BS ISO 16073-7:2019 - Wildland Firefighting Personal Protective Equipment: Face and Eye Protection

Standard Number: BS ISO 16073-7:2019

Pages: 32

Released: November 22, 2019

ISBN: 978 0 539 01667 3

Status: Standard

Overview

In the challenging and hazardous environment of wildland firefighting, the safety and protection of firefighters are of paramount importance. The BS ISO 16073-7:2019 standard provides comprehensive requirements and test methods specifically for face and eye protection equipment used in wildland firefighting. This standard ensures that the protective gear meets the highest safety standards, offering optimal protection to those who risk their lives to protect our natural landscapes.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Protection: The standard outlines the necessary requirements for face and eye protection, ensuring that the equipment provides full coverage against the unique hazards encountered in wildland firefighting.
• Rigorous Testing: The test methods included in this standard are designed to rigorously evaluate the performance of protective equipment under various conditions, ensuring reliability and effectiveness.
• Internationally Recognized: As an ISO standard, it is recognized globally, facilitating international cooperation and standardization in firefighting equipment.

Importance of Face and Eye Protection

Face and eye protection are critical components of personal protective equipment (PPE) for wildland firefighters. The harsh conditions, including intense heat, smoke, flying debris, and chemical exposure, pose significant risks to the face and eyes. Proper protection helps prevent injuries that could impair a firefighter's ability to perform their duties effectively and safely.

Detailed Requirements

The BS ISO 16073-7:2019 standard specifies detailed requirements for materials, design, and performance of face and eye protection equipment. These requirements ensure that the equipment is not only protective but also comfortable and practical for use in the demanding environment of wildland firefighting.

Material Specifications

The materials used in the construction of face and eye protection must withstand high temperatures and resist penetration by debris. The standard specifies the types of materials that are suitable for these conditions, ensuring durability and safety.

Design Considerations

Design is a crucial aspect of protective equipment. The standard outlines design criteria that ensure the equipment provides adequate coverage without hindering the firefighter's mobility or field of vision. This includes considerations for fit, adjustability, and compatibility with other PPE components.

Performance Criteria

Performance criteria are established to ensure that the equipment can withstand the rigors of wildland firefighting. This includes tests for impact resistance, heat resistance, and optical clarity. The equipment must perform consistently under various environmental conditions to be deemed compliant with the standard.

Testing Methods

The standard includes a series of test methods designed to evaluate the performance of face and eye protection equipment. These tests simulate real-world conditions to ensure that the equipment provides reliable protection. Key tests include:

• Impact Testing: To assess the equipment's ability to withstand impacts from flying debris.
• Heat Resistance Testing: To ensure the materials can endure high temperatures without degrading.
• Optical Clarity Testing: To verify that the equipment does not impair the firefighter's vision.

Global Relevance

As an internationally recognized standard, BS ISO 16073-7:2019 facilitates the global standardization of wildland firefighting equipment. This is crucial for international firefighting efforts, where teams from different countries may work together. Having a common standard ensures that all equipment meets the same high safety and performance criteria, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of firefighting operations worldwide.

Conclusion

The BS ISO 16073-7:2019 standard is an essential resource for manufacturers, safety officers, and firefighting organizations. By adhering to this standard, they can ensure that their face and eye protection equipment provides the highest level of safety and performance. This not only protects the lives of firefighters but also enhances their ability to protect our natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfires.

BS ISO 16073-7:2019

This standard BS ISO 16073-7:2019 Wildland firefighting personal protective equipment. Requirements and test methods is classified in these ICS categories:

• 13.340.20 Head protective equipment
• 13.220.10 Fire-fighting
• 13.340.10 Protective clothing

This document specifies the minimum performance requirements and methods of test for personal protective equipment (PPE) face and eye protection, for wildland firefighting.

This document covers the general design of the PPE, the minimum levels of performance for the materials employed and the methods of test used. This PPE is not intended to provide protection during fire entrapment.

This document does not cover PPE for structural firefighting (see ISO 11999 series), for use against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear hazards, or for use where a reflective outer surface is required (see ISO 15538).

Activities in support of wildland firefighting, such as the cutting of trees and the use of a chainsaw can require additional protection to that provided in this document. Users are directed to those relevant standards for the requirements associated with such protection.