What is EN ISO 20340:2017?

EN ISO 20340:2017 is an international standard that focuses on the specification and performance requirements for protective clothing against firefighting. Developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), this standard provides guidelines to ensure that firefighter's protective clothing meets essential safety criteria.

Key Elements of EN ISO 20340:2017

The standard encompasses various aspects of protective clothing designed for firefighters, including thermal protection, material performance, design requirements, and ergonomic considerations. It covers both structural firefighting suits and proximity firefighting suits.

Thermal Protection and Material Performance

EN ISO 20340:2017 places significant emphasis on thermal protection as it is one of the critical factors in protecting firefighters from the extreme heat and potential burn injuries encountered during firefighting operations. The standards outline specific performance requirements for materials used in making protective clothing, such as flame resistance, radiant heat resistance, and thermal insulation properties.

Design Requirements and Ergonomics

In addition to thermal protection, the standard also addresses design requirements and ergonomics. Proper design contributes to the overall effectiveness and functionality of the protective clothing. Some of the design considerations covered include visibility features, ease of movement, helmet compatibility, glove compatibility, and integration of additional equipment like breathing apparatus and communication devices.

Conclusion

EN ISO 20340:2017 plays a crucial role in ensuring that firefighter's protective clothing meets the necessary standards and provides adequate protection in hazardous firefighting environments. By specifying the requirements for thermal protection, material performance, design, and ergonomics, this standard helps to safeguard the lives of firefighters and enable them to perform their duties with enhanced safety.