ISO 6942-2022 PDF

Full title and description

St ISO 6942-2022 — Protective clothing — Protection against heat and fire — Method of test: Evaluation of materials and material assemblies when exposed to a source of radiant heat. This International Standard specifies two complementary test methods (Method A and Method B) to assess the behaviour and protective effect of single- and multi-layer materials and assemblies when subjected to radiant heat.

Abstract

ISO 6942:2022 defines two complementary procedures: Method A for visual assessment of material changes after exposure to radiant heat and Method B to determine the protective effect (heat transfer) provided by materials or assemblies. Tests apply to textiles and other materials intended for heat-protective clothing and to representative assemblies; results are intended for material classification but have limitations when predicting performance at elevated ambient temperatures.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard).
• Publication date: August 2022 (Edition 4, 2022).
• Publisher: ISO — International Organization for Standardization.
• ICS / categories: 13.340.10 (Protective clothing).
• Edition / version: Edition 4 (2022).
• Number of pages: 13 (ISO publication).

Scope

Specifies two test methods (A and B) for evaluating the thermal behaviour of materials and material assemblies when exposed to a source of radiant heat. The standard applies to representative single- and multi-layer textiles and other materials intended for protective clothing and to complete assemblies that represent garment construction with or without underclothing. It is intended to classify materials and assist selection but does not by itself guarantee garment performance under all heat exposure conditions, particularly at elevated ambient temperatures.

Key topics and requirements

• Two complementary test methods: Method A (visual assessment of material changes) and Method B (measurement of protective effect / heat transfer).
• Applicability to single- and multi-layer materials and to assembled material combinations that reflect garment construction.
• Classification of materials based on test outcomes (used to inform selection of materials for heat-protective garments).
• Tests performed at laboratory (room) temperature — results are limited in predicting behaviour at higher ambient or fire conditions.
• Reference and interaction with other protective-clothing standards and test methods (users often use ISO 6942 together with related standards for flame, convective and contact heat tests).

Typical use and users

Used by standards laboratories, textile and PPE manufacturers, product development teams, certification bodies, test houses and occupational safety professionals to evaluate and classify materials intended for protective clothing against radiant heat. It informs material selection, comparative testing during product development and part of conformity assessment when combined with other standards addressing flame, convective or contact heat hazards.

Related standards

Commonly used alongside or referenced with: ISO 15025 (limited flame spread tests), ISO 11612 (protective clothing — heat and flame), ISO 17492 (convective heat), ISO 9151 (flame exposure heat transmission), ISO 12127 (contact heat), and regional adoptions such as EN/BS/NEN versions of ISO 6942. These standards address complementary hazards (flame, convective heat, contact heat) and garment-level testing.

Keywords

radiant heat; protective clothing; heat-protective materials; material assemblies; Method A; Method B; material classification; PPE testing; ISO 6942:2022.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 6942:2022 is an International Standard that specifies laboratory test methods to evaluate the behaviour and protective performance of materials and material assemblies when exposed to radiant heat.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers two complementary test methods — Method A for visual assessment of material alterations caused by radiant heat, and Method B to measure the protective effect (heat transfer) through materials or assemblies. It applies to materials and representative assemblies used in protective clothing.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Test houses, textile and PPE manufacturers, product designers, conformity assessment bodies, and occupational safety professionals who need to evaluate or certify materials for protection against radiant heat exposure.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current — ISO 6942 was updated and published in 2022 (Edition 4). It replaces earlier editions (for example the 2002 edition and prior).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Not strictly a numerical series, but ISO 6942 is part of the body of ISO standards for protective clothing (ISO/TC 94/SC 13) and is commonly used together with related standards addressing flame spread, convective and contact heat (e.g., ISO 15025, ISO 11612, ISO 17492).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Radiant heat, protective clothing, material assembly, Method A, Method B, material classification, PPE testing (ISO 6942:2022).