ISO 16073-9:2020

Overview - ISO 16073-9:2020 (Wildland firefighting firehoods)

ISO 16073-9:2020 specifies minimum performance requirements and test methods for firehoods that cover the head and neck and are used in wildland firefighting. The standard addresses design, material performance, labeling, sampling and pre-treatment, and laboratory tests (flame, heat, seam strength, dimensional change, water‑vapour resistance). It also includes an optional particulate protection requirement that gives limited protection against airborne particulates. This PPE is intended for extended wear in wildland operations, not for structural firefighting or protection during fire entrapment.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and compatibility
  • Applies only when compatible protective clothing, helmet and, when necessary, respiratory protection are also worn.
  • Not intended for structural firefighting (see ISO 11999‑9) and not a substitute in entrapment situations.
• Design requirements
  • Flexible fit with an appropriate facial opening and yoke interface to integrate with protective clothing (ISO 15384).
  • Sizing, seam construction and label placement requirements; seams must retain strength and temperature resistance.
• Material and performance tests
  • Flame resistance (face ignition)
  • Sewing thread thermal stability
  • Heat resistance and heat transfer - flame and radiant exposure
  • Residual burst strength after radiant exposure and seam burst strength
  • Dimensional change after washing/drying
  • Water‑vapour resistance (comfort/thermal load)
• Particulate protection (optional)
  • Defined particulate-protected surface from top of head down to specified neck distances (e.g., 50 mm below side neck point; 100 mm below front/back neck points).
  • Two normative particulate test methods (Annexes B and C) and labeling text: equivalent to “This firehood provides limited particulate protection.”
• Sampling and pre-treatment
  • Representative sampling; tests performed after specified cleaning cycles (five cycles per ISO 6330 where required).

Applications and practical value

• Used by manufacturers, test laboratories, procurement specialists and safety officers to:
  • Design, certify and validate wildland firefighting firehoods and material selections.
  • Ensure PPE balances thermal protection with low mass and breathability to limit heat stress during long shifts.
  • Provide procurement specifications for agencies and contractors operating in wildland and prescribed‑burn contexts.
• Practical considerations: training on correct selection, donning/doffing, care and limitations; verify compatibility with helmets and respirators (note: firehoods may not fit P2 masks).

Related standards

• ISO 11999‑9 (structural firefighting firehoods)
• ISO 13688 (general protective clothing requirements)
• ISO 15384 (yoke/interface)
• ISO 6942, ISO 9151, ISO 11092, ISO 6330 (test methods)
• ISO/TR 19591, NFPA 1971 (context and firefighter PPE guidance)

Keywords: ISO 16073-9, wildland firefighting, firehoods, PPE, particulate protection, heat resistance, test methods, firefighters.