ISO 12402-10:2020

Overview

ISO 12402-10:2020 - "Personal flotation devices - Part 10: Selection and application of personal flotation devices and other relevant devices" - is the 2nd edition guidance document in the ISO 12402:2020 series. It sets out requirements and recommendations for selecting and applying personal flotation devices (PFDs) that comply with the ISO 12402 parts and for immersion suits per ISO 15027 (all parts):2012. The standard helps manufacturers, suppliers, regulators and end users choose appropriate PFDs and immersion suits based on the operational environment and risk assessment.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and purpose: Guidance for selection, application and compatibility of PFDs and immersion suits; intended for use in work and leisure activities in or near water.
• Performance classification: Defines performance levels (including Level 50, 100, 150, 275) and distinguishes device types:
  • Lifejackets - provide face-up support regardless of user condition.
  • Buoyancy aids - require active user movement to keep airways clear.
  • Inherently buoyant, inflatable, and hybrid PFDs - buoyancy methods and operational considerations.
• Risk management guidance: Procedures for describing operations/environment, identifying hazards, establishing safety levels, and selecting risk-control measures (training, PPE, rescue).
• Interaction and compatibility: Requirements for PFD interaction with clothing, other PPE and accessories (e.g., location aids, harnesses, sprayhoods, multi‑chamber systems).
• Accessories and ergonomics: Performance and placement guidance for accessories and human factors considerations (comfort for constant wear, emergency donning, factors that reduce performance).
• Exclusions and regulatory boundaries: Not intended to cover SOLAS life‑saving appliances on commercial vessels, aircraft equipment, or throwable rescue devices.

Practical applications - who uses this standard

• Manufacturers and product designers - to ensure PFDs and immersion suits meet selection and application expectations.
• Suppliers and procurement teams - to specify suitable PFDs for operations (marine, offshore, watersports).
• Safety managers and regulators - for policy, conformity assessment and establishing workplace PPE rules.
• Training organizations and rescue services - for integrating PFD selection into training, risk assessments and rescue planning.
• End users (crew, offshore workers, recreational users) - to select the right device type and understand limitations.

Related standards

• ISO 12402 series (Parts 2–9): performance and test requirements for different PFD types
• ISO 12402-8: accessories
• ISO 12402-9: evaluation
• ISO 15027 (Parts 1–3): immersion suit requirements and test methods
• ISO 12401: deck safety harness requirements

Keywords: ISO 12402-10:2020, personal flotation devices, PFD selection, immersion suits, ISO 15027, lifejackets, buoyancy levels, PFD performance, risk assessment, PPE.