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Standards
In most countries of the world performance standards apply to firefighter clothing. Bristol Uniforms supplies garments to meet all major internationally recognised standards and, indeed, has been closely involved in helping develop these standards, both in the United Kingdom and internationally, since the first UK standard was established in 1965 as the Home Office A1 specification built around pioneering design work done by the company.
The Pointsman and Kings Cross disasters in the UK in 1984 and 1987 fundamentally changed the way garments were designed. Bristol’s response was the design of the Classic Fire Coat & Trouser for the London Fire Brigade which went on to become the basis for the A26 Home Office Specification.
Bristol Uniforms continues to be at the forefront of innovative garment design and to play its part on standards committees which determine the levels of PPE performance required to give maximum wearer protection.
Within Europe standards are developed and published by the European Committee CEN/TC162 which was responsible for determining performance criteria for the current standard for structural firefighting EN 469:2005.
Other European standards relate to special environments and include EN 1486 (Protective clothing for specialised firefighting), EN 531 and EN 531/A1 (Protective clothing for workers exposed to heat) and EN ISO 15384 (Protective clothing for wildland firefighting).
Internationally the ISO (International Standards Organisation) sets the standards which include Firefighters’ protective clothing (ISO 11613), Proximity clothing (ISO 15538) and Wildland clothing (ISO 15384).
In North America different standards apply as developed by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) in the United States. The current firefighter PPE standard is NFPA1971:2007.
For a complete checklist of the composition of these standards click on International Standards.
Separate standards apply for firefighting in close proximity situations in marine environments or for use by oil and shipping companies as well as civil and military aviation authorities. Where appropriate, Bristol Uniforms’ protective suits are approved by Mariner’s Wheel.
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