Europe is increasingly experiencing the impacts of climate change, with extreme weather events, such as devastating forest fires and catastrophic floods, becoming more frequent across EU Member States. Firefighters and emergency service workers are at the forefront of the response, facing growing risks and challenges in their daily work. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) plays a vital role in protecting these workers from the escalating hazards they encounter.
In this context, the ETUC has decided to contribute to the ongoing revision of EN 469 ‘Protective clothing for firefighters – Performance requirements for protective clothing for firefighting activities’ currently being undertaken within ISO/TC 162/WG 2 ‘Protective Clothing against Heat and Fire’. This standard supports the implementation of EU Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on Personal Protective Equipment and is essential for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of firefighters’ clothing.
The current edition of EN 469, adopted in 2020, sets out minimum performance requirements for protective clothing used in firefighting. It covers key aspects such as design, protection against heat and flame, mechanical and chemical resistance, comfort, and visibility. The upcoming revision aims to address the increasing risks faced in the field, with particular attention to heat stress and evolving environmental and climate-related challenges.
By joining the Working Group, the ETUC is ensuring that the voice of workers is represented in the development of this crucial standard, helping to strengthen protections for those who serve on the front lines of climate-related emergencies.
