ISO 11999-5:2015

Overview

ISO 11999-5:2015 - "PPE for firefighters - Test methods and requirements for PPE used by firefighters who are at risk of exposure to high levels of heat and/or flame while fighting fires occurring in structures - Part 5: Helmets" specifies minimum design, performance and test requirements for firefighter helmets. It focuses on protection against flame and high thermal loads encountered in structural firefighting and harmonizes heat/flame testing with other parts of ISO 11999 (notably ISO 11999‑1 and ISO 11999‑3).

Key Topics and Requirements

• Scope & helmet types: Defines Type 1 (similar to EN 443:2008) and Type 2 (similar to NFPA 1971:2013) helmets, with consistent heat/flame resistance across the ISO 11999 series.
• Basic helmet components: Shell, energy-absorbing system, retention system (chinstrap minimum width 19 mm), optional neck protector, ear covers, faceshield or goggles.
• Attachment and testing of accessories:
  • Faceshields attached to the helmet must be tested with the helmet.
  • Goggles may be tested attached or removed, depending on how they are supplied/used.
• Performance test areas (requirements and methods include, but are not limited to):
  • Radiant heat resistance
  • Heat resistance and flame resistance
  • Thermal Protective Performance (TPP) for Type 2 helmets
  • Protection against molten metal splash (optional for Type 1)
  • Impact energy attenuation, force impact, penetration resistance
  • Lateral crushing, retention system strength and effectiveness
  • Electrical properties and hardware corrosion resistance
  • Optional ballistic resistance (Type 1)
• Pre-conditioning & sampling: Different pre-conditioning procedures for Type 1 and Type 2 helmets and specified sampling/adjustment protocols before testing.
• Marking and information: Specific marking requirements for Type 1 and Type 2 helmets and user information on sizing, adjustments and replacements.

Applications - Who Uses This Standard

• Helmet manufacturers - to design and verify compliance of firefighter helmets with international safety criteria.
• Test laboratories & certification bodies - to perform standardized helmet testing and certification.
• Fire departments and procurement teams - to specify helmets that meet minimum international performance and safety requirements.
• Regulators and safety officers - for harmonized references when establishing procurement policies or national regulations.

Related Standards

• ISO 11999-1 (General)
• ISO 11999-3 (Clothing - heat/flame test alignment)
• EN 443:2008, NFPA 1971:2013 (structural firefighting helmet references)
• ISO 9185, ISO 11612 and relevant EN helmet test methods referenced in the standard

Keywords: ISO 11999-5:2015, PPE for firefighters, firefighter helmet standards, helmet test methods, heat and flame protection, Type 1 helmet, Type 2 helmet.