1851-1

Report on Proposals F2006 — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 1851 Report of the Committee on

Fire and Emergency Services Protective Clothing and Equipment (FAE-AAC)

Technical Correlating Committee

Richard M. Duffy, ChairInternational Association of Fire Fighters, DC [L]

Rep. International Association of Fire Fighters

William M. Lambert, SecretaryMine Safety Appliances Company, PA [M]

Rep. Compressed Gas Association

Leslie Anderson, US Department of Agriculture, MT [E]Roger L. Barker, North Carolina State University, NC [SE]Les Boord, US Department of Health & Human Services, PA [E] Nicholas J. Curtis, Lion Apparel, Incorporated, OH [M]Robert A. Freese, Globe Manufacturing Company, NH [M]Andy Gbur, Intertek, OH [RT]Bill Grilliot, Morning Pride Manufacturing, LLC, OH [M] Rep. Fire & Emergency Manufacturers & Services Association IncorporatedJames S. Johnson, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, CA [RT]Cy Long, Texas Commission on Fire Protection, TX [E]David G. Matthews, Fire & Industrial (P.P.E) Limited, United Kingdom [SE] Rep. International Standards OrganizationJim Minx, Oklahoma State Firefighters Association, OK [C] Rep. Oklahoma State Firefighters AssociationAndrew P. Perrella, E. I. DuPont Company, DE [M]Stephen R. Sanders, Safety Equipment Institute (SEI), VA [RT]Denise N. Statham, Southern Mills, Incorporated, GA [M]Jeffrey O. Stull, International Personnel Protection, Incorporated, TX [SE]David Trivette, Tyco/Scott Health & Safety, NC [M] Rep. International Safety Equipment Association Robert D. Tutterow, Jr., Charlotte Fire Department, NC [U] Rep. Fire Industry Equipment Research Organization Harry P. Winer, US Department of the Navy, MA [RT]

Alternates

Jason L. Allen, Intertek, NY [RT] (Alt. to Andy Gbur)Eric J. Beck, Mine Safety Appliances Company, PA [M] (Alt. to William M. Lambert) Janice C. Bradley, International Safety Equipment Association, VA [M] (Alt. to David Trivette)Steven D. Corrado, Underwriters Laboratories Incorporated, NC [RT] (Voting Alt. to UL Rep.) Patricia A. Freeman, Globe Manufacturing Company, Incorporated, NH [M] (Alt. to Robert A. Freese) Patricia A. Gleason, Safety Equipment Institute (SEI), VA [RT] (Alt. to Stephen R. Sanders) Mary I. Grilliot, TFG/Morning Pride Manufacturing LLC, OH [M] (Alt. to Bill Grilliot) William E. Haskell, III, US Department of Health & Human Services, MA [E] (Alt. to Les Boord) Kimberly M. Henry, PBI Performance Products, Incorporated, NC [M] (Alt. to Andrew P. Perrella) Steven B. Lumry, Oklahoma City Fire Department, OK [C] (Alt. to Jim Minx) Frank P. Taylor, Lion Apparel, Incorporated, VA [M] (Alt. to Nicholas J. Curtis)

Nonvoting

Donna P. Brehm, Virginia Beach Fire Department, VA [U] Rep. TC on Emergency Medical Services PC&E Dean W. Cox, Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department, VA [U] Rep. TC on Special Operations PC&E Glenn P. Jirka, Miami Township Fire & EMS Division, OH [E] Rep. TC on Hazardous Materials PC&E Kirk Owen, Plano Fire Department, TX [U] Rep. TC on Structural and Proximity Fire Fighting PC&E Ray F. Reed, Dallas Fire Rescue, TX [U] Rep. TC on Respiratory Protection Equipment Bruce H. Varner, Santa Rosa Fire Department, CA [E] Rep. TC on Electronic Safety Equipment

Committee Scope: This Committee shall have primary responsibility for documents on the design, performance, testing, and certification of protective clothing and protective equipment manufactured for fire and emergency services organizations and personnel, to protect against exposures encountered

during emergency incident operations. This Committee shall also have the primary responsibility for documents on the selection, care, and maintenance of such protective clothing and protective equipment by fire and emergency services organizations and personnel.

Report of the Committee on

Electronic Safety Equipment (FAE-ELS)

Bruce H. Varner, ChairSanta Rosa Fire Department, CA [E]

Steven B. Lumry, SecretaryOklahoma City Fire Department, OK [C]

Rep. Oklahoma State Firefighters Association

Jason L. Allen, Intertek, NY [RT]Robert J. Athanas, SAFE-IR, Incorporated/FDNY, NY [U]Robert J. Bonahoom, Mine Safety Appliances Company, PA [M]Nelson P. Bryner, US National Institute of Standards & Technology, MD [RT]A. Paul Bull, Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department, VA [U]John P. Campman, Grace Industries, Incorporated, PA [M]John G. Casali, Virginia Tech University, VA [SE]Richard W. Duncanson, City of Middletown Fire Department, NY [E] Rep. NFPA Fire Service Section Michael G. Feely, Boston Fire Department, MA [U] Thomas J. Fisher, US Department of Health & Human Services, PA [E] Wayne C. Haase, Summit Safety, Incorporated, MA [M] Roy R. Hari, Marion County Fire District #1, OR [E] Karen Lehtonen, Lion Apparel, Incorporated, OH [M] Michael J. Lewis, Underwriters Laboratories Incorporated, NC [RT] Michael F. McKenna, Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, CA [U] Lawrence M. Nyberg, Motorola, Incorporated, IL [M] Craig Parkulo, Tyco/Scott Health and Safety, NC [M] Fred H. Rascoe, International Safety Instruments, Incorporated, GA [M] Rep. International Safety Equipment Association Stephen R. Sanders, Safety Equipment Institute (SEI), VA [RT] Christina Spoons, Westmont Fire Department, IL [C] Donald H. J. Turno, Westinghouse Savannah River, SC [U] Timothy W. Wolf, Scottsdale Fire Department, AZ [C] Thelma Yoosephiance, Kazarians & Associates, Incorporated, CA [SE]

Alternates

Donald Aldridge, Lion Apparel, Incorporated, OH [M] (Alt. to Karen Lehtonen)Francine K. Amon, Ph.D., US National Institute of Standards & Technology, MD [RT] (Alt. to Nelson P. Bryner)Janice C. Bradley, International Safety Equipment Association, VA [M] (Alt. to Fred H. Rascoe) Patricia A. Gleason, Safety Equipment Institute (SEI), VA [RT] (Alt. to Stephen R. Sanders)William E. Haskell, III, US Department of Health & Human Services, MA [E] (Alt. to Thomas J. Fisher)John Jarboe, Grace Industries, Incorporated, MD [M] (Alt. to John P. Campman)Richard Katz, Mine Safety Appliances Company, PA [M] (Alt. to Robert J. Bonahoom)Robert M. Knabbe, SAFE-IR, Incorporated/FDNY, NY [U] (Alt. to Robert J. Athanas)Jeff A. Lancaster, Virginia Tech University, VA [SE] (Alt. to John G. Casali)Jeffrey L. Landis, Tyco/Scott Health and Safety, NC [M] (Alt. to Craig Parkulo)Daniel P. Ryan, Underwriters Laboratories Incorporated, NC [RT] (Alt. to Michael J. Lewis)Steven D. Townsend, City of Carrollton Fire Department, TX [E] (Alt. to Bruce H. Varner)

Committee Scope: This Committee shall have primary responsibility for documents on the design, performance, testing, and certification of electronic safety equipment used by fire and emergency services personnel during emergency incident operations, and shall also have primary responsibility for documents on the selection, care, and maintenance of electronic safety equipment.

1851-�

Report on Proposals F2006 — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 1851

Report of the Committee on

Respiratory Protection Equipment (FAE-RPE)

Ray F. Reed, ChairDallas Fire Rescue, TX [U]

W. Lee Birch, SecretaryLuxfer Gas Cylinders, CA [M]

Jason L. Allen, Intertek, NY [RT]Claire C. Austin, National Research Council of Canada (NRC), Canada [SE]Eric J. Beck, Mine Safety Appliances Company, PA [M]David T. Bernzweig, Columbus (Ohio) Division of Fire, OH [L] Rep. Columbus Fire Fighters Union, IAFF Local 67Les Boord, US Department of Health & Human Services, PA [E]A. Paul Bull, Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department, VA [U]Brian H. Cox, Clovis Fire Department, CA [U]Edward D. Golla, TRI/Airtesting, TX [RT]A. Ira Harkness, US Department of the Navy, FL [RT]David V. Haston, US Department of Agriculture, CA [RT]John Jarboe, Grace Industries, Incorporated, MD [M]Stephen J. King, Deer Park, NY [SE]Kevin D. Lentz, City of Garland Texas Fire Department, TX [U]Ian Maxwell, Interspiro AB, Sweden [M]Jerry Phifer, Tyco/Scott Health & Safety, NC [M]Mark I. Piland, City of Virginia Beach Fire Administration, VA [U]Fred H. Rascoe, International Safety Instruments, Incorporated, GA [M]Daniel N. Rossos, City of Portland Fire Bureau, OR [U]Stephen R. Sanders, Safety Equipment Institute (SEI), VA [RT]Robert Sell, Draeger Safety, Incorporated, PA [M]Richard A. Smith, Trace Analytics, Incorporated, TX [RT]Richard S. Tobin, Jr., Fire Department City of New York, NY [U]Kenton D. Warner, KDW Consulting, LLC, KS [SE]Steven H. Weinstein, Survivair, CA [M] Rep. International Safety Equipment Association

Alternates

Marshall (Mark) J. Black, US Department of the Navy, FL [RT] (Alt. to A. Ira Harkness) John P. Campman, Grace Industries, Incorporated, PA [M] (Alt. to John Jarboe) J. Michael Carlson, TRI/Environmental, Incorporated, TX [RT] (Alt. to Edward D. Golla) Dennis K. Davis, US Department of Agriculture, MT [RT] (Alt. to David V. Haston) David Hodson, Draeger Safety UK Limited, United Kingdom [M] (Alt. to Robert Sell) Richard Hofmeister, Tyco/Scott Health & Safety, NC [M] (Alt. to Jerry Phifer) Nick Luzie, Survivair, CA [M] (Alt. to Steven H. Weinstein) Stephen T. Miles, City of Virginia Beach Fire Department, VA [U] (Alt. to Mark I. Piland) John Morris, International Safety Instruments, Incorporated, GA [M] (Alt. to Fred H. Rascoe) William T. Mundy, Fire Department City of New York, NY [U] (Alt. to Richard S. Tobin, Jr.) Michael T. Rupert, Mine Safety Appliances Company, PA [M] (Alt. to Eric J. Beck)

Nonvoting

Matthew I. Chibbaro, US Department of Labor, DC [E] Robert B. Bell, US Department of Labor, DC [E] (Alt. to Matthew I. Chibbaro)

Committee Scope: This Committee shall have primary responsibility for documents on respiratory equipment, including breathing air, for fire and emergency services personnel during incidents involving hazardous or oxygen deficient atmospheres.

This Committee shall also have primary responsibility for documents on the selection, care, and maintenance of respiratory protection equipment and systems by fire and emergency services organizations and personnel.

Report of the Committee on

Special Operations Protective Clothing and Equipment (FAE-SCE)

Dean W. Cox, ChairFairfax County Fire & Rescue Department, VA [U]

Karen Lehtonen, SecretaryLion Apparel, Incorporated, OH [M]

Steven D. Corrado, Underwriters Laboratories Incorporated, NC [RT]Keith B. Dempsey, City of Dalton Fire Department, GA [C]James A. Frank, CMC Rescue, Incorporated, CA [M]Hamid M. Ghorashi, E. I. DuPont de Nemours and Co., Incorporated, VA [M]Daniel Gohlke, W. L. Gore & Associates, MD [M]William E. Haskell, III, US Department of Health & Human Services, MA [E]Donald F. Hayde, Fire Department City of New York, NY [U]Diane B. Hess, PBI Performance Products, Incorporated, NC [M]Steve Hudson, Pigeon Mountain Industries, Incorporated, GA [M]H. Dean Paderick, Special Rescue International, VA [SE]Jack Reall, Columbus Fire Division, OH [U]Stephen R. Sanders, Safety Equipment Institute (SEI), VA [RT]Kelly Sisson, City of La Mesa Fire Department, CA [U]Michael T. Stanhope, Southern Mills, Incorporated, GA [M]Doug Stephenson, Walker County Emergency Services, GA [U]Jeffrey O. Stull, International Personnel Protection, Incorporated, TX [SE]Brian Wackowicz, Intertek, NY [RT]Harry P. Winer, US Department of the Navy, MA [RT]

Alternates

Jason L. Allen, Intertek, NY [RT] (Alt. to Brian Wackowicz)Nicholas J. Curtis, Lion Apparel, Incorporated, OH [M] (Alt. to Karen Lehtonen)Kimberly M. Henry, PBI Performance Products, Incorporated, NC [M] (Alt. to Diane B. Hess)Kim Klaren, Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department, VA [U] (Alt. to Dean W. Cox)Loui (Clem) McCurley, Pigeon Mountain Industries, Incorporated, CO [M] (Alt. to Steve Hudson)Stephen G. Rasweiler, Fire Department City of New York, NY [U] (Alt. to Donald F. Hayde)Brennan E. Sigmon, Underwriters Laboratories, Incorporated, NC [RT] (Alt. to Steven D. Corrado)Denise N. Statham, Southern Mills, Incorporated, GA [M] (Alt. to Michael T. Stanhope)

Committee Scope: This Committee shall have primary responsibility for documents on special operations protective clothing and protective equipment, except respiratory equipment, that provides hand, foot, torso, limb, head, and interface protection for fire fighters and other emergency services responders during incidents involving special operations functions including, but not limited to, structural collapse, trench rescue, confined space entry, urban search and rescue, high angle/mountain rescue, vehicular extraction, swift water or flooding rescue, contaminated water diving, and air operations.

This Committee shall also have primary responsibility for documents on station/work uniform garments that are not of themselves primary protective garments but can be combined with a primary protective garment to serve dual or multiple functions.

Additionally, this Committee shall have primary responsibility for documents on the selection, care, and maintenance of special operations protective clothing and equipment by fire and emergency services organizations and personnel.

1851-�

Report on Proposals F2006 — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 1851 Report of the Committee on

Structural and Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Clothing and Equipment (FAE-SPF)

Kirk Owen, ChairPlano Fire Department, TX [U] Rep. NFPA Fire Service Section

Patricia A. Freeman, SecretaryGlobe Manufacturing Company, Incorporated, NH [M]

Donald Aldridge, Lion Apparel, Incorporated, OH [M]Jason L. Allen, Intertek, NY [RT]James M. Baker, National Safety Clean, Incorporated, PA [IM]Claude Barbeau, Bacou-Dalloz Protective Apparel Limited, Canada [M]Roger L. Barker, North Carolina State University, NC [SE]Karl J. Beeman, Ensemble Care & Maintenance Services, NV [IM]Shane Bray, Mine Safety Appliances Company, PA [M]Donna P. Brehm, Virginia Beach Fire Department, VA [U]Bill Burke, Fire-Dex, Incorporated, OH [M]Michael Carlin, City of La Mesa Fire Department, CA [U]Steven D. Corrado, Underwriters Laboratories Incorporated, NC [RT]Dean W. Cox, Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department, VA [U]Greg Gammon, Las Vegas Fire and Rescue, NV [E] Rep. International Association of Fire ChiefsMary I. Grilliot, TFG/Morning Pride Manufacturing LLC, OH [M]William E. Haskell, III, US Department of Health & Human Services, MA [E]Allen S. Hay, Fire Department City of New York, NY [U]Stephen J. King, Deer Park, NY [SE]James R. Lawson, US National Institute of Standards & Technology, MD [RT]Cy Long, Texas Commission on Fire Protection, TX [E]Michael F. McKenna, Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, CA [U]Richard A. Oleson, E. D. Bullard Company, KY [M]Louis V. Ott, Gentex Corporation, PA [M]Tom Ragan, Shelby Specialty Gloves, TN [M]R. Wendell Robison, Fillmore, UT [C] Rep. National Volunteer Fire Council Kevin M. Roche, Phoenix Fire Department, AZ [U] Rep. International Fire Service Training Association Michael J. Scianna, City of Chicago Fire Department, IL [E] Jeffrey O. Stull, International Personnel Protection, Incorporated, TX [SE] William Swope, Lexington Fayette Urban County Government, KY [U] Jim Tate, Fort Worth Fire Fighters Association, TX [L] Rep. International Association of Fire Fighters Robert D. Tutterow, Jr., Charlotte Fire Department, NC [U] Rep. Fire Industry Equipment Research Organization Harry P. Winer, US Department of the Navy, MA [RT]

Alternates

Anthony Di Giovanni, Bacou-Dalloz Protective Apparel Limited, Canada [M] (Alt. to Claude Barbeau)Scott R. Doan, Alameda County Fire Department, CA [U] (Alt. to Michael F. McKenna)Tim Durby, City of Phoenix, AZ [U] (Alt. to Kevin M. Roche)Andy Gbur, Intertek, OH [RT] (Alt. to Jason L. Allen)Bill Grilliot, Morning Pride Manufacturing, LLC, OH [M] (Alt. to Mary I. Grilliot)F. Joseph Hersick, Mine Safety Appliances Company, PA [M] (Alt. to Shane Bray)Tricia Hock, Fire-Dex, Incorporated, OH [M] (Alt. to Bill Burke)Kim Klaren, Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department, VA [U] (Alt. to Dean W. Cox)Karen Lehtonen, Lion Apparel, Incorporated, OH [M] (Alt. to Donald Aldridge)Daniel F. Melia, Fire Department City of New York, NY [U] (Alt. to Allen S. Hay)Ted E. Nonini, United Fire Fighters of Los Angeles City, CA [L] (Voting Alt. to UFLAC Rep.) Robin B. Royster, Underwriters Laboratories Incorporated, NC [RT] (Alt. to Steven D. Corrado)Kelly Sisson, City of La Mesa Fire Department, CA [U] (Alt. to Michael Carlin)Charles C. Soros, Fire Department Safety Officers Association, WA [SE] (Alt. to Jeffrey O. Stull)

James S. Spahr, US Department of Health & Human Services, WV [E] (Alt. to William E. Haskell, III) Donald B. Thompson, North Carolina State University, NC [SE] (Alt. to Roger L. Barker) Robert Vettori, US National Institute of Standards & Technology, MD [RT] (Alt. to James R. Lawson) Don Welch, II, Globe Manufacturing Company, NH [M] (Alt. to Patricia A. Freeman)

Nonvoting

Robert B. Bell, US Department of Labor, DC [E] (Alt. to Matthew I. Chibbaro) Matthew I. Chibbaro, US Department of Labor, DC [E]

Committee Scope: This Committee shall have primary responsibility for documents on protective ensembles, except respiratory protection, that provides head, limb, hand, foot, torso, and interface protection for fire fighters and other emergency services responders during incidents involving structural fire fighting operations or proximity fire fighting operations.

Structural fire fighting operations include the activities of rescue, fire suppression, and property conservation during incidents involving fires in buildings, enclosed structures, vehicles, marine vessels, or like properties.

Proximity fire fighting operations include the activities of rescue, fire suppression, and property conservation during incidents involving commercial and military aircraft fires, bulk flammable gas fires, bulk flammable and combustible liquids fires, combustible metal fires, exotic fuel fires, and other such fires that produce very high levels of radiant heat as well as convective and conductive heat.

Additionally, this Committee shall have primary responsibility for documents on the selection, care, and maintenance of structural and proximity fire fighting protective ensembles by fire and emergency services organizations and personnel.

Staff Liaison: Bruce W. Teele

These lists represent the membership at the time each Committee was balloted on the text of this report. Since that time, changes in the membership may have occurred. A key to classifications is found at the front of the document.

The Technical Committee on Fire and Emergency Services Protective Clothing and Equipment is presenting four Reports for adoption, as follows:

SPECIAL NOTICE

The Technical Committee (TC) on Respiratory Protection Equipment would like the emergency services community to take special note of the ROP proposed changes for the proposed 2007 edition of NFPA 1981 that would allow interchangeability of SCBA breathing air cylinders and valve assemblies between various manufacturers’ SCBA.

While the concept of having a “standardized cylinder” that would work with any SCBA of the same pressure classification has been discussed for several years by this TC, the issue took on a more urgent tone with the increased emphasis on terrorism and homeland security. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) expressed its concern about the ability of neighboring jurisdictions and emergency agencies to operate together during large-scale incidents. One of their concerns was the ability to provide sufficient breathing air for large numbers of emergency workers who could respond to a terrorism incident and be required to use SCBA. In the instance of an attack using chemical agents, it may or may not be possible to refill air cylinders at the scene. Even if the air quality is not compromised, emergency services organizations may not be able to refill cylinders quickly enough to keep responders supplied with breathing air. It could therefore be desirable to be able to use cylinders from other jurisdictions and from other manufacturers than used by the jurisdiction with the incident.

While all cylinders have a CGA (Compressed Gas Association) fitting on the cylinder valve and can be connected to any SCBA, the cylinder often will not fit properly in the back frame and may not operate properly. In addition, NIOSH, who certifies all respirators, certifies entire systems, including the cylinder and valve assembly. Using a cylinder of an SCBA cylinder from a different manufacturer that the one with which the SCBA was “NIOSH certified” will avoid the NIOSH certification and cause that SCBA to be used in an unapproved manner in violation of OSHA regulations. For these reasons, interchangeability of cylinders was not practical. FEMA has challenged the industry and standards developers to make cylinder interchangeability a reality. DHS/FEMA could require that where federal funds would be used to purchase SCBA, interchangeable cylinders must be part of the approved/certified SCBA.

1851-�

Report on Proposals F2006 — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 1851 The TC on Respiratory Protection Equipment has listened to the federal

agencies and to the user community, and has incorporated requirements for SCBA cylinder interchangeability into this ROP (Report on Proposals). The effect of these changes could have both positive and negative impacts on emergency services organizations. The TC wishes to point out these effects, and encourages all interested parties to submit comments to the TC on the desirability of these changes and/or any proposed amendments to the language.

The obvious advantage to these changes will be the ability to use any SCBA breathing air cylinder that meets the proposed interchangeability requirements on any SCBA that has been certified to the proposed �007 edition of NFPA 1981, and be assured that it will fit and operate properly, will not void the NIOSH certification of the SCBA, and will not be in violation of OSHA requirements. Agencies that have SCBA and cylinders that are certified to this standard will be able to operate together and interchange breathing air cylinders even though the SCBA and cylinders are from different manufacturers. Another consideration is that if an agency decides to purchase from a different SCBA manufacturer, it will no longer be necessary to purchase all new cylinders, even though existing cylinders still have several years of service remaining. Existing cylinders could be used with the new manufacturer’s SCBA.

There are, however, potential disadvantages to these changes as well. Interchangeability would only be possible if all agencies operating at the incident have SCBA and cylinders that are certified to the new edition of the standard. Because of the costs of purchasing or upgrading to new SCBA and cylinders, interchangeability throughout the country is expected to take several years to achieve, however if interchangeability is desired, the process must begin somewhere. Also, where emergency services organizations purchase new SCBA that meet the interchangeability requirements, the new cylinders might not be compatible with existing SCBA or SCBA brackets on apparatus. Existing cylinders that are not certified as interchangeable could not be used with the new SCBA. Upgrading existing SCBA to the �007 edition of NFPA 1981 could require changes to cylinder valves, back frames, and NIOSH CBRN certification, as well as complying with the more stringent communication performance criteria. Upgrading of SCBA to the latest edition of NFPA 1981 has long been practiced by fire departments and other emergency services organizations in order to “keep up” with the advances made to SCBA. The far as practical in these NFPA PPE product standards, the preference is to develop performance based requirements. In order to achieve standardization, however, it is necessary to specify the design of the interchangeable cylinder and valve assembly. This could, of necessity, reduce emergency services organizations’ freedom of choice. All SCBA certified to the new edition (�007 edition) of NFPA 1981 will have to meet these specific design criteria. Opponents of interchangeability suggest that this will hinder future innovation of cylinder development.

The TC simply wants to make the emergency services community aware of the issues concerning this proposed change, and encourage interested parties to submit comments for the TC’s consideration. If you support the concept of interchangeability of cylinders, please submit a comment stating that you support what the TC has proposed. If you support it, but think there should be changes to the proposed requirements, please submit a comment specifying the changes you propose. If you oppose interchangeability of cylinders, please submit a comment requesting the “interchangeability requirements” be deleted. In all cases, please state your reasons or substantiation for your position.

The Reports were prepared by the:

• Technical Correlating Committee on Fire and Emergency Services Protective Clothing and Equipment (FAE-AAC)

• Technical Committee on Electronic Safety Equipment (FAE-ELS)• Technical Committee on Respiratory Protection Equipment (FAE-

RPE)• Technical Committee on Special Operations Protective Clothing and

Equipment (FAE-SCE)• Technical Committee on Structural and Proximity Fire Protective

Clothing and Equipment (FAE-SPF)

Report I: The Technical Committee proposes for adoption, a complete revision to NFPA 1851, Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Structural Fire Fighting Protective Ensembles, �001 edition. NFPA 1851-�001 is published in Volume 11 of the �00�/�005 National Fire Codes and in separate pamphlet form.

When adopted this document will be redesignated as NFPA 1851, Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Structural and Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Ensembles.

NFPA 1851 has been submitted to letter ballot of the Technical Committee on Structural and Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Clothing and Equipment, which consists of �� voting members; of whom �� voted affirmatively (� with comments), 1 negatively after circulation of negative votes (R. Robison), 1 ballot was not returned (L. Ott).

Mr. R. Robison voted negatively stating:“As the representative for the National Volunteer Fire Council to the

NFPA 1851 Standards Committee, I oppose any changes to the Standard which sets a specific timeline for retirement of the garments.

The National Volunteer Fire Council has been successful in the promotion and passage in many States of the Good Samaritan Act which allows Public and Private organizations the ability to donate usable Protective Garments and Equipment to Volunteer Fire Departments without the burden of liability. These organizations in the past have had to destroy fully functioning Gear and Equipment simply because of a timeline expiration issue.

The Volunteer Fire Service in America has been fortunate to be the recipient of usable garments and equipment from Career Fire Departments and Private Companies who are blessed with the ability to replace their garments and equipment on a timely basis. By adding an expiration timeline in the Standard it would eliminate this source of Garments and Equipment for the Volunteer Fire Service and create a financial hardship for Volunteer Fire Departments who are already struggling with meager budgets.”

Mr. W. Haskell voted affirmatively with the following comment:1. 1851-1� (Log #19), Final Action is Reject. Our notes

indicate the TC Accepted in Principal.�. The TC requested a Water Penetration Test was part of the

Inspection Tank Group, Paragraph 6.�.�.5 Moisture Barrier Hydrostatic Test does not include the submitted version of the water penetration test. See test method narrative below for original submission as requested by the TC.

�. A significant amount of the CBRN Task Group Report was not included. The missing items are listed below.

The recommended changes in the following paragraphs by the CBRN Task Group were not included in the ROP:

Chapter 11.1.1 – not revised1.1.1.1 – new, not added1.1.� – not revised, but similar revision made under 1.�.�Chapter 2�.1.1 – NFPA 199� was not added and NFPA 1976 was not deletedChapter 3�.�.G Interface Component definition is not completeA.�.�.1 – is in document instead of appendixA.�.1.� – new, not addedA.�.1.� – new, not addedA.�.1.5 – new, not addedChapter 66.�.�.7 – new, not addedX.X Water Penetration Barrier Evaluation.X.X.1 Application. This evaluation method shall apply to moisture

barrier materials and moisture barrier seams found in structural or proximity firefighting protective garment elements that are in service.

X.X.� Evaluation Areas.X.X.�.1 A minimum of � of moisture barrier material areas and a

minimum of � moisture barrier areas with a seam shall be tested on each garment element.

X.X.�.1.1 Moisture barrier material areas shall be from high abrasion areas of the garment elements; such as the broadest part of the shoulders and the back waist area of the coat and the knees, crotch and seat of the trousers.

X.X.�.1.� Moisture barrier material areas shall also be any areas of the garment where damage is detected or expected.

X.X.�.� Moisture barrier material areas shall be positioned in the evaluation apparatus, so that the side of the barrier that is oriented toward the exterior of the garment faces the water in the evaluation apparatus.

X.X.�.� Moisture barrier material areas with seams shall be positioned on the evaluation apparatus so that the seam divides the specimen into two equal halves.

X.X.� Evaluation Apparatus.X.X.�.1* The apparatus used to evaluate water penetration shall have

the following characteristics: (1) The apparatus shall consist of a means of clamping the garment

element moisture barrier area to be evaluated in a horizontal position, providing a water-tight seal with the pressurization portion of the apparatus and water reservoir.

(�) The apparatus shall accommodate evaluations of garment element moisture barriers and seams without the removal of specimens.

(�) The apparatus shall have a clamping area that provides a water exposure and viewing area that is at least 50 mm (� in.) diameter.

(�) The apparatus shall have a water reservoir containing sufficient water for carrying out the required testing.

(5) The apparatus shall provide for the pressurization of water against the garment element moisture barrier area at a pressure of 6.9 kPa (1 psi) for a period of at least 15 seconds. The 6.9 kPa (1 psi) pressure shall be achieved within a period of 10 seconds.

(6) The apparatus shall be equipped with a pressure gauge that is accurate the nearest 0.� kPa (0.1 psi).

(7) The apparatus shall be equipped with a means of bleeding air pressure and permit the drainage of water from the pressurization portion of the apparatus.

1851-5

Report on Proposals F2006 — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 1851 X.X.�.1 A stopwatch or other timer shall be used to ensure that

pressure is applied for the specified duration of 15 s.X.X.� Procedure.X.X.�.1 The selected area of moisture barrier to be evaluated shall be

placed in the evaluation apparatus and clamped to provide a water-tight seal with the evaluation apparatus.

X.X.�.� Water pressure of 1 psi shall be introduced against the exposure side of the moisture barrier for a period of not less than 15 s.

X.X.�.� The opposite side of the moisture barrier area being evaluated shall be viewed after 15 s to determine if water penetration occurs.

X.X.5 Results.X.X.5.1 If any water passes through the moisture barrier or moisture

barrier seam, the liner shall be removed from service and repaired or replaced.

X.X.5.� If no water passes through the moisture barrier or moisture barrier seam, the liner shall be allowed to dry completely before use.

A.X.X.�.1 An evaluation apparatus meeting these requirements is specified in Method 5516, “Water Resistance of Cloth; Water Permeability; Hydrostatic Pressure Method,” of Federal Test Method Standard 191A, Textile Test Methods. The method of pressurization may be automatic or manual.

Mr. J. Stull voted affirmatively with the following comment:“The committee did a very good job in assembling the new standard to

update selection, care, and maintenance practices as well as integrate proximity protective clothing in a relatively short time frame given its responsibilities for concluding the revision of NFPA 1971. My comments are primarily submitted to highlight actions on proposals that appear to be inconsistent or questionable and to identify corrections and changes that I believe should have been implemented into the standard for minimizing the number of future public comments.”

Handling of Public Proposals

Proposals 1851-5 (Log #3), 1851-24 (Log #1), 1851-25 (Log #2); Question on appropriate action: Some methodology is needed to provide guidance to organizations for verifying that repairs are appropriately undertaken. At the very least, the committee should consider providing guidance in the appendix with recommended procedures for how repairs should be conducted.

Proposal 1851-6 (Log #4); Question on appropriate action: The submitter has suggested the creation of a model standard operating procedure (SOP), as required of the organization by the standard. However, the committee has rejected the proposal on the basis that no recommended language has been provided. The actual discussion in the committee for rejecting the proposal was based on concerns that organizations would believe that the model SOP would be considered mandatory. I believe that the committee should have accepted the proposal in principle and prepared an outline of the model standard operating procedure (similar to NFPA 1500) to aid organizations in creating their own SOP.

Proposals 1851-10 (Log #6) and 1851-11 (Log #5); Consistency issue: The submitter has recommended the tabulation of the element characteristics for both basic and advanced inspection. This is an appropriate direction of the standard as it would help to clarify the requirements and make the standard easier to use. While the committee has agreed to provide this information in the appendix, I believe it would be more appropriate to have it simply in the body of the standard as the submitter has suggested. Many other NFPA standards make effective use of tables as part of mandatory requirements. The net result is a more end user friendly standard.

Proposal 1851-12 (Log #16); Editorial error: Presumably, the wrong section is referenced in the Committee Statement, since there is no Section 6.�; the section should be Section 6.�.�.

Proposal 1851-14 (Log #19); Editorial error: The action is shown as reject; however, the recommended language has been incorporated as part of 6.�.�.�.1(d). The action should be “accept in principle.” The committee statement also is not consistent with the action taken with respect to the revision of the ROP draft.

Proposal 1851-17 (Log #17); Consistency issue: Part of the comment was rejected in accepted an ASTM-based definition for the term “embrittlement.” The committee statement indicated that the glossary term will be used but it is uncertain if the definition for embrittlement as it appears in paragraph �.�.�� has been reviewed as part of the project glossary of definitions.

Proposal 1851-26; Editorial error: The second appearance of “agents” on the first line should be struck out.

Proposal 1851-29 (Log #15); Editorial error: The “Substantiation” is not provided with this comment. The word “Substantiation” should not appear after the list of tests. The following text is all part of the intended appendix text. The correct substantiation for this proposal as originally submitted was: “Additional information should be provided in the appendix section of the standard to guide organization’s requests for information.”

Proposal 1851-30 (Log #21); Technical and editorial errors: The committee statement indicates to see the text of 7.1.6 in the ROP. Paragraph 7.1.6, formerly paragraph 5.�.� of the �001 edition, has been modified to include a new first sentence; however, the intent of this proposal has not been met as specific information was to be provided in a related appendix section. Paragraph 7.1.6 does include an asterisk, but there is no corresponding section in the appendix.

Corrections and Omissions

A task group worked on a new water penetration test but yet the test was not included in the standard as proposed (6.�.�.5).

It does not appear that in the reorganization of the standard that the appendix items have been properly matched to the new paragraph numbers. There are no appendix sections for the following paragraphs in Chapter 7, 8, 9 and 10 that are marked as having an appendix references.

A 7.1.1 A 7.1.�.� A 7.1.6 A 7.1.8 A 7.1.9 A 7.�.1 A 7.�.� A 7.�.1 A 7.�.7 A 7.�.7.� A 7.5.6 A 7.5.8 A 7.5.8 A 7.5.9 A 7.6.1 A 7.6.� A 7.6.� A 8.1.7 A 8.1.8 A 8.1.16 A 8.1.19 A 8.1.�0 A 8.1.�1 A 8.1.��A.9.1.9 A.10.1.�A.10.1.5 (second paragraph of same number, should be 10.1.8.A.10.1.7

NFPA 1851 has also been submitted to letter ballot of the Technical Correlating Committee on Fire and Emergency Services Protective Clothing and Equipment, which consists of �1 voting members; of whom 18 voted affirmatively, and � ballots were not returned (L. Anderson, R. Barker and C. Long).

Report II: The Technical Committee proposes for adoption, a complete revision to NFPA 1951, Standard on Protective Ensemble for USAR Operations, �001 edition. NFPA 1951-�001 is published in Volume 11 of the �00�/�005 National Fire Codes and in separate pamphlet form.

When adopted this document will be redesignated as NFPA 1951, Standard on Ensembles for Technical Rescue Operations.

NFPA 1951 has been submitted to letter ballot of the Technical Committee on Special Operations Protective Clothing and Equipment, which consists of �0 voting members; of whom 18voted affirmatively (one with comment), and � ballots were not returned (D. Hayde and K. Sisson).

Mr. J. Stull voted affirmatively with the following comment:“I am very much in favor of the overall direction that has been taken by the

committee in revising NFPA 1951. I believe that the new system for classifying protective clothing and equipment for USAR operations will provide the choices in protection desired by first responders. Nevertheless, I would like to raise:

1. The principal issue that I would like to raise as part of my comments is the overall organization of the standard. It is my recollection that each of the applications – work utility, rescue and recovery, and CBRN would begin with base requirements that would be common to all ensemble elements, where applicable. There would then be specific additional requirements that pertain to each individual application. This approach ensures consistency in the establishment of a fundamental set of requirements that apply to all elements and serves to distinctly show the differences for the specific applications. As written, the standard replicates the requirements in each section. This latter approach does not permit the differentiation of each application and is prone to

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Report on Proposals F2006 — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 1851 errors as many requirements are simply repeated. I want to make clear that the approach that I recommended, and believe was agreed upon by the committee, was not intended to imply that each application is simply a “step up” from the previous application. There are distinct differences that exist for each ensemble as decided by the committee.

While there was a task group that was put together to help organize the standard, the input for revision of the standard was not taken into account or acknowledged. The consequence of not having the task group interact is that an undue number of public comments will be submitted. For example, the committee agreed that the CBRN design flexibility would be permitted for each application. As written, the standard only permits this design flexibility for the CBRN ensemble.

It is important that a clear organization for the standard be decided so that the committee has direction for how to implement changes to raise the standard during the comment phase.

�. The second issue that I would like to raise is the way that ensemble visibility has been addressed. There was no action by the committee for revising the high visibility requirements for garments compared to the original draft, which was remanded to the committee. While garment visibility has been made optional, it does not make the correct implementation of visibility properties any less important when needed. The current criteria are for reflective materials versus trim-based materials are not equivalent and the committee has made no attempt to reconcile these differences.

I recommend that a specific direction be established for which to base the equitable performance of visibility properties for area-reflective versus tri-based materials that does not compromise individual safety.

NFPA 1951 has also been submitted to letter ballot of the Technical Correlating Committee on Fire and Emergency Services Protective Clothing and Equipment, which consists of �1 voting members; of whom 19 voted affirmatively, and � ballots were not returned (L. Anderson and C. Long).

Report III: The Technical Committee proposes for adoption, a complete revision to NFPA 1981, Standard on Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus for Fire and Emergency Services, �00� edition. NFPA 1981-�00� is published in Volume 1� of the �00�/�005 National Fire Codes and in separate pamphlet form.

When adopted this document is being redesignated NFPA 1981, Standard on Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for Emergency Services.

NFPA 1981 has been submitted to letter ballot of the Technical Committee on Respiratory Protection Equipment, which consists of �6 voting members; of whom 18 voted affirmatively, 6 negatively after circulation of any negative votes (D. Bernzweig, A. Bull, J. Phifer, R. Sell, R. Tobin, S.Weinstein), � abstained (W. Birch and D. Haston).

Mr. D. Bernzweig voted negatively stating: “While the concept of interchangeable cylinders does have some

merit, I cannot support the ROP at this time.There remain more questions than answers concerning the proposed

changes vis-à-vis cylinder interchangeability. Taking this concept to the comment stage without a more thorough investigation as to its need and implications may turn out to be a detriment to the fire service.

The reality remains that the fire service expects its representatives on this committee to reflect its needs and desires, and defend against unnecessary or detrimental changes to the standard. At this time it does not appear that this is a fire service driven need.

I could support bringing the question of cylinder interchangeability to the comment stage only after many of the unanswered questions are answered and found to support the benefits of cylinder interchangeability. Furthermore, I believe the benefits of a delayed update to this standard far outweigh the risks associated with pushing this change through before a more thorough evaluation is completed.”

Mr. A. Bull voted negatively stating:“1. Did not receive packet until 9-�9.05, no time to review it.�. Item was rushed through at the last minute that need answers and

information on long term effect to the fire service. Answers we do not have.

�. The fire service is not asking for the major changes in this document, other outside agencies are and that’s not in our (fire service) best interest.”

Mr. J. Phifer voted negatively stating: A negative vote is cast because the performance requirements in 7.16

and 7.17 does not have a test method called out in Chapter 8. Without specific test methods and parameters, it is impossible to

design, test, and certify to the standard.

Mr. R. Sell voted negatively stating:“1. Section �.1.� and Section 6.1.�: Both sections require “SCBA

that are compliant with NFPA 1981 shall also be certified by NIOSH as a CBRN SCBA” should not be included in the ROP.

A. NIOSH currently utilizes a three tier certification policy for CBRN SCBA qualifications which includes �� CFR, Part 8� certification for Industrial Respirators, NFPA 1981 (latest edition) and then CBRN special tests. By including this requirement, it appears to cause a four tier certification process in which NFPA certification is obtained twice. This action has not been discussed at the committee level that we are aware of.

B. Requiring CBRN certification creates a long lead time for NFPA certifications due the method that NIOSH is currently utilizing where all �� CFR, Part 8� certifications and NFPA certifications are provided at the time of CBRN submittal. This alone takes approximately � months to occur if not longer. Then once a CBRN submittal is made this may take another � months before that certification obtained. Therefore a manufacturer is looking at a minimum of six months before the requirements for above referenced sections to be complied with.

C. If this requirement is to stand, then the implementation dates for compliance to NFPA 1981 will also need to be extended beyond the standard six months in order to allow the manufacturers time to obtain the required certifications.

D. From our discussions with many fire departments (particularly volunteer departments), this is not something that they feel that they need. Including this requirement would be an injustice to these types of fire departments.

�. Section 7.16 for a standard cylinder valve is not supported with test methods. As a manufacturer, having a design requirement for a standard cylinder / valve assembly is only a beginning. We also need to know what the test methods are in order to reliably design and manufacture a product that we have confidence in that would meet the needs of the fire fighter. It is at this point in the standards process where we like to start and evaluate the test methods to ensure the objectives are met and to provide substantiated comments, if required, during the standards process.

�. Section 7.17 on Immersion Leakage does not have test methods identified. Our reasons are the same as Item � above.

�. Communications: All of the design and test requirements are listed, but we believe that by increasing the distance that a firefighter can communicate may not be a good thing. Firefighters must adhere to the two man rule and have close if not actual contact at all times. Allowing firefighters to be further apart during any operation may well allow the pair to become more easily separated and this causes a safety issue. Until it is clear that a firefighter can be 15 feet apart is a benefit and evidence from the field clearly indicates this then the distance to communicate should not be increased. Improving communications is one thing whereas increasing communication distance is another.

The following items were discovered during our review of the NFPA 1981 ROP Document:

1. There are two Section �.1.� and the remaining sections following �.1.� will need to be renumbered

�. Section �.1.11 identifies an implementation date of 1 March �00� and should be corrected to reflect the correct year.

�. Section �.�.1� is incomplete with paragraphs missing.�. Table �.�.9 on Test Series is jumbled and unreadable.5. Table 8.1.�.7(b) for the breathing machine wave form data is

jumbled and unreadable.6. Sections 8.1.�.10.9 through 8.1.5.� are incomplete.7. Section 8.16 and 8.17 are not contained in the document.”

Mr. R. Tobin voted negatively stating:“I believe the document has been rushed into completion. Too many

unanswered questions have not been resolved to the satisfaction of myself and others on the Committee.”

Mr. S. Weinstein voted negatively stating:“During discussions at the NFPA 198� meeting in August, it was

noted that the DHS is backing off their original stance that cylinder interoperability is necessary, stating in essence that they may have been misperceived, and thus overemphasized, its importance. Since the whole issue of cylinder interoperability was driven by the DHS applying pressure on the NFPA to add such a requirement to NFPA 1981, there is no reason to persist in doing so if the DHS now does not consider it vital.

Given the numerous disadvantages to the proposed cylinder interoperability addition to NFPA 1981, and given that many people feel that there would be a severe adverse economic and logistical impact to the fire service, Survivair (on behalf of the ISEA) believes that the standard should not be released for public comment with the interoperability and related CBRN requirements included. We therefore vote negatively on the standard.”

Mr. W. Birch abstained stating: “I am unable to support this ROP as written since it intentionally

restricts designs and inhibits innovation without a clear return on safety. The new ROP is following the paths of the PASS standard which has been criticized for inhibiting innovation also.”

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Report on Proposals F2006 — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 1851 Mr. D. Haston abstained stating: “I am a new Committee Member (7/05). I am not comfortable voting

affirmative or negative on this ROP without;1) Having participated in previous meetings, and�) Having further information on how this ROP will affect the fire

service.”

Mr. S. Miles voted affirmatively with the following comment: “Current operations in Mississippi and Louisiana show the need

for having an inter-operable cylinder. With the total devastation and the extremely large number of different fire departments collectively operating together; it would be extremely beneficial to have inter-operability between SCBA cylinders.”

NFPA 1981 has also been submitted to letter ballot of the Technical Correlating Committee on Fire and Emergency Services Protective Clothing and Equipment, which consists of �1 voting members; of whom 17 voted affirmatively, 1 negatively after circulation of any negative votes (D. Trivette), and � ballots were not returned (L. Anderson, R. Barker and C. Long).

Mr. D. Trivette voted negatively stating: “On behalf of ISEA a negative is being cast because too many open questions have not been sufficiently answered, which ISEA feels violates NFPA procedure and protocols concerning missing test methods. The TC should be given more time to investigate the test methods and allowed to revote before the ROP should be allowed to go out for public comment. Additionally this ROP is allowing NIOSH to skirt their won procedure for rule making on �� CFR by hiding behind the NFPA standard. This is dangerous because �� CFR is required before any certification agency can approve and certify an SCBA to NFPA 1981.

Report IV: The Technical Committee proposes for adoption, a complete revision to NFPA 198�, Standard on Personal Alert Safety Systems (PASS), 1998 edition. NFPA 198�-1998 is published in Volume 1� of the �00�/�005 National Fire Codes and in separate pamphlet form.

NFPA 198� has been submitted to letter ballot of the Technical Committee on Electronic Safety Equipment, which consists of �5 voting members; of whom �1 voted affirmatively (1 with comment), � negatively after circulation of any negative votes (A. Bull, C. Parkulo), and � ballots were not returned (M. Lewis and T. Yoosephiance).

Mr. A. Bull voted negatively stating:“1. Did not receive packet until 9-�9-05, no time to review.�. Calls from other member stating incompleteness of document with

missing text and other information.�. If the document is not complete and correct it should not be voted

on.”

Mr. C. Parkulo voted negatively stating:“The document has quite a few errors within body, furthermore

the general wording of multiple sections outlining testing methods and procedures (to many to list) are unclear and will be interpreted differently by individuals. Making these sections vulnerable to individual interpretation, which poses a misleading or misrepresentation of the actual intent of the procedures and or methods outlined within the body of the document. It is my professional option by releasing a document for public comment that contains known errors and not 100 percent clear with respect to actual testing methods and procedures, more notably greater clarification of the procedures and methods need further addressing, so not to mislead public view.”

Mr. N. Bryner voted affirmatively stating: “1) Chapter 7, page �� and �5Recommendation - renumber portions/all of Chapter 7.Substantiation - there are two sections numbered 7.1.�. This is

confusing to a reader. Section 7.1.� under Sound Pressure Levels is referenced a number of times in the document and the reader may be misdirected to 7.1.� under PASS Alarm Signal.

�) Chapter 8, page �8Recommendation - revise text of 8.1�.5.� to read:A primary shall be at least 6dB greater than the lowest detectable

intensity between 1,000 Hz and �000 Hz for pre-alarm (7.1.�) and 500 Hz and �000 Hz for alarm (7.1.�.�).

Substantiation - Section 7.1.� indicates 1000-�000 Hz is pre alarm and Section 7.1.�.� indicates three primary signals for alarm between 500-�000 Hz range.

Note - when Chapter 7 is renumbered to account for duplicate sections 7.1.�, the referenced sections in this recommendation need to be updated.

�) Appendix page 5� and Log #1� response page 1Recommendation - make thermal sensor a separate bullet item.• Person Locator Systems• Thermal Sensors

• Additional Systems Information (data logging features such as cylinder pressure, temperature, breathing rates, elapsed time, etc.)

Substantiation – thermal sensors available currently are not systems information data, but are designed to warn of high temperature thermal environments. Thermal sensors should be added to the bulleted list of accessories since it is another example of a PASS device enhancement and it is currently available on multiple PASS devices. Since temperature may also be a systems information data, do not delete temperature reference from last bulleted item.

�) Page 10 – 1�Recommendation – correct tables and references to tables in Sections

�.�.10.1 and �.�.10.Substantiation – three tables are referenced in Section �.�.10: Table

�.�.10(a), (b), and (c). Only Tables �.�.10(a) and (b) appear on pages 11 and 1�. Three tables referenced in Section �.�.10.1: �.9.9(a), (b), and (c). Only Table �.�.9(c) appears on page 1�. Tables may be mislabeled or not referenced properly and this would be confusing to reader.

5) Page 1�Recommendation – revise text in Table �.�.9(c).Substantiation – text in column � and row 8 is currently 5.15.� -? Need

to insert appropriate section because 5.15.� no longer exists.

NFPA 198� has also been submitted to letter ballot of the Technical Correlating Committee on Fire and Emergency Services Protective Clothing and Equipment, which consists of �1 voting members; of whom 17 voted affirmatively, 1 negatively after circulation of any negative votes (D. Trivette), and � ballots were not returned (L. Anderson, R. Barker and C. Long).

Mr. D. Trivette voted negatively stating: “Too many errors are within the standard, specifically in the test

methods and procedures, that are unclear and will be open to individual interpretation. This will make these sections vulnerable and poses a misleading or misrepresentation of the actual intent of the procedures and/or methods need further addressing, so the public is well informed during the comment period.

1851-8

Report on Proposals F2006 — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 1851 ________________________________________________________________ 1851-1 Log #CP1 FAE-SPF Final Action: Accept (Entire Document (MOS)) ________________________________________________________________ Submitter: Technical Committee on Structural and Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Clothing and Equipment Recommendation: Completely revise entire document to comply with the NFPA Manual of Style as follows: 1. Revise Chapter 1 to contain administrative text only as follows: (show revised text here or indicate where revised text can be found) �. Revise Chapter � to contain only referenced publications cited in the mandatory portions of the document. �. Revise Chapter � to contain only definitions. �. Revise so that all units of measure in document are converted to SI units with inch/pound units in parentheses. 5. Appendices are to be restructured and renamed as “Annexes.” 6. All mandatory sections of the document must be evaluated for usability, adoptability, and enforceability language. Generate necessary committee proposal as shown (or indicate where shown). 7. Reword exceptions as requirements. 8. Single sentences per requirement as shown (or indicate where shown). Substantiation: Editorial restructuring, to conform with the �000 edition of the NFPA Manual of Style. Committee Meeting Action: Accept Committee Statement: See reformatted document in this ROP. ________________________________________________________________ 1851-� Log #CP� FAE-SPF Final Action: Accept (Entire Document) ________________________________________________________________ TCC Action: TCC NOTE 1: The TCC directs the TC to review the frequency of advanced cleaning specified in 7.3.1 to clarify text and provide the basis for when fire fighting protective clothing is subjected to advanced cleaning. Such requirements need to take into account both the soiling/condition of the protective clothing, and a minimum time-based frequency. The TC should establish suitable guidelines for determining the need for advanced cleaning that can be added to the annex of the standard in the absence of specific mandatory requirements. TCC Substantiation: The TCC believes that advanced cleaning frequency should take into account the need for the cleaning based on its condition as well as some minimum frequency to ensure that fire fighting protective clothing is kept clean. The TCC recognizes that the TC may have difficulty in setting exact requirements for when to perform advanced cleaning of clothing based on need, and advises the TC to develop guidance for the annex. TCC NOTE 2: The TCC directs the TC to review the machine washing procedures specified in Section 7.5 to determine if additional criteria should be specified such as for maximum G-forces (acceleration) for washer/extractors (7.5.9), or for existing specified conditions such as pH for wash water. The TCC notes that TC Chairman Owen reported the cleaning task group’s recommendation that acceleration of the washer/extractor should not exceed 100 Gs, and that the pH of cleaning and decontamination solutions should be above 4.0. TCC Substantiation: Since the promulgation of the 2001 edition of NFPA 1851, new information has been learned from the cleaning of fire fighting protective clothing that may require additional limitations be placed on procedures to prevent damage of the clothing during cleaning. TCC NOTE 3: The TCC directs the TC to clarify the procedures for conducting the inspections specified in 6.3.4, specifically for procedures addressing moisture barriers, thermal barriers, and CBRN barrier layers, and the applicability of such inspection to gloves and footwear, which also contain barrier layers. TCC Substantiation: The current complete liner inspections do not address thermal barriers, which are also subject to degradation and require examination. In addition, nothing in the current text limits the complete liner inspections to garments. The suitability of these procedures for both gloves and footwear is questioned, and alternate inspection methods might be used. TCC NOTE 4: The TCC directs the TC to review the appropriateness of the moisture barrier hydrostatic test specified in 6.3.4.5. The TC should review the recommended method for conducting this evaluation in the ROP ballot comment of TC member Haskell, and determine the better test. TC Chairman Owen reported that the procedures provided by Mr. Haskell represented the work of a task group to address this issue. TCC Substantiation: The TCC believes that the current procedure for the measurement of moisture barrier water penetration resistance might not provide sufficient detail for the conduct of this test by organization and cleaning/repair facilities. TCC NOTE 5: The TCC directs the TC to make modifications of the following paragraphs in Chapters 1, 2, and 6 to properly address the CBRN option. Changes to Chapter 1, Administration 1.1.1.1 (New) This standard shall also apply to structural fire fighting protective ensembles with optional CBRN terrorism agent protection and proximity fire fighting protective ensembles with optional CBRN terrorism agent protection.

1.1.5 This standard shall not apply to respiratory protective equipment or personal alert safety systems , other than where such respiratory equipment interfaces with structural fire fighting protective ensembles with optional CBRN terrorism agent protection, and proximity fire fighting protective ensembles with optional CBRN terrorism agent protection . Change to Chapter 2, Referenced Publications 2.1.1 (Add) NFPA 1994, Standard on Protective Ensembles for First Responders to CBRN Terrorism Incidents , 2006 Edition Change to Chapter 6, Inspection 6.3.2.7 (New), Interface Components shall be inspected for the following: (1) Soiling (2) Contamination from hazardous materials or biological agents (3) Physical damage (4) Loss or reduction of properties that allow component to continue as effective interface, such as loss of shape or inability to remain attached to the respective element(s), if attachment is required (5) Loss of inward leakage resistance for interface areas where interface component is used to provide protection against CBRN terrorism agents and where the ensemble certified to the optional CBRN terrorism agent protection requirements TCC Substantiation: Proper correlation with other NFPA standard concerning these issues. Additional information was identified in the ballot comment from TC member Bill Haskell as being agreed and not present in the ROP draft. TCC NOTE 6: The TCC directs the TC to considering the development of a sample standard operating procedure (SOP) for selection, care, and maintenance of structural and proximity fire fighting protective clothing to be provided in the annex as referenced to 4.1.1. TCC Substantiation: The TCC feels that the TC should provide as much guidance as possible to assist with implementing NFPA 1851 requirements within their organizations. TCC NOTE 7: The TCC directs the TC to review all retirement issues and consider minimum retirement criteria in 10.1.3 that takes into account both the edition of the standard to which the protective clothing was certified, and the age of the protective clothing. The TCC recommends the TC consider that protective clothing be retired when it is 10 years old. The TC should develop other guidance for retiring fire fighting protective clothing to be provided in the appendix. TCC Substantiation: The TCC believes that the current requirement will permit the use of protective clothing that could constitute a safety hazard for the wearer. The TCC also believes that more guidance should be provided to departments to assist their decisions in retiring fire fighting protective clothing. Submitter: Technical Committee on Structural and Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Clothing and Equipment Recommendation: The Technical Committee on Structural and Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Clothing and Equipment proposes a complete revision to NFPA 1851, Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Structural Fire Fighting Protective Ensembles, as shown at the end of this report. This document will be retitled, Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Structural and Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Ensembles. Substantiation: The standard was revised to comply to the NFPA Manual of Style. Additionally, proposals with affirmative actions were incorporated into this complete revision of the document. Committee Meeting Action: Accept ________________________________________________________________ 1851-� Log #11 FAE-SPF Final Action: Reject (1.1) ________________________________________________________________ Submitter: Denyse DuBrucq, AirWars Defense Recommendation: Document Scope, new text: Specifies the minimum selection, care and maintenance requirements for protective ensembles that include protective coats, protective trousers, protective coveralls, helmets, gloves, footwear, and interface components that are in compliance with NFPA 1971 and the Liquid Nitrogen fire fighting methods. Substantiation: Liquid Nitrogen fire fighting poses a greater temperature range for exposure when fighting fires or dealing with other crises it remedies as flooding, explosives, chemical and biological agents and hostage situation mitigation. It is for this reason that, when applying quantities of Liquid Nitrogen to a situation, footwear normal to water fire fighting as rubber boots may need a cover to prevent thermal freezing of the rubber making it shatter or crack endangering the fire fighter presently and requiring boot replacement for next event. Similarly, the fleece protective gloves are needed to prevent freezing to distribution equipment for Liquid Nitrogen and frostbite. Though the Liquid Nitrogen means quickly evaporates the cryogen in application to get the inert gas and coldness into the fire to control the burn and stop flow of flammable feeding the fire. Committee Meeting Action: Reject Committee Statement: The requirements of NFPA 1851 does not include operational requirements for users. Only selection, care, and maintenance requirements are provided.

1851-9

Report on Proposals F2006 — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 1851 ________________________________________________________________ 1851-� Log #1� FAE-SPF Final Action: Reject (1.1 Scope) ________________________________________________________________ Submitter: Denyse DuBrucq, AirWars Defense Recommendation: Add new text to read as follows: Liquid Nitrogen fire fighting poses a greater temperature range for exposure when fighting fires or dealing with other crises it remedies as flooding, explosives, chemical and biological agents and hostage situation mitigation. It is for this reason that, when applying quantities of Liquid Nitrogen to a situation, footwear normal to water fire fighting as rubber boots may need a cover to prevent thermal freezing of the rubber making it shatter or crack endangering the fire fighter presently and requiring boot replacement for next event. Similarly, the fleece protective gloves are needed to prevent freezing to distribution equipment for Liquid Nitrogen and frostbite. Though the Liquid Nitrogen means quickly evaporates the cryogen in applications to get the inert gas and coldness into the fire to control the burn and stop flow of flammables feeding the fire. For flammables, cooled to gel or solid and not consumed by the fire, equipment as shovels and containers that can be capped and sealed securing the flammables as they melt and are carried out of the fire zone can be added to the list of equipment to be at hand. This is particularly important for vehicle fires, road, rail, and aircraft, where the fuel or tanker contained flammables are yet unburned and which would explode or exacerbate the fire scene. Substantiation: In contrast to water fire fighting, Liquid Nitrogen use as proposed in USP Appl. 10/��7,5�8 gives an immediate inert atmosphere to smother fire and adds the cooling of both the cryogenic temperature of -195 degrees Fahrenheit and the evaporation effect of temperature drop preventing when mixing with the fire atmosphere the high temperature plasma that expands the fire and initiates explosions. The clear expanded gas clears the atmosphere so one can see what is encountered under the smoke which rises. It also poses no threat to the building or contents as it quells the blaze and captures unburned fuels and flammable liquids. The contents of the fire zone, whether furnishings, art, equipment, papers, fabrics are not affected by the nitrogen gas which normally is 78 percent of the air and taking it to 100 percent to control the fire leaves everything as was except for smoke damage caused prior to Liquid Nitrogen application. We see acceptance soon of these techniques because of the ease of recovery from a fire. Therefore attention to making the clothing, coveralls, boots and gloves accommodating to this method should be implemented at this time. Committee Meeting Action: Reject Committee Statement: The requirements of NFPA 1851 does not include operational requirements for users. Only selection, care, and maintenance requirements are provided. ________________________________________________________________ 1851-5 Log #� FAE-SPF Final Action: Reject (1.3 Third-Party Verification (New) ) ________________________________________________________________ NOTE: This Proposal appeared as Comment 1851-3 (Log #100) which was held from the F00 ROC on Proposal 1851-62. Submitter: Lois D. Colvin, Maryland Fire Equipment Corporation Recommendation: Add under definitions: Third-Party Verification. A system whereby a verification organization (testing laboratory) determines that a repair facility has demonstrated the ability to repair moisture barriers that complies with the requirements of the manufacturer of the product and the manufacturer of the garment, and establishes a follow-up program conducted by the verification organization as a check on the methods the repair facility uses to determine compliance with the requirements of the manufacturer. Substantiation: Definition needs to be added explaining third-party verification for repairs to moisture barriers. Committee Meeting Action: Reject Committee Statement: The term “third party verification” is not used in this document. ________________________________________________________________ 1851-6 Log #� FAE-SPF Final Action: Reject (2.2.1) ________________________________________________________________ NOTE: This Proposal appeared as Comment 1851-16 (Log #105) which was held from the F00 ROC on Proposal 1851-62. Submitter: Kevin M. Roche, Phoenix Fire Dept., AZ Recommendation: Add a model SOP in the appendix. Substantiation: A model SOP will provide the user with help in the development of a local SOP. Committee Meeting Action: Reject Committee Statement: The Committee was not provided with any proposed text or format for consideration. ________________________________________________________________ 1851-7 Log #�7 FAE-SPF Final Action: Accept (2.2.3(1)) ________________________________________________________________ Submitter: Jeffrey O. Stull, International Personnel Protection, Inc. Recommendation: Change item (1) under �.�.� to read, “The accessory has been evaluated for use with the element using appropriate tests to determine that it does not degrade the performance of the respective ensemble element,

or...” Substantiation: In the �006 proposed edition of NFPA 1971, a separate section regarding accessories will no longer be provided and no specific tests will be identified for evaluating accessories. It is up to both the user and the manufacturer to determine the appropriate tests to determine that the addition of an accessory does not degrade the performance of the affected ensemble element. Committee Meeting Action: Accept ________________________________________________________________ 1851-8 Log #CP� FAE-SPF Final Action: Accept in Principle (Chapter 3 Definitions (GOT)) ________________________________________________________________ Submitter: Technical Committee on Structural and Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Clothing and Equipment Recommendation: Adopt the preferred definitions from the NFPA Glossary of Terms for the following terms: Accessories. (preferred) NFPA 1971, �000 ed. Those items that are attached to a proximity protective ensemble element but designed in such a manner to be removable from the proximity protective ensemble element and that are not necessary to meet the requirements of this standard. Accessories. (secondary) NFPA 1851, �001 ed. Those items that are attached to an ensemble or ensemble element but designed in such a manner to be removable from the ensemble or the element and that are not necessary to meet the requirements of the standard. Such accessories include, but are not limited to, utility belts, harnesses, backpacks, tools, tool packs, radios, radio packs, suspenders, lights, and heat sensing devices. Biological Agents. (preferred) NFPA 1970 Biological materials that are capable of causing an acute disease or long-term damage to the human body. Biological Agents. (secondary) NFPA 1851, �001 ed. Biological materials that could be capable of causing a disease or long-term damage to the human body. Body Fluids. (preferred) NFPA 1581, �005 ed. Fluids that the body produces including, but not limited to, blood, semen, mucus, feces, urine, vaginal secretions, breast milk, amniotic fluids, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pericardial fluid, sputum, and any other fluids that might contain pathogens. Body Fluids. (secondary) NFPA 1851, �001 ed. Fluids produced by the body including, but not limited to, blood, semen, mucus, feces, urine, vaginal secretions, breast milk, amniotic fluids, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, and pericardial fluid. Certification/Certified. (preferred) NFPA 1971, �000 ed. A system whereby a certification organization determines that a manufacturer has demonstrated the ability to produce a product that complies with the requirements of this standard, authorizes the manufacturer to use a label on listed products that comply with the requirements of this standard, and establishes a follow-up program conducted by the certification organization as a check of the methods the manufacturer uses to determine continued compliance with the requirements of this standard. Certification/Certified. (secondary) NFPA 1851, �001 ed. A system whereby a certification organization determines that a manufacturer has demonstrated the ability to produce a product that complies with the requirements of a specific standard(s), authorizes the manufacturer to use a label on listed products that comply with the requirements of that standard(s), and establishes a follow-up program conducted by the certification organization as a check on the methods the manufacturer uses to determine compliance with the requirements of that standard(s). Char. (preferred) NFPA 9�1, �00� ed. Carbonaceous material that has been burned and has a blackened appearance. Char. (secondary) NFPA 1851, �001 ed. The formation of a brittle residue when material is exposed to thermal energy. Cleaning. (preferred) NFPA 1581, �005 ed. The physical removal of dirt and debris, which generally is accomplished with soap and water and physical scrubbing. Cleaning. (secondary) NFPA 1851, �001 ed. The act of removing soils and contaminants from ensembles and elements by mechanical, chemical, thermal or combined processes. Decontamination. (preferred) NFPA 1581, �005 ed. The use of physical or chemical means to remove, inactivate, or destroy bloodborne, airborne, or foodborne pathogens on a surface or item to the point where they are no longer capable of transmitting infectious particles and the surface or item is rendered safe for handling, use, or disposal. Decontamination. (secondary) NFPA 1851, �001 ed. The act of removing contaminants from ensembles and ensemble elements by a physical, chemical, or combined process. Flame Resistance. (preferred) NFPA 1500, �00� ed. The property of a material whereby combustion is prevented, terminated, or inhibited following the application of a flaming or nonflaming source of ignition, with or without subsequent removal of the ignition source. Flame resistance can be an inherent property of a material, or it can be imparted by specific treatment. Flame Resistance. (secondary) NFPA 1851, �001 ed.

1851-10

Report on Proposals F2006 — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 1851 The property of a material whereby the application of a flaming or nonflaming source of ignition and the subsequent removal of the ignition source results in the termination of combustion. Flame resistance can be an inherent property of the material, or it can be imparted by specific treatment. Footwear. (preferred) NFPA 199�, �001 ed. An abbreviated term for Chemical/Biological Terrorism Incident Protective Footwear element. Footwear. (secondary) NFPA 1851, �001 ed. An element of the protective ensemble designed to provide minimum protection to the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Gauntlet. (preferred) NFPA 1971, �000 ed. A glove term for the circular, flared, or otherwise expanded part of the glove that extends beyond the opening of the glove body. Gauntlet. (secondary) NFPA 1851, �001 ed. The circular, flared, or otherwise expanded part of the glove that extends beyond the opening of the glove body. Hardware. (preferred) NFPA 1971, �000 ed. Nonfabric components of the proximity protective ensemble including, but not limited to, those made of metal or plastic. Hardware. (secondary) NFPA 1851, �001 ed. Nonfabric components of the structural fire fighting protective ensemble including, but not limited to, those made of metal or plastic. Hazardous Material. (preferred) NFPA �7�, �00� ed. A substance (solid, liquid, or gas) that when released is capable of creating harm to people, the environment, and property. Hazardous Material. (secondary) NFPA 1851, �001 ed. Any solid, liquid, gas, or mixture thereof that can potentially cause harm to the human body through respiration, ingestion, skin absorption, or contact. Maintenance. (preferred) NFPA 10, �00� ed. Work performed to ensure that equipment operates as directed by the manufacturer. Maintenance. (secondary) NFPA 1851, �001 ed. Procedures for inspection, repair, and retirement of protective clothing and equipment. Manufacturer. (preferred) NFPA 1901, �00� ed. The person or persons, company, firm, corporation, partnership, or other organization responsible for turning raw materials or components into a finished product. Manufacturer. (secondary) NFPA 1851, �001 ed. The entity that assumes the liability and provides the warranty for the compliant product. Suspension. (preferred) NFPA 1976, �000 ed. The energy-attenuating system of the helmet made up of the headband and crown straps. Suspension. (secondary) NFPA 1851, �001 ed. A helmet term for the energy attenuating system made up of the headband and crown strap. Tensile Strength. (preferred) NFPA 5�, �00� ed The highest unit tensile stress (referred to the original cross section) a material can sustain before failure (psi). Tensile Strength. (secondary) NFPA 1851, �001 ed. The force at which a fiber or a fabric will break. Thermal Barrier. (preferred) NFPA 101, �00� ed. A material that limits the average temperature rise of an unexposed surface to not more than 1�9°C (�50°F) for a specified fire exposure complying with the standard time-temperature curve of NFPA �51, Standard Methods of Tests of Fire Endurance of Building Construction and Materials. Thermal Barrier. (secondary) NFPA 1851, �001 ed. The portion of protective ensemble element composites that is designed to provide thermal protection. Trim. (preferred) NFPA 1976, �000 ed. Retroreflective and fluorescent materials attached to the outermost surface of

the protective ensemble element for visibility enhancement. Retroreflective materials enhance nighttime visibility, and fluorescent materials enhance daytime visibility. Trim. (secondary) NFPA 1851, �001 ed. Retroreflective and fluorescent material attached to the outermost surface of the protective ensemble or element for visibility enhancement. Universal Precautions. (preferred) NFPA 1581, �005 ed. An approach to infection control in which human blood and certain human body fluids are treated as if known to be infectious for HIV, HBV, and other bloodborne pathogens. Universal Precautions. (secondary) NFPA 1851, �001 ed. An approach to infection control in which human blood and certain human body fluids are treated as if known to be infectious for HIV, HBV, and other bloodborne pathogens. Under circumstances in which differentiation between body fluids is difficult or impossible, all body fluids shall be considered potentially infectious materials. Substantiation: Adoption of preferred definitions will assist the user by providing consistent meaning of defined terms throughout the National Fire Codes. The following procedure must be followed when acting on defined terms (extract from the Glossary of Terms Definitions Procedure): 2.1 Revising Definitions. 2.1.1 Prior to revising Preferred definitions, the Glossary of Terms should be consulted to avoid the creation of additional Secondary definitions. 2.1.2 All Secondary definitions should be reviewed and eliminated where possible by the following method (in order of preference): a) adopt the preferred definition if suitable. b) modify the secondary term and/or definition to limit its use to a specific application within the scope of the document. c) request that the Standards Council determine responsibility for the term. d) request that the Standards Council authorize a secondary definition. (extract from the NFPA Manual of Style): 2.3.2.6 Existing general definitions contained in the NFPA Glossary of Terms shall be used where technically accurate and correct. Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Principle Committee Statement: The Committee will use the latest version of the definitions from the glossary. ________________________________________________________________ 1851-9 Log #8 FAE-SPF Final Action: Accept (4.1.1) ________________________________________________________________ Submitter: Karl J. Beeman, ECMS, Inc. Recommendation: Revise as follows: Any elements that are found to be soiled or contaminated by hazardous materials or biological agents shall be cleaned or decontaminated before any additional inspection is initiated. Substantiation: The current wording in section �.1.1 does not specifically instruct the person doing the inspection to consider soiling and the need for cleaning before proceeding with the inspection. Section �.1.� discusses the determination of soling but if soiling is confirmed, it does not direct the person doing the inspection to stop and clean before continuing the inspection. Committee Meeting Action: Accept ________________________________________________________________ 1851-10 Log #6 FAE-SPF Final Action: Accept in Principle (4.2.2) ________________________________________________________________ NOTE: This Proposal appeared as Comment 1851-66 (Log # 178) which was held from the F00 ROC on Proposal 1851-62. Submitter: John Granby, Lion Apparel Inc Recommendation: Revise the present format: The routine inspection shall include, as a minimum the following items as details in chart ______:

Nonconformity A. Coats and Trousers*

B. Hoods C. Helmets D. Gloves E. Boots

1. Soiling X X X X X�. Contamination from hazardous materials or biological agents

X X X X X

�. Tears and Cuts X X X X X�. Damaged/missing hardware and closure sys-tems

X

5. Charring, burnholes, melting X X X X X6. Shrinkage X X X X X7. Material degradation X X X X X8. Material discoloration X X X X X9. Damaged or missing reflective trim X X10. Loss of face opening elasticity or adjust-ability

X

11. Cracks, dents, abrasions X X1�. Bubbling, soft spots X X1�. Damaged or missing components of the sus-pension and retention systems

X

1�. Damaged or missing components of the faceshield/goggle system, including discoloration and scratches to the lens

X*

15. Inverted Liner X16. Exposed/deformed steel toe, steel midsole and shank

X

17. Loss of water resistance X18. Closure system component damage and functionality

X

1851-11

Report on Proposals F2006 — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 1851 Substantiation: The present method of utilizing an outline form and repeating each of the specific areas for each item is both time consuming and confusing to the user. By going to a chart form all information the item to be inspected are immediately clear to the user and quickly desirable. Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Principle -- Changes made to table illustrated below-- Change text: 6.�.�.1 item “(�) c.” to Thermal damage such as charring, burn holes, and melting or discoloration of any layer-- Change text: 6.�.�.� item “(�) b.” to Thermal damage such as charring, burn holes, and melting or discoloration of any layer-- Change text: 6.�.�.� item “(�) b.” to Thermal damage such as charring, burn holes, and melting or discoloration of any layer-- Change text: 6.�.�.5 item “(�) b.” to Thermal damage such as charring, burn holes, and melting or discoloration of any layer-- Add text: 6.�.�.1 (Substantiation: concern that sizing could be mismatched) (5) Determine correct assembly and size compatibility of shell, liner and DRD-- Add text: 6.�.�.6 DRD shall be inspected for the following: (1) Installation in garment

(�) Soiling (�) Contamination (�) Physical damage such as the following: a. Cuts, tears, punctures, cracking, or splitting

b. Thermal damage such as charring, burn holes, melting or discol-oration c. Loss of seam integrity; broken or missing stitches-- Renumber items as neededCommittee Statement: Agree in the principle of the chart but the language in the chart must match the text, chart moved to annex, text stays in body

Nonconformity Routine Inspection Criteria

A. Coats and Trousers*

B. Hoods C. Helmets D. Gloves E. Boots Footwear

F. DRD

1. Soiling X X X X X X�. Contamination from hazardous materials or biological agents

X X X X X X

�. Tears and Cuts X X X X X X�. Damaged/missing hardware, and closure systems

X

5. Charring, burn holes, melting X X X X X X6. Shrinkage X X X X X7. Material degradation X X X X X8. Material discoloration X* X X X X X9. Damaged or missing reflective trim

X X

10. Loss of face opening elasticity or adjustability

X

11. Cracks, dents, abrasions X X1�. Bubbling, soft spots, warping X X1�. Damaged or missing components of the suspension and retention systems

X

1�. Damaged or missing components of the faceshield/goggle system, including discoloration and scratches to the lens

X*

15. Inverted Liner X16. Exposed/deformed steel toe, steel midsole and shank

X

17. Loss of water resistance X18. Closure system component dam-age and functionality

X

19. Earflaps: rips, tears and cuts, thermal damage as charring, burn holes and melting

X

�0. Size compatibility X X

1851-1�

Report on Proposals F2006 — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 1851 ________________________________________________________________ 1851-11 Log #5 FAE-SPF Final Action: Accept in Principle (4.3.2) ________________________________________________________________ NOTE: This Proposal appeared as Comment 1851-76 (Log #177) which was held from the F00 ROC on Proposal 1851-62. Submitter: John Granby, Lion Apparel Inc Recommendation: Revise �.�.� to read as follows: Advanced inspection shall include, as a minimum the following items as details in chart ____:

Substantiation: The present method of utilizing an outline form and repeating each of the specific areas for each item is both time consuming and confusing to the reader. By going to a chart form all information needed for all items covered by 1851 to be inspected are immediately identifiable and quickly desirable to the user. Any item that has an asterisk in the block will refer to an appendix item. Committee Meeting Action: Accept in PrincipleSee Table on the next page-- Changes made to table illustrated below (renumber from 1�)-- Change text: 6.�.�.� item “(�) b.” to Thermal damage such as charring, burn holes, and melting or discoloration of any layer-- Change text: 6.�.�.� item “(�) b.” to Thermal damage such as charring, burn holes, and melting or discoloration of any layer-- Change text: 6.�.�.� item “(�) b.” to Thermal damage such as charring, burn holes, and melting or discoloration of any layer-- Change text: 6.�.�.� item “(�) b.” to Thermal damage such as charring, burn holes, and melting or discoloration of any layer-- Change text: 6.�.�.5 item “(�) b.” to Thermal damage such as charring, burn holes, and melting or discoloration of any layer-- Add text: 6.�.�.6 DRD shall be inspected for the following: (1) Installation in garment

(�) Soiling (�) Contamination (�) Physical damage such as the following: a. Cuts, tears, punctures, cracking, or splitting b. Thermal damage such as charring, burn holes, melting or discoloration c. Loss of seam integrity; broken or missing stitches-- Add text: 6.�.�.1 (Substantiation: concern that sizing could be mismatched) (15) Determine correct assembly and size compatibility of shell, liner and DRD-- Add text: 6.�.�.1 (7) All layers of the garment elements shall be inspected for the following:…(7)* Material integrity: UV or chemical degradation, loss or liner material, shifting of liner material. Test using:a. Light testb. Feel testCommittee Statement: The Committee agree in the principle of the chart but the language in the chart must match the text and the Committee has done this.,The chart moved to annex, text stays in body

Nonconformity A. Coats and Trousers*

B. Hoods C. Helmets D. Gloves E. Boots

1. Soiling X* X X X X�. Contamination from hazardous materials or biological agents

X X X X X

�. Tears and Cuts X X X X X�. Closure system component damage and functionally

X X X X X

5. Charring, burnholes, melting X* X X X X6. Shrinkage X X X X X7. Material degradation (UV or chemical dam-age)

X X X X X

8. Material discoloration X* X X X X9. Reflective trim integrity; attachment to gar-ment; reflectivity damage

X* X*

10. Loss of face opening elasticity or adjust-ability

X

11. Cracks, dents, abrasions X X1�. Bubbling, soft spots X X1�. Damaged or missing components of the suspension and retention systems

X

1�. Damaged or missing components of the faceshield/goggle system, including discolor-ation and scratches to the lens

X

15. Inverted glove liner X16. Exposed/deformed steel toe, steel midlose and shank

X

17. Loss of water resistance X X*18. Evaluation of System Fit and coat/trouser overlap

X

19. Loss of seam integrity X�0. Broken or missing stitches X X�1. Loss or shifting of Liner material X X��. Loss of wristlet elasticity; stretching of wristlet

X

��. Label integrity legibility* X X X X X��. Hook and loop functionality X X X�5. Liner attachment System X�6. Material elasticity; stretching out of shape X�7. Damage to the impact cap X�8. Loss of flexibility X�9. Punctures, cracking, or splitting X X�0. Excessive tread wear X�1. Condition of Lining; tears, excessive wear, separation from outer layer

X

1851-1�

Report on Proposals F2006 — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 1851

Nonconformity Advanced Inspection Criteria

A. Coats and Trousers*

B. Hoods C. Helmets D. Gloves E. Boots Footwear

F. DRD

1. Soiling X* X X X X X�. Contamination from hazardous materials or biological agents

X X X X X X

�. Tears and Cuts X X X X X X�. Damaged/missing hardware, and closure systems

X X X X X

5. Charring, burn holes, melting X* X X X X X6. Shrinkage X X X X X

7. Material degradation (UV or chemical damage)

X X X X X X

8. Material discoloration X* X X X X X

9. Reflective trim integrity; attach-ment to garment; reflectivity damage

X* X*

10. Loss of face opening elasticity or adjustability

X

11. Cracks, dents, abrasions X X1�. Bubbling, soft spots, warping X X

1�. Damaged or missing components of the suspension and retention systems

X

1�. Earflap: rips, tears and cuts, ther-mal damage as charring, burn holes and melting

X

1�. Damaged or missing components of the faceshield/goggle system, including discoloration and scratches to the lens

X

15. Inverted glove liner X16. Exposed/deformed steel toe, steel midsole and shank

X

17. Loss of water resistance X X*

18. Evaluation of System Fit and coat/trouser overlap

X

19. Loss of seam integrity X X�0. Broken or missing stitches X X X�1. Loss or shifting of Liner material X* X��. Loss of wristlet elasticity; stretching of wristlet

X

��. Label integrity legibility* X X X X X X��. Hook and loop functionality X X X X�5. Liner attachment System X X�6. Material elasticity; stretching out of shape

X

�7. Damage to the impact cap X�8. Loss of flexibility X�9. Punctures, cracking, or splitting X X X�0. Excessive tread wear X�1. Condition of Lining; tears, excessive wear, separation from outer layer

X

��. Size compatibility X X

1851-1�

Report on Proposals F2006 — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 1851 ________________________________________________________________ 1851-1� Log #16 FAE-SPF Final Action: Accept in Principle (4.3.2) ________________________________________________________________ Submitter: Jeffrey O. Stull, International Personnel Protection, Inc. Recommendation: Change �.�.� to read, “All layers and sides of each layer shall be inspected for the following. Substantiation: Some damage or changes to a material may no be evident unless both sides of the material layer is inspected, particularly when the layer is different on both sides (e.g., moisture barrier and thermal barrier materials). Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Principle Committee Statement: See new Section 6.� in ROP where the text was incorporated. ________________________________________________________________ 1851-1� Log #18 FAE-SPF Final Action: Accept (4.3.2.1(4)) ________________________________________________________________ Submitter: Jeffrey O. Stull, International Personnel Protection, Inc. Recommendation: Add to current language in A.�.�.�.1(�): “It is important to realize during the inspection of different layers of fire fighter clothing, that some portions of the material may be more susceptible to damage than others. For example, one side of a multilayer laminate material and quilted materials could show thermal damage whereas the other side may not. Moreover, certain fibers in a single layer material may be more susceptible to damage compared to other fibers. Each of these effects could be cause for repair or retirement of the clothing depending on the extent of observed damage.” Substantiation: The fire service should be provided guidance to recognize that how portions of the same material may be damaged differently. Committee Meeting Action: Accept ________________________________________________________________ 1851-1� Log #19 FAE-SPF Final Action: Reject (4.3.2.1(4)d) ________________________________________________________________ Submitter: Jeffrey O. Stull, International Personnel Protection, Inc. Recommendation: Add new bullet “d” under �.�.�.1(�), “d. delamination, (separation of film from substrate fabric), flaking, and powdering” Substantiation: Other forms of moisture barrier damage have been observed in the industry in the past and should be listed for the advanced inspection process. Committee Meeting Action: Reject Committee Statement: The appropriate method to address such issues is to develop design or performance criteria that would give a precise evaluation of the material. ________________________________________________________________ 1851-15 Log #9 FAE-SPF Final Action: Reject (4.3.2.1(7)) ________________________________________________________________ Submitter: Karl J. Beeman, ECMS, Inc. Recommendation: Delete text: �.�.�.1(7) Material integrity: UV or chemical degradation, loss of liner material, shifting of liner material. Substantiation: To accomplish this task would require the user to open the liner composite liner and separate the moisture barrier from the thermal liner. In most cases, this is accomplished by physically cutting and removing the stitching and in some cases the binding tape securing the two components. Reassembly of the liner composite could be interpreted as a repair. As section �.�.�.1(7) is written, it could be in conflict with 6.1.6 which states that repair to the moisture barrier can only be accomplished the manufacturer or the manufacturers recognized facility. If reassembly of liner composite is considered a repair, section �.�.�.1(7) should be deleted, as it cannot be performed by the user. Committee Meeting Action: Reject Committee Statement: The submitter was persent at the ROP meeting in Boston on �� July 05 and requested that the Committee not process this proposal. ________________________________________________________________ 1851-16 Log #�0 FAE-SPF Final Action: Accept (4.3.2.1(7)) ________________________________________________________________ Submitter: Jeffrey O. Stull, International Personnel Protection, Inc. Recommendation: Change �.�.�.7(7) to read: “Material physical integrity; UV or chemical degradation, as evidenced by discoloration, significant changes in material texture, or less of material strength; loss of liner material, and shifting of linear material.” Substantiation: End users are unlikely to recognize UC or chemical degradation damage, unless specific examinations of the ensuing damage are provided. Committee Meeting Action: Accept

________________________________________________________________ 1851-17 Log #17 FAE-SPF Final Action: Accept in Part (4.3.2.1(3)c, Embrittlement) ________________________________________________________________ Submitter: Jeffrey O. Stull, International Personnel Protection, Inc. Recommendation: Change �.�.�.1(�)c. to read: (1) “Thermal damage such as charring, burn holes, melting, embrittlement, or discoloration of any layer.” (�) Add definition for embrittlement: the formation of a brittle residue as the result of pyrolysis or incomplete combustion (definition from ASTM, e.g., ASTM F1060). Substantiation: Embrittlement is not included in the list and is not characterized in any of the other listed defects or types of material damage. Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Part (1) Accept (�) Reject Committee Statement: The Committee will use the definition form the ‘Glossary of definitions for this project. ________________________________________________________________ 1851-18 Log #7 FAE-SPF Final Action: Accept (4.3.2.1.4 (New) ) ________________________________________________________________ Submitter: Karl J. Beeman, ECMS, Inc. Recommendation: Add new paragraph d. to read as follows: d. Leakage, when tested using the procedure outlined in A.�.�.�.1. Substantiation: Currently there is no requirement for field-testing of the moisture barrier’s ability to resist water or liquid penetration. The importance of the moisture barrier’s role in providing liquid, chemical and viral protection to the user has been well substantiated along with the consequences associated with the loss of liquid protection. The requirements of �.�.�.1(�) seek to identify loss of moisture barrier integrity however, it would be difficult to accomplish this objective without some type of liquid penetration test as items �.�.�.1(�) a, b, and c, may not be present yet the loss of moisture barrier integrity could have occurred. Examples have been found where the liner composite will meet the criteria of Section �.�.�.1 yet would have failed even the weakest of field-testing for liquid penetration. Where it comes to contract facilities, section �.�.�.1(�) has created differences between various facilities as to how to interpret and perform this requirement. Does one follow the intended objective of the requirement to identify loss of moisture barrier integrity or, strictly follow the language as currently written. Committee Meeting Action: Accept ________________________________________________________________ 1851-19 Log #10 FAE-SPF Final Action: Accept (5.5.7(4)) ________________________________________________________________ Submitter: Karl J. Beeman, ECMS, Inc. Recommendation: Revise as follows: 5.5.7.� Turn garment inside out. and place in mesh laundry bag. Substantiation: Although the mesh garment bag may protect the garment, it is very limited however; in most cases, use of a mesh bag serves to greatly diminish the ability of the wash machine to effectively clean. This is especially true for front load, commercial type, extractor washers. From talking to laundry professionals, the mesh bag may also trap dirty water in the folds of the fabric thus lowering the effectiveness of the rinse cycle. Committee Meeting Action: Accept ________________________________________________________________ 1851-�0 Log #�� FAE-SPF Final Action: Accept in Principle (5.5.8) ________________________________________________________________ Submitter: Jeffrey O. Stull, International Personnel Protection, Inc. Recommendation: Add new requirement: 5.5.8 Those separable portions of elements that use layers that incorporate aluminized surfaces shall not be subjected to machine cleaning. Substantiation: The new edition of NFPA 1851 should address proximity protective clothing since this type of clothing is being incorporated into NFPA 1971. The specific recommendation for prohibiting machine washing of aluminized layers recognizes the damage that may take place to these layers through physical agitation. Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Principle See 7.5.9 and 7.6.� in the ROP draft. Committee Statement: The isue was addressed in the ROP draft (as noted). ________________________________________________________________ 1851-�1 Log #�� FAE-SPF Final Action: Accept (5.6.3(3)) ________________________________________________________________ Submitter: Karl J. Beeman, ECMS, Inc. Recommendation: Revise text as follows: 5.6.�(�) Turn garment inside out and place in mesh laundry bag. Substantiation: Although the mesh garment bag may protect the garment it is very limited however; in most cases, use of a mesh bag serves to greatly diminish the ability of the dryer to evenly dry the garment. This is especially true for dryers that monitor temperature and moisture content. Committee Meeting Action: Accept

1851-15

Report on Proposals F2006 — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 1851 ________________________________________________________________ 1851-�� Log #�5 FAE-SPF Final Action: Accept (5.7.2) ________________________________________________________________ Submitter: Karl J. Beeman, ECMS, Inc. Recommendation: Revise text as follows: 5.7.� Helmets shall not be machined cleaned or dried using equipment that produces mechanical action from tumbling or an agitator. Substantiation: As written, this requirement would restrict current and future technology that may be capable of machine cleaning and/or drying the helmet without damaging it. I tried to write a comment that would prevent the use of the top-load wash machines, front load wash machines and, tumble dryers yet leave open the possibility of utilizing wash machines and dryers that clean and dry by other means than tumbling and agitation. Committee Meeting Action: Accept ________________________________________________________________ 1851-�� Log #�6 FAE-SPF Final Action: Reject (5.9.2) ________________________________________________________________ Submitter: Karl J. Beeman, ECMS, Inc. Recommendation: Revise text as follows: 5.9.� Footwear shall not be machine cleaned or dried using equipment that produces mechanical action from an agitator or machine dried using equipment that produces mechanical action from tumbling. Substantiation: As written, this requirement would restrict current and future technology that may be capable of machine cleaning and/or drying footwear without causing damaging. I tried to write a comment that would prevent the use of the top-load wash machines, and tumble dryers yet leave open the possibility of utilizing wash machines and dryers that clean and dry by other means than tumbling and agitation. Committee Meeting Action: Reject Committee Statement: The Technical Committee feels that the current text does not restrict what the submitter requested and is not making changes to the existing text. ________________________________________________________________ 1851-�� Log #1 FAE-SPF Final Action: Reject (6.1.5) ________________________________________________________________ NOTE: This Proposal appeared as Comment 1851-122 (Log # 98) which was held from the F00 ROC on Proposal 1851-62 Submitter: Lois D. Colvin, Maryland Fire Equipment Corporation Recommendation: Revise 6.1.5 to read: All repairs to the moisture barrier shall only be performed by the manufacturer or by a (manufacturer’s recognized facility consistent with the manufacturer’s instructions and method repair facility with a Third-party verification for the repairs to moisture barriers. The organization shall contact the manufacturer if unsure as to whether an area to be repaired contains a moisture barrier. The organization has no assurance that their PPE (moisture barrier) is being repaired by a qualified facility using compliant materials and equipment. Substantiation: This revision would assure the organization that their PPE (moisture barrier) is being repaired by skilled, factory trained personnel using the proper materials and equipment. A third party verification provides this assurance. Committee Meeting Action: Reject Committee Statement: The Committee is retaining “manufacture’s authorization” for service companies and is not adopting “third party verification”. See new text in Section �. ________________________________________________________________ 1851-�5 Log #� FAE-SPF Final Action: Reject (6.1.11, 6-1.14) ________________________________________________________________ NOTE: This Proposal appeared as Comment 1851-127 (Log #99) which was held from the F00 ROC on Proposal 1851-62. Submitter: Lois D. Colvin, Maryland Fire Equipment Corporation Recommendation: Revise 6.1.11 and 6.1.1� to read: 6.1.11 Major B seams in the moisture barrier shall be repaired or altered only by the manufacturer or by a ( manufacturer recognized repair facility ) Repair Facility with a third-party verification for repairs and alterations to moisture barriers. 6.1.1� Minor seams should read the same way. The organization has no assurance that their PPE moisture barrier Major B seams and minor seams are being opened and closed by a qualified facility using compliant materials and equipment. Substantiation: A third party verification facility for repairs to moisture barriers would provide assurance to the organization. Committee Meeting Action: Reject Committee Statement: The Committee is retaining “manufacture’s authorization” for service companies and is not adopting “third party verification”. See new text in Section �.

________________________________________________________________ 1851-�6 Log #�� FAE-SPF Final Action: Accept (8.1.5) ________________________________________________________________ Submitter: Jeffrey O. Stull, International Personnel Protection, Inc. Recommendation: Add new requirement: 8.1.5 Elements that have been contaminated with chemical warfare by CBRN terrorism agents shall be agents or toxic industrial chemicals released during a terrorism incident shall not be reused, unless specific destructive, analytical testing on sample sets of clothing demonstrate the absence of hazardous contamination immediately retired after confirmed exposure as specified in 10.�.1 and shall not be reused. Substantiation: Not all organizations may be aware of what universal precautions entail. Specific guidance should be provided for wearing protective clothing when cleaning contaminated elements. Committee Meeting Action: Accept ________________________________________________________________ 1851-�7 Log #1� FAE-SPF Final Action: Accept (A.2.2.3) ________________________________________________________________ Submitter: Jeffrey O. Stull, International Personnel Protection, Inc. Recommendation: Change A.�.�.� to read: “Organizations should consider evaluating the ensemble with tests provided in NFPA 1971 in which the accessory could negatively impact the performance of the ensemble element, when in place. One test that is not part of NFPA 1971 but could be used to evaluate the performance of an externally placed accessory is ASTM F 19�0, Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Flame Resistant Clothing for Protection Against Flash Fire Simulations Using an Instrumented Manikin. This test provides a simulation of a flash fire exposure using a static manikin. The effects of the flash fire on the accessory can be determined and compared to an ensemble that does not have the accessory in place. A minimum exposure time of 10 seconds is recommended when evaluating structural or proximity fire fighting ensembles. While this test provides a demonstration of ensemble/accessory performance under emergency conditions, it does not simulate all fire ground hazards, and other evaluations should be considered.” Substantiation: Organizations should be alerted to determine the appropriate tests for evaluating use of potential accessories. One recommended evaluation may be conducted with an industry standard manikin test. Committee Meeting Action: Accept ________________________________________________________________ 1851-�8 Log #1� FAE-SPF Final Action: Accept (A.3.1.1) ________________________________________________________________ Submitter: Jeffrey O. Stull, International Personnel Protection, Inc. Recommendation: Add the following language and table to the current A.�.1.1: In the identification of hazards, the organization should consider those hazards, which firefighters are likely to encounter. A list of hazards is provided in Table A.�.1.1. In determining risk, consider the frequency or likelihood of exposure to the hazard along with its potential severity (consequence) if exposure occurs.

Table A.3.1.1 List of Potential Fireground and Other Related Emergency HazardsPhysical Hazards • Falling objects • Flying debris • Projectile/ballistic • Abrasive/rough surfaces • Sharp edges • Pointed objects • Slippery surfaces • Excessive vibration

Environmental Hazards • High heat humidity • Ambient cold • Wetness • High wind • Insufficient/bright light • Excessive noise

Thermal Hazards • High Convective Heat • Low radiant heat • High radiant heat • Flame impingement • Steam • Hot liquids • Molten metals • Hot solids • Hot surfaces

Chemical Hazards • Inhalation • Skin absorption/contact • Chem. Ingestion/injection • Liquefied gas contact • Chemical flashover •Chemical explosions

Biological Hazards • Bloodborne pathogens • Airborne pathogens • Biological toxins • Biological allergens

Electrical Hazards • High voltage • Electrical arc flashover • Static charge buildup

Radiation Hazards • Ionizing radiation • Non-ionizing radiation

Person-Position Hazards • Daytime visibility • Nightime visibility • Falling • Drowning

Person-Equipment Hazards • Mat’l biocompatibility • Ease of contamination • Thermal comfort • Range of motion • Hand function • Ankle/back support • Vision clarity • Communications ease • Fit (poor) • Ease of donning/doffing

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Report on Proposals F2006 — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 1851 Substantiation: Organizations should be provided with a list of potential hazards to consider when conducting their hazard and risk assessment. The recommended list offers a comprehensive list of potential fireground and related emergency hazards. Committee Meeting Action: Accept Committee Statement: This table will be combined into A.5.1.1. ________________________________________________________________ 1851-�9 Log #15 FAE-SPF Final Action: Accept (A.3.1.4) ________________________________________________________________ Submitter: Jeffrey O. Stull, International Personnel Protection, Inc. Recommendation: Add the following language to the current A.�.1.�: The majority of tests in NFPA 1971 provide quantitative results; however, some tests are established on the basis of pass or fail results and cannot be readily compared. Specific tests which offer comparative performance results include but are not limited to: Protective Garments Thermal protective performance of the material composite Total heat loss of the material composite Conductive and compressive heat resistance of reinforcements Thermal shrinkage of the material layers (outer shell, moisture barrier, and thermal barrier) Flame resistance of material layers and other components (outer shell, moisture barrier, thermal barrier, other material layers and components) Tear resistance of the material layers (outer shell, moisture barrier, and thermal barrier) Cleaning shrinkage of the material layers (outer shell, moisture barrier, and thermal barrier) Water absorption resistance of the outer shell Tensile strength of the outer shell Seam strength of outer shell, moisture barrier, and thermal barrier layers Radiant reflectance of the outer shell (for proximity fire fighting protective clothing) Protective Helmets Impact resistance (top and acceleration) after selected preconditions Flame resistance Heat resistance (level of sagging) Protective Gloves Thermal protective performance of glove body, and wristlet, if present Conductive heat resistance of glove body Thermal shrinkage of glove, and inner most material Cut resistance of glove body Puncture resistance of glove body Burst strength of wristlet material Dexterity of whole gloves Grip of whole gloves Protective Footwear Flame resistance Radiant heat resistance of upper Conductive heat resistance of upper and upper Puncture resistance of sole and upper Cut resistance of upper Abrasion resistance of sole Protective Hoods Thermal protective performance of hood material Flame resistance of hood material Thermal shrinkage of hood material Burst strength of hood material Cleaning shrinkage of hood material.

Substantiation: Additional testing may also be specified for performance properties not addressed in NFPA 1971 based on the organization’s hazard and risk assessment. When additional testing is specified, standard test methods should be used when available and testing should be conducted at accredited, independent laboratories. Organizations may wish to consider the use of a “RFI” (Request for Information) or “RFP” (Request for Proposal) format when soliciting quotations for structural or proximity fire fighting protective ensemble elements. The advantage of an RFI or RFP proposal is that it allows manufacturers the option of providing all of the most current technologies for organization review (the offering is then not limited to the requirements of the specification). The organization can then choose among proposals for offered items finally accepted. Typically a RFI and RFP have the following characteristics: • Minimum requirements, such as NFPA product certification or required materials/options. • Inclusion of current specifications and a requirement that the offering manufacturers explain in detail how their offering differs from the currently specified product. • Background on the offering firm’s finances, capabilities and references. • Field test procedures and results (see �.1.6) of offered products. Using this approach, the organization can them employ a rating system which assigns different values and weights for such areas, including but not limited to product design, manufacturer references, and field test results. In this approach, a separately sealed cost proposal is only opened after the point ratings have been assigned to each offering. The organization can then apply separate criteria considering both technical merits and cost. This approach allows fire departments to compare price and product acceptability. Organizations may also wish to consider integrated clothing/equipment programs that address various levels of care and maintenance as provided by or coordinated by the manufacturer of the fire fighter protective clothing or equipment. These programs may address many of the aspects of care and maintenance that are addressed in this standard, including but not limited to cleaning, inspection, and repairs, in addition to the offer of program guidance and reporting/documentation of procedures. Committee Meeting Action: Accept ________________________________________________________________ 1851-�0 Log #�1 FAE-SPF Final Action: Accept in Principle (A.5.4.4) ________________________________________________________________ Submitter: Jeffrey O. Stull, International Personnel Protection, Inc. Recommendation: Add new appendix section A.5.�.�: “Universal precautions involves assuming that the element is contaminated with blood or body fluids containing a bloodborne pathogen. As a minimum, persons involved in cleaning contaminated elements should wear cleaning gloves, an apron, and faceshield that conform to NFPA 1999.” Substantiation: Not all organizations may be aware of what universal precautions entail. Specific guidance should be provided for wearing protective clothing when cleaning contaminated elements. Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Principle Committee Statement: See text of 7.1.6 in the ROP.

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Notice of Intent to Make a Motion (NITMAM) Sequence of Events Leading to Issuance of an NFPA Committee Document

Step 1 Call for Proposals

▼ Proposed new Document or new edition of an existing Document is entered into one of two yearly revision cycles, and a Call for Proposals is published.

Step 2 Report on Proposals (ROP)

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▼ Committee votes by written ballot on Proposals. If two-thirds approve, Report goes forward. Lacking two-thirds approval, Report returns to Committee.

▼ Report on Proposals (ROP) is published for public review and comment.

Step 3 Report on Comments (ROC)

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Step 4 Technical Report Session

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The Technical Report Session of the NFPA Annual Meeting

The process of public input and review does not end with the publication of the ROP and ROC. Following the completion of the Proposal and Comment periods, there is yet a further opportunity for debate and discussion through the Technical Report Sessions that take place at the NFPA Annual Meeting.

The Technical Report Session provides an opportunity for the final Technical Committee Report (i.e., the ROP and ROC) on each proposed new or revised code or standard to be presented to the NFPA membership for the debate and consideration of motions to amend the Report. The specific rules for the types of motions that can be made and who can make them are set forth in NFPA’s rules which should always be consulted by those wishing to bring an issue before the membership at a Technical Report Session. The following presents some of the main features of how a Report is handled.

What Amending Motions are Allowed. The Technical Committee Reports contain many Proposals and Comments that the Technical Committee has rejected or revised in whole or in part. Actions of the Technical Committee published in the ROP may also eventually be rejected or revised by the Technical Committee during the development of its ROC. The motions allowed by NFPA rules provide the opportunity to propose amendments to the text of a proposed code or standard based on these published Proposals, Comments and Committee actions. Thus, the list of allowable motions include motions to accept Proposals and Comments in whole or in part as submitted or as modified by a Technical Committee action. Motions are also available to reject an accepted Comment in whole or part. In addition, Motions can be made to return an entire Technical Committee Report or a portion of the Report to the Technical Committee for further study.

The NFPA Annual Meeting, also known as the World SafetyConference and Exposition®, takes place in June of each year. A second Fall membership meeting was discontinued in 2004, so the NFPA Technical Report Session now runs once each yearat the Annual Meeting in June.

Who Can Make Amending Motions. Those authorized to make these motions is also regulated by NFPA rules. In many cases, the maker of the motion is limited by NFPA rules to the original submitter of the Proposal or Comment or his or her duly authorized representative. In other cases, such as a Motion to Reject an accepted Comment, or to Return a Technical Committee Report or a portion of a Technical Committee Report for Further Study, anyone can make these motions. For a complete explanation, NFPA rules should be consulted.

The filing of a Notice of Intent to Make a Motion. Before making an allowable motion at a Technical Report Session, the intended maker of the motion must file, in advance of the session, and within the published deadline, a Notice of Intent to Make a Motion. A Motions Committee appointed by the Standards Council then reviews all notices and certifies all amending motions that are proper. The Motions Committee can also, in consultation with the makers of the motions, clarify the intent of the motions and, in certain circumstances, combine motions that are dependent on each other together so that they can be made in one single motion. A Motions Committee report is then made available in advance of the meeting listing all certified motions. Only these Certified Amending Motions, together with certain allowable Follow-Up Motions (that is, motions that have become necessary as a result of previous successful amending motions) will be allowed at the Technical Report Session.

Consent Documents. Often there are codes and standards up for consideration by the membership that will be non-controversial and no proper Notices of Intent to Make a Motion will be filed. These “Consent Documents” will bypass the Technical Report Session and head straight to the Standards Council for issuance. The remaining Documents are then forwarded to the Technical Report Session for consideration of the NFPA membership.

Important Note: The filing of a Notice of Intent to Make a Motion is a new requirement that takes effect beginning with those Documents scheduled for the Fall 2005 revision cycle that reports to the June 2006 Annual Meeting Technical Report Session. The filing of a Notice of Intent to Make a Motion will not, therefore, be required in order to make a motion at the June 2005 Annual Meeting Technical Report Session. For updates on the transition to the new Notice requirement and related new rules effective for the Fall 2005 revision cycle and the June 2006 Annual Meeting, check the NFPA website.

Action on Motions at the Technical Report Session. In order to actually make a Certified Amending Motion at the Technical Report Session, the maker of the motion must sign in at least an hour before the session begins. In this way a final list of motions can be set in advance of the session. At the session, each proposed Document up for consideration is presented by a motion to adopt the Technical Committee Report on the Document. Following each such motion, the presiding officer in charge of the session opens the floor to motions on the Document from the final list of Certified Amending Motions followed by any permissible Follow-Up Motions. Debate and voting on each motion proceeds in accordance with NFPA rules. NFPA membership is not required in order to make or speak to a motion, but voting is limited to NFPA members who have joined at least 180 days prior to the session and have registered for the meeting. At the close of debate on each motion, voting takes place, and the motion requires a majority vote to carry. In order to amend a Technical Committee Report, successful amending motions must be confirmed by the responsible Technical Committee, which conducts a written ballot on all successful amending motions following the meeting and prior to the Document being forwarded to the Standards Council for issuance.

Standards Council Issuance

One of the primary responsibilities of the NFPA Standards Council, as the overseer of the NFPA codes and standards development process, is to act as the official issuer of all NFPA codes and standards. When it convenes to issue NFPA documents it also hears any appeals related to the Document. Appeals are an important part of assuring that all NFPA rules have been followed and that due process and fairness have been upheld throughout the codes and standards development process. The Council considers appeals both in writing and through the conduct of hearings at which all interested parties can participate. It decides appeals based on the entire record of the process as well as all submissions on the appeal. After deciding all appeals related to a Document before it, the Council, if appropriate, proceeds to issue the Document as an official NFPA code or standard. Subject only to limited review by the NFPA Board of Directors, the Decision of the Standards Council is final, and the new NFPA code or standard becomes effective twenty days after Standards Council issuance. The illustration on page 9 provides an overview of the entire process, which takes approximately two full years to complete.

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NFPA 1851

Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of

Structural Fire-Fighting and Proximity Fire-Fighting

Protective Ensembles

2007 Edition

IMPORTANT NOTE: This NFPA document is made available for use subject to important notices and legal disclaimers. These notices and disclaimers appear in all publications containing this document and may be found under the heading “Important Notices and Disclaimers Concerning NFPA Documents.” They can also be obtained on request from NFPA or viewed at www.nfpa.org/ disclaimers.

NOTICE: An asterisk (*) following the number or letter designating a paragraph indicates that explanatory material on the paragraph can be found in Annex A.

Information on referenced publications can be found in Chapter 2 and Annex B.

Chapter 1 Administration

1.1 Scope.

1.1.1 This standard shall specify the minimum selection, care, and maintenance requirements for structural fire-fighting protective ensembles and the individual ensemble elements that include garments, helmets, gloves, footwear, and interface components that are compliant with NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting.

1.1.2 This standard shall specify the minimum selection, care, and maintenance requirements for proximity fire-fighting protective ensembles and the individual ensemble elements that include garments, helmets, gloves, footwear, and interface components that are compliant with NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting.

1.1.3 This standard shall also specify requirements for both structural fire-fighting and proximity fire-fighting protective ensembles, ensemble elements, clothing, and equipment certified as compliant to previous editions of NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Ensemble for Structural Fire Fighting; NFPA 1972, Standard on Helmets for Structural Fire Fighting; NFPA 1973, Standard on Gloves for Structural Fire Fighting; NFPA 1974, Standard on Protective Footwear for Structural Fire Fighting; or NFPA 1976, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Proximity Fire Fighting.

1.1.4 This standard shall not specify requirements for other organizational programs such as appropriate use of structural fire fighting or proximity fire-fighting protective ensembles for training, for operations, or for infection control, as these programs are under the jurisdiction of other NFPA standards.

1.1.5 This standard shall not specify requirements for respiratory protective equipment or personal alert safety systems.

1.1.6 This standard shall not apply to protective ensembles or protective clothing that are compliant NFPA 1951, Protective Ensemble for USAR Operations; NFPA 1977, Standard on Protective Clothing and Equipment for Wildland Fire Fighting; NFPA 1991, Standard on Vapor-Protective Ensembles for Hazardous Materials Emergencies; NFPA 1992, Standard on Liquid Splash-Protective Ensembles and Protective Clothing for Hazardous Materials Emergencies; and NFPA 1999, Standard on Protective Clothing for Emergency Medical Operations.

1.1.7 This standard shall not be construed as addressing all of the safety concerns associated with the use of compliant protective ensembles or ensemble elements. It shall be the responsibility of the persons and organizations that use compliant protective ensembles or ensemble elements to establish safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.1.8 This standard shall not be construed as addressing all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with the use of this standard by testing or repair facilities. It shall be the responsibility of the persons and organizations that use this standard to conduct testing of protective ensembles or elements to establish safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to using this standard for any designing, manufacturing, and testing.

1.1.9 Nothing herein shall restrict any jurisdiction from exceeding these minimum requirements.

1.2 Purpose.

1.2.1 The purpose of this standard shall be to establish a program for structural fire-fighting protective ensembles and ensemble elements and for proximity fire-fighting protective ensembles and ensemble elements to reduce the safety risks and potential health risks associated with poorly maintained, contaminated, or damaged protective ensembles and ensemble elements.

1.2.2 This standard shall also establish a basic criteria for evaluating, selecting, and purchasing protective ensembles or ensemble elements.

1.3 Application.

1.3.1 This standard shall apply to structural and proximity fire-fighting protective ensembles, ensemble elements, or protective clothing, and equipment certified as compliant with NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting, or Standard on Protective Ensemble for Structural Fire Fighting, and previous editions of NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Clothing for Structural Fire Fighting; NFPA 1972, Standard on Helmets for Structural Fire Fighting; NFPA 1973, Standard on Gloves for Structural Fire Fighting; NFPA 1974, Standard on Protective Footwear for Structural Fire Fighting; or NFPA 1976, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Proximity Fire Fighting.

1.3.1.1 This standard shall also apply to structural fire-fighting protective ensembles with optional CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear) terrorism agent protection and proximity fire-fighting protective ensembles with optional CBRN terrorism agent protection.

1.3.2 This standard shall not apply to other organizational programs such as appropriate use of structural fire-fighting or proximity fire-fighting protective ensembles for training, for operations, or for infection control, as these programs are under the jurisdiction of other NFPA standards.

1.3.3 This standard shall not apply to respiratory protective equipment or personal alert safety systems, other than such equipment interfaces with structural fire-fighting protective ensembles with optional CBRN terrorism agent protection and proximity fire-fighting protective ensembles with optional CBRN terrorism agent protection.

1.3.4 This standard shall not apply to respiratory protective equipment or personal alert safety systems.

1.3.5 The requirements of this standard shall not apply to accessories attached to any element of the structural fire-fighting protective ensemble unless specifically addressed herein.

1.4 Units.

1.4.1 In this standard, values for measurement are followed by an equivalent in parentheses, but only the first stated value shall be regarded as the requirement.

1.4.2 Equivalent values in parentheses shall not be considered as the requirement as these values are approximate.

Chapter 2 Referenced Publications

2.1 General. The documents or portions thereof listed in this chapter are referenced within this standard and shall be considered part of the requirements of this document.

2.2 NFPA Publications. National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471.

NFPA 600, Standard on Industrial Fire Brigades, 2000 edition.

NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program, 1997 edition.

NFPA 1581, Standard on Fire Department Infection Control Program, 2000 edition.

NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Ensemble for Structural Fire Fighting, 2000 edition.

NFPA 1976, Standard on Protective Ensemble for Proximity Fire Fighting, 2000 edition.

NFPA 1977, Standard on Protective Clothing and Equipment for Wildland Fire Fighting, 1998 edition.

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NFPA 1991, Standard on Vapor-Protective Ensembles for Hazardous Materials Emergencies, 2000 edition.

NFPA 1992, Standard on Liquid Splash-Protective Ensembles and Clothing for Hazardous Materials Emergencies, 2000 edition.

NFPA 1999, Standard on Protective Clothing for Emergency Medical Operations, 1997 edition.

2.3 Other Publications. (Reserved)

2.4 References for Extracts in Mandatory Sections. (Reserved)

Chapter 3 Definitions

3.1 General. The definitions contained in this chapter shall apply to the terms used in this standard. Where terms are not defined in this chapter or within another chapter, they shall be defined using their ordinarily accepted meanings within the context in which they are used. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th edition, shall be the source for the ordinarily accepted meaning.3.2 NFPA Official Definitions.

3.2.1* Approved. Acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.

3.2.2* Authority Having Jurisdiction. The organization, office, or individual responsible for approving equipment, materials, an installation, or a procedure.

3.2.3 Labeled. Equipment or materials to which has been attached a label, symbol, or other identifying mark of an organization that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and concerned with product evaluation, that maintains periodic inspection of production of labeled equipment or materials, and by whose labeling the manufacturer indicates compliance with appropriate standards or performance in a specified manner.

3.2.4* Listed. Equipment, materials, or services included in a list published by an organization that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and concerned with evaluation of products or services, that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or materials or periodic evaluation of services, and whose listing states that either the equipment, material, or service meets appropriate designated standards or has been tested and found suitable for a specified purpose.

3.2.5 Shall. This term indicates a mandatory requirement.

3.2.6 Should. Indicates a recommendation or that which is advised but not required.

3.2.7 Standard. A document, the main text of which contains only mandatory provisions using the word “shall” to indicate requirements and which is in a form generally suitable for mandatory reference by another standard or code or for adoption into law. Nonmandatory provisions shall be located in an appendix, footnote, or fine-print note and are not to be considered a part of the requirements of a standard.

3.3 General Definitions.

3.3.1 Advanced Cleaning. See 3.3.13.1.

3.3.2 Biological Agents. Biological materials that could be capable of causing a disease or long-term damage to the human body.

3.3.3 Biological Terrorism Agents. Liquid or particulate agents that can consist of biologically derived toxin or pathogen to inflict lethal or incapacitating casualties.

3.3.4 Body Fluids. Fluids produced by the body including, but not limited to, blood, semen, mucus, feces, urine, vaginal secretions, breast milk, amniotic fluids, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, and pericardial fluid.

3.3.5* Carcinogen/Carcinogenic. A cancer-causing substance that is identified in one of several published lists.

3.3.6 Care. Procedures for cleaning, decontamination, and storage of protective clothing and equipment.

3.3.7 CBRN. An abbreviation for chemicals, biological agents, and radiological particulates hazards. (See 3.3.9, CBRN Terrorism Agents.)

3.3.8* CBRN Barrier Layer. The part of a composite that is intended to provide protection against CBRN terrorism agents.

3.3.9* CBRN Terrorism Agents. Chemicals, biological agents, radiological particulates that could be potentially released as an act of terrorism. (See 3.3.12, Chemical Terrorism Agents; 3.3.3, Biological Terrorism Agents; and 3.3.60, Radiological Particulate Terrorism Agents.)

3.3.10 Certification/Certified. A system whereby a certification organization determines that a manufacturer has demonstrated the ability to produce a product that complies with the requirements of a specific standard(s), authorizes the manufacturer to use a label on listed products that comply with the requirements of that standard(s), and establishes a follow-up program conducted by the certification organization as a check on the methods the manufacturer uses to determine compliance with the requirements of that standard(s).

3.3.11 Char. The formation of a brittle residue when material is exposed to thermal energy.

3.3.12 Chemical Terrorism Agents. Liquid, solid, gaseous, and vapor chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals used to inflict lethal or incapacitating casualties, generally on a civilian population as a result of a terrorist attack.

3.3.13* Cleaning. The act of removing soils and contaminants from ensembles and elements by mechanical, chemical, thermal, or combined processes.

3.3.13.1* Advanced Cleaning. The thorough cleaning of ensembles or elements by washing with cleaning agents.

3.3.13.2 Contract Cleaning. Cleaning conducted by a facility outside the organization that specializes in cleaning protective clothing.

3.3.13.3* Routine Cleaning. The light cleaning of ensembles or elements performed by the end user without taking the elements out of service.

3.3.13.4* Specialized Cleaning. Cleaning to remove hazardous materials or biological agents.

3.3.14 Coat. A protective garment; an element of the protective ensemble designed to provide minimum protection to upper torso and arms, excluding the hands and head.

3.3.15 Contamination/Contaminated. The process by which ensembles and ensemble elements are exposed to hazardous materials, biological agents, or CBRN terrorism agents.

3.3.16 Coverall. A protective garment; an element of the protective ensemble configured as a single-piece garment and designed to provide minimum protection to the torso, arms, and legs, excluding the head, hands, and feet.

3.3.17 Craze. The appearance of fine cracks in surface of helmet shell or other smooth surface of an element.

3.3.18 Cross Contamination. The transfer of contamination from one item to another or to the environment.

3.3.19 Crown. The portion of the helmet that covers the head above the reference plane.

3.3.20 Crown Straps. A helmet term for the part of the suspension that passes over the head.

3.3.21 Decontamination. The act of removing contaminants from ensembles and ensemble elements by a physical, chemical, or combined process. (See also 3.3.13, Cleaning, and 3.3.13.3, Specialized Cleaning.)

3.3.22 Disinfectant. An agent that destroys, neutralizes, or inhibits the growth of harmful biological agents.

3.3.23 Ear Covers. A component of the helmet designed to provide limited protection for the ears and provides no significant thermal protection.

3.3.24 Elasticity. The ability of an ensemble or element, when repeatedly stretched, to return to its original form as applied to wristlets and hoods.

3.3.25 Elements. See 3.3.30, Ensemble Elements.

3.3.26 Embrittlement. The hardening of a textile material that makes the ensemble or element or a textile material susceptible to easy fracture.

3.3.27 Emergency Medical Operations. The delivery of emergency medical care and transportation prior to arrival at a hospital or other health care facility.

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3.3.28 Energy Absorbing System. A material, suspension system, or combination thereof incorporated into the design of the helmet to attenuate impact energy.

3.3.29 Ensemble. See 3.3.58, Protective Ensemble.

3.3.30 Ensemble Elements. The parts or items that comprise the protective ensemble: garments, helmets, gloves, footwear, and interface components.

3.3.31 Faceshield. A helmet component intended to help protect a portion of the wearer’s face in addition to the eyes, not intended as primary eye protection.

3.3.32 Field Evaluation. The nonlaboratory evaluation of one or more protective ensemble elements used to determine product performance related to organizational expectations or to compare products in a manner related to their intended use.

3.3.33 Fit. The quality, state, or manner in which the length and closeness of clothing, when worn, relates to the human body.

3.3.34 Flame Resistance/Resistant. The property of a material whereby the application of a flaming or nonflaming source of ignition and the subsequent removal of the ignition source results in the termination of combustion. Flame resistance can be an inherent property of the material or it can be imparted by specific treatment.

3.3.35 Footwear. An element of the protective ensemble designed to provide minimum protection to the foot, ankle, and lower leg.

3.3.36 Functional/Functionality. The ability of an ensemble or element or component to continue to be utilized for its intended purpose.

3.3.37 Garment(s). The coat, trouser, or coverall elements of the protective ensemble designed to provide minimum protection to the upper and lower torso, arms, and legs, excluding the head, hands, and feet.

3.3.38 Gauntlet. The circular, flared, or otherwise expanded part of the glove that extends beyond the opening of the glove body.

3.3.39 Gloves. An element of the protective ensemble designed to provide minimum protection to the fingers, thumb, hand, and wrist.

3.3.40 Glove Wristlet. The circular, close-fitting part of the glove, usually made of knitted material, that extends beyond the opening of the glove body.

3.3.41 Goggles. A helmet component intended to help protect the wearer’s eyes and a portion of the wearer’s face, not intended as primary eye protection.

3.3.42 Hardware. Nonfabric components of the structural fire-fighting protective ensemble including, but not limited to, those made of metal or plastic.

3.3.43 Hazardous Materials. Any solid, liquid, gas, or mixture thereof that can potentially cause harm to the human body through respiration, ingestion, skin absorption, injection, or contact.

3.3.44 Hazardous Materials Emergencies. Incidents involving the release or potential release of hazardous chemicals into the environment that can cause loss of life, personnel injury, or damage to property and the environment.

3.3.45 Helmet. An element of the protective ensemble designed to provide minimum protection to the head.

3.3.46 Hood. The interface component element of the protective ensemble designed to provide limited protection to the coat/helmet/SCBA facepiece interface area.

3.3.47 Integrity. The ability of an ensemble or element to remain intact and provide continued minimum performance.

3.3.48* Interface Component. Any material, part, or subassembly used in the

3.3.49 Interface Area. An area of the body where the protective garments, helmet, gloves, footwear, or SCBA facepiece meet (i.e., the protective coat or garment/helmet/SCBA facepiece area, protective coat/protective trouser area, the protective coat or garment/glove area, and the protective trouser/footwear area).

3.3.50 Liner System. The combination of the moisture barrier and thermal barrier as used in a garment.

3.3.51 Maintenance. Procedures for inspection, repair, and retirement of protective clothing and equipment.

3.3.52 Manufacturer. The entity that assumes the liability and provides the warranty for the compliant product.

3.3.53 Melt. A response to heat by a material resulting in evidence of flowing or dripping.

3.3.54 Moisture Barrier. The portion of the composite designed to prevent the transfer of liquids.

3.3.55* Organization. The entity that provides the direct management and supervision for the emergency services response personnel.

3.3.56 Outer Shell. The outermost layer of the composite with the exception of trim, hardware, reinforcing material, and wristlet material.

3.3.57 Protective Clothing. See 3.3.58, Protective Ensemble.

3.3.58 Protective Ensemble. Multiple elements of clothing and equipment such as garments, helmets, gloves, footwear, and interface components designed to provide a degree of protection for fire fighters from adverse exposures to the inherent risks of structural fire-fighting or proximity fire-fighting operations and certain other emergency operations.

3.3.59 Proximity Fire-Fighting Protective Ensemble with Optional CBRN Terrorism Agent Protection. A compliant proximity fire-fighting protective ensemble that is also certified as an entire ensemble to meet the optional requirements for protection from specific CBRN terrorism agents.

3.3.60* Radiological Particulate Terrorism Agents. Particles that emit ionizing radiation in excess of normal background levels, used to inflict lethal or incapacitating casualties, generally on a civilian population as a result of terrorist attack.

3.3.61 Retirement. The process of permanently removing a protective ensemble element or ensemble from emergency operations service in the organization.

3.3.62 Routine Cleaning. See 3.3.13.3.

3.3.63 Seams.

3.3.63.1 Major A Seams. Outermost layer seam assemblies where rupture could reduce the protection of the garment by exposing the inner layers such as the moisture barrier, the thermal barrier, the wearer’s station/work uniform, other clothing, or skin.

3.3.63.2 Major B Seams. Moisture barrier or thermal barrier seam assemblies where rupture could reduce the protection of the garment by exposing the next layer of the garment, the wearer’s station/work uniform, other clothing, or skin.

3.3.63.3 Minor Seams. Seam assemblies that are not classified as Major A or Major B seams.

3.3.64 Selection. The process of determining what protective clothing and equipment is necessary for protection of fire and emergency service responders from an anticipated or specific hazard, or other activity, the procurement of the appropriate protective ensemble(s), and the choice of the proper protective ensemble for a specific hazard or activity at an emergency scene.

3.3.65 Separate. A material response evidenced by splitting or delaminating.

3.3.66 Service Life. The period for which an ensemble or element is useful before retirement.

3.3.67 Shank. Reinforcement to the area of protective footwear designed to provide additional support to the instep.

3.3.68 Soiled/Soiling. The accumulation of materials that are not considered hazardous materials or biological agents but which could degrade the performance of the ensemble or element.

3.3.69 Specialized Cleaning. See 3.3.13.4.

3.3.70 Stress Areas. Those areas of the garment that are subjected to more wear, including but not limited to crotches, knees, elbows, and shoulders.

3.3.71 Structural Fire fighting Protective Ensemble with Optional CBRN Terrorism Agent Protection. A compliant structural fire fighting protective ensemble that is also certified as an entire ensemble to meet the optional requirements for protection from specific CBRN terrorism agents.

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3.3.72 Suspension. A helmet term for the energy attenuating system made up of the headband and crown strap.

3.3.73 Tensile Strength. The force at which a fiber or a fabric will break.

3.3.74 Thermal Barrier. The portion of protective ensemble or element composite that is designed to provide thermal protection.

3.3.75 Toxic Industrial Chemicals. Highly toxic solid, liquid, or gaseous chemicals that have been identified as mass casualty threats that could be used to inflict casualties, generally on a civilian population, during a terrorist attack.

3.3.76* Trim. Retroreflective and fluorescent material attached to the outermost surface of the protective ensemble or ensemble element for visibility enhancement.

3.3.77 Trouser. A protective garment. An element of the protective ensemble that is designed to provide minimum protection to the lower torso and legs, excluding the ankles and feet.

3.3.78* Universal Precautions. An approach to infection control in which human blood and certain human body fluids are treated as if known to be infectious for HIV, HBV, and other bloodborne pathogens.

3.3.79 Utility Sink. A separate sink used for cleaning ensembles and ensemble elements.

3.3.80 Winter Liner. A garment term for an optional component layer designed to provide added insulation against cold.

3.3.81 Wristlet. An interface component element of the protective ensemble that is the circular, close-fitting extension of the coat sleeve, usually made of knitted material, designed to provide limited protection to the protective coat/glove interface area. (See also 3.3.38, Gauntlet, and 3.3.40, Glove Wristlet.)

Chapter 4 Program

4.1 General.

4.1.1* The organization shall develop and implement a program for the selection, care, and maintenance of structural and proximity fire fighting protective ensembles and ensemble elements used by the members of the organization in the performance of their assigned functions.

4.1.2 This program shall have the goal of providing structural and proximity fire fighting protective ensembles and ensemble elements that are suitable and appropriate for the intended use; maintaining such protective ensembles and ensemble elements in a safe, usable condition to provide the intended protection to the user; removing from use such protective ensembles and ensemble elements that could cause or contribute to user injury, illness, or death because of its condition; and reconditioning, repairing, or retiring such protective ensembles and ensemble elements.

4.1.3 Where this program for the selection, care, and maintenance of structural and proximity fire fighting protective ensembles and ensemble elements is part of an organization’s overall program on protective clothing and protective equipment, the portion of the organization’s overall program that affects structural and proximity fire fighting protective ensembles and ensemble elements shall be in accordance with Section 4.2.

4.2 Program Organization for Structural and Proximity Fire fighting Protective Ensembles and Ensemble Elements.

4.2.1 The organization shall develop written standard operating procedures (SOPs) that shall identify and define the various parts of the program and the various roles and responsibilities of the organization and of the members.

4.2.2 The program shall at least incorporate the requirements within the chapters listed in Table 4.2.2.

Table 4.2.2 Required Program Parts for Structural and Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Ensembles and Elements

Chapter Title ChapterSelection 5Inspection 6Cleaning and Decontamination 7Repair 8Storage 9Retirement, Disposition, and Special Incident Procedure 10

4.2.3* The organization shall not add accessories and shall not permit accessories to be added to an ensemble element unless the organization has the equipment manufacturer’s written approval to use the accessory with the manufacturer’s ensemble elements.

4.2.4 Where the organization uses an independent service provider (ISP) to perform any one or any combination of advanced inspection, advanced cleaning, and repair services, the ISP shall be authorized by the element manufacturer.

4.2.4.1 The organization shall require written verification from element manufacturers that the proposed ISP is authorized to perform any one or any combination of advanced inspection, advanced cleaning, and repair services.

4.2.4.2 The manufacturer’s written verification of authorization shall specify the type or types of elements, the element model designations, the service or any combination of services that the ISP is authorized to perform, and the processes used to perform these services.

4.2.4.3 An ISP or the organization that performs any one or any combination of advanced inspection, advanced cleaning, and repair services shall have written authorization from the element manufacturer that the ISP is authorized for that manufacturer.

4.2.4.4 The written authorization shall indicate that the ISP or the organization has demonstrated a working knowledge of Chapter 6, Inspection; Chapter 7, Cleaning and Decontamination; and Chapter 8, Repair, of this standard as well as the design, performance, and testing requirements of NFPA 1971, Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Structural and Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Ensembles.

4.2.5* The organization shall develop specific criteria for removal of protective clothing and equipment from service, in accordance with Chapter 10. The criteria for retirement shall include but not be limited to issues that are specific to the ensembles or ensemble elements being used by the organization, the manufacturer instructions, and the experience of the organization.

4.3 Records.

4.3.1* The organization shall compile and maintain records on their structural and proximity fire-fighting protective ensembles and ensemble elements.

4.3.2* The records specified in 4.3.1 shall apply to fire-fighting protective ensembles and ensemble elements that are utilized by the fire department including rental or loaner protective ensembles and ensemble elements.

4.3.3 At least the following records shall be kept for each protective ensemble or ensemble element:

(1) Person to whom element is issued

(2) Date and condition when issued

(3) Manufacturer and model name or design

(4) Manufacturer’s identification number, lot number, or serial number

(5) Month and year of manufacture

(6) Date(s) of and findings of advanced inspection(s) by organization

(7) Date(s) of advanced cleaning or decontamination by organization

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(8) Reason for advanced cleaning or decontamination and who performed cleaning or decontamination

(9) Date(s) of repair(s), who performed repair(s), and brief description of any repair(s)

(10) Date of retirement

(11) Date and method of disposal

4.3.4 The organization shall compile and maintain records as required by 4.3.3 on CBRN fire-fighting protective ensembles. The records shall include a list of specific required elements and interface components necessary for structural fire-fighting protective ensembles with optional CBRN terrorism agent protection and proximity fire-fighting protective ensembles with optional CBRN terrorism agent protection.

4.4 Manufacturer’s Instructions.

4.4.1 When issuing new structural fire-fighting protective ensembles and ensemble elements or proximity fire-fighting protective ensembles and ensemble elements, the organization shall provide users with the instructions provided by the manufacturer on the care, use, and maintenance of their protective ensembles or elements, including any warnings provided by the manufacturer.

4.4.2 Where the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the care or maintenance of their protective ensembles or elements differ from a specific requirement(s) in this standard, the manufacturer’s instructions shall be followed for that requirement(s).

4.4.3 The organization shall retain and make accessible to fire department personnel, a copy of manufacturer’s instructions regarding the care, use, and maintenance of their protective ensembles for reference purposes.

4.5 Protecting the Public from Contamination.

4.5.1 The organization shall develop written SOPs that minimize the public’s and fire department personnel’s exposure to soiled or contaminated structural or proximity fire-fighting protective ensembles and ensemble elements.

4.5.2 The program shall require that when not operating in the response mode, soiled or potentially contaminated PPE shall not be worn or stored in areas used for the following:

(1) Food preparation and cooking

(2) Living

(3) Sleeping

(4) Recreation

(5) Personal hygiene

4.5.3* The public shall not be exposed at any time, except during emergency operations such as rescue, to soiled or potentially contaminated protective equipment used by emergency response personnel.

4.5.4* Soiled or potentially contaminated personnel protective equipment shall not be brought into the home, washed in home laundries, or washed in public laundries, unless the public laundry has a dedicated business to handle fire fighter protective clothing.

Chapter 5 Selection

5.1* Selection and Purchase.

5.1.1* Prior to starting the selection process of structural and proximity fire-fighting protective ensembles and ensemble elements, a risk assessment shall be performed.

5.1.2 The risk assessment shall include but not be limited to the hazards that can be encountered by structural or proximity fire fighters based on the following:

(1) Type of duties performed

(2) Frequency of use of ensemble elements

(3) Organization’s experiences

(4) Incident operations

(5) Geographic location and climate

(6) Likelihood of CBRN terrorism incident

5.1.3* The organization shall review the current edition of NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural and Proximity Fire Fighting; NFPA 1994, Standard on Protective Ensembles for First Responders to CBRN Terrorism Incidents; NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program; NFPA 600, Standard on Industrial Fire Brigades; and any applicable federal or state OSHA standards relating to structural fire-fighting protective ensembles and ensemble elements in order to determine how they affect the selection process.

5.1.4* The organization shall ensure that elements under consideration are certified as being compliant with NFPA 1971 by a third-party certification organization.

5.1.5* Based on the risk assessment, the organization shall compile and evaluate information on the comparative strengths and weaknesses of the elements under consideration.

5.1.6* The organization shall ensure that the ensembles and ensemble elements under consideration interface properly with other personal protective items with which they will be used.

5.1.7* Where a field evaluation is conducted, the organization shall establish criteria to ensure a systematic evaluation.

5.1.8* Where the organization develops purchase specifications, at least the following criteria shall be included:

(1) Purchase specifications shall require that the ensemble or ensemble element(s) to be purchased shall be compliant with the current edition of NFPA 1971. Purchasers shall consider that ensembles that are certified to the option CBRN requirement are tested and certified as ensembles and must be worn as an ensemble with all elements and interface components present as stated on the element label.

(2)* Where the organization selects criteria that exceed the minimum requirements of NFPA 1971 such criteria shall be stipulated in the purchase specifications.

(3)* Purchase specifications shall require that manufacturers’ bids include substantiation of certification for each element and model stated in the bid.

(4)* Where applicable, the purchase specifications shall define the process for determining proper fit.

(5)* The organization shall compare each bid submittal against purchase specifications.

5.1.9 Upon receipt, organizations shall inspect purchased protective ensemble element(s) to ensure they meet their specifications and that they were not damaged during shipment. Organizations shall also verify quantity and sizes of the protective ensemble element(s) received.

5.1.10 Organizations shall examine information supplied with the products such as instructions, warranties, and technical data.

5.1.11 Procedures shall be established for returning unsatisfactory products, if the organization’s specifications are not met.

Chapter 6 Inspection

6.1 General.

6.1.1 Advanced inspection shall be performed by an ISP or the organization’s trained personnel.

6.1.1.1 If the organization performs the inspection, the written authorization shall come from the element manufacturer or the manufacturer’s authorized ISP.

6.1.1.2 Training of the organization’s personnel shall be performed by the element manufacturer or the manufacturer’s authorized ISP.

6.1.2 Any elements that are found to be soiled or contaminated shall be cleaned or decontaminated before any additional inspection is initiated. When elements are found to be contaminated by CBRN agents, the ensemble shall be retired.

6.1.3* The organization shall establish guidelines for their members to follow in determining when an element is soiled to the extent that cleaning is necessary.

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6.1.4 The organization shall determine appropriate actions to be taken if an element is found to be in need of cleaning, decontamination, or repair.

6.1.4.1 As a minimum, any necessary cleaning or decontamination shall be done in accordance with the requirements specified in Chapter 7.

6.1.4.2 As a minimum, any necessary repairs shall be made in accordance with the requirements specified in Chapter 8.

6.2 Routine Inspection.

6.2.1 Each individual member shall conduct a routine inspection of their protective ensemble or ensemble elements after each use.

6.2.2 The organization shall establish what constitutes “use” to at least include each time the element(s) is exposed, or is suspected of having been exposed, to damage or contamination.

6.2.3 The routine inspection shall include, as a minimum, the inspections specified in 6.2.3.1 through 6.2.3.5.

6.2.3.1 Coats and trousers shall be inspected for the following:

(1) Soiling

(2) Contamination

(3) Physical damage such as the following:

(a) Rips, tears, and cuts

(b) Damaged or missing hardware and closure systems

(c) Thermal damage such as charring, burn holes, melting, or discoloration of any layer

(4) Damaged or missing reflective trim

6.2.3.2 Structural fire-fighting hoods shall be inspected for the following:

(1) Soiling

(2) Contamination

(3) Physical damage such as the following:

(a) Rips, tears, and cuts

(b) Thermal damage such as charring, burn holes, melting, or discoloration of any layer

(4) Loss of face opening adjustment

6.2.3.3 Helmets shall be inspected for the following:

(1) Soiling

(2) Contamination

(3) Physical damage to the shell such as the following:

(a) Cracks, crazing, dents, and abrasions

(b) Thermal damage to the shell such as bubbling, soft spots, warping, or discoloration

(4) Physical damage to the ear flaps such as the following:

(a) Rips, tears, and cuts

(b) Thermal damage such as charring, burn holes, and melting

(5) Damaged or missing components of the suspension and retention systems

(6)* Damaged or missing components of the faceshield/goggle system, including discoloration, crazing, and scratches to the faceshield/goggle lens limiting visibility

(7) Damaged or missing reflective trim

6.2.3.4 Gloves shall be inspected for the following:

(1) Soiling

(2) Contamination

(3) Physical damage such as the following:

(a) Rips, tears, and cuts

(b) Thermal damage such as charring, burn holes, melting, or discoloration of any layer

(c) Inverted liner

(4) Shrinkage

(5) Loss of elasticity or flexibility

6.2.3.5 Footwear shall be inspected for the following:

(1) Soiling

(2) Contamination

(3) Physical damage such as the following:

(a) Cuts, tears, and punctures

(b) Thermal damage such as charing, burn holes, melting, or discoloration of any layer

(c) Exposed or deformed steel toe, steel midsole, and shank

(4) Loss of water resistance

(5) Closure system component damage and functionality

6.2.3.6 DRD shall be inspected for the following:

(1) Installation in garment

(2) Soiling

(3) Contamination

(4) Physical damage such as the following:

(a) Cuts, tears, punctures, cracking, or splitting

(b) Thermal damage such as charring, burn holes, melting, or discoloration

(c) Loss of seam integrity, and broken or missing stitches

6.2.3.7 Interface components shall be inspected for the following:

(1) Soiling

(2) Contamination from hazardous materials or biological agents

(3) Physical damage

(4) Loss or reduction of properties that allow component to continue as effective interface such as loss of shape or inability to remain attached to the respective element(s), if attachment is required

6.2.4 Additional Routine Inspection Criteria for Proximity Fire-Fighting Protective Ensembles and Ensemble Elements.

6.2.4.1 Proximity coats and trousers shall be inspected for the following:

(1) Loss of reflectivity

(2) Loss of reflective coating(s) from abrasion

6.2.4.2 Proximity helmet over-cover shall be inspected for the following:

(1) Loss of reflectivity

(2) Loss of reflective coating(s) from abrasion

(3) Damaged or missing reflective trim, if applicable

(4) Helmet attachment system for damage and functionality

6.2.4.3 Proximity shrouds shall be inspected for the following:

(1) Loss of reflectivity

(2) Loss of reflective coating(s) from abrasion

(3) Helmet attachment system, if applicable, for damage and functionality

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(4) Distortion of face opening resulting in gaps around the faceshield

6.2.4.4 Proximity helmets shall be inspected for the following:

(1) Loss of face shield reflectivity

(2) Loss of shell reflectivity, if applicable

6.2.4.5 Proximity gloves shall be inspected for the following:

(1) Loss of reflectivity

(2) Loss of reflective coating(s) from abrasion

6.2.4.6 Proximity footwear shall be inspected for the following:

(1) Loss of reflectivity

(2) Loss of reflective coating(s) from abrasion

6.3 Advanced Inspection.

6.3.1* Advanced inspections of all structural fire-fighting protective ensembles and ensemble elements shall be conducted at a minimum of every 12 months or whenever routine inspections indicate that a problem could exist. Advanced inspections of all proximity fire-fighting protective ensembles and ensemble elements shall be conducted at a minimum of every 3 months or whenever routine inspections indicate that a problem could exist.

6.3.1.1 The advanced inspections shall be conducted by members of the organization who have received training in the inspection of structural and proximity fire-fighting protective clothing and equipment.

6.3.1.2* The findings of the advanced inspection shall be documented on an inspection form.

6.3.1.3 Universal precautions shall be observed, as appropriate, when handling elements.

6.3.2 The advanced inspection shall include, as a minimum, the inspections specified in 6.3.2.1 through 6.3.2.5.

6.3.2.1* All layers of the garment elements shall be inspected for the following:

(1) Soiling

(2) Contamination

(3)* Physical damage to all layers such as the following:

(a) Rips, tears, cuts, and abrasions

(b) Damaged or missing hardware

(c) Thermal damage such as charring, burn holes, melting, or discoloration of any layer

(4)* Loss of moisture barrier integrity as indicated by:

(a) Rips, tears, cuts, and abrasions

(b) Discoloration

(c) Thermal damage

(5) Evaluation of system fit and coat/trouser overlap

(6) Loss of seam integrity and broken or missing stitches

(7)* Material integrity such as UV or chemical degradation, loss of liner material, and shifting of liner material

(8) Loss of wristlet elasticity, and stretching, runs, cuts, or burn holes

(9)* Reflective trim integrity, attachment to garment, reflectivity, or damage

(10)* Label integrity and legibility

(11) Hook and loop functionality

(12) Liner attachment systems

(13) Closure system functionality

(14) Accessories for compliance with 4.2.3

6.3.2.2 Structural fire fighting hoods shall be inspected for the following:

(1) Soiling

(2) Contamination

(3) Physical damage such as the following:

(a) Rips, tears, and cuts

(b) Thermal damage such as charring, burn holes, and melting

(4) Shrinkage

(5) Loss of material elasticity or stretching out of shape

(6) Loss of seam integrity or broken or missing stitches

(7) Loss of face opening adjustment

6.3.2.3 Helmets shall be inspected for the following:

(1) Soiling

(2) Contamination

(3) Physical damage to the shell such as the following:

(a) Cracks, dents, and abrasions

(b) Thermal damage to the shell such as bubbling, soft spots, warping, or discoloration

(4) Physical damage to the ear flaps

(a) Rips, tears, and cuts

(b) Thermal damage such as charring, burn holes, or melting

(5) Damaged or missing components of the suspension and retention systems

(6) Suspension and retention systems functionality

(7) Damaged or missing components of the faceshield/goggle system, including discoloration or scratches to the faceshield/goggle lens limiting visibility

(8) Faceshield/goggle system functionality

(9) Damage to the impact cap

(10) Damaged or missing reflective trim

(11) Accessories for compliance with 4.2.3

6.3.2.4 Gloves shall be inspected for the following:

(1) Soiling

(2) Contamination

(3)* Physical damage such as the following:

(a) Rips, tears, and cuts

(b) Thermal damage such as charing, burn holes, and melting

(c) Inverted liner

(d) Loss of seam integrity or broken or missing stitches

(4) Shrinkage

(5) Loss of flexibility

(6) Loss of elasticity and shape in wristlets

(7) Accessories for compliance with 4.2.3

6.3.2.5 Footwear shall be inspected for the following:

(1) Soiling

(2) Contamination

(3) Physical damage such as the following:

(a) Cuts, tears, punctures, cracking, or splitting

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(b) Thermal damage such as charing, burn holes, and melting

(c) Exposed or deformed steel toe, steel midsole, and shank

(d) Loss of seam integrity, delamination, or broken or missing stitches

(4) Loss of water resistance

(5) Closure system component damage and functionality

(6)* Excessive tread wear

(7) Condition of lining such as the following:

(a) Tears

(b) Excessive wear

(c) Separation from outer layer

(8) Heel counter failure

(9) Accessories for compliance with 4.2.3

6.3.2.6 Interface components shall be inspected for the following:

(1) Soiling

(2) Contamination from hazardous materials or biological agents

(3) Physical damage

(4) Loss or reduction of properties that allow component to continue as effective interface such as loss of shape or inability to remain attached to the respective element(s), if attachment is required

(5) Loss of inward leakage resistance for interface areas where interface component is used to provide protection against CBRN terrorism agents and where the ensemble certified to the optional CBRN terrorism agent protection requirements

6.3.3 Additional Advanced Inspection Criteria for Proximity Fire fighting Protective Ensembles and Ensemble Elements.

6.3.3.1 Proximity garment elements shall be inspected for the following:

(1) Loss of reflectivity

(2) Loss of reflective coating(s) from abrasion

6.3.3.2 Proximity helmet over-cover shall be inspected for the following:

(1) Loss of reflectivity

(2) Loss of reflective coating(s) from abrasion

(3) Damaged or missing reflective trim, if applicable

(4) Helmet attachment system for damage and functionality

6.3.3.3 Proximity shrouds shall be inspected for the following:

(1) Loss of reflectivity

(2) Loss of reflective coating(s) from abrasion

(3) Helmet attachment system, if applicable, for damage and functionality

(4) Distortion of face opening resulting in gaps around the faceshield

6.3.3.4 Proximity helmets shall be inspected for the following:

(1) Loss of face shield reflectivity

(2) Loss of shell reflectivity, if applicable

6.3.3.5 Proximity gloves shall be inspected for the following:

(1) Loss of reflectivity

(2) Loss of reflective coating(s) from abrasion

6.3.3.6 Proximity footwear shall be inspected for the following:

(1) Loss of reflectivity

(2) Loss of reflective coating(s) from abrasion

6.3.4 Complete Liner Inspection.

6.3.4.1 Complete liner inspection of all protective ensembles and ensemble elements shall be conducted at 2 years of service and annually thereafter.

6.3.4.1.1 Where the moisture barrier, the CBRN barrier, or both have been replaced, the complete liner inspection of all protective ensembles and ensemble elements shall revert to be conducted at 2 years of service after replacement and annually thereafter.

6.3.4.1.2 Complete liner inspection shall be conducted whenever advanced inspections indicate that a problem exists.

6.3.4.1.3 The complete liner inspection shall be managed by a member of the organization or conducted by members of the organization who have received training in the inspection of structural fire-fighting protective clothing and equipment.

6.3.4.1.4 The element manufacturer and organization shall determine the level of training required to perform complete liner inspections.

6.3.4.1.5 The element manufacturer shall provide written verification of training.

6.3.4.2 The findings of the complete liner inspection shall be documented.

6.3.4.3 Universal precautions shall be observed, as appropriate, when handling elements.

6.3.4.4 The complete liner inspection shall include, as a minimum, the inspections specified in 6.3.4.4.1 through 6.3.4.5.5.

6.3.4.4.1 The moisture barrier and thermal barrier shall be inspected for the following:

(1) Physical damage to all layers such as the following:

(a) Rips, tears, cuts and abrasions

(b) Damage such as charring, burn holes, melting, or discoloration

(2) Loss of seam integrity or broken or missing stitches

(3) Material integrity such as UV or chemical degradation, loss of liner material, or shifting of liner material

(4) Delamination (separation of film from substrate fabric), flaking, and powdering

6.3.4.4.2 The moisture barrier shall be tested using the hydrostatic test specified in 6.3.3.5 and shall have a water penetration of 6.8 kPa (1 psi).

6.3.4.5 Moisture Barrier Hydrostatic Test.

6.3.4.5.1 A whole moisture barrier shall be tested.

6.3.4.5.2 Specimens to be tested shall be conditioned for room temperature conditions.

6.3.4.5.3 Specimens shall be tested at 6.8 kPa (1 psi) for 5 seconds, +1/–0 seconds, in accordance with Method 5512, Water Resistance of Coated Cloth; High Range, Hydrostatic Pressure Method, of Federal Test Method Standard 191A, Textile Test Methods.

6.3.4.5.4 The appearance of any water shall constitute failure.

6.3.4.5.5 The pass or fail performance for each specimen shall be recorded and reported.

Chapter 7 Cleaning and Decontamination

7.1 General.

7.1.1* Organizations shall provide a means for having elements cleaned and decontaminated.

7.1.2 Advanced inspections shall be performed by an ISP or the organization’s trained personnel.

7.1.2.1 Where the organization performs the inspections, the written authorization shall come from the element manufacturer or the manufacturer’s authorized ISP.

7.1.2.2 Training of the organization’s personnel shall be performed by the element manufacturer or the manufacturer’s authorized ISP.

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7.1.3 Ensembles and ensemble elements contaminated by CBRN terrorism agents shall be immediately retired after confirmed exposure and not subject to cleaning or decontamination.

7.1.4 Ensembles and ensemble elements that are known or suspected to be contaminated with hazardous materials shall be evaluated on the incident scene by members of the organization authorized by the organization to conduct a preliminary assessment of the extent of contamination and need for elements to be isolated, tagged, and bagged on scene.

7.1.4.1 Isolated contaminated ensembles and ensemble elements shall be removed from service until the contaminant, or suspected contaminant, is identified and the elements can receive specialized cleaning as necessary to remove the specific contaminant(s).

7.1.4.2 When the contaminant has been identified, the organization shall consult the manufacturer of the contaminant and the manufacturer of the ensembles and ensemble element for an appropriate decontamination agent and process.

7.1.4.3 A member(s) of the organization who has received training in the cleaning of ensembles and ensemble elements shall be responsible for performing or managing specialized cleaning of elements contaminated with hazardous materials.

7.1.5 Ensembles and ensemble elements that are known or suspected to be contaminated with body fluids shall be evaluated on the incident scene by members of the organization authorized to conduct a preliminary assessment of the extent of contamination and need for the ensemble or ensemble elements to be isolated, tagged, and bagged at the incident scene.

7.1.6 The organization shall have written procedures detailing the decontamination and cleaning process(es) for ensembles and ensemble elements contaminated with body fluids. Universal precautions shall be observed at all times by members when handling elements known or suspected to be contaminated with body fluids.

7.1.7 Soiled or contaminated elements shall not be brought into the home, washed in home laundries, or washed in public laundries unless the public laundry has a dedicated business to handle fire fighting protective clothing.

7.1.8* Commercial dry cleaning shall not be used as a means of cleaning or decontaminating ensembles and ensemble elements unless approved by the ensemble or element manufacturer.

7.1.9* When contract cleaning or decontamination is used, the ISP shall demonstrate, to the organization’s satisfaction, the procedures for cleaning and decontamination that do not compromise the performance of ensembles and ensemble elements.

7.2 Routine Cleaning.

7.2.1* After each use, any element shall be evaluated for application of appropriate cleaning level. The end user shall be responsible for the routine cleaning of their issued ensemble elements.

7.2.2 Organizations shall examine the manufacturer’s label and user information for instructions on cleaning and drying that the manufacturer provided with the element. In the absence of manufacturer’s instructions or manufacturer’s approval of alternative procedures, the routine cleaning and drying procedures provided in this section shall be used.

7.2.3 The following routine washing process shall be used:

(1)* When possible, evaluate contamination levels and initiate cleaning at the emergency scene.

(2) Brush off any dry debris.

(3) Gently rinse off debris with a water hose. Heavy scrubbing or spraying with high velocity water jets such as a power washer shall not be used.

(4) If necessary, scrub gently with a soft bristle brush and rinse off again.

(5) If necessary, clean elements in a utility sink designated for personal protective equipment (PPE) cleaning and decontamination using the following procedures:

(a) If necessary, pre-treat heavily soiled or spotted areas. Chlorine bleach, chlorinated solvents, active ingredient cleaning agents, or solvents shall not be used without manufacturer’s approval.

(b) Confirm water temperature does not exceed 40°C (105°F).

(c) If necessary, use a mild detergent with a pH range of not less than 6.0 pH and not greater than 10.5 pH as indicated on the product MSDS or original product container.

(d) Wear protective gloves and eye/face splash protection.

(d) Scrub gently using a soft bristle brush.

(f) Thoroughly rinse the element(s).

(g) Inspect the elements and rewash if necessary, or conduct advanced cleaning procedures. The manufacturer shall be consulted if stronger cleaning agents are required.

(h) Dry the elements in accordance with Section 7.6.

(i) Rinse out the sink.

7.2.4 If routine cleaning fails to render the element(s) sufficiently clean for service, the element(s) shall receive advanced cleaning.

7.3 Advanced Cleaning.

7.3.1* Every 6 months, at a minimum, structural fire fighting ensembles and ensemble elements that have been issued, used, and are soiled shall receive advanced cleaning. Every 12 months, at a minimum, proximity fire-fighting ensembles and ensemble elements that have been issued, used, and are soiled shall receive advanced cleaning.

7.3.2 Ensembles and ensemble elements contaminated by CBRN terrorism agents shall be immediately retired after confirmed exposure and not subject to cleaning or decontamination.

7.3.3* A member(s) of the organization who has received training in the cleaning of structural and proximity fire-fighting protective clothing and equipment shall be responsible for performing or managing advanced cleaning.

7.3.4 Outer shell and other radiant reflective components of proximity fire-fighting protective ensembles and ensemble elements shall not be machine washed.

7.3.5 The following process shall be used:

(1) Brush off any dry debris

(2) Clean following utility sink cleaning procedures or machine cleaning procedures or utilize a qualified ISP

(3) Inspect for soiling and contamination and repeat process if necessary

7.4 Specialized Cleaning.

7.4.1* Ensembles and ensemble elements contaminated by CBRN terrorism agents shall be immediately retired after confirmed exposure and not subject to cleaning or decontamination. Ensembles and ensemble elements contaminated with hazardous materials or biological agents shall receive specialized cleaning as necessary to remove the specific contaminant(s).

7.4.2 Elements that are known or suspected to be contaminated shall be isolated, tagged, and bagged. The contaminated elements shall be removed from service until they can receive specialized cleaning as necessary to remove the specific contaminant(s).

7.4.3 A member(s) of the organization who has received training in the cleaning of structural and proximity fire fighting protective clothing and equipment shall be responsible for performing or managing specialized cleaning.

7.4.4 Universal precautions shall be observed when handling elements known or suspected to be contaminated with hazardous materials or biological agents.

7.4.5 Outer shell and other radiant reflective components of proximity fire fighting protective ensembles and ensemble elements shall not be machine washed.

7.4.6 For elements that have been soiled with body fluids, the following process shall be used:

(1) Follow manufacturer’s instructions to determine appropriate disinfectant to use

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(2) Clean following utility sink cleaning procedures or machine cleaning procedures or utilize a qualified ISP

(3) Inspect for effectiveness of cleaning and repeat process if necessary

7.4.7* Where elements are known or suspected of being contaminated with a hazardous material or biological agent, the contaminant or suspected contaminant shall be identified by the organization, if possible.

7.4.7.1 When the contaminant has been identified, the organization shall consult the manufacturer of the contaminant for an appropriate decontamination agent and process.

7.4.7.2* In the absence of detailed manufacturer’s instructions, the following process shall be used:

(1) Utilize a qualified ISP

(2) Inspect for contamination and repeat process if necessary

7.4.7.3 Contaminated elements shall be shipped in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations

7.5 Cleaning and Decontamination Procedures.

7.5.1 Organizations shall examine the manufacturer’s label and user information for instructions on cleaning that the manufacturer provided with the ensemble or element. In the absence of manufacturer’s instructions or manufacturer’s approval of alternative procedures, the cleaning procedures provided in this section shall be used.

7.5.2* Chlorine bleach or chlorinated solvents shall not be used to clean or decontaminate ensembles or elements.

7.5.3 Cleaning and decontamination solutions shall have a pH range of not less than 6.0 pH and not greater than 10.5 pH.

7.5.4 Heavy scrubbing or spraying with high velocity water jets such as a power washer shall not be used.

7.5.5 Outer shell and other radiant reflective components of proximity fire fighting protective ensembles and ensemble elements shall not be machine washed.

7.5.6* Protective ensembles and protective ensemble elements shall be cleaned and decontaminated separately from non-protective items.

7.5.7* Where the shells and liners of protective garment elements are separable, those items shall only be cleaned and decontaminated with like items, including but not limited to shells with shells and liners with liners.

7.5.8* The following procedures shall be used when cleaning in a utility sink:

(1) Do not overload the sink

(2)* If necessary, pre-treat heavily soiled or spotted areas

(3)* Fill the sink with water not to exceed 40°C (105°F)

(4) Add cleaning solution or detergent

(5)* Wear protective gloves and eye/face splash protection

(6) Scrub gently using a soft bristle brush, using extra care with moisture barrier assemblies

(7) Drain the water from the sink

(8) Refill the sink and agitate gently using gloved hand or stir stick

(9) Gently wring out garments and drain the water from the sink

(10) Repeat steps 7.5.8(7) and 7.5.8(8) until garment is thoroughly rinsed

(11) Dry the elements

(12) Inspect and rewash if necessary

(13) Rinse out the sink

7.5.9* The following procedures shall be used for machine cleaning of structural fire-fighting ensembles and ensemble elements and shall not apply to proximity fire-fighting ensembles and ensemble elements:

(1)* Do not overload the machine

(2)* If necessary, pre-treat heavily soiled or spotted areas

(3) Fasten all closures, including pocket closures, hook and loop, snaps, zippers, hooks and dees, and so forth

(4) Turn garment inside out and place in mesh laundry bag

(5)* Set and start the machine cycle and use a water temperature setting not to exceed 40°C (105°F)

(6) Add detergent

(7)* Run one complete cycle, rinsing at least twice

(8) Dry the elements

(9) Inspect and rewash if necessary

(10)* If the machine is also used to wash items other than protective ensemble elements, rinse out the machine by running it while empty through a complete cycle with 49°C to 52°C (120°F to 125°F) water and detergent

7.6 Drying Procedures.

7.6.1* Organizations shall examine the manufacturer’s label and user information for instructions on drying procedures that the manufacturer provided with the ensemble or element. In absence of manufacturer’s instructions or manufacturer’s approval of alternative procedures, the drying procedures provided in this section shall be used.

7.6.2* The following procedures shall be used for air drying:

(1)* Place elements in an area with good ventilation

(2)* Do not dry in direct sunlight

7.6.3 Outer shell and other radiant reflective components of proximity fire-fighting protective ensembles and ensemble elements shall not be machine dried.

7.6.4* The following procedures shall be used for machine drying:

(1) Do not overload the machine

(2) Fasten all closures, including pocket closures, hook and loop, snaps, zippers, hooks and dees, and so forth

(3) Turn garments inside out and place in a mesh laundry bag

(4)* If the dryer has a no-heat option, use it

(5)* If heat must be used, do not exceed basket temperature of 40°C (105°F)

(6)* If heat is used, remove garments before they are completely dry

7.7 Additional Procedures for Helmets.

7.7.1 Organizations shall examine the manufacturer’s label and user information for instructions on cleaning and drying procedures that the manufacturer provided with the ensemble or element. In absence of manufacturer’s instructions or manufacturer’s approval of alternative procedures, the cleaning and drying procedures provided in this section shall be used.

7.7.2 Helmets shall not be machine cleaned or dried.

7.7.3 Helmet shells, headbands, crown straps, ear covers, and suspension systems shall be cleaned in a utility sink using mild detergent and water.

7.7.4 The manufacturer shall be consulted if stronger cleaning agents are required.

7.7.5 No solvents shall be used to clean or decontaminate faceshields or goggles. The manufacturer shall be consulted when more thorough cleaning is necessary.

7.8 Additional Procedures for Gloves.

7.8.1 Organizations shall examine the manufacturer’s label and user information for instructions on cleaning and drying procedures that the manufacturer provided with the ensemble or element. In absence of manufacturer’s instructions or manufacturer’s approval of alternative procedures, the cleaning and drying procedures provided in this section shall be used.

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7.8.2 Gloves shall be cleaned in a utility sink using mild detergent and water.

7.8.3 Gloves shall not be machine dried with heat.

7.9 Additional Procedures for Footwear.

7.9.1 Organizations shall examine the manufacturer’s label and user information for instructions on cleaning and drying procedures that the manufacturer provided with the ensemble or element. In absence of manufacturer’s instructions or manufacturer’s approval of alternative procedures, the cleaning and drying procedures provided in this section shall be used.

7.9.2 Footwear shall not be machine cleaned or dried.

7.9.3 Footwear shall be cleaned in a utility sink using mild detergent, water, and a soft bristle brush.

7.9.4 The manufacturer shall be consulted if stronger cleaning agents are required.

7.9.5* Footwear shall be air dried in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.

7.10 Additional Procedures for Structural Fire fighting Hoods.

7.10.1 Organizations shall examine the manufacturer’s label and user information for instructions on cleaning and drying procedures that the manufacturer provided with the ensemble or element. In absence of manufacturer’s instructions or manufacturer’s approval of alternative procedures, the cleaning and drying procedures provided in this section shall be used.

7.10.2 Structural hoods shall be cleaned in accordance with the general provisions in Section 9.5.

7.10.3 Structural hoods shall be dried in accordance with the provisions in Section 7.6.

7.11 Additional Procedures for Ensembles Certified to the Optional CBRN Requirements of NFPA 1971.

7.11.1 Organizations shall examine the manufacturer’s label and user information for instructions on cleaning and drying procedures that the manufacturer provided with the ensemble or element. In absence of manufacturer’s instructions or manufacturer’s approval of alternative procedures, the cleaning and drying procedures provided in this chapter shall be used.

7.11.2 The manufacturers shall be consulted to determine if any special handling procedures or the removal of interface components or other components must be undertaken prior to cleaning.

Chapter 8 Repair

8.1 Garment Repair.

8.1.1 Repairs shall be performed by an ISP or the organization’s trained personnel.

8.1.1.1 Where the organization performs the inspection, the written authorization shall come from the element manufacturer or the manufacturer’s authorized ISP.

8.1.1.2 Training of the organization’s personnel shall be performed by the element manufacturer or the manufacturer’s authorized ISP.

8.1.2 A member(s) of the organization who has received training in the repair of garment elements shall be responsible for performing or managing specialized repairs.

8.1.3 Garments shall be subjected to advanced cleaning, or specialized cleaning when necessary, before any repair work is undertaken. Elements contaminated by CBRN terrorism agents shall be immediately retired after confirmed exposure and not subject to reuse.

8.1.4 All repairs and alterations to garments shall be done in a manner and using materials that are approved by the manufacturer including, but not limited to, fabric, thread type, stitch construction, hardware, and hardware backing.

8.1.5 Because of the different methods of construction, the clothing manufacturer shall be contacted if the organization is unsure of whether a field repair can be accomplished without adversely affecting the integrity of the garment.

8.1.6 Major repairs to the outer shell shall only be accomplished by the manufacturer or by a manufacturer’s recognized repair facility consistent with the manufacturer’s instructions and methods. The manufacturer shall be contacted if the organization is unsure of whether a repair is major or minor or whether it can be accomplished without adversely affecting the integrity of the garment.

8.1.7* All repairs to the moisture barrier shall only be performed by the manufacturer or by a manufacturer’s recognized repair facility consistent with the manufacturer’s instructions and methods. The organization shall contact the original manufacturer if the organization is unsure as to whether an area to be repaired contains a moisture barrier.

8.1.8* Minor field repairs to thermal liners shall be permitted providing there is no stitching through the moisture barrier.

8.1.8.1 The types of field repairs permitted shall be:

(1) Patching of minor tears, char marks, and ember burns

(2) Repairing of skipped, broken, and missing stitches

(3) Replacing of missing hardware

8.1.8.2 All repairs and alterations to thermal liners including minor field repairs shall be performed in the same manner and using the same materials as the manufacturer, including but not limited to fabric, thread type, stitch construction, hardware, and hardware backing.

8.1.9 Repairs shall be completed on all components and on all layers of the composite that have been damaged or that are affected by the repair.

8.1.10 Repairs and alterations shall be performed using seaming methods consistent with the manufacturer’s instructions. Seaming methods shall include but not be limited to seam type, stitches per inch, and manner of construction.

8.1.11 Major A seams are critical to the integrity of the garment and restitching of more than 25 continuous mm (1 continuous in.) of a Major A seam shall require consulting the manufacturer, or shall be performed by the manufacturer or by a manufacturer’s recognized repair facility in a manner consistent with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8.1.12 Major B seams in the moisture barrier shall be repaired or altered only by the manufacturer or by a manufacturer’s recognized repair facility and shall not be repaired in the field.

8.1.13 Repairs to Major B seams in the thermal liner that do not affect any moisture barrier material shall be permitted. Restitching of more than 25 continuous mm (1 continuous in.) of Major B seams shall require consulting the manufacturer, or shall be performed by the manufacturer or by a manufacturer’s recognized repair facility in a manner consistent with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8.1.14 All minor seams, other than moisture barrier seams, shall be repaired or altered in a manner consistent with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8.1.15 Minor seams in the moisture barrier shall be repaired or altered only by the manufacturer or by a manufacturer’s recognized repair facility and shall not be repaired in the field.

8.1.16* All repaired stress areas shall be reinforced in a manner consistent with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8.1.17 Repairs of minor tears, char marks, ember burns, and abraded areas shall be limited to those where the damaged area can be covered by a maximum of a 32 cm2 (50 in.2) patch.

8.1.17.1 The finished edge of the patch shall extend at least 25 mm (1 in.) in all directions beyond the damaged area.

8.1.17.2 The patch shall have no raw edges to prevent fraying.

8.1.17.3 When repairing tears, holes, or abrasions, the damaged areas shall be mended to prevent further damage prior to applying the patch.

8.1.18 Replacement trim shall be installed in a manner consistent with the garment manufacturer’s method of construction, and replacement trim shall be obtained from the garment manufacturer or the manufacturer’s recognized source.

8.1.18.1 Trim being replaced shall be completely removed so that no new trim is sewn over older trim.

8.1.18.2 No repair or alteration shall result in a reduction of the total amount of trim on the garment.

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8.1.18.3 If a repair or alteration necessitates replacing trim, an equal amount of trim shall be installed.

8.1.18.4 If replacing trim necessitates sewing into a Major A seam, trim replacement shall only be done by the manufacturer or by a repair facility recognized by the manufacturer.

8.1.18.5 If unsure of the complexity of the repair, the manufacturer shall be consulted.

8.1.19* Replacement hardware shall be installed in a manner consistent with the garment manufacturer’s method of construction.

8.1.19.1 Replacement hardware shall be obtained from the garment manufacturer or the manufacturer’s recognized source.

8.1.19.2 When replacing hardware, the reinforcement backing material shall either be reinstalled, or if no longer serviceable, the backing material shall be replaced.

8.1.19.3 If unsure of the complexity of the repair, the manufacturer shall be consulted.

8.1.20* Replacement zippers shall be installed in a manner consistent with the garment manufacturer’s method of construction, and replacement zippers shall be obtained from the manufacturer or the manufacturer’s recognized source. If unsure of the complexity of the repair, the manufacturer shall be consulted.

8.1.21* Replacement hook and loop fastener tape shall be installed in a manner consistent with the garment manufacturer’s method of construction, and replacement hook and loop shall be obtained from the garment manufacturer or the manufacturer’s recognized source. If unsure of the complexity of the repair, the manufacturer shall be consulted.

8.1.22* Replacement reinforcement materials shall be installed in a manner consistent with the garment manufacturer’s method of construction.

8.1.22.1 Replacement reinforcement material shall be obtained from the garment manufacturer or the manufacturer’s recognized source.

8.1.22.2 If unsure of the complexity of the repair, the manufacturer shall be consulted.

8.1.23 Replacement wristlets shall be installed in a manner consistent with the garment manufacturer’s method of construction.

8.1.23.1 Replacement wristlets shall be obtained from the garment manufacturer or the manufacturer’s recognized source.

8.1.23.2 If unsure of the complexity of the repair, the manufacturer shall be consulted.

8.1.24 Replacement interface components shall be installed in a manner consistent with the garment manufacturer’s method of construction

8.1.24.1 Replacement interface components shall be obtained from the garment manufacturer or the manufacturer’s recognized source.

8.1.24.2 If unsure of the complexity of the repair, the manufacturer shall be consulted.

8.2 Helmet Repair.

8.2.1 A member(s) of the organization who has received training in the repair of helmet elements shall be responsible for performing or managing specialized repairs.

8.2.2 Helmets shall be subjected to advanced cleaning and specialized cleaning when necessary before any repair work is undertaken.

8.2.3* All repairs and alterations to helmets shall be done in a manner and using materials that are approved by the manufacturer.

8.2.4 Where replacement of a helmet component is performed, the replacement component(s) shall be obtained from the helmet manufacturer or the manufacturer’s recognized source.

8.2.5 If there is indication of a crack, dent, abrasion, bubbling, soft spot, discoloration, or warping in the helmet shell, the manufacturer shall be contacted to determine serviceability.

8.2.6 The helmet manufacturer shall be contacted if the organization is unsure of the complexity of the repair or whether a field repair can be accomplished without adversely affecting the integrity of the helmet.

8.2.7 Small surface knicks shall be repaired in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8.2.8 Small scratches on the helmet shell shall be permitted to be removed by using mildly abrasive compounds recommended by the manufacturer.

8.2.9 Helmet faceshield/goggle components that become cracked or badly scratched shall be replaced.

8.2.10 Replacement interface components shall be installed in a manner consistent with the helmet manufacturer’s method of construction

8.2.10.1 Replacement interface components shall be obtained from the helmet manufacturer or the manufacturer’s recognized source.

8.2.10.2 If unsure of the complexity of the repair, the manufacturer shall be consulted.

8.3 Glove Repair.

8.3.1 A member(s) of the organization who has received training in the repair of glove elements shall be responsible for performing or managing specialized repairs.

8.3.2 Gloves shall be subjected to advanced cleaning or specialized cleaning when necessary before any repair work is undertaken.

8.3.3 All repairs to gloves shall be done in a manner and using materials that are approved by the glove manufacturer.

8.3.4 Replacement interface components shall be installed in a manner consistent with the glove manufacturer’s method of construction

8.3.4.1 Replacement interface components shall be obtained from the glove manufacturer or the manufacturer’s recognized source.

8.3.4.2 If unsure of the complexity of the repair, the manufacturer shall be consulted.

8.4 Footwear Repair.

8.4.1 A member(s) of the organization who has received training in the repair of footwear elements shall be responsible for performing or managing specialized repairs.

8.4.2 Footwear shall be subjected to advanced cleaning or specialized cleaning when necessary before any repair work is undertaken.

8.4.3 All repairs and alterations to footwear shall be done in a manner and using materials that are approved by the footwear manufacturer.

8.4.4 Repairs to footwear shall be performed by the boot manufacturer or a repair service recognized by the manufacturer.

8.4.5 All repairs to leather boots, other than the replacement of boot laces, insoles, and zipper assemblies, shall be performed by the manufacturer or a repair service recognized by the manufacturer.

8.4.6 All replacement boot laces, zippers, and insoles shall be provided by the boot manufacturer or the manufacturer’s recognized source.

8.4.7 Replacement interface components shall be installed in a manner consistent with the footwear manufacturer’s method of construction

8.4.7.1 Replacement interface components shall be obtained from the footwear manufacturer or the manufacturer’s recognized source.

8.4.7.2 If unsure of the complexity of the repair, the manufacturer shall be consulted.

8.5 Hood Repair.

8.5.1 A member(s) of the organization who has received training in the repair of hood elements shall be responsible for performing or managing specialized repairs.

8.5.2 Hoods shall be subjected to advanced cleaning or specialized cleaning when necessary before any repair work is undertaken.

8.5.3 All repairs to hoods shall be done in a manner and using materials that are approved by the hood manufacturer.

8.5.4 Replacement interface components shall be installed in a manner consistent with the hood manufacturer’s method of construction

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8.5.4.1 Replacement interface components shall be obtained from the hood manufacturer or the manufacturer’s recognized source.

8.5.4.2 If unsure of the complexity of the repair, the manufacturer shall be consulted.

8.5.5 Replacement interface components shall be installed in a manner consistent with the shroud manufacturer’s method of construction

8.5.5.1 Replacement interface components shall be obtained from the shroud manufacturer or the manufacturer’s recognized source.

8.5.5.2 If unsure of the complexity of the repair, the manufacturer shall be consulted.

Chapter 9 Storage

9.1* All Ensembles and Ensemble Elements.

9.1.1* Ensembles or ensemble elements shall not be stored in direct sunlight or exposed to direct sunlight while not being worn.

9.1.2* Ensembles and ensemble elements shall be clean and dry before storage.

9.1.3 Proximity fire-fighting protective coat and trouser elements shall be stored by hanging to limit the damaged caused by creasing and shall not be stored folded.

9.1.4 Ensemble and ensemble element storage areas shall be clean, dry, and well ventilated.

9.1.5 Ensemble and ensemble elements shall not be stored in airtight containers unless they are new and unissued.

9.1.6* Ensembles and ensemble elements shall not be stored at temperatures below –32°C (–25°F) or above 82°C (180°F).

9.1.7* Ensembles and ensemble elements shall not be stored or transported in compartments or trunks with sharp objects, tools, or other equipment that could damage the ensembles or ensemble elements. Where ensembles or ensemble elements must be transported or stored in these environments, the ensemble or element(s) shall be placed in a protective case or bag to prevent damage.

9.1.8* Soiled ensembles and ensemble elements shall not be stored inside living quarters or with personal belongings, or taken or transported within the passenger compartment of personal vehicles. Where ensembles or ensemble elements must be transported or stored in these environments, the ensembles or element(s) shall be placed in a protective case or bag to prevent cross-contamination.

9.1.9* Ensembles and ensemble elements shall not be stored in contact with contaminants such as but not limited to oils, solvents, acids, or alkalis.

Chapter 10 Retirement, Disposition, and Special Incident Procedure

10.1 Retirement.

10.1.1 The organization shall develop specific criteria for removal of protective clothing and equipment from service, which includes but is not limited to issues that are specific to the ensembles or ensemble elements being used by the organization, the manufacturer’s instructions, and the experience of the organization.

10.1.2* Structural and proximity fire fighting ensembles and ensemble elements that are contaminated by CBRN terrorism agents shall be immediately retired as specified in 10.2.1 after confirmed exposure.

10.1.3 In all cases, structural fire-fighting ensembles and ensemble elements shall be certified as compliant with the 1997 edition or more recent edition of NFPA 1971 or they shall be retired as specified in 10.1.7.

10.1.4 In all cases, proximity fire-fighting ensembles and ensemble elements shall be certified as compliant with the 2000 edition of NFPA 1976, or certified as compliant with a more recent edition of NFPA 1971, or they shall be retired as specified in 10.1.7.

10.1.5 Structural and proximity fire-fighting ensembles and ensemble elements that are worn or damaged to the extent that the organization deems it not possible or cost effective to repair them shall be retired in accordance with 10.2.1.

10.1.6 Structural and proximity fire-fighting ensembles and ensemble elements that are contaminated to the extent that the organization deems it not possible or cost effective to decontaminate them shall be retired in accordance with 10.2.1.

10.1.7* Structural and proximity fire-fighting ensembles and ensemble elements that are no longer of use to the organization for emergency operations service but are not contaminated, defective, or damaged shall be retired in accordance with 10.2.1 or 10.2.2.

10.1.8* Structural and proximity fire-fighting ensembles and ensemble elements that were not in compliance with the edition of the respective NFPA standard that was current when the ensembles and elements were manufactured shall be retired in accordance with 10.2.1.

10.2 Disposition of Retired Elements.

10.2.1 Retired structural and proximity fire-fighting ensembles and ensemble elements shall be destroyed or disposed of in a manner assuring that they will not be used in any fire-fighting or emergency activities, including training.

10.2.2 Retired structural and proximity fire-fighting ensembles and ensemble elements as determined in 10.1.3 shall be permitted to be used in accordance with the following:

(1) Training that does not involve live fire provided they are appropriately marked as such

(2) As determined by the organization

10.3 Special Incident Procedure.

10.3.1* The organization shall have procedures for the handling and custody of ensembles and ensemble elements that are directly related to serious fire fighter injuries and fire fighter fatalities.

10.3.2* In the absence of any other prevailing rules of evidence, the organization’s procedures shall include at least the following:

(1) Provisions for the immediate removal from service and preservation of all personal protective clothing and equipment utilized by the injured or deceased fire fighter. Custody of such clothing and equipment shall be maintained at a secure location with controlled, documented access.

(2) All such clothing and equipment should be non-destructively tagged and stored only in paper or cardboard containers to prevent further degradation or damage. Plastic or airtight containers shall not be used.

(3) Review of the personal protective clothing and equipment by qualified members of the organization or outside experts to determine the condition thereof.

10.3.3* The organization shall determine a specific period of time for retaining custody of the personal protective clothing and equipment.

Annex A Explanatory Material

Annex A is not a part of the requirements of this NFPA document but is included for informational purposes only. This annex contains explanatory material, numbered to correspond with the applicable text paragraphs.A.3.2.1 Approved. The National Fire Protection Association does not approve, inspect, or certify any installations, procedures, equipment, or materials; nor does it approve or evaluate testing laboratories. In determining the acceptability of installations, procedures, equipment, or materials, the authority having jurisdiction may base acceptance on compliance with NFPA or other appropriate standards. In the absence of such standards, said authority may require evidence of proper installation, procedure, or use. The authority having jurisdiction may also refer to the listings or labeling practices of an organization that is concerned with product evaluations and is thus in a position to determine compliance with appropriate standards for the current production of listed items.A.3.2.2 Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). The phrase “authority having jurisdiction,” or its acronym AHJ, is used in NFPA documents in a broad manner, since jurisdictions and approval agencies vary, as do their responsibilities. Where public safety is primary, the authority having jurisdiction may be a federal, state, local, or other regional department or individual such as a fire chief; fire marshal; chief of a fire prevention bureau, labor department, or health department; building official; electrical inspector; or others having statutory authority. For insurance purposes, an insurance inspection department, rating bureau,

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or other insurance company representative may be the authority having jurisdiction. In many circumstances, the property owner or his or her designated agent assumes the role of the authority having jurisdiction; at government installations, the commanding officer or departmental official may be the authority having jurisdiction.A.3.2.4 Listed. The means for identifying listed equipment may vary for each organization concerned with product evaluation; some organizations do not recognize equipment as listed unless it is also labeled. The authority having jurisdiction should utilize the system employed by the listing organization to identify a listed product.A.3.3.5 Carcinogen/Carcinogenic. The lists include, but are not limited to, NIOSH Pocket Guide, Hazardous Chemicals, and ACGIH TLVs and Biological Indices.

A.3.3.8 CBRN Barrier Layer. While it is recognized that the entire composite will affect the performance of the ensemble clothing in preventing the penetration of CBRN agents, the identification of the CBRN barrier material is intended to assist with the application of specific ensemble and element tests in this standard.

A.3.3.9 CBRN Terrorism Agents. Chemical terrorism agents include solid, liquid, and gaseous chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals. Chemical warfare agents include but are not limited to GB (Sarin), GD (Soman), HD (sulfur mustard), VX, and specific toxic industrial chemicals. Many toxic industrial chemicals, for example chlorine and ammonia, are identified as potential chemical terrorism agents because of their potential availability and degree of injury they could potentially inflict.

Biological agents are bacteria, viruses, or the toxins derived from biological material. The CBRN ensemble protects against biological particles dispersed as aerosols and liquidborne pathogens. Airborne biological agents could be dispersed in the form of liquid aerosols or solid aerosols (i.e., a powder of bacterial spores). Liquidborne pathogens could be potentially encountered during a terrorism incident as a result of deliberate dispersal or from body fluids released by victims of other weapons (i.e., explosives, firearms).

CBRN ensembles protect from radiological particulates dispersed as aerosols. The protection is defined for blocking or filtering airborne particulate matter or liquid and solid aerosols not for radiological gases or vapors. Airborne particulates have the ability to emit alpha and beta particles and ionizing radiation from the decay of unstable isotopes. (See also 3.3.I, Radiological Particulate Terrorism Agents.)

A.3.3.13 Cleaning. In this standard, cleaning is divided into three categories — routine, advanced, and specialized.

A.3.3.13.1 Advanced Cleaning. Advanced cleaning usually requires elements to be temporarily taken out of service. Examples include hand washing, machine washing, and contract cleaning.

A.3.3.13.3 Routine Cleaning. Examples include brushing off dry debris, rinsing off debris with a water hose, and spot cleaning.

A.3.3.13.4 Specialized Cleaning. This level of cleaning involves specific procedures and specialized cleaning agents and processes.

A.3.3.48 Interface Component. Interface components are evaluated and tested individually or are evaluated and tested as part of the protective element.

A.3.3.55 Organization. Examples of such entities include, but are not limited to, fire departments, police departments, rescue squads, emergency medical service providers, and hazardous materials response teams.

A.3.3.60 Radiological Particulate Terrorism Agents. This standard addresses protective ensembles that only provide partial protection from certain radiation sources. By their nature, these ensembles provide protection from alpha particles, and the element materials and distance will significantly attenuate beta particles. These ensembles do not provide any protection from ionizing radiation, such as gamma rays and x-rays, other than to keep the actual radiological particulate from direct skin contact.

A.3.3.76 Trim. Retroreflective materials enhance nighttime visibility, and fluorescent materials improve daytime visibility.

A.3.3.78 Universal Precautions. Under circumstances where differentiation between body fluids is difficult or impossible, all body fluids should be considered potentially infectious materials.

A.4.1.1 NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program, and NFPA 1581, Standard on Fire Department

Infection Control Program, also provide requirements and information on cleaning and decontamination.

Protective ensembles and ensemble elements are important tools that enable fire fighters to perform their jobs in a safe and effective manner. Organizations need to recognize that these items do not have an indefinite life span and that regular inspections are a necessary part of any protective equipment program.

A.4.2.3 Organizations should ensure that accessories do not degrade the performance of ensemble elements.

A.4.2.5 Retirement criteria should be based on a number of factors, including but not limited to the overall condition of the item, specific deterioration of materials or components beyond their repair economically, or the inability to adequately remove hazardous materials and other contaminants. Physical damage from use or improper cleaning are other factors that can affect when an item should be retired. The actual service life of ensembles and ensemble elements varies depending upon the amount of their use and the care they receive.

A.4.3.1 Records are an important part of an overall protective clothing management program. Records can be used to provide information about the life cycle of protective ensembles and elements, to document repair and decontamination efforts, and to compare the effectiveness of elements that are made of different materials or by different manufacturers.

A.4.3.2 Some departments utilize rental or loaner gear. The records specified should also be maintained on these elements in order to maintain a history on the care and maintenance of the products. The fire department should require that the entity providing the gear provide the records of prior care and maintenance to the fire department at the time of rental.

A.4.5.3 Extra caution should be practiced to avoid exposing children to soiled protective equipment as they are usually more interested in actually touching or handling the equipment than are adults. Children are also less likely to wash off any dirt or soot that they might have picked up from handling the ensemble or elements.

A.4.5.4 See also A.9.1.7.

A.5.1 The organization should consider establishing a committee to oversee the process of selecting ensembles or ensemble elements. This committee should consist of interested individuals representing a cross section of the organization (i.e., from both labor and management who collectively have several years of experience in fire-fighting activities). The role of the committee should be to set and define goals and requirements and identify areas of responsibility for each member, plus provide recommendations to the authority making the final decisions.

Copies of specifications on the organization’s current ensembles and ensemble elements should be distributed to the committee as a point of reference. The committee should consider if there are possible areas for improvement to the existing specifications. Examples of improvement criteria over existing specifications include heat stress, weight, design, style, interface with other components, durability, comfort, flexibility, safety, performance, price, customer service, delivery, compliance, reliability, and warranty.

A.5.1.1 In general some hazards that can be encountered include but are not limited to physical, environmental, thermal, chemical, biological, electrical, radiation, operational, and ergonomics. The organization should also consider the frequency and severity of the identified hazards when conducting the risk assessment.

The safety officer is the logical individual to perform this function as it is his/her role in the organization. The safety officer should also consider national trends when performing this task. NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program, substantiates OSHA’s regulations as follows:

(1) Section 4.3, Mandatory evaluation of safety and health programs

(2) Subsection 4.4.2, Mandating compliance to state and federal laws

(3) Subsection 4.7.1, Safety officer responsibilities related to protective ensemble elements (which is also defined in NFPA 1521)

(4) Section 7.1, Requirements for ensembles and ensemble elements

A.5.1.3 These standards provide minimum requirements. Organizations should be familiar with the performance requirements in NFPA 1971 in order to fully utilize this standard. Additional requirements can be

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necessary. Organizations should also solicit and exchange information with other organizations as a further informational resource. Fire service user groups such as SAFER, NAFER, CAFER, and FIERO are also avenues to aid in this process.

A.5.1.4 Certification of protective elements can be checked by examining the product label for the mark of the certification organization. The organization should further check the certification of the specific protective element by contacting the certification organization and asking if the item is listed as being certified as compliant with NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting. Finally, the organization can check the legitimacy of the certification organization by asking for documentation that shows that the certification organization has been accredited to ANSI Z34.1, Standard for Third-Party Certification Programs for Products, Processes, and Services, or ISO 65, General requirements for bodies operating product certification systems. (See also A.10.1.4.)

A.5.1.5 Products that are certified as compliant with NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting, offer different materials and construction with different properties. Compliant quantitative performance results from NFPA 1971 can be utilized for comparison of elements, as a multitude of designs, materials, and constructions with different performance properties meet this minimum standard. NFPA 1971 requires that manufacturer’s provide third-party certification testing results upon the request of the authority having jurisdiction. If a quantitative analysis is conducted, all performance results should be evaluated to understand the trade-offs of one performance requirement versus another.

A.5.1.6 The organization should consider the interface of items such as helmets with hoods and SCBA, gloves and hoods with coats, trousers with boots, and so forth.

A.5.1.7 Organizations should contact manufacturers or vendors about field evaluations programs. Many provide sample items for tests. The following criteria should be used to conduct an effective field evaluation:

(1) Test participants should be selected based on a cross section of personnel, willingness to participate, objectivity, and level of operational activity.

(2) Participants should wear test each different product model being evaluated from each manufacturer for a particular ensemble element. Participants should be fitted for each product model being evaluated from each manufacturer. Evaluations should be conducted using the same participants, who use/evaluate each ensemble.

(3) A product evaluation form should be developed for each element and interface area. The form should include a rating system for those characteristics considered important to the organization that facilitates a quantitative evaluation. Evaluation forms should include general performance criteria; a specific length of timer for the field evaluation; and criteria addressing ease of movement, ability to work, and so forth. Size and fit issues should be addressed since they relate to comparative evaluation of ensembles and ensemble elements. Evaluation forms that provide only narrative responses should be avoided.

(4) The organization should solicit periodic reports from participants in the field evaluation. At least three evaluation reports should be completed. These evaluation reports should be filled out independently.

(5) The organization should conclude the evaluation process in a timely manner and analyze the results.

A.5.1.8 Specifications translate the organization’s needs into performance or design requirements that can be met by manufacturers of protective equipment. Specifications should clearly address every aspect of the department’s needs and expectations in regard to both the performance and the delivery of the ensembles or ensemble elements. Organizations should specify delivery time requirements, and if appropriate, penalty assessments for not meeting delivery dates. Warehousing requirements, if desired, should also be established in the procurement specification.

Organizations should, however, be careful not to write specifications that are redundant, contradictory, or that cannot be met by manufacturers of ensembles or ensemble elements. For example, be sure the thermal protection performance (TPP) specified can be achieved with the materials specified. A pre-bid meeting with participation of potential bidders or manufacturers is useful in eliminating inconsistencies or explaining requirements, which can be unclear in the specifications.

Organizations should continuously review and document how their specifications and ensembles and ensemble elements meet their needs and applicable standards. There are many ways to improve the quantity and quality of information received from prospective bidders. Additionally, increased purchasing power potential can be gained by forming collective buys with other organizations for possible volume discounts.

Purchase specifications should indicate the organization’s selection of choice for the following required NFPA 1971 element components:

(1) Garment outer shell material: fabric, weight, color

(2) Garment thermal liner material

(3) Garment moisture barrier material: base fabric, film, or coating

(4) Garment trim: configuration, material, color

(5) Garment closure system

(6) Garment wristlets: material, design

(7) Hood: material, face opening design

(8) Gloves: composite materials, wristlet or gauntlet, wristlet material

(9) Helmet: material, color, retention system, trim configuration, trim color, ear cover material, ear cover dimension, eye protection

(10) Boots: composite materials

A.5.1.8(2) An organization should consider their needs for performance or features in excess of the minimum requirements of NFPA 1971, such as the following:

(1) Garments:

(a) Any styling issues

(b) Any specific range of motion requirements

(c) Any sleeve retraction requirements

(d) Any garment rise with overhead reach requirements

(e) Any winter liner requirements

(f) Any additional reinforcement needs (recognizing multiple layering can modify protective performance in several areas, especially breathability)

(g) Any specific additional thread requirements

(h) Any specific additional requirements for stitch characteristics

(i) Any customized sizing requirements

(j) Any attachment requirements for liners and outer shells

(k) Any specific requirements for placement and materials of trim (and reflective lettering, if desired)

(l) Any specific material choices

(m) Any requirements for weight reduction

(n) Any specific details of required suspender construction or suspender/garment interface

(o) Any requirements for spot or localized enhanced insulative performance

(p) Any requirements for field interchangeability or replacement of reinforcement pieces

(q) Any requirements for enhanced flexibility at movement sensitive areas

(r) Any requirements for notification systems to indicate liner absence

(s) Any requirements for moisture barrier substrate or thermal fill accessibility to allow field inspection

(t) Any requirements for lumbar support systems

(u) Any customization requirements

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(v) Any passport/accountability system requirements

(w) Any specialized or additional pocketing requirements

(x) Any flashlight clips required

(y) Any PASS interface features required

(z) Any requirements for personal escape or rescue features

(aa) Any requirements for sizing adjustment

(bb) Any requirements for temperature sensing features

(cc) Any requirements for interface area compatibilities

(2) Helmets:

(a) Any styling requirements

(b) Any customization requirements

(c) Any faceshield/goggles requirements

(d) Any reflective marking requirements

(e) Any customized sizing requirements

(f) Any specific material choices

(g) Any specific requirements for earflaps (design, materials, and dimensions and attachment to shell specifics)

(h) Any specific requirements for suspension construction

(i) Any requirements for weight reduction

(3) Gloves:

(a) Any specific material choices

(b) Any overall styling requirements

(c) Any details of cuff styling (wristlet or gauntlet)

(4) Boots:

(a) Any specific material choices

(b) Any overall styling requirements

(c) Any interface with trouser requirements

(5) Hoods:

(a) Any specific material choices

(b) Any styling requirements

(c) Any coverage requirements

(6) All elements:

(a) Any additional certification requirements (i.e., Project FIRES, State OSHA, Fed OSHA)

(b) Any requirements for interface with existing elements of the protective ensemble

(c) Any warranty requirements

(d) Any requirements for cleaning and repair support

(e) Any requirements for manufacturer or dealer references

A.5.1.7(2)(g) CBRN Ensembles.

(1) Method of deploying the CBRN protection

(2) Position of CBRN barrier layer in the material systems of each element and its ease of its inspection

(3) Manner in which ensemble interfaces are designed to prevent inward leakage

(4) Specialized donning or doffing procedures in the wearing of the ensemble

(5) Ensemble resistance to contamination and ease of ensemble doffing for safe exit of wearer from ensemble

(6) Specific types of SCBA for which ensemble is certified

A.5.1.8(3) Depending on the items being purchased and the size of the order, organizations should consider requiring product representatives to provide samples with their proposals. Manufacturers should also be required to provide complete user instructions and warranty information with each bid. Organizations should review the past record of each manufacturer concerning length of time for delivery, repair turn around times, and similar “customer service” issues.

A.5.1.8(4) Organizations can obtain assistance in garment sizing from ASTM F 1731, Standard Practice for Body Measurements and Sizing of Fire and Rescue Services Uniforms and Other Thermal Hazard Protective Clothing. Helmets are adjustable and fit a wide range of sizes. If a helmet is not adjusted correctly, it might not stay on the user’s head during active periods of wear. In addition to the sizing and depth adjustments, many models are also available with quick adjusters to accommodate varying conditions for proper fitting (i.e., with or without SCBA facepiece).

A.5.1.8(5) Organizations should consider comparing a pre-production sample from the apparent winning submitter against the purchase specifications before awarding the bid.

A.6.1.3 It is not the intent of this standard to require the cleaning of ensembles and ensemble elements if those elements are not soiled. Organizations should establish guidelines for judging the extent of soiling that requires cleaning based on their needs and experience. In applying this judgment organizations should, however, also take into consideration the importance of keeping ensembles and ensemble elements clean. Soiled elements can pose a health risk to the wearer and can provide reduced levels of protective performance.

A.6.2.3.3(6) The inspection should ensure that sides and edges of both faceshields and goggles are maintained to preserve peripheral vision.

A.6.3.1 For any inspection program to be effective, ensembles and ensemble elements should be evaluated by trained individuals. The individuals evaluating the ensembles and ensemble elements should understand the limitations of each element and recognize the signs of failure. Utilizing trained individuals will provide consistency on whether an item should be repaired or retired. The organization should determine the level of training appropriate for their organization. Resources for training that should be considered, as a minimum, are the manufacturer(s) of the elements in use, the FEMSA User Guide; NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program; professional cleaning and repair facilities; and fire service organizations such as SAFER, NAFER, CAFER, and FIERO.

A.6.3.1.2 The inspection grading scale provided in this annex section is designed to assist fire department personnel in identifying and documenting the condition of ensembles and ensemble elements. It describes the overall condition of the equipment and an asterisk is used to note that a specific component can require repair even though the general condition is acceptable. Grade definitions are as follows:

(1) New or as-new condition. Newly purchased items that are in like new condition.

(2) Good condition. Items in good serviceable condition; might show wear but replacement or repair is not necessary.

(3) Maintenance needed. The item is in need of repair. The organization will determine if the item is to be repaired or retired. Maintenance details shall be described in the “Comments” section of the inspection form.

(4) Immediate replacement. The item is unsafe and should be removed from service.

A.6.3.2.1 When garments have an optional winter liner, the winter liner should be inspected during each advanced inspection.

A.6.3.2.1(3) All charred, burned, or discolored areas should be thoroughly checked for strength and integrity by aggressively flexing the material and attempting to push a finger or thumb through the fabric. Any loss of strength or weakening of the materials to the degree where the material can be torn with manual pressure is a sign of deterioration and the garment should be removed from service.

A.6.3.2.1(4) While all materials and components in protective elements are susceptible to different types of damage from wear or abuse, the moisture barrier is one of the most difficult parts of the protective

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garment to inspect and evaluate. This is because the film or coating side of most moisture barriers faces the interior of the liner and is hidden from easy examination. Even where a garment is equipped with a means of opening the liner to view the film or coating side, it is difficult to conduct a visual evaluation of the moisture barrier film or coating. Even a physical examination of the moisture barrier film or coating side will not detect all types of damage or defects that can lead to loss of liquid penetration resistance for the protective garment.

Moisture barrier coatings or films could become abraded, tear, or have pinholes from use. In severe cases, this degradation in some moisture barrier materials can take the form of separation, cracking, or flaking. Tapes used on moisture barrier seams, to ensure garment integrity against liquid penetration, could also crack, lift, or completely separate. Only the most obvious damage is usually observable, therefore, the following field evaluation procedure is recommended.

The field evaluation procedure should be performed on high abrasion areas of the garments such as the broadest part of the shoulders and the back waist area of the coat, and the knees, crotch, and seat of the trousers. However, where potential damage to the garment outer shell or thermal barrier has been detected, the procedure should be conducted on the corresponding area of the moisture barrier. Where potential damage to the moisture barrier has been detected or is expected, the procedure should be conducted on that area.

The field evaluation procedure should be performed at room temperature. An alcohol-water mixture should be made by combining 1 part rubbing alcohol (70 percent isopropanol alcohol) with 6 parts of tap water. If there are any questions about using alcohol-tap water mixture for evaluating the protective garment, the garment manufacturer should be contacted directly for advice.

A dry thermal/moisture barrier liner should be placed over a bucket with the thermal barrier side facing down and the moisture barrier side facing up. About 1 cup of the alcohol-tap water mixture should be poured into a cupped area of the moisture barrier side of the liner and the mixture should stand for 2 to 3 minutes. If the liquid passes through the moisture barrier and wets the thermal barrier, the liner should be removed from service and repaired or replaced. After performing this field evaluation procedure, the liner should be cleaned and allowed to completely dry to remove all traces of the alcohol-tap water mixture.

It is important to realize that this field evaluation procedure can produce results that are inconsistent with more comprehensive or sophisticated testing and might only detect the worst-case failure areas. To perform more comprehensive or sophisticated testing of the moisture barrier, the garment manufacturer should be contacted for advice.

A.6.3.2.1(7) Material discoloration can indicate many types of possible damage including but not limited to dye loss, heat degradation, ultraviolet (UV) damage, and chemical contamination.

A.6.3.2.1(9) Trim can appear to be undamaged to the human eye when it has actually lost much of the ability to reflect. To check for continued retroreflective properties, perform a simple flashlight test. Hold a bright, focused flashlight at eye level, either next to the temple or on the bridge of the nose. Stand approximately 12 m (40 ft) from the trim sample and aim the light beam at the sample. Compare the brightness of the reflected light coming back to a sample of new trim. If the reflected light is substantially less than that seen on the new trim, the trim should be replaced.

While this procedure provides a practical evaluation of trim retroreflective performance, it does not evaluate trim fluorescence or mean that the trim will provide adequate fire fighter visibility. Trim can lose fluorescence (daytime visibility) and still remain retroreflective. Trim can also appear to be retro reflective and not have sufficient intensity for nighttime visibility at far distances. Only testing under laboratory conditions can provide an accurate determination of trim visibility properties.

A.6.3.2.1(10) If a label problem is identified, the organization should contact the manufacturer of the ensemble or element.

A.6.3.2.4(3) The watertight integrity of gloves can be evaluated by conducting the following test. Have a test subject wear the gloves and immerse them into water up to the wrist crease of the gloves. The test subject should wear lightweight cotton gloves under the gloves being inspected. The test subject should repeatedly flex his or her hands for a period of 2 minutes and then remove hands from the water. Then remove the test gloves and examine the cotton gloves for signs of watermarks. Gloves showing signs of leakage should be removed from service.

A.6.3.2.5(6) Excessive tread wear significantly reduces traction and safe footing on many surfaces such as wet flooring and roads, roofs, ladder rungs, and apparatus steps and platforms. Inspection of tread wear should focus on the heel and ball of foot areas as these two areas carry the majority of a fire fighter’s body weight and are the most critical in maintaining adequate traction. The organization should consult with the manufacturer and set guidelines for a minimum tread depth that has to be present for footwear to remain in service.

A.7.1.1 The importance of maintaining the cleanliness of ensembles and ensemble elements should not be underestimated. Soiled or contaminated ensembles and ensemble elements are a hazard to fire fighters since soils and contaminates can be flammable, toxic, or carcinogenic. Additionally, soiled or contaminated ensembles and ensemble elements can have reduced protective performance. Clean elements offer the emergency responder better protection and can add to the life of the elements. Ensembles and ensemble elements should, therefore, be cleaned whenever they have become soiled.

In everyday use, personal protective equipment becomes dirty by absorbing sweat from the wearer and soils, soot, and so forth from the outside environment. Cleaning of ensembles and ensemble elements removes these substances. Ensembles and ensemble elements can also become contaminated with other substances, principally hazardous materials, particulates, and biological agents. The removal of these substances is most often referred to as decontamination. In structural and proximity fire fighting, both general cleaning and decontamination of ensembles and ensemble elements might be needed.

Health risks of soiled or contaminated ensembles and ensemble elements. Soiled or contaminated ensembles and ensemble elements can expose fire fighters to toxins and carcinogens that enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, or absorption. Repeated small exposures to some contaminants can add up over time and cause health problems.

Although great emphasis is placed on safety to avoid injury or inhalation hazards while working on the fire ground, many of the toxins that lead to health risks are being carried away from the fire scene on personal protective equipment used by the fire fighter.

Toxins that a fire fighter will come into contact with can be trapped within the fibers of soiled ensembles and ensemble elements or absorbed into the materials themselves. Contact with the soiled ensembles and ensemble elements increases the risk of the toxic contaminants being introduced into the body.

Clothing contaminated with blood or other body fluids presents a potential risk of a communicable disease being transmitted to the person coming into contact with the contaminated clothing system.

Reduced performance hazards of contaminated ensembles and ensemble elements. When clothing or equipment becomes laden with particles and chemicals, other problems are faced in addition to being exposed to toxins, such as the following:

(1) Soiled ensembles and ensemble elements typically reflects less radiant heat. After materials are saturated with hydrocarbons, they will tend to absorb rather than reflect the radiant heat from the surrounding fire.

(2) Ensembles and ensemble elements heavily contaminated with hydrocarbons are more likely to conduct electricity, increasing the danger when entering a building or vehicle where wiring can still be live.

(3) Clothing materials impregnated with oil, grease, and hydrocarbon deposits from soot and smoke can ignite and cause severe burns and injuries, even if the materials are normally flame resistant.

Even though the number of specialized hazardous materials response teams is growing, individual fire fighters can still encounter various chemicals in their normal fire-fighting activities. Exposures to oils, gasolines, and lubricants can occur around fire station vehicles. During responses, exposures to liquids ranging from pesticides to acids to chemical solvents can occur, knowingly or unknowingly. These contaminants, in addition to being hazardous, can also degrade protective clothing material as follows:

(1) Clothing fabrics can become weakened and tear more easily.

(2) Thread or seam sealing tape can become loose.

(3) Flame retarding or water repelling treatments can be removed.

(4) Reflective trim can become less visible.

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(5) Helmet shells, helmet faceshields, or goggles can pit or craze.

(6) Ensemble and ensemble elements hardware can become corroded.

A.7.1.8 Some dry cleaning solvents that are used in lieu of water can damage components of the ensembles and ensemble elements. Reflective trim and leather gloves, in particular, can be adversely effected by these solvents. The manufacturer should be consulted prior to dry cleaning to confirm that ensembles and ensemble elements will not be damaged.

A.7.1.9 For ensembles and ensemble elements that are to be cleaned or decontaminated by contract cleaning, the following questions should be referred to in determining if the ISP is knowledgeable enough to provide adequate service and not cause damage to the ensembles and ensemble elements:

(1) Can the ensembles or ensemble elements be effectively cleaned or decontaminated? [See information following A.7.1.9(14).]

(2) Does the ISP have references for cleaning and/or decontamination of ensembles and ensemble elements?

(3) Does the ISP have liability insurance to clean protective clothing (i.e., for the repair or replacement of ensembles and ensemble elements damaged in laundry, from wash water contamination, etc.)?

(4) Does the ISP take reasonable precautions for protecting their personnel from contaminant exposures while handling ensembles and ensemble elements?

(5) Is the ISP familiar with the requirements of NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Ensemble for Structural Fire Fighting, and NFPA 1581, Standard on Fire Department Infection Control Program, as well as federal, state, and local regulations?

(6) Does the ISP have a quality assurance program?

(7) What type of process does the ISP use? Are Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) available? If the process is proprietary, it is approved by the ensemble’s or ensemble element’s manufacturer?

(8) Does the ISP take appropriate steps to prevent cross-contamination between any and all products laundered in the facility?

(9) How does the ISP demonstrate the effectiveness of the cleaning process?

(10) What testing or evaluation method(s) will be used to assure that decontaminated ensembles or ensemble elements are truly decontaminated and safe to wear?

(11) Does the ISP comply with applicable federal, state, and local wastewater discharge regulations and standards?

(12) Does the ISP provide delivery and pick-up services for soiled and/or contaminated ensembles and ensemble elements?

(13) Does the ISP have the capability to restore water-repellent properties of ensembles and ensemble elements?

(14) What is the turnaround time provided by the ISP?

It is important that the organization request information from the ISP or cleaning agent supplier about the effectiveness of cleaning agents and cleaning procedures, in addition to the effects of the cleaning agents and cleaning procedures on ensembles and ensemble elements. There are few established procedures for making these determinations, although the following guidelines are offered.

Request information about the cleaning effectiveness of their process or the cleaning agent. Actual cleaning effectiveness should be demonstrated by washing clothing that has either become soiled from use or is intentionally soiled. Cleaning effectiveness is typically confirmed by a visual comparison of the before and after cleaned samples. It is important to note that clothing that appears clean, might not be fully clean and can contain chemical contaminants.

Request data about the effects of their cleaning process or cleaning agent on protective garments for structural and proximity fire fighting. The effects of the cleaning agent or cleaning process on clothing should be judged on the basis of tests performed on representative material or clothing samples following several cleaning cycles (washing and drying). These samples should be subjected to at least 10 cleaning cycles; however, organizations could want to have suppliers or ISP demonstrate effects on clothing after as many as 25 cleaning cycles. Ideally, clothing should be evaluated for each of the performance properties listed in NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Ensemble for Structural Fire Fighting; however, key properties can be selected. Table A.7.1.9 provides a recommended list of key properties for evaluation.

Table A.7.1.9 Recommended Performance Tests for Evaluating Effects of Cleaning Agents or Cleaning Procedures

Performance Property

Test Method*

Type of Samples

Specimens Required†

Thermal protective performance

Section 6.10 Composite Three 150 mm × 150 mm squares (6 in. × 6 in.)

Flame resistance Section 6.2 Outer shell Moisture barrier Thermal barrier

Five 75 mm × 305 mm (3 in. × 12 in.) rectangles (in each material direction)

Tear strength Section 6.12 Outer shell Moisture barrier Thermal barrier

Five 75 mm × 150 mm (3 in. × 6 in.) rectangles (in each material direction)

Tensile strength Section 6.50 Outer shell Five 100 mm × 200 mm (4 in. × 8 in.) rectangles (in each material direction)

Water absorption Section 6.26 Outer shell Three 200 mm (8 in.) squaresCleaning shrinkage Section 6.27 Outer shell

Moisture barrier Thermal barrier

Five 375 mm (15 in.) squares

Fuel C penetration resistance

Section 6.28 Moisture barrier seams

Three 75 mm (3 in.) squares

Viral penetration Section 6.29 Moisture barrier seams

Four 75 mm (3 in.) squares

Trim visibility Section 6.46 Trim sections Four 305 mm (12 in.) lengths*Section from NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Ensemble for Structural Fire Fighting (2000 edition).

†Specimens that would either be removed from clothing or representative material sam-ples.

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Other properties can be evaluated that are of interest to the organization. Examples include the following:

(1) Composite weight

(2) Composite thickness

(3) Composite total heat loss (breathability)

(4) Outer shell colorfastness to washing

(5) Outer shell colorfastness to light exposure

(6) Outer shell or thermal barrier abrasion resistance

The effects of cleaning properties are evaluated by comparing the measured property after washing with the same property measured for new material. Both the after-cleaning level and the change for the measured property are important to review. Properties should remain at or above the minimum performance requirements established in NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Ensemble for Structural Fire Fighting. Nevertheless, it is important to take note of large changes in clothing material properties. For example, the tear strength of a material can be measured at a level of 11.4 kg (25 lb) before cleaning and then 10 kg (22 lb) after several cycles whereas a different material could begin at 18.2 kg (40 lb) and drop to 11.4 kg (25 lb) after the same number of cleaning cycles. This particular case points out the case where one material might be more susceptible to cleaning.

It is also possible that some measured properties can increase after multiple cleaning samples. For example, thermal insulation as measured in the thermal protective performance test often improves after washing because the thickness (or loft) of the materials increase.

The loss of water absorption resistance for outer shell can be reduced by the reapplication of water-repellent finishes. It is essential that chemicals used in this process be determined to be safe without any adverse effects on the clothing.

In evaluating the effects of a cleaning agent or cleaning procedures on clothing, it is important to realize that applying multiple cleaning cycles to protective clothing does not simulate its use. Cleaning is but one factor in the “wear” of protective clothing. Cleaning when properly applied might also extend the life of the protective clothing.

A.7.2.1 Routine cleaning is a light cleaning of ensembles and ensemble elements performed by the end user without taking the elements out of service. Routine cleaning can be accomplished by brushing off dry debris, rinsing off debris with a water hose, and spot cleaning.

A.7.2.3(1) Routine cleaning immediately after the termination of an incident can remove substantial amounts of surface contaminants before they have a chance to “set in.” This can also help to limit the transfer of contaminants to apparatus and stations.

A.7.3.1 Advanced cleaning is a thorough cleaning of ensembles and ensemble elements accomplished by washing them with cleaning agents. Advanced cleaning usually requires elements to be temporarily taken out of service. Advanced cleaning can be accomplished by hand washing in a utility sink, machine washing, or contract cleaning.

Soiling can not always be visible. Soiling can be difficult to observe on darkly colored materials. In addition, exposure can occur where clothing is contaminated with fire gases, and result in clothing that can be relatively unsafe for use. Clothing that has not been cleaned and appears to be unsoiled has been shown to contain numerous fire gas chemicals including carcinogenic polynuclear aromatic compounds. Periodic cleaning of clothing is required to avoid use of clothing that could be contaminated without visible evidence of soiling.

A.7.3.3 The organization should determine the level of training appropriate for their organization. Resources for training that should be considered, as a minimum, are the manufacturer(s) of the elements in use; the FEMSA User Guide; NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program; professional cleaning and repair facilities; and fire service organizations such as SAFER, NAFER, CAFER, and FIERO.

A.7.4.1 Specialized cleaning can involve specific procedures and specialized cleaning agents and processes as necessary to remove hazardous materials or biological agents.

The effectiveness of cleaning processes will vary with the type of cleaning process used. In some cases, advanced cleaning can accomplish the same functions as specialized cleaning, such as in the removal of body fluids.

A.7.4.7 Organizations should consult the local hazardous materials team or health department and seek their assistance in determining what the contaminant(s) is and if the contamination is a true hazardous materials situation. Should it be determined that the contamination is not a hazardous material, advanced cleaning should be performed.

A.7.4.7.2 Organizations should be aware that decontamination of protective clothing and equipment is a complicated process for which there is no guarantee for demonstrating that protective elements are free from contamination.

While the purpose of decontamination is to remove all contaminant(s) from element, decontamination procedures or cleaning processes are not always 100 percent effective in removing all contamination. The actual success of a decontamination process can only be determined by measuring the concentration of the contaminant(s) in the element before and after the selected decontamination or cleaning process. The sole evaluation of contamination levels in rinse water is not an appropriate measure of decontamination effectiveness. Claims for protective elements being contaminant-free based on statements from ISPs or from the use of specific cleaning products should be viewed with caution.

Procedures used for measuring contamination levels in clothing should be specific the contaminant(s), if known. Useful analytical procedures for measuring levels of semi-volatile organic chemicals in materials are found in EPA methods 3540 (extraction) and 8720 (analysis). These procedures involve extracting a small piece of fabric in a solvent such as methylene chloride and analyzing the extract solution using gas chromatography in conjunction with mass spectrometry. The gas chromatography separates chemical contaminants and quantifies their amount, while the mass spectrometry identifies the specific chemical.

Similar analytical procedures for measuring levels of inorganic chemicals (such as heavy metal contaminants like chromium and lead) in materials are found in EPA methods 3015 (digestion) and 6010 (extraction). These procedures similarly involve analysis of a small clothing material specimen by digesting the specimen in nitric acid and then treating with 50 percent hydrogen peroxide. The solution of the digested specimen is then diluted for analysis by atomic absorption or ion coupled plasma spectroscopy to identify and determine the amount of different inorganic substances.

Since these procedures are very sensitive for quantifying many forms of contamination, any testing for measuring contamination levels should involve “control” tests. Control tests are separate measurements of clothing to determine other background contamination that might be present in the material or in residue left from the cleaning agents or cleaning procedures. Failure to consider these chemicals can interfere with the accuracy of measurements for actual contaminants. In general, the following control tests are needed:

(1) A test of the same material being analyzed without contaminant present (this could be taken from clothing having a similar history that was unexposed to the contaminants)

(2) A test of the same material after washing that has been subjected to the cleaning process (this could be accomplished on a piece of new material that has been cleaned using the subject cleaning agent and procedures)

The levels of residual contaminants from these control tests should be subtracted from the after-cleaning samples. The residual contamination from the first control test should be subtracted from the pre-cleaning samples.

Decontamination effectiveness can be determined by calculating the proportion of contaminant removed using the following equation.

Percentdecontamination = Initial level of - FinalC level of

Initial level of efficiency

CC

where:

C = contaminant in clothing

The decontamination effectiveness will vary with each contaminant because some contaminants can be more easily removed than other contaminants given differences in the properties of the contaminant and properties of the contaminated element materials. For example, chemicals such as hexane and benzene that evaporate easily will usually be removed relatively easily when compared with nonvolatile (nonevaporating) chemicals found in tars and oily chemicals.

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The remaining level of contaminant in protective element can be used to determine the potential risk to the wearer. However, there are no established safe levels of surface concentration for most contaminants. The decision to reuse a protective element based on known, measured levels of contamination should be undertaken by a trained professional who is familiar with the properties and hazards of the contaminant. Any uncertainty in the risk presented by residual contamination in the protective element can be cause for retirement and disposal of the protective item.

The procedures for measuring contamination levels in protective elements are usually destructive in that they require that a specimen be taken from the protective element and subjected to extraction or digestion with a solvent. This requirement in addition to the expense of the analytical testing can make the decision to investigate contamination levels in protective elements cost-prohibitive.

Specimens of protective elements taken for determination of contamination levels cannot be representative for all areas of the protective element being sampled. For example, a specimen taken from the pocket of the coat cannot reflect the contamination levels for the back of the coat or the bottom of the trousers. In addition, sampling of one protective element cannot be representative of all elements from a certain group that are, or are suspected of being, contaminated. Contamination levels within different protective elements of the same type depend on the type of exposure, the condition of the protective element, and the care provided to that protective element.

Concerns over protective element contamination can arise from a single incident involving a contamination event or can be an ongoing consideration as contaminants from routine situations accumulate within the clothing. Organizations can wish to periodically sample clothing to determine the effectiveness of cleaning processes in removing harmful contaminants. Organizations engaged in the process should understand the limitations of the approach, specifically that sampling cannot be representative of protective elements in use.

Further details about this information is provided in the report for the U.S. Fire Administration, “Research, Testing, and Analysis on the Decontamination of Fire Fighting Protective Clothing and Equipment.” A synopsis of this report is provided in ASTM Special Technical Publication (STP) 1237, “Evaluating the Effectiveness of Different Decontamination and Laundering Approach for Structural Fire Fighting Clothing.”

A.7.5.2 Chlorine will damage the fibers of the protective fabrics used in ensemble elements.

A.7.5.6 Ensembles and ensemble elements should only be cleaned and decontaminated with like elements, including but not limited to hoods with hoods, gloves with gloves, and boots with boots.

A.7.5.7 It is highly recommended that garment liner systems be removed (if possible) and cleaned separately to avoid contamination with the debris found in the shell. Removing the liner will result in better cleaning since the moisture barrier limits the flow of water through the outer shell fabric. Separating the liner from the outer shell will also reduce drying time.

A.7.5.8 Cleaning in a utility sink is an appropriate method for cleaning ensemble elements such as helmets, footwear, and gloves. Utility sink cleaning can also be used for garment elements items such as coats, trousers, coveralls, and hoods.

A.7.5.8(2) Garments should be soaked per the detergent manufacturer’s instructions. The garments should be removed and the soak water should be drained.

A.7.5.8(3) Water above 40°C (105°F) can cause scalding of the hands when washing is performed in a utility sink. Water above 40°C (105°F) can also cause damage to some components on protective clothing.

A.7.5.8(5) Appropriate precautions should be taken to provide protection from possible exposure to contaminants during the cleaning process.

A.7.5.9 Machine cleaning is an appropriate method for cleaning ensemble elements such as coats, trousers, coveralls, and hoods. (In some cases, gloves can be machine cleaned.) It is the most effective means of loosening and removing dirt, soot, and other debris. The two basic types of automatic washing machines are top loading (typical home laundry machines) and front loading washer/extractors. Some of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of machine are as follows:

Top Load Washers. Top load machines are similar to the type used in most homes. They use a center post agitator to whisk water through the fibers of garments. They are designed to clean multiple garments of

minimum bulk. As a result of the center post agitation, it is generally accepted that top load machines are more damaging to ensembles and ensemble elements than front load machines. Top load, agitating machines, have the potential to reduce the longevity of garments due to mechanical damage. If top load machines are used, stainless steel wash tubs are recommended to protect against rusting and chipping, and the associated wear on garments.

Front Load Washers. Front load washers have a door on the front of the machine through which garments are loaded. They clean by lifting garments out of the water and gently dropping them back into the water. These units provide better mechanical action because of the size and type of rotation, as well as the degree of extraction. They have various capacities and are designed to handle heavy loads of bulky items, and also to save water and energy. For these reasons, it is generally accepted that front load machines are more appropriate for protective clothing.

A.7.5.9(1) For example, no more than one set of garments should be placed in a top load machine and machine manufacturer’s instructions should be followed for front load machines. Proper load size is essential for effective cleaning.

A.7.5.9(2) The garments should be soaked per the detergent manufacturer’s instructions. The garment should be removed and the soak water should be drained. If necessary, a soft bristle brush should be used to scrub gently. Extra care should be taken with liner assembles.

A.7.5.9(5) It is important to check with the manufacturer as to the appropriate wash temperature for machine washing of protective garments because different materials and components in the garment can have different susceptibility to wash temperatures and other washing conditions. For example, leather, rubber-coated materials, and some fluorescent film-based materials can be affected by relatively high wash temperatures and can degrade prematurely when repeatedly washed under these conditions.

A.7.5.9(7) If machine does not automatically have a second rinse, run an additional complete cycle without detergent.

A.7.5.9(10) When possible, organizations should provide a washing machine(s) for the sole purpose of cleaning protective clothing.

A.7.6.1 The decision of how to dry ensembles and ensemble elements after cleaning should be made with the following factors in mind:

(1) Time constraints

(2) Affect of the drying method on the ensembles and ensemble elements

A.7.6.2 Air drying is the most appropriate method for drying ensembles and ensemble elements. It causes no mechanical damage and little or no shrinkage. The most efficient method of air drying involves forced air ventilation. This method of drying can be achieved by simply using fans that re-circulate air inside a room where ensembles and ensemble elements are drying. The basic drying room should include floor drains, a method to exchange the air to the outside environment, and drying racks for hanging ensembles and ensemble elements to provide maximum air exposure. Overall drying time will be dependent on the efficiency of the drying room and the ambient conditions. Heating of the room or the inlet air at temperatures up to 38°C (100°F) can further improve the efficiency of the drying process. Drying ensembles and ensemble elements in ambient air, as opposed to drying rooms, takes a considerable length of time depending on the ambient environmental conditions.

A.7.6.2(1) The use of racks providing maximum air exposure of the ensembles and ensemble elements will decrease the overall drying time that is necessary.

A.7.6.2(2) Exposure to direct sunlight will cause degradation of fibers in protective garments resulting in fabric strength loss.

A.7.6.4 Machine drying of ensembles and ensemble elements is generally not recommended. Dryers can reach very high basket temperatures during operation potentially damaging ensemble elements. Machine drying also includes mechanical action that can cause damage to ensembles and ensemble elements.

A.7.6.4(4) No heat is the preferred method of machine drying as it effectively accomplishes forced air ventilation.

A.7.6.4(5) Excessive temperatures can cause damage to ensembles and ensemble elements, excessive garment shrinkage, and potentially cause premature failure and retirement of protective equipment.

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A.7.6.4(6) Temperatures can rise as the garments in the basket dry out.

A.7.9.5 On leather footwear, a leather conditioner can be used in accordance with the footwear manufacturer’s instructions.

A.8.1.7 Due to the complexity and specialized equipment needed to conduct moisture barrier repairs, it is mandated that the garment be returned to the manufacturer or the manufacturer’s recognized repair facility. The equipment needed to conduct these repairs is typically not found in the field but in specialized repair facilities or manufacturing facilities. Moisture barrier materials are found in collars, collar closure systems, and can also be found in other assemblies, including but not limited to stormflaps and sleevewells.

A.8.1.8 While some loss of quilting threads on thermal liners is the normal result of wear, excessively large areas where quilt stitching is broken or missing can indicate the need to replace the liner.

A.8.1.16 Stress areas are generally considered to be at the corners of pockets and flaps, the base of the fly, the top and bottom of the storm flap, or any place where the stitching begins or ends.

A.8.1.19 Although some hardware can be replaced in the field, it should be noted that this field application might not be as permanent or as strong as when the hardware is replaced at the factory or at repair facilities recognized by the original manufacturer.

A.8.1.20 Depending upon the method of construction, broken zippers can be replaced in the field, providing this can be accomplished without causing a breach to any moisture barrier material and without affecting the garment integrity.

A.8.1.21 Depending upon the method of construction, hook and loop can be replaced in the field, providing this can be accomplished without causing a breach to any moisture barrier material and without affecting the garment integrity.

A.8.1.22 Reinforcing materials include, but are not limited to, suede leather and outer shell fabrics.

A.8.2.3 Manufacturer’s literature supplied with the helmet should be consulted for disassembly instructions. If the manufacturer’s instructions cannot be located, the manufacturer should be contacted for a new set of inspection/maintenance instructions. Accessories to structural fire-fighting helmets should include only those items, which are provided by, or recommended by, the manufacturer. Since after-market accessories affect the weight and balance of the helmet, they should not be utilized unless they have the approval of the manufacturer. Never attempt to drill out pre-existing holes to accommodate after-market accessories.

A.9.1 Proper storage of ensembles and ensemble elements will extend their life, maintain their performance, and reduce potential health risks. Improper storage can result in damage to the ensemble or element and can compromise the fire fighter’s safety. Certain conditions can result in a deterioration of performance of the ensemble or element, or create potential health hazards.

A.9.1.1 UV light, especially from sunlight, is a known cause of protective ensemble degradation. Storage in direct sunlight will cause degradation of fibers in protective garments resulting in fabric strength loss and can cause accelerated aging of other equipment. In addition, other UV light sources, such as fluorescent light, can cause similar degradation, although ongoing research suggests that the degradation from fluorescent light is far less severe than exposure to direct sunlight. Therefore, ensembles and ensemble elements should be stored to minimize exposure to all sources of UV light.

A.9.1.2 Storage of wet or moist ensembles and ensemble elements will promote the growth of mildew and bacteria, which can lead to skin irritation, rashes, or more serious medical conditions. Mildew and bacteria growth can also affect the strength of some materials.

A.9.1.6 Storage in extreme temperatures for extended periods can accelerate the deterioration of ensembles and ensemble elements. A cold performance parameter of -32°C (-25°F) is used in NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting. A temperature of 82°C (180°F) could cause some adhesives to lose their integrity.

A.9.1.7 Storage in abrasive environments or in contact with sharp objects can cause mechanical damage. Avoid contact with tools, and other equipment when storing elements in compartments or trunks. Where ensembles and ensemble elements are transported or stored in these environments, the use of a protective bag is required.

A.9.1.8 Soiled ensembles and ensemble elements can present a health risk to individuals who come into contact with them and need to be segregated from other protective clothing, uniform clothing, personal clothing, or other materials that come into contact with humans. To prevent the spread of disease or infections through cross-contamination, soiled elements should not be cleaned with other items of clothing or laundry.

A.9.1.9 Storage in contact with hydraulic fluids, solvents, hydrocarbons, hydrocarbon vapors, or other contaminants can cause material degradation, transfer toxins to individuals, and reduce self-extinguishing properties of ensembles and ensemble elements.

A.10.1.2 Organizations should develop specific criteria for removal of protective clothing and equipment from service that are specific to the ensembles and ensemble elements being used, the instructions of the manufacturer, and the experience of the organization. Retirement criteria should be based on a number of factors, including but not limited to the following:

(1) Overall condition of the item

(2) Specific deterioration of materials or components beyond their economical repair

(3) Ability to adequately remove hazardous materials and other contaminants

Physical damage from use or improper cleaning are other factors that can affect when an item should be retired. The actual service life of ensembles and ensemble elements will vary depending upon the amount of their use and the care that they receive.

Where elements are worn, damaged, or contaminated, organizations should determine if it will be more appropriate for them to be repaired, decontaminated, or replaced. One general guideline is if the cost of the repair or decontamination is greater than 50 percent of the replacement cost of the ensemble and ensemble elements, replacement should be considered. Organizations should use a member(s) who has received training in the inspection of structural fire-fighting protective ensembles, understands the limitations of each ensemble and element, and recognized the signs of failure to help them make these decisions.

A.10.1.7 Changes in the type of structural fire fighting ensembles and ensemble elements by a fire department can result in the retirement of elements that have not reached the end of their service life. These items might be of no further use to the organization in front line service but can be of use for training or donation to other organizations.

A.10.1.8 All structural fire-fighting protective ensembles and protective ensemble elements are required by NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Ensemble for Structural Fire Fighting, to be certified by an independent, third-party certification organization. In order for ensembles or elements to meet the requirements of NFPA 1971, the item should carry a statement on the product label stating compliance and also the label, symbol, or other identifying mark of that certification organization.

Any structural fire-fighting ensemble or element that does not bear the appropriate compliance statement AND the mark of an independent, third-party certification organization is NOT COMPLIANT with NFPA 1971, even if the product label states that the ensemble or element is compliant.

Third-party certification is an important means of ensuring the quality of fire and emergency services protective clothing and equipment. To be certain that an item is properly certified, labeled, and listed, the NFPA strongly recommends that prospective purchasers require appropriate evidence of certification for the specific product and model from the manufacturer before purchasing. Prospective purchasers also should contact the certification organizations and request copies of the certification organization’s “list” of certified products to the appropriate NFPA standard. This “listing” is required of third-party certification by NFPA 1971 and is a service performed by the certification organization.

Details about certification and product labeling can be found in Chapters 4 and 5 of NFPA 1971. Also, the definitions for “certification/certified,” “labeled,” and “listed” in Sections 3.2 and 3.3 of NFPA 1971 should be reviewed.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), from time to time, has received complaints that certain items of fire and emergency services protective clothing or protective equipment might be carrying labels falsely identifying them as compliant with an NFPA standard.

NFPA advises those purchasing fire and emergency services protective clothing or protective equipment to be aware of the following:

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All NFPA standards on fire and emergency services protective clothing and equipment require that the item be certified by an independent, third-party certification organization and, as with NFPA 1971 ensembles and ensemble elements, all items of fire and emergency services protective clothing and equipment should carry the appropriate compliance statement AND the label, symbol, or other identifying mark of that certification organization.

Any item of fire and emergency services protective clothing or protective equipment, covered by an NFPA standard, that does not bear the mark of an independent, third-party certification organization is NOT COMPLIANT with the appropriate NFPA standard, even if the product label states that the item is compliant.

When in doubt as to the authenticity of a certification claim, contact the certification organization directly or the consumer protection agency of your state/provincial government.

A.10.3.1 Organizations can find additional guidance related to the processing of ensembles and ensemble elements that are directly related to serious fire fighter injuries and fire fighter fatalities in the International Association of Fire Fighters manual, “Line of Duty Notification, Assistance, and Investigation Policy,” available at www.iaff.org/iaff/Health_Safety/lineofdutydeath.html and the International Association of Fire Chiefs manual, “Guide for Investigating a Line-of-Duty Death,” available at www.iafc.org.

A.10.3.2 When developing these procedures, the organization should coordinate with other agencies such as the medical examiner, law enforcement, or other experts to determine what actions are appropriate.

A.10.3.3 See A.10.3.2.

Annex B Informational References

B.1 Referenced Publications. The documents or portions thereof listed in this annex are referenced within the informational sections of this standard and are not part of the requirements of this document unless also listed in Chapter 2 for other reasons.B.1.1 NFPA Publications. National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471.

NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program, 1997 edition.

NFPA 1521, Standard for Fire Department Safety Officer, 1997 edition.

NFPA 1581, Standard on Fire Department Infection Control Program, 2000 edition.

NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Ensemble for Structural Fire Fighting, 2000 edition.

B.1.2 Other Publications.

B.1.2.1 ANSI Publication. American National Standards Institute, Inc., 11 West 42nd Street, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10036.

ANSI Z34.1, Standard for Third-Party Certification Programs for Products, Processes, and Services, 1993.

B.1.2.2 ASTM Publications. American Society for Testing and Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.

ASTM Special Technical Publication (STP) 1237, “Evaluating the Effectiveness of Different Decontamination and Laundering Approach for Structural Fire Fighting Clothing,” 1996 edition.

ASTM F 1731, Standard Practice for Body Measurements and Sizing of Fire and Rescue Services Uniforms and Other Thermal Hazard Protective Clothing, 1996 edition.

B.1.2.3 ISO Publication. International Standards Organization, 1 rue de Varembé, Case Postale 56, CH-1211 Geneve 20, Switzerland.

ISO Guide 65, General requirements for bodies operating product certification systems, 1996 edition.

B.1.2.4 USFA Publication. U.S. Fire Administration, Emmitsburg, MD 21727.

Research, Testing, and Analysis on the Decontamination of Fire Fighting Protective Clothing and Equipment.

B.2 Informational References. (Reserved)

B.3 References for Extracts in Informational Sections. (Reserved)