This document specifies a method for evaluating the thermo-physiological impact of protective fabric
ensembles and potentially protective clothing ensembles in a simulated activity under defined relevant
conditions for firefighters.
This document is intended to be used to assess the thermo-physiological impact of protective fabric
ensembles and potentially protective clothing ensembles but not the risk for heat stress due to
actual fire conditions. The results of this test method can be used as elements of characterisation
and comparison of thermo-physiological impact of various types of protective fabric ensembles and
potentially protective clothing ensembles.
Default measurements are undertaken on fabric samples representing the garment or protective
clothing combination. Optionally and in addition to the standard test method, the same testing protocol
can be applied to characterise protective clothing ensembles including underwear, air layers and
certain design features4). In addition measurements on readymade garments are optionally possible.
NOTE The presently used evaluation methods are only validated for structural firefighting garments.