ISO /DIS 12402 Personal Floatation Devices (PFD's) - Parts 1- 10

Part 1: Lifejackets for seagoing ships - Safety requirements.
Part 2: Lifejackets for extreme offshore conditions (level 275) - Safety requirements.
Part 3: Lifejackets for offshore conditions (level 150) - Safety requirements.
Part 4: Lifejackets for inland/close to shore conditions (level 100) - Safety requirements.
Part 5: Buoyancy Aids (level 50) - Safety requirements.
Part 6: Special purpose lifejackets and additional test methods.
Part 7: Materials and components - Safety requirements and test methods.
Part 8: Accessories - Safety requirements and test methods.
Part 9: Test Methods for classes A to F.
Part 10: Selection and application of flotation devices and other relevant devices.

This standard has been prepared to meet the needs of all persons engaged in seafaring activities, whether in relation to work or leisure, in or near the water. It was prepared by the CEN (The European Standards Agency) under a mandate from the Commission of the European Communities and supports essential requirements of EC Directives.

The standard is intended to serve as a guide to manufacturers, purchasers and users of PFD's in ensuring that the equipment provides an effective standard of performance in use. Equally essential is the need for the designer to encourage the wearing of such equipment by making it comfortable and attractive for continuous wear, rather than it being stowed in a locker for emergency use only.

The primary aims of a PFD are:

1) To support the wearer in reasonable safety in the water. In case of an automatically-operated lifejacket, to perform in this way without any intervention from the wearer, except to put initially put the PFD on.

2) To enable the wearer to propel himself in the water without it being an encumbrance.

3) To support the wearer, enabling his efforts to be expended in recovery rather than remaining afloat.

4) To assist the recovery of the wearer.

The standard also takes into account the design of the PFD where the PFD must be light in weight, not be bulky and allows freedom of movement. It also goes on to recommend that users, when selecting a PFD, should also take into account whether or not any additional weights such as a tool belt will be worn which may alter the performance of the device.

The standard also looks into the potential length of service which the user might expect. Whilst a PFD which complies to the standards and any other specifications should be of ample construction to last a long time, its potential length of service depends mainly on the conditions of storage and use which are the responsibility of the owner.

Furthermore, it is essential that owners, users and employers choose the right PFDs which meet the correct standards for the circumstances in which they will be used. Manufacturer's and those selling PFDs have to make clear to prospective purchasers product properties and alternative choice and the limitations to normal use, prior to the purchase. Similarly, those framing legislation regarding the wearing of these garments should consider carefully which type is most appropriate for the foreseeable conditions of use, allowing for the more severe circumstances which often pertain in emergencies.