ISO 13506, Protective clothing against heat and flame — Test method for complete garments — Prediction of
burn injury using an instrumented manikin
ISO 13688, Protective clothing — General requirements
ISO 13934-1, Textiles — Tensile properties of fabrics — Part 1: Determination of maximum force and
elongation at maximum force using the strip method
ISO 13935-2, Textiles — Seam tensile properties of fabrics and made-up textile articles — Part 2:
Determination of maximum force to seam rupture using the grab method
ISO 13938-2, Textiles — Bursting properties of fabrics — Part 2: Pneumatic method for determination of
bursting strength and bursting distension
ISO 13996, Protective clothing — Mechanical properties — Determination of resistance to puncture
ISO 13997, Protective clothing — Mechanical properties — Determination of resistance to cutting by sharp
objects
ISO 15025:2000, Protective clothing — Protection against heat and flame — Method of test for limited flame
spread
ISO 17075, Leather — Chemical tests — Determination of chromium(VI) content
ISO 17493, Clothing and equipment for protection against heat — Test method for convective heat resistance
using a hot air circulating oven
EN 167:2001, Personal eye-protection — Optical test methods
EN 168:2001, Personal eye-protection — Non-optical test methods
EN 170, Personal eye-protection — Ultraviolet filters — Transmittance requirements and recommended use
EN 172, Personal eye protection — Sunglare filters for industrial use
EN 388:2003, Protective gloves against mechanical risks
EN 420:2003 + A1:2009, Protective gloves — General requirements and test methods
EN 471:2003 + A1:2007, High-visibility warning clothing for professional use — Test methods and
requirements
EN 13087-1:2000 + A1:2001, Protective helmets — Test methods — Part 1: Conditions and conditioning
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ISO 16073:2011(E)
EN 13819-1:2002, Hearing protectors — Testing — Part 1: Physical test methods
EN 13819-2:2002, Hearing protectors — Testing — Part 2: Acoustic test methods
EN 15090, Footwear for firefighters
ASTM F 1868-02, Standard Test Method for Thermal and Evaporative Resistance of Clothing Materials Using
a Sweating Hot Plate
CIE 54.2, Retroreflexion — Definition and measurement
NFPA 1977, Standard on Protective Clothing and Equipment for Wildland Fire Fighting
3 Terms and definitions
For the purpose of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
behind-the-head headband earplug
earplug designed to be worn with the headband passing behind the head
3.2
behind-the-head earmuff
earmuff designed to be worn with the headband passing behind the head
3.3
brim
〈helmet〉 ridge protruding outwards from the basic shape of the shell, forming the lower edge of the shell and
including its associated fairings and radiusing
3.4
char
brittle residue that results when material is exposed to thermal energy
3.5
cleaning cycle
washing and drying cycle or a dry cleaning cycle
3.6
closure system
method of fastening the openings in the garment including combinations of more than one method of
achieving a secure closure
NOTE This term does not cover seams.
3.7
clothing assembly
garments designed to always be worn together
NOTE If several garments are used to achieve the performance levels, they are clearly labelled to this effect.
3.8
component assembly
combination of all materials of a multilayer item presented exactly as the finished item's construction
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ISO 16073:2011(E)
3.9
coverall
overall
one-piece garment that completely covers the wearer's torso, arms and legs
3.10
cuff
〈garment〉 finished edge of the sleeve opening
3.11
cuff
〈glove〉 circular, flared or otherwise expanded part of the glove that extends beyond the opening of the glove
body to cover the wrist area
3.12
cup
hollow component that is mounted on the headband of a hearing protector and to which a cushion and a liner
are usually fitted
3.13
cushion
deformable component, usually containing a foam plastic or fluid filling, fitted to the rim of the cup to improve
the comfort and fit of the earmuffs on the head
3.14
drip, verb
to run or fall in drops or blobs
3.15
dripping, noun
softening with material movement and consequent detachment
3.16
ear flap
part or accessory of the helmet which protects at least the ears of the wearer
3.17
earmuff
hearing protector consisting of a cup that is pressed against each pinna or of a circumaural cup that is
pressed against the head around each pinna
NOTE The cups can be pressed against the head with a headband or by means of a device attached to a helmet or
other equipment.
3.18
earplug
hearing protector worn within each of the external ear canals (aural) or in the concha, against the entrance to
each of the external ear canals (semi-aural)
3.19
facial opening
opening in the front of the fire hood interfacing with the eye protectors/respiratory protective device facemask
3.20
firefighter's protective clothing
specific garments providing protection for the firefighter's torso, neck, arms and legs, but excluding the head,
hands and feet
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ISO 16073:2011(E)
3.21
firefighter's protective glove
specific gloves for protection of the firefighter's hands and wrists
3.22
fire hood
item worn directly in contact with the head to protect exposed parts of the head and neck not covered by other
PPE
3.23
fluorescence
process by which radiant flux of certain wavelengths is absorbed and reradiated non-thermally in other,
usually longer, wavelengths
3.24
garment
single item of clothing which may consist of single or multiple layers
3.25
glove body
part of the glove that extends from the tip of the fingers to 25 mm beyond the wrist crease
3.26
hardware
non-fabric items used in protective clothing, including those made of metal or plastics
EXAMPLE Fasteners, rank markings, buttons and zippers.
3.27
harness
complete assembly by means of which the helmet is maintained in position on the head, and which may
provide a means of absorbing energy
3.28
headband
〈helmet〉 part of the harness surrounding the head
3.29
headband
〈earmuffs〉 band, usually of metal or plastics, designed to enable the earmuffs to fit securely around the ears
by exerting force against the cups and pressure through the cushions
3.30
headband
〈earplugs〉 band, usually of metal or plastics, designed to enable the earplug (disposable or re-usable) to be
held within (aural) or against (semi-aural) the entrance to the external ear canals by exerting force against the
earplug elements
3.31
headband
〈eye protection〉 part of the eye protector that is fitted around a head to hold the eye protector in position
3.32
headform
shape replacing the head for testing
NOTE 1 The headform used for testing helmets is designed according to EN 960.
NOTE 2 The headform used for testing eye protection is designed according to EN 168.
NOTE 3 The headform used for testing hearing protection is designed according to EN 13819 (all parts).
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ISO 16073:2011(E)
3.33
headstrap
〈earmuffs〉 flexible strap fitted to each cup or to the headband close to the cup
NOTE The headstrap is designed to support behind-the-head and under-the-chin earmuffs by passing over, and
resting on top of, the head.
3.34
helmet accessory
additional device approved by the manufacturer, which may be attached to the helmet and which is intended
to be removable by the user, but which provides no protection to the wearer
EXAMPLE Lamp bracket and cable clip.
3.35
helmet for wildland firefighting
headgear intended to ensure protection of the wearer's head (and optionally the wearer's neck) against
hazards that might occur during operations of wildland firefighting
NOTE Hereinafter, the helmet for wildland firefighting is referred to as “helmet”.
3.36
helmet shell
component in hard material with smooth finish, which gives the helmet its general shape and on which may be
fixed various accessories
3.37
high visibility material
trim
retroreflective, fluorescent or combination retroreflective and fluorescent material attached to the outer
material for visibility enhancement
NOTE Retroreflective materials enhance night-time visibility and fluorescent materials improve daytime visibility.
3.38
horizontal clearance
horizontal distance between the headband and the inside of the shell or any protruding part of the inside of the
shell
3.39
innermost lining
lining on the innermost face of a component assembly of a garment closest to the wearer's skin
NOTE Where the innermost lining forms part of a material combination, the material combination is regarded as the
innermost lining.
3.40
insertion loss
mean algebraic difference in decibels between the one-third octave band sound pressure level, measured by
the microphone of the acoustic test fixture in a specified sound field under specified conditions, with the
hearing protector absent, and the sound pressure level with the hearing protector on, with other conditions
identical
3.41
interface area
area where items of PPE meet or overlap
EXAMPLE The protective coat/helmet/eyewear/respiratory protective device face piece area, the protective
coat/glove area and the protective trouser/footwear area.
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ISO 16073:2011(E)
3.42
interface component
item(s) designed to provide limited protection to interface areas
EXAMPLE Fire hood and protective wristlets.
3.43
interlining
layer between the outermost layer and the innermost lining in a mult
...