Overview
EN ISO 16972:2020 (Respiratory protective devices - Vocabulary and graphical symbols) is the CEN-endorsed version of ISO 16972:2020. The standard provides a harmonized vocabulary and a set of graphical symbols for respiratory protective devices (RPDs), excluding diving apparatus. It is intended to ensure consistent terminology, clear user instruction through symbols, and improved communication among manufacturers, regulators, test laboratories and end users.
Key topics
- Defined terms and scope
- Comprehensive definitions for components and concepts used in RPDs (examples in the standard include breathing apparatus, breathable air/gas, aerosol, filter penetration, assigned protection factor).
- Excludes diving apparatus terminology (see EN 250 for diving terms).
- Human factors and usage terms
- Terms related to wearer interaction, fit, breathing cycles, and performance concepts (e.g., breathing frequency, breathing resistance, adequacy assessment).
- Graphical symbols
- Standardized symbols to be applied on RPDs, RPD parts or instruction manuals to instruct users about operation and limitations.
- Test and environment references
- Definitions include test conditions used in RPD assessment (for example, ambient laboratory conditions are specified in the text).
- Editorial changes in 2nd edition
- The 2020 edition updates RPD terminology and removes some annexes and the separate clause on units of measurement compared to the 2010 edition.
Practical applications
- Manufacturers use the vocabulary and symbols to label products, write consistent manuals, and support conformity assessment.
- Certification and testing laboratories refer to standardized terms when reporting test results and specifying performance criteria.
- Occupational health & safety professionals and PPE program managers use the standard to select appropriate RPDs, document assigned protection factors, and create training materials.
- Procurement officers and regulators rely on harmonized terminology and symbols to compare products and ensure compliance across markets.
- Trainers and technical writers adopt the graphical symbols and vocabulary for clear user instructions and educational materials.
Related standards
- EN 250 - Terms and definitions for diving apparatus (diving RPDs are excluded from EN ISO 16972:2020).
- EN 12021 - Compressed breathing air quality (referenced for breathable air quality in breathing apparatus contexts).
- EN ISO 16972:2020 supersedes EN 132:1998 as the harmonized European text.
Keywords: EN ISO 16972:2020, ISO 16972:2020, respiratory protective devices, RPD vocabulary, graphical symbols, PPE, respirator labeling, assigned protection factor, RPD terminology.