ISO 12402-8-2020 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 12402-8:2020 — Personal flotation devices — Part 8: Accessories — Safety requirements and test methods. This international standard specifies safety requirements and test methods for accessories intended to be used with personal flotation devices (PFDs) and lifejackets.

Abstract

ISO 12402-8:2020 defines the safety and performance requirements and corresponding test methods for accessories that are fitted to or used with personal flotation devices. The standard ensures that accessories do not impair PFD performance, that attachment points and fittings meet strength and durability criteria, and that special accessory functions (for example overpressure relief, sprayhoods, lifting loops, retroreflective materials and audible/location devices) meet appropriate tests.

General information

• Status: Published
• Publication date: 30 July 2020
• Publisher: ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
• ICS / categories: 13.340.70 — Lifejackets, buoyancy aids and flotation devices
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2020)
• Number of pages: 15

Scope

ISO 12402-8:2020 applies to accessories intended for use with personal flotation devices and lifejackets. It sets out safety requirements and test methods for such accessories and for attachment points so that the combined PFD and accessory assembly continues to meet required in‑water performance. The standard covers mechanical strength, attachment integrity, materials and component behaviour (including overpressure relief on inflatable systems), and functional tests for accessories that provide additional locating, protective or survival features.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and classification of accessories used with PFDs (examples: whistles, lifting loops, sprayhoods, retroreflective material, buddy lines, collar handles, protective covers, overpressure relief valves, personal locator devices and emergency lights).
• Strength and attachment tests for webbing, hardware and lifting points to ensure secure recovery and resistance to failure under load.
• Compatibility and combination testing requirements to verify accessories do not degrade PFD performance or wearer protection.
• Functional tests for inflatable-system accessories, including overpressure and inflation integrity checks.
• Requirements for visibility and signalling accessories (audible and visual aids) to meet specified performance criteria.
• Reference to related parts of the ISO 12402 series for materials, component requirements and evaluation procedures.

Typical use and users

Primary users are PFD and lifejacket manufacturers, product designers, testing and certification laboratories, notified bodies and conformity assessment organizations, maritime safety and regulatory authorities, and procurement/specification teams for commercial and leisure marine operators. The standard is used to design, test and verify that accessories are safe and compatible with PFD performance requirements.

Related standards

ISO 12402-8:2020 is part of the ISO 12402 series on personal flotation devices. Relevant related parts include (but are not limited to) ISO 12402-1 (general), ISO 12402-2, -3, -4, -5 and -6 (performance levels and lifejacket/buoyancy aid requirements), ISO 12402-7 (materials and components), ISO 12402-9 (evaluation) and ISO 12402-10 (selection and application). Regional/adopted standards and regulations (for example EN ISO variants and SOLAS-related provisions) commonly reference these parts where applicable.

Keywords

personal flotation device, PFD, lifejacket, accessories, sprayhood, lifting loop, whistle, retroreflective material, overpressure relief valve, test methods, safety requirements, ISO 12402

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 12402-8:2020 is the part of the ISO 12402 series that specifies safety requirements and test methods for accessories used with personal flotation devices and lifejackets.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the design, performance and test requirements for accessories and attachment points so that accessories do not impair PFD performance. Topics include strength and attachment tests, functional tests for inflatable-system components, and performance checks for signalling/visibility accessories.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers, designers and test laboratories for PFDs and lifejackets; certification and conformity assessment bodies; regulatory authorities; and purchasers/specifiers in maritime safety and recreational watercraft sectors.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 12402-8:2020 is the second edition published on 30 July 2020. It supersedes ISO 12402-8:2006 (and its amendment) and is the current edition published in 2020.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the ISO 12402 series on personal flotation devices. Other parts of the series address lifejacket performance levels, materials and components, evaluation and selection/application of PFDs.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Accessories, personal flotation device, lifejacket, test methods, strength tests, sprayhood, lifting loop, whistle, retroreflective, overpressure relief.