Isle of Man issues notice on fire-fighting protective clothing

The Isle of Man Ship Registry issued the Technical Advisory Notice TAN 004-24 regarding fire-fighting protective clothing.

This notice was published on 28 May 2024.

Executive Summary: Ships must comply with SOLAS regulations regarding fire-fighting protective clothing, meeting IMO standards. The notice recommends using EU Marine Equipment Directive (MED) standards, particularly BS EN 469:2020 for optimal protection.

SOLAS Requirement: SOLAS mandates a minimum number of fire-fighting outfits on ships, with specifications for protective clothing, boots, and helmets.

Recommended Standards: Older fire proximity suits may lack thermal protection for enclosed spaces. The notice advises replacing outdated equipment with MED-approved standards, with specific attention to fire-fighter’s boots. Existing MED-approved equipment is acceptable until replacement, which should meet the latest standards.

BS EN 469 – Further Information: BS EN 469 distinguishes between two performance levels. While MED doesn’t differentiate between levels, operators may consider Level 2 suits for higher protection. Level 2 suits are recommended but not mandatory.

Table 1 - Equipment Standards: Lists MED-approved standards for various fire-fighting equipment, including protective clothing, boots, gloves, and helmets.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

Fire-fighting Protective Clothing