ISO TR 19838-2016 PDF

Full title and description

ISO/TR 19838:2016 — Textile — Guidelines for the assessment of comfort of protective clothing against heat and flame. This Technical Report provides guidance and background information to support the assessment of protective clothing performance with respect to thermal comfort and ergonomics when garments are intended to protect wearers from heat and flame hazards.

Abstract

This Technical Report gives guidance on factors affecting thermal comfort of protective clothing used against heat and flame, explains measurement methods and test considerations, and discusses interpretation of results for design and selection. It addresses physiological, material and ensemble factors, test apparatus and procedures relevant to evaluating comfort without replacing performance standards for protection. The report assists manufacturers, testers and purchasers in understanding how protective properties, garment design and environmental/operational conditions influence wearer comfort and usability.

General information

• Status: Published
• Publication date: 2016
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
• ICS / categories: 13.340 (Protective clothing); 11.040 (Textiles)
• Edition / version: 1st edition (2016)
• Number of pages: Approximately 28 pages

Scope

ISO/TR 19838:2016 provides guidance on assessing thermal comfort for protective clothing intended to protect against heat and flame. It covers the principles and factors that affect comfort (including thermal insulation, evaporative resistance, moisture management, fit and mobility), describes relevant test methods and instrumentation, and offers recommendations for interpreting laboratory and wearer-trial results. The report is intended to supplement, not replace, normative protection standards that specify minimum protective performance.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and concepts related to thermal comfort for heat- and flame-protective garments.
• Factors affecting comfort: fabric properties (thermal insulation, evaporative resistance), garment design, fit, layering and movement.
• Overview of test methods: manikin-based measurements, physiological testing, wearer trials and environmental chamber tests.
• Guidance on instrumentation, test conditions and sample preparation to obtain reproducible comfort-related data.
• Approaches for interpreting results and correlating laboratory measurements with wearer perception and performance.
• Recommendations for combining protection and comfort criteria during product development and selection.

Typical use and users

Used by protective clothing manufacturers, product designers, materials scientists, testing laboratories, occupational health and safety professionals, and procurement officers. It is useful during product development to balance protection and comfort, in conformity assessment to inform supplementary testing, and by end users to interpret comfort implications of protective clothing options.

Related standards

Related documents commonly referenced alongside this Technical Report include standards for protective clothing performance against heat and flame (e.g., performance standards for flame spread, heat transfer, thermal protective performance), test methods for thermal insulation and evaporative resistance, manikin test standards, and occupational protective clothing series covering firefighter and industrial protective garments.

Keywords

thermal comfort, protective clothing, heat, flame, evaporative resistance, thermal insulation, manikin testing, wearer trials, ergonomics, textile performance

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO/TR 19838:2016 is a Technical Report that provides guidance on assessing the thermal comfort of protective clothing designed to protect wearers from heat and flame hazards.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers concepts, influencing factors (materials, design, environment, activity), test methods (manikin tests, wearer trials, laboratory procedures), and guidance on interpreting results to support design and selection of protective garments with acceptable comfort.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers, designers, testing laboratories, occupational safety professionals, procurement specialists and researchers concerned with balancing protective performance and wearer comfort of heat- and flame-protective clothing.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The document was published in 2016 as a Technical Report. Users should verify whether a newer edition or related normative standards have been published since 2016 for the latest requirements and guidance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It complements other ISO standards and technical reports addressing protective clothing performance, manikin testing, and specific protective requirements against heat, flame and thermal hazards, but it is a standalone Technical Report offering guidance rather than normative requirements.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Thermal comfort, protective clothing, heat, flame, evaporative resistance, thermal insulation, manikin, wearer trials, ergonomics.