ISO 16073-4:2019

Overview

ISO 16073-4:2019 specifies minimum performance requirements and test methods for wildland firefighting gloves - the hand-covering personal protective equipment (PPE) used during wildland firefighting operations. It defines general glove design, material performance levels, and laboratory test methods to evaluate thermal, mechanical and ergonomic properties. The standard is intended for PPE used during extended wildland firefighting tasks and is not intended to provide entrapment-level protection, nor for structural firefighting, CBRN hazards, or garments requiring reflective outer surfaces.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and limitations
  • Applies to gloves covering the hands for wildland firefighting; excludes structural fire gloves, CBRN PPE and reflective-surface garments.
  • Recommends a risk assessment (see ISO/TR 21808) to confirm suitability for intended use and exposure.
• Design requirements
  • Component assembly may be single or multiple layers.
  • Wristlet/cuff: glove body and any cuff/wristlet must extend circumferentially at least 50 mm beyond the wrist crease to interface with clothing.
  • Sizing: manufacturers must provide at least eight distinct sizes with hand circumference/length ranges (per ISO 21420).
• Performance and test categories
  • Thermal performance: flame resistance, heat transfer (flame, radiant, conductive), thermal stability and shrinkage.
  • Mechanical performance: abrasion, cut, tear and puncture resistance.
  • Ergonomics: dexterity, grip, and donning/doffing ease.
  • Sampling and conditioning: inspection, pretreatments (laundering/dry cleaning, flexing) and preconditioning (dry/wet) prior to tests.
• Marking and manufacturer information
  • Requirements for durable labelling, compliance marking and user guidance on care and limitations.

Relevant test methods referenced include established standards (e.g., ISO 6942, ISO 9151, ISO 12947, ISO 14116 and ISO 21420) for specific heat, abrasion and general glove testing.

Applications and who uses this standard

ISO 16073-4:2019 is used by:

• PPE manufacturers and designers to develop and validate wildland firefighting gloves.
• Procurement and specifiers in fire services and government agencies when selecting certified gloves.
• Testing and certification bodies to assess compliance with performance requirements.
• Safety officers, trainers and incident commanders to inform PPE selection and risk assessments for wildland operations.

Keywords: ISO 16073-4:2019, wildland firefighting gloves, PPE gloves, performance requirements, test methods, thermal resistance, abrasion resistance, glove sizing.

Related standards

• ISO 16073 series (other parts covering wildland firefighting PPE)
• ISO/TR 21808 (risk assessment guidance)
• ISO 21420 (protective gloves - general requirements)
• ISO 11999-4 (structural firefighting gloves)
• ISO 15538 (reflective surface requirements)