ISO 15383-2001 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 15383:2001 — Protective gloves for firefighters — Laboratory test methods and performance requirements. This International Standard defines test methods and minimum performance requirements for gloves worn during firefighting and associated activities where there is a risk of heat and/or flame, including material performance levels and classification into three performance/type levels.

Abstract

This standard specifies laboratory test methods and minimum performance requirements for protective gloves used in firefighting and related rescue tasks. It sets out general glove design considerations, test methods for thermal and mechanical performance, ergonomic aspects and three performance/type levels (Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3) with Type 3 providing the highest combined thermal insulation and liquid-penetration resistance. It excludes specialised high‑risk gloves for other hazards which are covered by other standards.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn.
• Publication date: 2001-09 (corrected versions issued April 2003).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 13.340.10 (Protective clothing) / 13.340.40 (Hand and arm protection).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2001).
• Number of pages: 22.

Core bibliographic and lifecycle information (publication, edition, correction and withdrawal) as recorded in the ISO catalogue.

Scope

Applies to protective gloves intended to protect the hands during firefighting and associated activities where heat or flame hazards exist. The standard defines minimum material performance levels, test methods and three levels of glove performance (Types 1–3). It does not cover specialised gloves for other high‑risk situations (e.g., prolonged chemical, electrical or radiological exposure) and it recommends that glove selection be based on a documented risk assessment.

Key topics and requirements

• Laboratory test methods for burning behaviour, convective, radiant and contact heat, and mechanical properties (abrasion, cut, tear, puncture).
• Three performance/type levels (Type 1, Type 2, Type 3) with progressively higher thermal insulation and additional requirements such as liquid penetration resistance for Type 3.
• Minimum design and ergonomic considerations for firefighter gloves (dexterity, length, seam strength).
• Requirements and test methods for lining heat resistance and heat shrinkage.
• Whole-glove integrity and optional waterproofing tests referenced for assessing liquid penetration and removal time under simulated conditions.
• Marking and user information to communicate performance level and limitations.

Typical use and users

Intended for: firefighters and rescue personnel, PPE manufacturers and designers, test laboratories, conformity assessment bodies and national standards committees. Typical use cases include product design and verification, type testing for procurement, and informing user selection based on operational risk assessments.

Related standards

ISO 15383 is closely related to regional and international standards for firefighting gloves and protective clothing, including EN 659 (Protective gloves for firefighters) and other glove / PPE test standards such as EN 420, EN 388, EN 407, EN ISO 6942 and ISO 17493. ISO 15383 test elements are referenced or used alongside these standards in whole‑glove integrity and waterproofing assessments in some conformity schemes.

Keywords

firefighter gloves, protective gloves, PPE, thermal protection, burning behaviour, convective heat, radiant heat, contact heat, liquid penetration, glove performance, test methods, ISO/TC 94/SC 14

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 15383:2001 is an ISO International Standard that specified laboratory test methods and minimum performance requirements for protective gloves used by firefighters.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers general glove design, minimum material performance levels, test methods for thermal and mechanical hazards, ergonomic considerations and classification into three performance/type levels. It excludes specialised gloves for other high‑risk hazards (chemical, electrical, radiological) which are handled by other standards.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers, test laboratories, procurement bodies, firefighter services, safety officers and standards committees use the standard for design, testing, procurement and conformity assessment guidance.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 15383:2001 has been withdrawn (withdrawal ballot completed in 2023). Users should consult current regional or international standards (for example EN 659 and applicable revisions/amendments) and national regulations for up‑to‑date requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It sits within the body of PPE and hand/arm protection standards developed under ISO/TC 94 (Protection against fire and heat) and ISO/TC 94/SC 14 (Gloves for firefighting), and it is referenced alongside other glove test standards (EN/ISO and ISO documents) that together define comprehensive glove testing and performance criteria.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Firefighter gloves; glove test methods; thermal insulation; burning behaviour; contact/convective/radiant heat; liquid penetration; glove performance types; PPE standards.