EN 469 is the European Standard relating to protective clothing for firefighters.

Within the standard there are 2 levels and a number of physical tests as described below:

Level 1 is the lower protection level.

Level 2 is the higher protection level used by professional trained firefighters and must include a breathable, waterproof, moisture barrier.

Xf1 or Xf2 refers to Convective Heat Transfer
Xr1 and Xr2 refers to Radiant Heat Transfer
Y1 or Y2 refers to Water Penetration Resistance
Z1 or Z2 refers to Water Vapour Resistance

Convective Heat Transfer - Xf1 or Xf2

This test measures the time taken to raise the temperature of the fabric based on convective heat passing from the outer to the inner surface e.g. steam.

Convected heat travels through the air, even if there is no immediate appearance of fire.

Radiant Heat Transfer - Xr1 or Xr2

This test measures the time taken to raise the temperature of the fabric based on heat from a radiant heat source e.g. burning flames or hot objects passing from the outer to the inner surface. Radiant heat is sensitive to the colour of the garment e.g. a lighter coloured fire suit will offer higher radiant protection than a dark coloured suit.

Water Penetration Resistance - Y1 or Y2
Water Vapour Resistance - Z1 or Z2

These tests measure the level (1 or 2) of protection offered against the transfer of water droplets and the breathability of the fabric. The waterproof and breathability aspects will ensure the inner layer is kept dry, slowing down the transfer of heat from the outer to the inner layer that could result in giving the wearer a burn.

Garments must be laundered according to the manufacturer's instructions; incorrect laundering of flame resistant garments can seriously affect their performance and fit.

The flame resistant finish is retained for the normal life cycle of the garment provided that the care instructions are adhered to.

• If dirty stains are difficult to remove, they can be treated before washing with a liquid detergent applied directly to stains and lightly rubbed.
• Never use chlorine bleach or washing detergents containing bleach as these will reduce the flame resistance properties of the fabric.
• Fabric softeners, starches and other laundry additives are not recommended as they can mask the flame resistance performance and may also act as a fuel in case of combustion.

• Always wash contaminated workwear separately
• Always follow the washing temperature on the garment label.
• Always wash and dry garments inside out to minimize surface abrasion and help maintain the surface appearance of the fabric.
• Zips and Velcro fastenings should be closed during washing.
• To ensure a cleaner wash, avoid overloading the machine so the garments can move freely through the wash and rinse cycles.

• Tumble drying is not usually recommended as the temperature used is often too high and can cause garment shrinkage
• It is vital that cotton or cotton mix garments are not over dried as over drying has been determined to be the main cause of excessive garment shrinkage.
• Do not hang in direct sunlight as this can cause fading