ISO 11999-1:2024

Overview

ISO 11999-1:2024 - PPE for firefighters - Part 1: General - establishes the minimum design and performance requirements, test method framework, marking and manufacturer’s information for personal protective equipment (PPE) used by firefighters exposed to high levels of heat and/or flame while fighting fires in structures. This second edition (2024) harmonizes single minimum performance levels for structural firefighting PPE, defines ensemble concepts and compatibility, and clarifies the scope and exclusions (e.g., some high‑risk reflective garments, wildland/bush firefighting, and dedicated chemical/biological protection).

Key SEO terms: ISO 11999-1, PPE for firefighters, structural firefighting, test methods, performance requirements, thermal protection.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and exclusions: Focuses on PPE for structural firefighting; excludes specialized reflective garments (see ISO 15538), lower‑heat support PPE (ISO 11613), and wildland PPE (ISO 16073 series). Chemical/biological protection is limited to short‑term accidental exposures.
• Design and performance requirements: Defines minimum performance expectations for individual PPE items and for combinations, emphasizing protection against high thermal loads and flame while enabling safe escape and operational effectiveness.
• Ensembles and compatibility: Sets principles for how items should work together as an ensemble (head, upper torso/arms/hands, lower torso/feet, respiratory protection) and requires compatibility information to avoid gaps in protection.
• Marking and manufacturer’s instructions: Specifies required product markings, compliance declarations, and the content of user instructions - including care, inspection, and intended use.
• Information & risk assessment: Stresses selection based on a documented risk assessment (see ISO/TR 21808) and the need for clear guidance on limitations, cleaning and maintenance, and periodic inspection.
• Normative references: Aligns with ISO 13688 (general protective clothing requirements), ISO/TR 19591 (terms), and ISO/TS 20141 (compatibility testing guidelines). Respiratory performance is referenced to ISO 17420-5.

Applications and who uses it

• Fire services and emergency responders selecting or specifying structural firefighting PPE
• PPE manufacturers designing and testing jackets, trousers, gloves, helmets, boots and ensembles
• Procurement officers, safety managers and regulatory bodies setting minimum procurement specifications
• Test laboratories and conformity assessment bodies performing performance verification and marking checks
• Trainers and health & safety professionals developing PPE maintenance and inspection programs

Related standards

• ISO 11999 (other parts: 2–10) - specific item requirements and ensemble performance
• ISO/TR 21808 - risk assessment guidance for PPE selection
• ISO 13688 - general requirements for protective clothing
• ISO 17420-5 - respiratory protection performance (referenced)

ISO 11999-1:2024 is a foundation document for ensuring consistent, minimum levels of thermal and flame protection in structural firefighting PPE while supporting informed selection, maintenance, and compatibility of ensembles.