Fire Safety Science Digital Archive

The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) has established a new ISO committee known as ISO/TC 94/SC 14 – Firefighters Personal Protective Equipment. This committee held its first formal meeting in Berlin, Germany in April 2002 with its second meeting held in Winnipeg, Canada in April 2003. The scope of ISO/TC 94/SC 14 is for the standardization of the quality and performance of protective clothing and personal protective equipment intended to safeguard firefighters against hazards encountered in the performance of their duties. The terms of reference of this ISO Committee is to continue to work in co-operation with fire services, researchers, textile and product manufacturers, designers, testing laboratories, regulators and other interested parties on personal protective equipment worn during firefighting and associated activities; by ensuring that standards developed minimize the risk of injury to the wearer, that the appropriate liaisons are maintained and performance requirements meets the firefighter needs. The Committee is currently harmonising existing standards and developing new standards for firefighters personal protective equipment (PPE) where none exists. It is also developing selection, care, use and maintenance deliverables for firefighters PPE where none exists.