EN 469 European Standard Requirements
topic
EN 469 specifies performance requirements for structural firefighting protective clothing in Europe across two performance levels, with Level 2 requiring minimum heat transmission index HTI24 of 9 seconds and HTI24-12 of 4 seconds at 10 kilowatts per square metre radiant heat, minimum flame spread index above 18 seconds, moisture barrier hydrostatic resistance above 45 centimetres, and minimum tensile, tear, seam, and abrasion strength values, with CE marking and type examination by notified bodies required for market access.
Role
Establishes the minimum performance framework governing structural firefighting clothing sold and used in European Union member states, with EN 469 Level 2 being the standard required for structural interior firefighting operations and Level 1 acceptable only for lower-risk exterior or supporting operations, with the 2005 and 2020 revisions progressively increasing performance requirements and adding new test methods reflecting advances in understanding of firefighting hazards and clothing performance.