Protective gloves for firefighters act as a safety tool for those individuals who engage in fire extinguishing, rescue operations, and emergencies. The gloves are manufactured to withstand heat, fire, and possible mechanical damage like cuts. They can maintain their shape even during such tough environmental conditions, providing comfort and easy hand movements. Such gloves can be used by firefighting units, safety officers in industries and emergency teams in disaster areas.
In order to guarantee their safety performance, all gloves must obtain BIS certification. According to IS 16874: 2018, testing must involve the measurement of fire retardancy, thermally protective efficiency, abrasion resistance, tear strength, and material endurance. In such a way, the safety performance of the gloves will be ensured.
What is IS 16874: 2018
This is the Indian Standard that gives specifications for the use of protective gloves by firefighters to protect their hands from heat and flames, as well as mechanical hazards, while carrying out emergency work operations. As per the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), these gloves are:
- Evaluated for thermal insulation performance
- Tested for flame and heat resistance
- Assessed for abrasion resistance
- Checked for grip performance under heat exposure
Eligibility for Firefighter Protective Gloves BIS Approval
BIS authorisation under IS 15809: 2017 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying Firefighting Protective Textile Gloves in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the protective gloves for fire safety are covered under QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export the products to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the products are BIS-certified before sale.
- Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified firefighting gloves.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
To ensure hand protection in extreme heat and emergency conditions, the Bureau of Indian Standards specifies minimum requirements in IS 15809: 2017 for protective gloves used by firefighters. The certificate makes sure that the gloves produced by manufacturers have sufficient fireproofing, mechanical strength, and thermal resistance for safe use in firefighting operations.
The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for the protective gloves are listed below:
BIS Licensing Steps for Fire Safety Gloves
The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the High Heat Protective Gloves meet the required standards for proper and efficient operation. This process is set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and includes the following steps:
- Online Registration: Manufacturers register on the BIS Manak portal by submitting company, factory, and product details. Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
- Testing at BIS-Approved Laboratory: Product samples are tested in BIS-approved laboratories for thermal resistance, flame resistance, heat transfer performance, cut resistance, tear strength, puncture resistance, seam strength and liquid penetration resistance.
- Application Submission: The application is submitted along with test reports, technical documents, and factory details. In the case of foreign manufacturers, AIR-related documentation must also be provided.
- Factory Inspection: Representatives of BIS inspect the factory to evaluate production processes, safety measures, and the quality control system.
- Grant of BIS License: Once all requirements and compliance criteria are successfully fulfilled, BIS grants the certification license under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark: Post the issuance of the license, the manufacturer is permitted to use the ISI Mark on the product along with a valid CM/L number, indicating compliance with BIS standards.
BIS Licence Document Checklist for IS 15809: 2017
| Document Category | Documents Required |
|---|
| Basic Details | GST Certificate, Email ID & Contact Number, Factory & Office Address, Rent Agreement / Lease Deed (if applicable),Partnership Deed (if applicable for partnership firms) |
| Manufacturing Details | List of Machinery, Process Flow Chart, Factory Layout Plan |
| Raw Material Details | List of Raw Materials, Supplier Details, Raw Material Invoices, Raw Material Test Certificates |
| Testing & Quality Control | List of Testing Equipment, Calibration Certificates, QC/Lab In-charge Appointment Letter & Qualification |
| Production Details | Annual Installed Capacity, Last Year Production Value |
| Product & Packaging Details | Quantity per Package, Nature of Packing, Product Printing / Marking Details |
| Management Details | Top Management Details, BIS Communication Contact Person |
| Brand & Certification Documents | Trademark / Brand Certificate, Consent Letter from BIS Recognized Laboratory |
| Additional Documents | Weekly Off Details, Hygiene Document (if applicable), Relaxation Letter (if applicable), Any Other Relevant Document |
| Foreign Manufacturer Requirement | Appointment of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) for BIS coordination and compliance in India |
Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR). This representative will act as the point of contact in India for the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
Marking Requirements & License Validity
Marking Requirements
After the manufacturer is able to secure BIS certification, the ISI Mark for Firefighting PPE Gloves must be written clearly and permanently either on its packaging or on the product. It must also include relevant information, such as the identity of the manufacturer as well as the license number of the same (CM/L). This helps confirm that the product meets all required safety and quality standards. Additional details are provided below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 16874: 2018 |
| CML Number | Certification Marks License (CML) number issued by BIS |
| Manufacturer Details | Name of manufacturer or registered trademark |
| Batch / Date | Batch number, heat number, or manufacturing date for traceability |
Note: Marking is typically applied using durable stamping, tagging, or permanent printing to ensure clear identification during handling, storage, and transportation, as per BIS marking requirements.
Validity Duration of BIS Approval for Thermal Protective Gloves
| particulars | Details |
|---|
| Initial Validity | Typically 1 to 2 years, depending on BIS approval conditions |
| Renewal | Must be renewed before expiry by submitting the application along with the prescribed fee and updated documents |
| Surveillane | BIS may inspect factories and test samples periodically |
| Annual Fees | Annual license fee must be paid regularly |
| Compliance | Continuous compliance with BIS requirements is necessary |
| License Format | BIS is shifting towards a 10-digit license number format |
| Non-Compliance Risk | May lead to suspension or cancellation of license |
How much does BIS Approval Cost for Firefighting Protective Gloves
The cost of BIS Approval for a Flame Resistant Gloves includes charges for application, inspection, license, testing, and marking. These fees are paid to BIS as per Scheme I guidelines.
| Charge Type | Indian Manufacturers | Foreign Manufacturers |
|---|
| Application Fee | INR 1,000 | USD 15 |
| Audit Charges | INR 7,000 | USD 3,200 – 5,900 |
| License Fee | INR 1,000 | USD 15 |
| Marking Fee | As applicable | As applicable |
| Testing Charges | As applicable | As applicable |
| EVTL India Consultancy Fee | As per actual | As per actual |
Note:
- Application fee for foreign manufacturers is payable via SWIFT (SAARC countries may pay in INR with applicable GST).
- Audit charges for foreign manufacturers vary based on country/location.
- The marking fee is determined based on the product category and production volume (MSME benefits may apply).
- Testing charges are to be paid directly to BIS-recognised laboratories.
- Consultancy fees can vary depending on product type and factory location.
Conclusion
Firefighting protective gloves are an important component of personal safety equipment utilized in environments that pose continuous threats due to heat and fire hazards. With certified gloves, a person can be sure that there will be higher reliability in handling real-life emergencies. In addition, following the standard IS 16874: 2018 is likely to increase operational safety and ensure consistent performance of the protective equipment used in such hazardous environments.
The process of handling multiple aspects related to BIS certification is likely to pose challenges for manufacturers. EVTL India offers assistance throughout the process by assisting with paperwork preparation, organizing tests of goods, and helping companies navigate the process of BIS certification. Their help will allow simplifying and optimizing the process of obtaining necessary certifications.
