ISO 18640-2:2018/Amd 1:2019

Overview

ISO 18640-2:2018/Amd 1:2019 is an amendment to the ISO standard focused on protective clothing for firefighters and its physiological impact. Specifically, this amendment refines methods for determining the physiological heat load experienced by firefighters as a result of wearing protective clothing during operations. This standard is maintained by ISO Technical Committee 94, Subcommittee 14 (Personal safety – Protective clothing).

The amendment introduces updated guidance and corrections pertaining to environmental testing conditions and temperature profiles used in assessing heat stress. By standardizing these critical aspects, ISO 18640-2 supports manufacturers, testing laboratories, and organizations in enhancing both firefighter safety and protective clothing performance.

Key Topics

• Physiological Heat Load: Focuses on the measurement and evaluation of heat stress and physiological impact caused by wearing firefighter protective clothing.
• Environmental Testing Conditions: The amendment corrects and specifies precise tolerances for environmental parameters during testing, including:
  • Temperature: 20 °C ± 0.5 °C
  • Relative humidity: 50% ± 5%
  • Wind speed: 1 (±0.1) m/s
• Thermal Test Profiles: Adjusts temperature settings used in the 3-phase testing profile, specifying a sustained temperature of 35 °C (instead of the previous 30 °C) for certain test periods.
• Standardization Updates: Ensures consistent application and interpretation of test conditions, enhancing reliability and safety in protective clothing design and assessment.

Applications

The ISO 18640-2:2018/Amd 1:2019 amendment is vital for a variety of stakeholders in the field of firefighter safety and protective clothing development, including:

• Manufacturers: Assists in the design and evaluation of new firefighter protective gear, ensuring that products meet internationally-recognized physiological safety standards.
• Testing Laboratories: Provides clear, updated guidelines for simulating real-world conditions in test environments, allowing for accurate assessment of heat load and thermal comfort.
• Fire and Rescue Services: Informs procurement processes by specifying clothing performance under defined physiological and environmental criteria, supporting the selection of gear that mitigates heat stress.
• Research Institutions: Serves as a reference point for studies related to firefighter health, performance, and protective equipment development.
• Occupational Health and Safety Professionals: Utilizes the standard to establish best practices for protecting firefighters from heat-related illness and injury on the job.

Related Standards

Those using ISO 18640-2:2018/Amd 1:2019 will benefit from familiarity with related standards in the field of firefighter safety and personal protective equipment:

• ISO 18640-1: General principles for evaluating physiological impact caused by protective clothing for firefighters.
• ISO 11999 series: Requirements and test methods for PPE for firefighters.
• ISO 15384: General requirements for wildland firefighter PPE.
• EN 469: European standard for protective clothing for firefighters.
• ISO/IEC Directives: Editorial and procedural guidelines for international standards development and maintenance.

Conclusion

ISO 18640-2:2018/Amd 1:2019 is essential for improving the accuracy of physiological impact assessments and fostering safer, more effective firefighter protective clothing. By specifying precise environmental test parameters and updating temperature profiles, it helps stakeholders in the firefighting community uphold the highest standards of safety and performance. For organizations seeking to align with best practices in firefighter PPE, this amendment is a critical resource.

For more information or to access the full standard, visit the ISO website.