ISO/TC 94/SC 14 - Firefighters' personal equipment

This document gives requirements, guidance and recommendations for the cleaning, inspection, and repair of PPE for use by firefighters. This document is intended to be used by those responsible for the cleaning, inspections, and repair of firefighters PPE, however, it will also provide vital guidance to those who are responsible for establishing such a programme including fire and rescue services. This document does not cover the following at this time: a) chemical protective clothing; b) garments required for protection against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) materials.

This document specifies the minimum requirements for supplied breathable gas RPD and filtering RPD to be used for special application fire and rescue services.

This document sets out guidance for the selection, use, care and maintenance of PPE designed to provide protection for firefighters while carrying out their duties. The PPE covered in this document is intended for firefighting personnel exposed to risks associated with but not necessarily limited to the following activities: — structural firefighting; — wildland firefighting; — incidents involving hazardous materials; — incidents involving motor vehicle; — urban search and rescue. The purpose of this document is to highlight the main areas that a Fire service needs to consider when providing PPE to its members. This document is a supplement to the information provided in the PPE standards or used in conjunction with them. Most paragraphs of the document contain bulletlists, these lists are provided for guidance only and they are not exhaustive.

This document specifies the requirements for supplied breathable gas respiratory protective device (RPD) and filtering RPD to be used for special application marine, mining, welding and abrasive blasting for use in the workplace to protect the wearer.

This document specifies the requirements for supplied breathable gas RPD and for filtering RPD to be used for special application escape for use in the workplace to protect the wearer.

This document covers the general design, minimum performance requirements and methods of test for wildland firefighting footwear. This document does not cover PPE for structural firefighting (see ISO 11999 series), for use against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear hazards, ISO 18639 series PPE for firefighters undertaking specific rescue activities 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 document. Users are directed to those relevant standards for the requirements associated with such protection.

This document specifies the minimum performance requirements and methods of test for firehoods that cover the head and neck and are used for wildland firefighting. An optional requirement has been included to provide limited protection against particulate contaminants This document 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 document does not cover firehoods for structural firefighting (see ISO 11999‑9). This document only applies in situations when compatible protective clothing, helmet, and when necessary respiratory protection devices are also worn.

This document specifies the minimum performance requirements and methods of test for helmets used for wildland firefighting. This document covers the general design of wildland firefighting helmets, the minimum levels of performance for the materials employed and the methods of test used. The personal protection equipment (PPE) is not intended to provide protection during fire entrapment. This document does not cover PPE for structural firefighting (see ISO 11999 series), 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 document. Users are directed to those relevant standards for the requirements associated with such protection.

This document specifies the minimum performance requirements and methods of test for personal protective equipment (PPE), gloves, that cover the hands whilst wildland firefighting. This document 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. A risk assessment (see ISO/TR 21808) can be undertaken to determine if the gloves covered by this document are suitable for their intended use and the expected exposure. This document does not cover PPE for structural firefighting (see ISO 11999‑4), 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 document. Users can refer to the relevant standards for the requirements associated with such protection.

This document sets out minimum performance requirements for station uniforms for firefighters that are provided by agencies to be worn under primary protective garments compliant with the relevant standards. NOTE A station uniform, as defined by this document, is understood to not be a formal uniform or parade uniform, which are not likely to be worn under primary protective firefighting garments. Garments developed in accordance with this document complement the performance built into primary protection firefighting garments in terms of minimising impact on hindrance, metabolic heat and comfort. This document specifies two levels of requirements for station uniforms: — Level 1 specifies minimum no melting nor dripping requirements that provide no additional protection but ensure the firefighter is not harmed by the melting of station uniform materials in cases where heat or flames impinge the station uniform. — Level 2 specifies heat and flame requirements to provide minimum protection. It can be combined with additional layers or garments to meet the requirements of a standard for a specific primary protection garment, this combination should provide improved protection and comfort.

This document specifies the minimum performance requirements and test methods for assessing compatibility of wildland firefighters' personal protective equipment (PPE). This document does not cover PPE for structural firefighting (see ISO 11999 series), 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 compatibility testing to that provided in this document. Users are directed to those relevant standards for the requirements associated with such protection.

This document specifies the minimum performance requirements and methods of test for personal protective equipment (PPE) face and eye protection, for wildland firefighting. This document 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 document does not cover PPE for structural firefighting (see ISO 11999 series), 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 document. Users are directed to those relevant standards for the requirements associated with such protection.

This document specifies test methods and minimum performance requirements for personal protective clothing, designed to protect the wearer's body, except for the head, hands, and feet, that is worn during wildland firefighting and associated activities. This clothing is not intended to provide protection during fire entrapment. This document covers the general design of the garment, the minimum level of performance for the materials employed and the methods of test to determine these levels. This document is not applicable to clothing for use in situations encountered in structural firefighting (ISO 11999‑3), rescue (ISO 18639‑3) or where a high level of infrared radiation is expected (ISO 15538), nor does this document cover clothing to protect against chemical, biological, electrical or radiation hazards. This document does not provide protection against high mechanical risks such as for protection when using chain saws. NOTE For information on test methods, minimum performance requirements and general design refer to ISO 15384.

This document 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 that is used for wildland firefighting. This document covers the general design of the PPE, the minimum levels of performance for the materials employed and the methods of test used. The PPE is not intended to provide protection during fire entrapment. This document does not cover PPE for structural firefighting (see ISO 11999 series), 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 document. Users are directed to those relevant standards for the requirements associated with such protection. To assist with selection of the right PPE, a risk assessment (see Annex A) can be conducted to determine the type of PPE, and performance levels, for different categories of protection are required. This document describes performance requirements for PPE and includes requirements for marking and manufacturer's instructions.

This document specifies the minimum performance requirements and methods of test for hearing protection used when wildland firefighting. This document covers the general design of the personal protective equipment (PPE), the minimum levels of performance for the materials employed and the methods of test used. The PPE is not intended to provide protection during fire entrapment. This document does not cover PPE for structural firefighting (see ISO 11999 series), 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 document. Users are directed to those relevant standards for the requirements associated with such protection.

This document establishes minimum design and performance requirements for personal protective ensembles to be worn during hazardous materials responses involving chemical gas, vapour, liquid, and particulate hazards. This document provides optional criteria to address protection during terrorism involving chemical and biological agents. This document provides optional criteria to address the ability of ensembles to retain their integrity during escape in the event of chemical flash fire. This document does not establish minimum criteria for protection against radiological hazards, flammable, or explosive atmospheres. This document does not pertain to clothing providing the high level of heat and flame protection that is required for fighting fires. This document does not address respiratory protection.

This document provides the principles that govern the development of incident type and/or hazard specific test methods and minimum performance requirements for helmets for firefighters while engaged in specific rescue activities. Helmets related to specific rescue activities, such as road traffic crash (RTC) and urban search and rescue (USAR), are documented in individual subclauses of this document. NOTE Further guidance can be found in ISO 18639-1. The purpose of this document is to ensure that minimum performance requirements for incident type and/or hazard specific helmets are designated. This document covers general helmet design, the minimum performance level of the materials used and the methods of test for determining this performance level. It does not cover special helmets for use in other high risk situations such as firefighting. This document does not cover protection for the torso, arms, legs and feet or protection of the hands against other hazards, e.g. chemical, biological, radiation and electrical hazards, except for limited, accidental exposure to fire ground chemicals and contaminated blood or body fluids. Selection of the appropriate system of personal protective equipment, (PPE), including helmets, is dependent on carrying out an effective risk assessment which identifies the hazard to be faced, evaluates the likelihood of those hazards and provides the means of reducing or eliminating these hazards.

This document provides the principles that govern the development of incident type and/or hazard specific test methods and minimum performance requirements for protective gloves for firefighters while engaged in specific rescue activities. Gloves related to specific specialist rescue activities, such as road traffic crash (RTC) and urban search and rescue (USAR), are documented in individual subclauses of this document. NOTE Further guidance can be found in ISO 18639-1. The purpose of this document is to ensure that minimum performance requirements for incident type and/or hazard specific protective gloves are designated. This document deals with "rescue from emergencies involving modes of transportation" in particular performance requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) intended to be used by firefighters, primarily but not solely to protect against hazard exposure at non fire rescue activities involving road traffic crash (RTC) or motor vehicle accidents (MVA). This document covers general glove design, the minimum performance level of the materials used and the methods of test for determining this performance level. This document does not cover special gloves for use in other high risk situations such as firefighting. This document does not cover protection for the head, torso, arms, legs and feet. These are covered in other parts of the ISO 18639 series. It does not cover protection of the hands against other hazards, e.g. chemical, biological, radiation and electrical hazards, except for limited, accidental exposure to fire ground chemicals and blood or body fluids. Selection of the appropriate system of personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, is dependent on carrying out an effective risk assessment which identifies the hazard to be faced, evaluates the likelihood of those hazards and provides the means of reducing or eliminating these hazards.

This document specifies methods of test and minimum performance requirements for personal protective clothing, designed to protect the wearer's body, except for the head, hands, and feet, that is worn during wildland firefighting and associated activities. This clothing is not intended to provide protection during fire entrapment. This document covers the general design of the garment, the minimum level of performance for the materials employed and the methods of test to determine these levels. This document is not applicable to clothing for use in situations encountered in structural firefighting (EN 469 or ISO 11999-3), rescue (ISO 18639) or where a high level of infrared radiation is expected (ISO 15538 or EN 1486), nor does this document cover clothing to protect against chemical, biological, electrical or radiation hazards. This document does not provide protection against high mechanical risks such as for protection when using chain saws.

This document provides a test method for evaluating the physiological impact of protective fabric ensembles and potentially protective clothing ensembles in a series of simulated activities (phases) under defined ambient conditions. This standard test method characterizes the essential properties of fabric assemblies of a representative garment or clothing ensemble for thermo-physiological assessment: — dry thermal insulation; — cooling properties during average metabolic activity and moisture management (dry and wet heat transfer); — drying behaviour. Default measurements are done on fabric samples representing the garment or protective clothing combination. Optionally and in addition to the standard test method, the same testing protocol can be applied to characterise more complex protective clothing ensembles including underwear, air layer and certain design features[1]. In addition, measurements on readymade garments are possible. This test method is intended to be used to measure and describe the behaviour of fabric assemblies of a garment or clothing ensemble in response to a simulated series of activities under controlled laboratory conditions, with the results used to optimize garment combinations and material selection. Furthermore, this document together ISO 18640-2, is intended to be used to describe the thermo-physiological impact of protective clothing but not the risk for heat stress under actual fire conditions. The results of this test can be used as elements of a risk assessment with respect to thermo-physiological load. [1] A study conducted by Empa (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Switzerland) showed good correlation between results of standard torso tests (without underwear and air layers on fabrics) to tests on fabrics with underwear, tests on fabrics with underwear and air layers and test on readymade garments (with underwear and with or without air layers) of the same material composition. Due to the added thermal insulation values of the additional layers direct comparison of results between different measurement configurations is not possible, however.

This document specifies a method for evaluating the thermo-physiological impact of protective fabric ensembles and potentially protective clothing ensembles in a simulated activity under defined relevant conditions for firefighters. This document is intended to be used to assess the thermo-physiological impact of protective fabric ensembles and potentially protective clothing ensembles but not the risk for heat stress due to actual fire conditions. The results of this test method can be used as elements of characterisation and comparison of thermo-physiological impact of various types of protective fabric ensembles and potentially protective clothing ensembles. Default measurements are undertaken on fabric samples representing the garment or protective clothing combination. Optionally and in addition to the standard test method, the same testing protocol can be applied to characterise protective clothing ensembles including underwear, air layers and certain design features[1]. In addition measurements on readymade garments are optionally possible. NOTE The presently used evaluation methods are only validated for structural firefighting garments. [1] A study conducted at Empa (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Switzerland) showed good correlation between results of standard torso tests (without both underwear and air layers on fabrics) to tests on fabrics with underwear, tests on fabrics with underwear and air layers and test on readymade garments (with underwear and with or without air layers) of the same material composition. Due to the different thermal insulation of the systems direct comparison of the results is not possible.

ISO/TR 19591:2018 contains a list of terms which are frequently used in the standardization of personal protective equipment worn by firefighters and definitions of these terms. The definitions are intended to support an unambiguous use of the terms listed.

ISO 18639-6:2018 provides the principles that govern the development of incident type and/or hazard specific test methods and minimum performance requirements for safety footwear for firefighters while engaged in specific rescue activities. Footwear related to specific rescue activities, e.g. Road Traffic Crash, (RTC) and Urban Search and Rescue, (USAR) is documented in individual subclauses of this document. NOTE For further guidance refer ISO 18639‑1. The purpose of ISO 18639-6:2018 is to ensure minimum performance requirements for incident type and/or hazard specific safety footwear are designated. ISO 18639-6:2018 covers general footwear design, the minimum performance level of the materials used and the methods of test for determining this performance level. ISO 18639-6:2018 does not cover special footwear for use in other high risk situations such as structural firefighting. ISO 18639-6:2018 does not cover protection for the head, torso, arms, hands and legs or protection of the feet against other hazards, e.g. chemical, biological, radiation and electrical hazards, except for limited, accidental exposure to fire ground chemicals and contaminated blood or body fluids. Selection of the appropriate system of Personal Protective Equipment, (PPE), including footwear, is dependent on carrying out an effective risk assessment which identifies the hazard to be faced, evaluates the likelihood of those hazards and provides the means of reducing or eliminating these hazards.

ISO 18639-3:2018 specifies test methods and minimum performance requirements for protective clothing for firefighters while engaged in rescue activities. Clothing related to specific rescue activities are documented in individual subclauses, see 6.2.1 or 6.2.2. NOTE For further guidance see ISO 18639‑1. Subclauses of this document cover general clothing design, the minimum performance level of the materials used and the methods of test for determining this performance level. ISO 18639-3:2018 does not cover special clothing for use in other high risk situations such as firefighting. ISO 18639-3:2018 does not cover protection for the head, hands and feet or protection against other hazards, e.g. chemical, biological, radiation and electrical hazards, except for limited, accidental exposure to some chemicals and contaminated blood or other body fluids.

ISO 18639 series of standards specify requirements of personal protective equipment (PPE) specifically designed to protect firefighters from injury and/or loss of life while engaged in specific rescue activities. ISO 18639 series provides the principles that govern the development of incident type and/or hazard specific minimum test methods including design and performance requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) worn by firefighters and other rescue workers to reduce injury and/or the loss of life while engaged in rescue activities. To assist with selection based on a risk assessment (see Annex C), type of PPE, (if applicable) and performance levels, for different categories of protection are included. ISO 18639-1:2018 covers PPE for use in the rescue activities for road traffic crash (RTC) and urban search and rescue (USAR), but could also include other rescue activities depending on the risk assessment. ISO 18639-1:2018 does not include PPE for use in high risk fire exposures. Similarly, this document does not include PPE to protect against chemical and biological hazards, except against short term and accidental exposures whilst engaged in rescue activities. ISO 18639-1:2018 describes the general structure of the ISO 18639 series, including each subsection, sets design and performance requirements for PPE and includes requirements for marking and manufacturer's instructions.

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

ISO 11999-6:2016 specifies the minimum design and performance requirements for footwear as part of personal protective equipment [PPE] to be used by firefighters, primarily but not solely to protect against flame and high thermal loads while fighting fires occurring in structures.

ISO 11999-9:2016 specifies the minimum design and performance requirements for a fire hood as part of personal protective equipment (PPE) to be used by firefighters, primarily but not solely to protect against exposure to flame and high thermal loads.

ISO 11999-5:2015 specifies the minimum design and performance requirements for helmets as part of personal protective equipment (PPE) to be used by firefighters, primarily but not solely to protect against exposure to flame and high thermal loads. NOTE A Type 1 helmet is similar to helmets for fighting fires in structures according to EN 443:2008. A Type 2 helmet is similar to helmets used for fighting fires in structures according to NFPA 1971:2013. However, following ISO 11999‑1, all parts of heat and flame resistance requirements are consistent with each other, therefore heat and flame tests consistent with requirements for clothing given in ISO 11999‑3.

ISO 11999 specifies minimum design and performance requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) to be used by firefighters, primarily but not solely to protect against exposure to flame and high thermal loads. To assist with choice based on user risk assessment, types and performance levels for different categories of protection are included. The scope of ISO 11999-1:2015 does not include PPE for use in high-risk fire exposures where, for example, protective clothing with reflective surface according to ISO 15538 might be more appropriate, or for use in long-term firefighting operations in high ambient temperature (for example, bush, wildland, or forest firefighting) where equipment according to ISO 16073 might be more appropriate. Similarly, ISO 11999 does not include PPE to protect against chemical and biological hazards, other than against short-term and accidental exposure while engaged in firefighting and associated activities when fighting fires occurring in structures. ISO 11999-1:2015 describes the general structure of this International Standard, sets design and performance requirements for PPE, and includes requirements for marking and manufacturer's instructions.

ISO/TS 11999-2:2015 describes compatibility for ensembles of firefighters personal protective equipment (PPE) to be used by firefighters, who are at risk of exposure to high levels of heat and/or flame while fighting fires occurring in structures. ISO/TS 11999-2:2015 includes methods for compatibility testing in laboratories and procedures for compatibility testing including the identification of any limitations to be performed by wearers.

ISO 11999-3:2015 specifies the minimum design and performance requirements for clothing as part of personal protective equipment (PPE) to be used by firefighters, primarily but not solely to protect against exposure to flame and high thermal loads. To assist with choice based on user risk assessment, a number of levels of protection are included. ISO 11999-3:2015 describes types, design, and performance of clothing, the specific requirements for clothing, marking, and manufacturer's instructions.

ISO 11999-4:2015 specifies minimum design and performance requirements for gloves as part of personal protective equipment (PPE) to be used by firefighters, primarily, but not solely, to protect against exposure to flame and high thermal loads.

This International Standard specifies test methods and minimum performance requirements for protective clothing that relies upon the ability of the outer material to reflect intense radiant heat. The clothing covered by this International Standard is intended to provide protection against flame lick and intense radiant heat and it should be worn for short periods only. Subject to a risk assessment, this type of clothing may also be used for certain industrial and other applications. Subject to a risk assessment, other types of protective clothing, for example clothing complying with the requirements of ISO 11613, may be used for the types of firefighting and industrial applications envisaged by this International Standard in conjunction with appropriate protection for the head, face, hands and feet as well as suitable respiratory protection. This International Standard does not consider requirements for the protection of the head (including the face), hands and feet other than those specified in 4.2 and 4.3. Any other requirements specific to the protection of head (including the face), hands and feet required by the user should be determined by a risk assessment and specified.

This International Standard specifies test methods and minimum requirements for protective gloves to be worn during fire fighting and associated activities where there is a risk of heat and/or flame. The purpose of this International Standard is to provide minimum performance requirements for protective gloves designed to protect against injury in fire fighting operations. This International Standard covers the general glove design, the minimum performance levels of the materials used and the methods of test for determining these performance levels. With the exception of flame resistance and ergonomic requirements, this International Standard establishes three levels of performance for all other performance requirements. Type 3 gloves provide a higher level of thermal insulation and physical protection, and require liquid penetration resistance (including synthetic blood) as compared to Type 2 gloves. Type 1 gloves are intended to provide minimum requirements for gloves in any fire fighting application, such as for wildland fire fighting. Annex E provides a comparison of the performance requirements for all three glove types. This International Standard does not cover special gloves for use in other high risk situations such as specialized fire fighting. It does not cover protection for the head, torso, arms, legs and feet or protection of the hands against other hazards, e.g. chemical, biological, radiation and electrical hazards, except for limited, accidental exposure to fireground chemicals and contaminated blood or body fluids (Type 3 gloves). These aspects may be dealt with in other standards. Selection of the appropriate system of clothing, including gloves, is dependant on carrying out an effective risk assessment which identifies the hazards to be faced, evaluates the likelihood of those hazards and provides the means of reducing or eliminating these hazards. Guidelines for conducting a risk assessment and some factors for consideration are included in annex D.

ISO 16073:2011 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. It 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. ISO 16073:2011 does not cover PPE for structural firefighting, for use against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear hazards, or for use where a reflective outer surface is required. 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 ISO 16073:2011.

ISO/TR 21808:2009 sets out guidance for the selection, use, care and maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to provide protection for firefighters while carrying out their duties. The PPE covered in ISO/TR 21808:2009 is intended for firefighting personnel exposed to risks associated with, but not necessarily limited to, the following activities: structural firefighting; wildland firefighting; incidents involving hazardous materials; incidents involving motor vehicles; urban search and rescue; swift water rescue; emergency medical response; storm and flood recovery. The purpose of ISO/TR 21808:2009 is to highlight the main areas that an organization needs to consider when providing PPE to its members. Most paragraphs of the document contain bullet lists; these lists are provided for guidance only and they are not exhaustive.

ISO 15384:2003 specifies methods of test and minimum performance requirements for protective clothing to be worn in wildland firefighting and associated activities. This clothing is not intended to provide protection during fire entrapment. ISO 15384:2003 applies to the general design of the garment, the minimum level of performance for the materials employed and the methods of test to determine these levels. ISO 15384:2003 is not applicable to clothing for use in risk situations where clothing complying with ISO 11613 or ISO 15538 is more suitable, nor does ISO 15384:2003 cover clothing to protect against chemical, biological, electrical or radiation hazards. ISO 15384:2003 is not applicable to protection of the head (it may cover the neck), eyes, hand, feet and respiratory system. These aspects may be dealt with in other International Standards.