prEN ISO 16602-2

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2025
Varovalna obleka za zaščito pred kemikalijami - Klasifikacija, označevanje in
zahtevane lastnosti - 2. del: Fizikalne preskusne metode, klasifikacija in zahteve
(ISO/DIS 16602-2:2025)
Protective clothing for protection against chemicals - Classification, labelling and
performance requirements - Part 2: Physical test methods, classification and
requirements (ISO/DIS 16602-2:2025)
Schutzkleidung gegen Chemikalien - Klassifizierung, Kennzeichnung und
Leistungsfähigkeit - Teil 2: Physikalische Testmethoden, Klassifizierung und
Anforderungen (ISO/DIS 16602-2:2025)
Habillement de protection contre les produits chimiques - Classification, étiquetage et
exigences de performances - Partie 2: Méthodes d'essai physique, classification et
exigences (ISO/DIS 16602-2:2025)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN ISO 16602-2
ICS:
13.340.10 Varovalna obleka Protective clothing
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

DRAFT
International
Standard
ISO/DIS 16602-2
ISO/TC 94/SC 13
Protective clothing for protection
Secretariat: SNV
against chemicals — Classification,
Voting begins on:
labelling and performance
2025-07-01
requirements —
Voting terminates on:
2025-09-23
Part 2:
Physical test methods, classification
and requirements
Habillement de protection contre les produits chimiques —
Classification, étiquetage et exigences de performances —
Partie 2: Méthodes d'essai physique, classification et exigences
ICS: 13.340.10
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENTS AND APPROVAL. IT
IS THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AND MAY NOT BE REFERRED TO AS AN
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD UNTIL
PUBLISHED AS SUCH.
This document is circulated as received from the committee secretariat.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL,
TECHNOLOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND
USER PURPOSES, DRAFT INTERNATIONAL
STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE TO
ISO/CEN PARALLEL PROCESSING
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POTENTIAL TO BECOME STANDARDS TO
WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED
TO SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS,
NOTIFICATION OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT
RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE AND TO
PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION.
Reference number
ISO/DIS 16602-2:2025(en)
DRAFT
ISO/DIS 16602-2:2025(en)
International
Standard
ISO/DIS 16602-2
ISO/TC 94/SC 13
Protective clothing for protection
Secretariat: SNV
against chemicals — Classification,
Voting begins on:
labelling and performance
requirements —
Voting terminates on:
Part 2:
Physical test methods, classification
and requirements
Habillement de protection contre les produits chimiques —
Classification, étiquetage et exigences de performances —
Partie 2: Méthodes d'essai physique, classification et exigences
ICS: 13.340.10
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENTS AND APPROVAL. IT
IS THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AND MAY NOT BE REFERRED TO AS AN
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD UNTIL
PUBLISHED AS SUCH.
This document is circulated as received from the committee secretariat.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL,
© ISO 2025
TECHNOLOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND
USER PURPOSES, DRAFT INTERNATIONAL
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE TO
ISO/CEN PARALLEL PROCESSING
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
POTENTIAL TO BECOME STANDARDS TO
WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
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TO SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS,
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NOTIFICATION OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT
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RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE AND TO
PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION.
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland Reference number
ISO/DIS 16602-2:2025(en)
ii
ISO/DIS 16602-2:2025(en)
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 Performance classification of materials . 3
4.1 Determination of property value for performance classification.3
4.2 Requirements for pre-treatment .3
4.3 Conditioning and testing temperature and humidity . .3
4.4 Abrasion resistance . . .4
4.4.1 General .4
4.4.2 Determination of abrasion resistance performance classification .4
4.5 Compression-folding (Schildknecht) flex cracking resistance .6
4.5.1 General .6
4.5.2 Determination of flex cracking resistance performance classification .6
4.6 Compression-folding (Schildknecht) flex cracking resistance at –30 °C (Optional).8
4.7 Trapezoidal tear resistance .8
4.8 Strength test (Tensile and Burst) .9
4.8.1 Tensile Strength .9
4.8.2 Bursting resistance .9
4.9 Puncture resistance .10
4.10 Resistance to ignition and flame .10
4.10.1 General .10
4.10.2 Resistance to ignition (minimum testing requirement) .10
4.10.3 Visual Assessment of ignition and flame test .11
4.10.4 Resistance to flame .11
4.10.5 Classification of ignition and flame test . 12
5 Performance requirements for seams, joins and assemblages .12
5.1 Determination of property value for rating and classification . 12
5.2 Pre-treatment . 12
5.3 Conditioning. 13
5.4 Seam strength . 13
5.5 Pull strength of joins and assemblages . 13
5.5.1 General . 13
5.5.2 Chemical protective footwear and gloves (excluding socks/footwear covers) . 13
5.5.3 Body Harness or Belts .14
5.5.4 Lifelines .14
5.5.5 Exhalation Valves/Exhaust device .14
5.6 Leak Tightness of Exhalation Valves . 15
5.7 Closure assembly strength test . 15
5.8 Impact resistance . 15
6 Test report .16
Annex A (normative) Abrasive material . . 17
Annex B (normative) Assessment, evaluation and determination of the property values for
rating and for performance classification .18
Annex C (normative) Flame test method- single burner moving test specimen .20
Annex D (normative) Specification for pressure pot and leak-tightness of equipment .23
Annex E (normative) Pass-through strength and assemblage strength test .26
Annex F (normative) Exhalation valve leakage test .27

iii
ISO/DIS 16602-2:2025(en)
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the essential
requirements of Regulation (EU) 2016/425 of the European Parliament and of the
Council of 9 March 2016 on personal protective equipment aimed to be covered .28
Bibliography .32

iv
ISO/DIS 16602-2:2025(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of any patent
rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or on the ISO list of
patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 94, Personal safety -- Personal protective
equipment, Subcommittee SC 13, Protective clothing.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition ISO 16602:2007. The standard has completely been
rewritten and split into parts, the most significant changes compared to the previous edition relating to: (1)
a new modular approach, (2) marking, (3) chemical protection.
A list of all parts in the ISO 16602 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.

v
ISO/DIS 16602-2:2025(en)
Introduction
This document addresses the physical test methods and performance classification of chemical protective
clothing materials, seams, joins and assemblages. This document is intended to provide comprehensive
requirements for the performance classification.
This document is part of a series of standards for test methods and requirements for both limited use
and reusable chemical protective clothing. ISO 16602 consists of the following parts, under the general
title "Protective clothing for the protection against chemicals — Classification, labelling and performance
requirements":
— Part 1: General requirements;
— Part 2: Physical test methods, classification and requirements;
— Part 3: Chemical test methods, classification and requirements;
— Part 4: Test methods, classification and requirements for specific designs and ensemble components
including gloves, footwear, and respirators;
— Part 5: Garment test methods, classification and requirements;
— Part 6: Guidance on Selection, Use, Care and Maintenance.
This document is based on the existing test methods found in ISO 16602 and upgraded based on latest EN
14325. This series of documents is intended to provide a modular approach to design and specification for
chemical protective clothing accommodating the many types and levels of risk found, and activities carried
out, in the workplace. This document includes the requirements of ISO 8194 on radiation protection so that
it can be withdrawn.
The selection of appropriate chemical protective clothing should be based on a risk assessment. In this
assessment the user organization identifies the hazards, and determines:
— the potential for chemical contact with individual workers,
— the consequences of exposure, and
— the type of practices or controls needed to eliminate or minimize exposure.
When it is determined that chemical protective clothing is needed, the risk assessment should identify
the chemical protective clothing required in terms of its overall performance requirements from physical
characteristics, chemical protection and garment test perspective. ISO/DIS 16602-6:— is intended to assist
user organizations with these determinations.

vi
DRAFT International Standard ISO/DIS 16602-2:2025(en)
Protective clothing for protection against chemicals —
Classification, labelling and performance requirements —
Part 2:
Physical test methods, classification and requirements
1 Scope
This document specifies the physical performance classification and test methods for materials used in
chemical protective clothing, including gloves and footwear. The gloves and footwear should have the same
minimum chemical protective barrier performance requirements as the fabric when an integral part of the
clothing. This is a reference standard to which chemical protective clothing performance standards may
refer in whole or in part, but this standard is not exhaustive in the sense that other parts of ISO 16602 may
well require testing according to test method standards which are not included in this standard.
While these performance levels are intended to relate to the usage to which the chemical protective clothing
is to be put, it is essential that the chemical protective clothing manufacturer or supplier indicates the
intended use of the protective clothing. It is similarly important that the user (specifier) carries out a risk
assessment in order to establish the correct protective performance levels for the intended task.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 811, Textiles — Determination of resistance to water penetration — Hydrostatic pressure test
ISO 6941, Textiles — Fabrics — Fire properties — Measurement of flame spread properties of vertical test bodies
ISO 7854:1995, Rubber- or plastics-coated fabrics — Determination of resistance to damage by flexing
ISO 9073-4, Nonwovens — Test methods — Part 4: Determination of tear resistance by the trapezoid procedure
ISO 11610, Protective clothing — Vocabulary
ISO 12947-2, Textiles — Determination of the abrasion resistance of fabrics by the Martindale method — Part 2:
Determination of specimen breakdown
ISO 13934-1, Textiles — Tensile properties of fabrics — Part 1: Determination of maximum force and elongation
at maximum force using the strip method
ISO 13935-2, Textiles — Seam tensile properties of fabrics and made-up textile articles — Part 2: Determination
of maximum force to seam rupture using the grab method
ISO 13938-2, Textiles — Bursting properties of fabrics — Part 2: Pneumatic method for determination of
bursting strength and bursting distension
ISO 13996, Protective clothing — Mechanical properties — Determination of resistance to puncture

ISO/DIS 16602-2:2025(en)
1)
ISO/DIS 16602-1:— , Protective clothing for protection against chemicals — Classification, labelling and
performance requirements — Part 1: General requirements
2)
ISO/DIS 16602-4:— , Protective clothing for protection against chemicals — Classification, labelling and
performance requirements — Part 4: Test methods, classification and requirements for specific designs and
ensemble components including gloves, footwear, and respirators
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 11610 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
abrasion rub
one revolution of the outer drives of the Martindale abrasion tester
[SOURCE: ISO 12947-1:1998]
3.2
abrasion cycle
completion of all the translational abrasion movements tracing a Lissajous figure comprising 16 rubs, i.e. 16
revolutions of the two outer drives and 15 revolutions of the inner drive of the Martindale abrasion tester
[SOURCE: ISO 12947-1:1998]
3.3
direction of textile
3.3.1
cross direction
direction perpendicular to the direction of the film or fiber parallel to its movement in the fabric making
direction
3.3.2
machine direction
direction of the film or fiber parallel to its movement in the fabric making direction
3.4
low temperature use
temperature of use where the working temperature reaches below freezing temperature
3.5
material
substances, excluding hardware and labels, of which a garment is made
[SOURCE: ISO 11610:2023, 4.3.5]
1) Under preparation. Stage at the time of publication: ISO/DIS 16602-1:2025
2) Under preparation. Stage at the time of publication: ISO/DIS 16602-4:2025

ISO/DIS 16602-2:2025(en)
3.5.1
multilayer material
material consisting of different layers, which may be either permanently bonded together or intimately
combined prior to the garment manufacturing stage, or which can be separated without any damage to each
individual layer
Note 1 to entry: By “permanently bonded together” is meant for example by coating, laminating, gluing. By “intimately
combined” is meant for example by weaving, quilting.
[SOURCE: ISO 11610:2023, 5.3.6, modified to in “bonded” and “separation” phrases]
3.5.2
multilayer material consisting of separate layers
multilayer material, where individual layers that are neither permanently bonded together nor intimately
combined, can be separated without any damage to the individual layers
3.6
specimen breakdown
in abrasion resistance or flex cracking resistance testing, the visually observed deterioration in a specimen
after exposure to a specified number of abrasion rubs or cycles of flexing
[SOURCE: ISO 12947-2:2016]
4 Performance classification of materials
4.1 Determination of property value for performance classification
A number of performance classification levels are identified for the various properties of materials to be
found in this standard.
The value of each property defined in 4.4 to 4.10 and which shall be used for performance classification,
shall be determined in accordance with Annex B including the estimates of uncertainty of measurement for
all the results.
If not specified otherwise within 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.9 or within the specific test method itself, a material
with different behaviour in the machine and cross directions shall be tested for its performance in both
directions. The performance classification shall be based on the results obtained for the direction resulting
in the lower performance classification when evaluated according to Annex B.
The fabric side that will appear on the outside of the apparel shall be tested for all test methods that are
linked to surface performance i.e. 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.10 and the performance classification shall be based on the
results for this side.
If the chemical protective clothing consists of multiple layers of materials, with or without separable layers,
all layers shall be tested together with the chemical protective clothing outer surface being tested for those
properties which are linked to surface performance.
4.2 Requirements for pre-treatment
This document shall follow the requirements for conditioning and testing defined in ISO/DIS 16602-1, sub-
clause 4.3.
4.3 Conditioning and testing temperature and humidity
This document shall follow the requirements for conditioning and testing defined in ISO/DIS 16602-1,
sub-clauses 4.3.2 and 4.3.3. This requirement takes precedence over any conflicting requirements in the
individual test methods.
ISO/DIS 16602-2:2025(en)
4.4 Abrasion resistance
4.4.1 General
A set of four test specimens of a material sample, where each specimen shall consist of all layers, shall be
tested in accordance with ISO 12947-2 in the inverted mode, i.e. a test specimen of at least 140 mm diameter
placed on the abradant table and an abradant of at least 30 mm diameter mounted in the test piece holder.
Abrasive paper specified in Annex A shall be used with an applied downward pressure of 9 kPa. The
abrasion resistance of the chemical protective clothing material shall be classified according to the levels
of performance given in Table 1, using the highest number of abrasion rubs, determined according to 4.4.2,
which does not cause damage to the material.
Table 1 — Classification of abrasion resistance
Class Number of rubs
6 > 2 000
5 > 1 000
4 > 400
3 > 100
2 > 40
1 > 10
4.4.2 Determination of abrasion resistance performance classification
4.4.2.1 General
To determine the level of performance, the leak tightness of each of the four test specimens of a material
sample shall be determined after a number of abrasion rubs. An additional sample will be used to determine
the leak tightness prior to abrasion if the hydrostatic head test is applicable.
There are three methods of leak tightness assessment, the pressure pot, the hydrostatic head and visual
inspection.
— The pressure pot shall be used for materials holding the pressure according to 4.4.2.2.
— The hydrostatic head shall be used for air permeable materials which cannot hold the pressure according
to 4.4.2.2, but can be tested according to 4.4.2.3.
NOTE 1 When evidence is presented that air permeable materials cannot hold the pressure according to
4.4.2.2, this does not need to be re-confirmed.
— Visual inspection is permitted when neither of the above requirements in this sub-clause can be met. In
this case, this shall be reported in the test report and also in the Instructions for Use indicating that the
visual inspection is qualitative and does not provide evidence of liquid tightness after abrasion. If this
assessment is performed through visual inspection, the maximum classification that can be claimed is a
Class 3.
NOTE 2 When evidence is presented that neither of the above requirements in this sub-clause can be met,
these do not need to be re-confirmed.
4.4.2.2 Pressure pot end-point determination
To verify if the use of the pressure pot method is possible, an unabraded reference specimen shall be clamped
in the round test pot apparatus, designed according to the specifications given in Annex D (see Figure D.1).
The diameter of the pot shall be appropriate to hold the test specimen. The pressure in the test pot shall then
be reduced by 1 kPa from atmospheric pressure. Preferably the specimen’s exterior face of the fabric shall
not be exposed to the pressure. However, in the case of fabric with an air permeable inner-surface, leakage
may be possible through the structure of this layer. If this is suspected, then the orientation of the fabric

ISO/DIS 16602-2:2025(en)
shall be reversed and the pressure in the pressure pot shall be increased by 1 kPa. In either case the outer
surface of the fabric is exposed to the higher pressure. The change of pressure after 1 min shall be measured
and recorded. If the pressure change for the unabraded specimen is less than 100 Pa, then the pressure pot
method is applicable. If the pressure change for the unabraded specimen is greater than 100 Pa, then the
pressure pot method is not applicable and the hydrostatic head method shall be assessed for suitability.
Once it has been established that the pressure pot method is applicable, each test specimen shall be tested
for leak tightness prior to abrasion. Each specimen shall be clamped in the pressure pot in the same
orientation that was finally selected for the reference specimen. The change of pressure after 1 min shall be
measured and recorded for each test specimen. Each test specimen shall then be abraded according to 4.4.1
for a number of abrasion rubs for a classification level based on Table 1.
The difference in the change of pressure in 1 min between a specimen prior to abrasion and the same
specimen after abrasion shall be calculated. The maximum resultant value of the difference in the change of
pressure in 1 min between abraded and unabraded fabric shall be determined for the set of specimens. If the
maximum resultant value does not exceed 100 Pa in 1 min, a new set of test specimens shall be abraded to a
higher classification level via the corresponding number of rubs in Table 1. When the classification level of
the number of rubs is reached at which the maximum resultant value exceeds 100 Pa in 1 min the specimen
is deemed to have failed. The highest classification level, with the corresponding number of rubs at which
the sample still passes, shall be used for the performance classification.
NOTE 1 When using the pressure pot, additional sealing (e.g. by use of jelly for ultrasonic analysis) on the edges is
suggested.
NOTE 2 The pressure pot method is typically not applicable in cases where the sample has too high a level of air-
permeability and/or breathability of the specimen prior to pre-treatment (e.g. such as flexing or abrasion).
4.4.2.3 Hydrostatic head end-point determination
To verify if the use of the hydrostatic head method is possible, the hydrostatic head of the set of four test
specimens prior to any abrasion shall be measured as described below and the average hydrostatic head for
this set calculated. If the average hydrostatic head exceeds 300 mm, then the hydrostatic head method is
applicable and the leak tightness shall be determined as follows.
The end point, i.e. the highest number of abrasion rubs which does not cause damage to the material, shall
be determined by the measurement of hydrostatic head method according to ISO 811 using a rate of increase
in pressure of (0,98 ± 0,05) kPa/min (or 10 cm H O/min). The hydrostatic head of the specimens of the set
of four test specimens (prior to any abrasion) shall be measured and in order for this test method to be
applicable, the hydrostatic head for each of the four test specimens shall be above 300 mm.
For each test specimen after abrasion, the tested area of the abraded specimen is clamped into the hydrostatic
head test apparatus and the hydrostatic head is measured. If the average hydrostatic head of a set of test
specimens exceeds 200 mm, a new set of specimens shall be tested with a number of rubs according to
Table 1, until the level is reached at which the average hydrostatic head is less than 200 mm. The highest
level of number of rubs, at which the hydrostatic head of the set of test specimens is still above 200 mm, shall
be used for the performance classification.
4.4.2.4 Visual inspection end-point determination
Visual inspection is permitted when the nature of the material does not permit the end-point assessment to
be performed by either the pressure pot or hydrostatic head requirements according to 4.4.2.1. If one of the
four test specimens shows a specimen breakdown after having been pre-treated by a number of abrasion
rubs, the material is considered to have failed the abrasion resistance requirement for this number of rubs.
The highest number of rubs, at which any of the specimens does not show a specimen breakdown, shall be
used for the performance classification. Specimen breakdown means:
— In woven fabrics, when two separate threads are completely broken;
— in knitted fabrics, when one thread is broken down;
— in pile fabrics, when the pile is fully worn off;

ISO/DIS 16602-2:2025(en)
— in nonwovens, when the first hole resulting from the wear is of a diameter at least equal to 0,5 mm;
— in coated material, when coating surface has the first hole resulting from the wear of a diameter at least
equal to 0,5 mm.
Note 1 to entry The hole does not have to be through all materials for it to be a specimen breakdown.
Please see the limitation to the performance classification and the requirements in the Manufacturer’s
instructions in ISO/DIS 16602-1:— (11.1.b).
4.5 Compression-folding (Schildknecht) flex cracking resistance
4.5.1 General
A set of six test specimens of a material sample (three in machine and three in cross directions) shall be
prepared. Each specimen shall consist of all layers. The specimens shall be tested in accordance with
ISO 7854:1995, method B. The compression folding flex cracking resistance of the chemical protective
clothing material shall be classified according to the levels of performance given in Table 2 of 4.5.2, using the
highest number of flexing cycles which do not cause damage to the material according to 4.5.2.
NOTE Considering the Compression-folding (Schildknecht) flex cracking machine often allows for multiple
specimens to be loaded, care is to be taken that the machine is not overloaded versus the strength of the flexing
mechanism. This may also vary at room temperature or at cold temperature. The machine should run at the speeds
and dimensions specified by ISO 7854.
4.5.2 Determination of flex cracking resistance performance classification
4.5.2.1 General
To determine the level of performance, the leak tightness of each of the six test specimens of a material
sample shall be determined after a number of flexing cycles. An additional sample will be used to determine
the leak tightness prior to flexing.
There are three methods of leak tightness assessment, the pressure pot, the hydrostatic head and visual
inspection.
— The pressure pot shall be used for materials holding the pressure according to 4.5.2.2.
— The hydrostatic head shall be used for air permeable materials which cannot hold the pressure according
to 4.5.2.2, but can be tested according to 4.5.2.3.
NOTE When evidence is presented that air permeable materials cannot hold the pressure according to
4.5.2.2, this does not need to be re-confirmed.
— Visual inspection is permitted when neither of the above requirements in this sub-clause can be met. In
this case, this shall be reported in the test report and also in the Instructions for Use indicating that the
visual inspection is qualitative and does not provide evidence of liquid tightness after flex cracking. If
the assessment is performed through visual inspection, the maximum classification that can be claimed
is a Class 3.
NOTE When evidence is presented that neither of the above requirements in this sub-clause can be met,
these do not need to be re-confirmed.
The specimen shall be clamped in a rectangular test pot apparatus, designed according to the specifications
given in Annex D (see Figure D.2), with the rectangular dimensions appropriate to hold the test specimen.

ISO/DIS 16602-2:2025(en)
Table 2 — Classification of leak tightness after compression-folding (Schildknecht) flex cracking testing
Class Number of cycles
6 > 50 000
5 > 20 000
4 > 8 000
3 >3 000
2 > 1 250
1 > 500
4.5.2.2 Pressure pot end-point determination
To verify if the use of the pressure pot method is possible, an unflexed reference specimen shall be clamped
in the round test pot apparatus, designed according to the specifications given in Annex D (see Figure D.1).
The size of the pot shall be appropriate to hold the test specimen. The pressure in the test pot shall then
be reduced by 1 kPa from atmospheric pressure. Preferably the specimen’s exterior face of the fabric shall
not be exposed to the reduced pressure. However, in the case of fabric with an air permeable inner-surface
leakage may be possible through the structure of this layer. If this is suspected, then the orientation of the
fabric shall be reversed and the pressure in the pressure pot shall be increased by 1 kPa. In either case
the outer surface of the fabric is exposed to the higher pressure. The change of pressure after 1 min shall
be measured and recorded. If the pressure change for the unflexed specimen is less than 100 Pa, then the
pressure pot method is applicable. If the pressure change for the unflexed specimen is greater than 100 Pa,
then the pressure pot method is not applicable and the hydrostatic head method shall be assessed for
suitability.
If it is established that the pressure pot method is applicable, each test specimen shall be tested for leak
tightness prior to flexing. Each specimen shall be clamped in the pressure pot in the same orientation that
was finally selected for the reference specimen. The change of pressure after 1 min shall be measured and
recorded for each test specimen. Each test specimen shall then be flexed according to 4.5.1 for a number of
cycles for a classification level based on Table 1.
The difference in the change of pressure in 1 min between a specimen prior to flexing and the same specimen
after flexing shall be calculated. The maximum resultant value of the difference in the change of pressure
in 1 min between flexed and unflexed fabric shall be determined for the set of specimens. If the maximum
resultant value does not exceed 100 Pa in 1 min, a new set of test specimens shall be flexed to a higher
classification level via the corresponding number of cycles in Table 2. When the classification level of the
number of flexes is reached at which the maximum resultant value exceeds 100 Pa in 1 min, the specimen is
deemed to have failed. The highest classification level with the corresponding number of cycles, at which the
sample still passes, shall be used for the performance classification.
NOTE 1 When using the pressure pot, additional sealing (e.g. by use of jelly for ultrasonic analysis) on the edges is
suggested.
NOTE 2 The pressure pot method is typically not applicable in cases where the sample has too high a level of air-
permeability and/or breathability of the specimen prior to pre-treatment (e.g. such as flexing or abrasion).
4.5.2.3 Hydrostatic head end-point determination
To verify if the use of the hydrostatic head method is possible, the hydrostatic head of the set of four test
specimens prior to any flexing shall be measured as described below and the average hydrostatic head for
this set calculated. If the average hydrostatic head exceeds 300 mm, then the hydrostatic head method is
applicable and the leak tightness shall be determined as follows.
The end point, i.e. the number of flexing cycles which cause compression-folding damage to the material,
shall be determined by the measurement of hydrostatic head according to ISO 811 using a rate of increase in
pressure of (0,98 ± 0,05) kPa/min (or 10 cm H O /min).
For each test specimen, the tested area of the flexed specimen is clamped into the hydrostatic test
apparatus and the hydrostatic head measured. If the average hydrostatic head of the specimens of a set of

ISO/DIS 16602-2:2025(en)
test specimens exceeds 200 mm, a new set of specimens shall be flexed to a higher level of flexing cycles
according Table 2, until the level is reached at which the average hydrostatic head is less than 200 mm. The
highest level of number of cycles, at which the average hydrostatic head is still above 200 mm, shall be used
for the performance classification.
An adaptor head of diameter 45 mm to 60 mm may be required for the hydrostatic head test apparatus.
The test piece for hydrostatic-head testing shall be taken from the central portion of the flexed specimen
symmetrically.
4.5.2.4 Visual inspection end-point determination
Visual inspection is permitted when the nature of the material does not permit the end-point assessment to be
performed by either the pressure pot or hydrostatic head requirements according to 4.5.2.1 . If one of the six
test specimens shows a specimen breakdown (according to definition 3.4) after having been pre-treated by
a number of flexing cycles, the material is considered to have failed the flex cracking resistance requirement
for this number of cycles. The highest number of flexing cycles, at which all the specimens still do not show
specimen breakdown (according to definition 3.4), shall be used for the performance classification. Please
see the limitation to the performance classification and the requirements in the manufacturer’s instructions
(IFU) in ISO/DIS 16602-1:— (11.1).
4.6 Compression-folding (Schildknecht) flex cracking resistance at –30 °C (Optional)
When “Low Temperature Use” or when “Extreme storage condition" (ISO/DIS 16602-1:— (4.3.4)) is claimed
in the IFU, the determination of the compression-folding flex cracking resistance at –30 °C shall be carried
out, but with the following modifications:
a) flex cracking testing shall be carried out at –30 °C; the garment specimen or fabric specimen shall be
allowed to acclimate for at least 45 min to the test room temperature of -30 °C before flexing begins;
b) end-point determination classification shall be carried out accordi
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