Testing standards for fire fighter’s outfits: UK21/F016

Adopted EU recommendation FIRE-056. UK approved recommendation on the testing standards for fire fighter’s outfits with an integrated visor.

Question

UK/3.3 allows a choice of EN 469, EN 1486 or ISO 15538 as the testing standard for fire-fighter’s clothing. ISO 15538 for reflective clothing allows the option of an integrated or separate hood. However, no test requirements are specified for an integrated visor or a compatible helmet.

If presented with an ISO 15538 garment with a hood, how should the UK Approved Body assess the protection offered by the visor? What would be required with regards to the Helmet?

Recommendation

EN 1486 has requirements and test methods for an integrated visor. The integrated visor of an ISO 15538 hood shall meet these requirements.

The hood shall be compatible with an approved helmet, as required by EN 1486. The user information shall contain the warnings and compatibility information as required by EN 1486. 

References

  • MSN 1874 as amended
  • The Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2016 as amended

Items affected

  • UK/3.3, Fire fighter’s outfit: protective clothing (close proximity clothing)

More information

Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Bay 2/21
Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1EG

Telephone: +44 (0) 203 817 2000

Email: MEQA@mcga.gov.uk

Website: www.gov.uk/mca

Updates to this page

Published 19 July 2023