Overview
EN ISO 12402-2:2020 - Personal flotation devices, Part 2: Lifejackets, performance level 275 - Safety requirements (ISO 12402-2:2020) - specifies safety, performance and marking requirements for lifejackets at performance level 275. The standard applies to lifejackets intended for adults, children and infants for offshore use under severe conditions, or where users wear protective clothing or carry additional loads. EN ISO 12402-2:2020 supersedes the 2006 edition and is the CEN-adopted version of ISO 12402-2:2020.
Key topics and technical requirements
This standard addresses the full lifecycle of lifejackets at level 275 with emphasis on safety and usability. Major topics include:
- Classification and performance levels - Part of the EN/ISO 12402 series that defines PFD classes and the specific meaning of level 275.
- Materials and components - Requirements for constituent materials and components in contact with the user.
- Inflation systems - Criteria for inflatable chambers, means of inflation (including oral inflation) and rearming/repacking information.
- Straps and fittings - Body strap, lacing and ride‑up prevention system requirements to ensure secure fit under load.
- Inflation status indicators & magnetic properties - Provisions for status indicators and electromagnetic compatibility where relevant.
- Types of buoyancy - Requirements for inherently buoyant materials and inflatable chambers and how total buoyancy is determined.
- Conspicuousness - Colour and retroreflective material requirements to improve visual detection.
- Strength and performance testing - Mechanical strength, donning, adjustment, fit and in‑water performance requirements (including multi‑chamber systems).
- Marking & documentation - Mandatory marking on the lifejacket, manufacturer’s instructions, rearming/repacking details and consumer information at point of sale.
Applications and who uses the standard
EN ISO 12402-2:2020 is used by:
- Lifejacket manufacturers and designers to design and certify lifejackets meeting level 275 safety criteria.
- Test laboratories and certification bodies for conformity assessment and performance testing.
- Procurement and specification writers in offshore, shipping, fisheries and commercial marine sectors specifying PPE for severe conditions.
- Maritime safety officers, rescue services and regulatory authorities ensuring compliance with safety and EU PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425 where applicable.
- Distributors and retailers to provide required consumer information at point of sale.
Related standards
- EN/ISO 12402 series (other parts define different performance levels and PFD classes)
- Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on personal protective equipment (informative annex links conformity to EU requirements)
This standard is essential when specifying, manufacturing or certifying lifejackets for high-risk offshore use. Keywords: EN ISO 12402-2:2020, ISO 12402-2, lifejackets performance level 275, personal flotation devices, safety requirements.
