Overview
ISO 18639-4:2018/Amd 1:2023 is an amendment to the international standard for personal protective equipment (PPE) ensembles for firefighters involved in specific rescue activities, with a particular focus on gloves. Published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), this amendment updates requirements for firefighter gloves to address enhanced flame resistance, liquid penetration resistance, and tear resistance. These updates reflect ongoing efforts to improve firefighter safety and performance in hazardous rescue situations.
Key Topics
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Flame Resistance
The amendment clarifies and strengthens flame resistance requirements for firefighter gloves. Testing methods have been refined to ensure no layer suffers hole formation, no flaming or molten debris is produced, and after-flame times are minimized. Ensuring gloves meet these criteria is crucial for firefighter protection during high-temperature exposures.
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Liquid Penetration Resistance
An updated, optional requirement addresses resistance to hazardous liquids, including strong acids and solvents. Gloves must resist penetration from chemicals commonly encountered in road traffic crashes and urban search and rescue (USAR) scenarios, such as sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and o-xylene.
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Tear Resistance
To improve durability, the amendment mandates rigorous tear resistance testing of glove materials before and after laundering. This ensures continued protection even after repeated use and cleaning, making gloves more reliable in the field.
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Updated Testing Methods and Normative References
The amendment introduces references to standards such as ISO 23388:2018 for mechanical risks and ISO 15025 for flame resistance testing, ensuring alignment with the latest technical practices.
Applications
The updates in ISO 18639-4:2018/Amd 1:2023 have direct, practical implications for a range of stakeholders:
- Fire Departments and Emergency Services: Ensures the gloves provided to firefighters meet advanced performance criteria for multiple hazards, improving occupational safety.
- PPE Manufacturers: Must align glove design, material selection, and testing protocols with the revised requirements, helping them produce compliant, globally recognized products.
- Certification and Testing Laboratories: Provides updated testing benchmarks for certifying the safety and durability of gloves, ensuring that products are reliably assessed before entering service.
- Procurement Officials: Offers clear criteria when sourcing firefighting gloves, ensuring products meet the latest international safety standards.
Related Standards
Several key standards support and complement ISO 18639-4:2018/Amd 1:2023:
- ISO 18639 Series: Covers all components of PPE ensembles for firefighters, including boots, helmets, and other protective garments.
- ISO 23388:2018: Specifies methods for testing protective gloves against mechanical risks, ensuring base mechanical protection.
- ISO 15025: Describes test methods for flame spread in protective clothing, referenced for the flame resistance testing of gloves.
- ISO 13994:2005: Specifies procedures for testing chemical penetration in protective clothing, now applicable to firefighter gloves.
By aligning with these and other related standards, organizations can ensure a comprehensive approach to firefighter safety and PPE compliance.
ISO 18639-4:2018/Amd 1:2023 represents a significant step forward in enhancing the protection, durability, and functionality of firefighter gloves, providing clear guidance for manufacturers, certifiers, and end users worldwide.
Open preview (PDF)PPE ensembles for firefighters undertaking specific rescue activities — Part 4: Gloves — Amendment 1
