EN 15090 is a European standard titled “Footwear for firefighters” that establishes performance requirements and test methods for specialized footwear used in firefighting operations. This standard was first published in 2012 and has been adopted in various countries, including Ukraine where it was implemented as State Standard of Ukraine EN 15090:2017. The standard defines the minimum safety and performance characteristics that firefighting footwear must meet to protect firefighters from thermal, mechanical, and chemical hazards encountered during fire suppression and rescue operations.
Key aspects of EN 15090 include:
- Protection against heat and flame (including resistance to radiant heat, convective heat, and contact heat)
- Slip resistance on various surfaces
- Penetration resistance
- Electrical hazard protection
- Water resistance and waterproof requirements
- Ergonomics and comfort considerations for prolonged wear
The standard categorizes firefighting footwear into three classes based on material composition:
- Class I – Footwear made from leather and other materials (excluding all-rubber or all-polymeric footwear)
- Class II – All-rubber or all-polymeric footwear
- Class III – Footwear made from leather and other materials with additional protective toecaps
Products Applicable to EN 15090
EN 15090 applies to several types of specialized firefighting footwear:
- Structural Firefighting Boots: Designed for building fires and structural collapse scenarios, featuring heat-resistant soles and uppers
- Wildland Firefighting Boots: For forest and vegetation fires, often with enhanced breathability and lighter weight
- Technical Rescue Boots: Used in urban search and rescue operations, combining fire protection with puncture resistance
- Proximity Suit Boots: Integrated with proximity suits for high-radiation environments like aircraft fires
- Industrial Firefighting Boots: For petrochemical plants and other industrial settings with chemical exposure risks
These products typically incorporate multiple protective features such as:
- Heat-resistant outer layers (often leather or specialized synthetics)
- Thermal insulating liners
- Steel or composite toe caps
- Puncture-resistant midsoles
- Slip-resistant outsoles
Testing Methods for EN 15090
EN 15090 specifies rigorous test methods to evaluate firefighting footwear performance:
- Heat Resistance Testing:
- Radiant heat resistance (exposure to 10 kW/m² for 120 seconds)
- Convective heat resistance (exposure to 250°C for 120 seconds)
- Contact heat resistance (exposure to 300°C for 30 seconds)
- Mechanical Property Testing:
- Slip resistance on ceramic tile with sodium lauryl sulfate solution
- Penetration resistance (15mm diameter steel pin with 1100N force)
- Abrasion resistance (DIN standard method)
- Tear strength (for uppers and linings)
- Water Resistance Testing:
- Waterproofness (flexing 125,000 times in water)
- Water penetration (under 15cm water pressure for 8 hours)
- Electrical Hazard Testing:
- Electrical insulation properties
- Antistatic properties
- Ergonomic Testing:
- Flexing resistance (100,000 cycles)
- Sole attachment strength
- Heel energy absorption
Additional tests may include chemical resistance evaluations for specialized applications .
Important Issues to Note for EN 15090 Compliance
When implementing or using EN 15090 compliant footwear, several critical issues require attention:
- Proper Certification:
- All footwear must be CE-marked and certified by accredited bodies
- Certification should cover the complete footwear system, not just individual components
- Maintenance and Care:
- Follow manufacturer’s cleaning instructions precisely
- Improper cleaning can degrade protective properties
- Regular inspection for damage or wear is critical
- Size and Fit Considerations:
- Proper fit is essential for both protection and comfort
- Footwear should accommodate thermal socks without being too tight
- Limitations of Protection:
- While providing excellent thermal protection, the footwear has temperature/time limitations
- Understand the specific hazards the footwear is designed to protect against
- Service Life:
- Establish replacement schedules based on use and condition
- Typical service life ranges from 3-5 years depending on usage
- Compatibility with Other PPE:
- Ensure proper integration with protective trousers and other gear
- Check for gaps in protection at the ankle/calf interface
- Training Requirements:
- Special training needed for proper use and limitations
- Includes donning/doffing procedures and inspection techniques
- International Variations:
- Some countries may have additional national requirements beyond EN 15090
- For example, Ukraine has implemented its own version of the standard
EN 15090 represents a critical standard for protecting firefighters’ feet in hazardous environments. Its requirements have significantly contributed to firefighter safety in various firefighting scenarios. Proper implementation requires understanding both the technical requirements and practical considerations for use in the field.
