Overview
ISO/TS 11999-2:2015 - part of the ISO 11999 series on PPE for firefighters - defines compatibility requirements and test methods for ensembles of personal protective equipment (PPE) used by firefighters exposed to high levels of heat and/or flame in structural fires. The Technical Specification covers laboratory performance tests and practical (wearer) tests to confirm that multiple PPE items function together without impairing protection or mobility.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and intent: Establishes how PPE items (helmet, fire hood, jacket, trousers, gloves, footwear, respiratory protective device (RPD), etc.) must interact to form an effective ensemble.
- Compatibility definition: Ability of a PPE part to be used in conjunction with other parts without reducing protection or creating hazards.
- Minimum compatibility requirements:
- PPE items must fit and function together.
- No impairment to the wearer’s performance.
- No reduction in protection level when used as an ensemble.
- Fit and function tests:
- Practical performance tests with wearers (minimum three test subjects: at least one male and one female; experienced and medically checked firefighters).
- Specific interface tests for helmet/fire hood/jacket/RPD, glove/jacket, jacket/trousers, footwear/trousers.
- Example requirement: donning sequence for helmet/fire hood/jacket/RPD - wearer must don full face mask, fire hood and helmet and secure the jacket collar within 60 s; checks include at least 25 mm overlap of jacket collar and helmet/neck protection and confirmation of face seal integrity.
- Marking and instructions: Compatible items must meet marking and manufacturer’s instruction requirements (refer to ISO 11999-1).
- Normative references: Includes ISO 11999-1, ISO 6330 (textile washing/drying for testing), ISO 17491-5 (manikin spray test) among others.
- Practical performance (Annex A): Procedures for wearer-based tests to validate real-world compatibility.
Applications
- For PPE manufacturers certifying that garments, helmets, gloves, footwear and RPD integrate safely as an ensemble.
- For testing laboratories conducting compatibility and performance evaluations.
- For procurement officers, fire service technical leads and safety managers selecting PPE ensembles based on risk assessments.
- For trainers and safety officers creating donning procedures and maintenance guidance tied to demonstrated compatibility.
Related standards
- ISO 11999 series: Part 1 (General), Part 3 (Clothing), Part 4 (Gloves), Part 5 (Helmets), Part 6 (Footwear), Part 7 (Face/eye protection), Part 8 (Hearing), Part 9 (Firehoods), Part 10 (Respiratory protection)
- ISO/TR 21808 (selection, use, care and maintenance guidance)
Keywords: ISO/TS 11999-2:2015, PPE for firefighters, compatibility testing, practical performance test, ensemble compatibility, helmet/jacket/RPD interface.
Open preview (PDF)PPE for firefighters — Test methods and requirements for PPE used by firefighters who are at risk of exposure to high levels of heat and/or flame while fighting fires occurring in structures — Part 2: Compatibility