Overview
EN ISO 12402-10:2020 - "Personal flotation devices - Part 10: Selection and application of personal flotation devices and other relevant devices" - is a CEN-endorsed part of the ISO 12402 series that gives requirements and practical guidance for choosing and using personal flotation devices (PFDs) and immersion suits. The document helps manufacturers, suppliers, users and regulators match lifejackets, buoyancy aids and immersion suits to the hazards and operating environment through risk assessment and informed selection.
Key Topics
- Scope and purpose: Guidance on selection and application of PFDs that comply with the ISO 12402 series (2020) and immersion suits per ISO 15027.
- Classification and performance levels: Defines performance levels (Level 50, Level 100, Level 150, Level 275) and links those to recommended areas of application and risk exposure.
- Performance criteria and interactions: Addresses how PFD performance interacts with clothing, accessories (harnesses, sprayhoods, location aids), and other equipment.
- Essentials and ergonomics: Covers constant-use comfort, donning issues, factors that reduce performance, and design considerations for improved safety and usability.
- Risk management guidance: Step‑by‑step approach to hazard identification, environment description, selection of risk‑reducing measures, training, rescue provision and choice of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Checklists and examples: Practical checklists (including typical exposure hazards and search-and-rescue functions) and example evaluations such as PPE selection for offshore workers.
- Regulatory and normative references: Updated to align with ISO 12402 Parts 2–9:2020 and supersedes the 2006 edition.
Applications
Who uses EN ISO 12402-10:2020 and how:
- Manufacturers and product designers: to ensure PFDs and accessories are specified for intended use-cases and to document compatibility with immersion suits.
- Suppliers and distributors: to advise customers on appropriate lifejackets, buoyancy aids and related devices.
- Maritime operators and safety managers (offshore, commercial, recreational): to select PFDs based on risk assessment, operational environment and rescue arrangements.
- Regulators and certification bodies: to define compliance and guidance for PPE selection and emergency preparedness.
- Training organizations and rescue services: to align training, donning procedures and rescue equipment with recommended safety levels.
Related standards
EN ISO 12402-10:2020 is essential for anyone specifying or managing life-saving flotation equipment, helping turn risk assessment into practical, standards-aligned equipment choices for improved maritime safety.