ISO 11999-6:2024

Overview

ISO 11999-6:2024 - part of the ISO 11999 series - defines minimum design and performance requirements and associated test methods for firefighting footwear used by firefighters at risk of exposure to high heat and flame in structural fires. This second edition updates the 2016 edition, consolidates performance levels, and aligns footwear testing and classification with current ISO and EN footwear standards.

Key topics and technical requirements

The standard addresses both design and performance elements of firefighter boots and shoes, including:

• Classification: Footwear is classified by construction type (e.g., leather/combined materials versus all-polymeric/all-rubber footwear).
• General requirements: Material selection, sizing, innocuousness (absence of harmful substances), and overall construction expectations.
• Thermal behaviour:
  • Insulation against heat (requirements and test methods)
  • Radiant heat resistance testing (reference to ISO 6942)
  • Flame resistance (methodology aligned with flame spread tests)
• Chemical resistance:
  • Degradation and permeation resistance testing
  • Requirements for limited-contact chemical exposures
• Electrical properties:
  • Criteria for electrically insulating footwear
  • Antistatic footwear provisions
• Water resistance: Performance expectations for exposure to moisture
• Outsole design: Cleat geometry, cleat height, waist and heel features that affect traction and stability
• Zippers and fasteners: Construction, puller attachment strength and lateral strength tests
• Sampling and conditioning: Procedures for preparing test specimens
• Marking and user information: Required labeling and supplied documentation for end users

The document also references established footwear test standards (ISO 20344/20345 and EN 13832) and includes normative and informative annexes on laboratory and wearer assessment, performance evaluation, and slip resistance.

Applications and who uses it

ISO 11999-6:2024 is used by:

• PPE and footwear manufacturers for design, specification and compliance testing of firefighting boots
• Testing laboratories and certification bodies to perform standardized thermal, flame, chemical and mechanical tests
• Fire services and procurement officers to specify compliant footwear for structural firefighting
• Occupational safety professionals, designers and standards developers** seeking harmonized requirements for firefighter PPE

Related standards

• ISO 11999-1 (General)
• ISO 20344 / ISO 20345 (+ Amendment 1:2024) - footwear test methods and safety footwear
• ISO 6942 - radiant heat testing
• ISO 15025 - flame spread testing
• EN 13832 - chemical-resistant footwear

Keywords: ISO 11999-6:2024, PPE for firefighters, firefighting footwear, thermal protection, flame resistant footwear, chemical resistant footwear, electrically insulating footwear, antistatic, test methods, safety standards.