ISSUES & TRENDS
REGARDING STRUCTURAL
PPE AND HOW IT RELATES
TO NFPA 1851
Patricia A. Freeman
Technical Services Manager
Globe Manufacturing Co., LLC
June 6, 2014
LAB GIRLS AT WORK!
NFPA = National Fire Protection Assn.
– Standards Writing Body
– Instituted in 1896
– Headquartered in Quincy, MA, USA
– Over 200 Balanced Committees
• Voluntary Compliance
– No Enforcement Authority
• 5 Year Revision Cycle
THE VIEWS PRESENTED….……
ARE NOT NECESSARILY MY OWN
NFPA STANDARDS PROCESS
• ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
•Correlating Committee
• Technical Committee
• Balanced membership
User
Labor
Insurer
Research
Special Expert Enforcer
Consumer
Manufacturer
Installation/maintenance
NFPA STANDARDS PROCESS
•INPUT STAGE
•FIRST DRAFT
•COMMENT STAGE
•SECOND DRAFT
•NITMAM
•ISSUE DATE
•EFFECTIVE DATE
•APPROVAL DATE
NFPA 1971 - Standard on Protective
Ensembles for Structural Fire
Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting,
2013 edition
NFPA 1851 – Standard on Selection,
Care, and Maintenance of Protective
Ensembles for Structural Fire
Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting,
2014 edition
NFPA 1971 - Standard on Protective
Ensembles for Structural Fire
Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting,
2013 edition
-Strictly a new product standard and
as such does not deal with
aftermarket issues
-Parent standard for NFPA 1851
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
AS DEFINED BY NFPA 1971, PROTECTIVE
CLOTHING INCLUDES: COATS
PANTS
HELMETS
HOODS
GLOVES
FOOTWEAR
INTERFACE
ELEMENTS
Protective Garments are Comprised
of a Three Layer System……………..
– Protection from thermal exposure
• Moisture Barrier
– Prevents moisture from entering
the system
Thermal Barrier
• Thermal Liner
Moisture Barrier
– Provides tough, durable first line
of defense against heat & flame
and physical damage
Outer Shell
• Outer Shell
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
Single layers and components
– Trapezoidal Tear Strength: 22 lb./5lb. minimum
– Cleaning Shrinkage: 5% maximum (W & F)
– Heat & Thermal Resistance:
• No melting, dripping, separation or ignition
– Vertical Flammability: 4” char & 2 sec. after flame
– Seam Strength: 150 lbs./75 lbs./40 lbs. minimum
– Garment hardware: Salt spray corrosion
– Labels: Durability and legibility
– Trim: Reflectivity and fluorescence
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
Single layers and components
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Outer shell breaking strength: min 140 lbs.
Outer shell cannot char: 500F/5 mins
Outer shell water absorption: max 30%
Fastener tape requirements: peel, shear, cycle
Heat & Thermal Shrinkage: max 10%
DRD seams and splices: min 1,573 lbs
DRD functionality test: time to deploy & drag
Thread: Heat resistance
ADDITIONAL MOISTURE BARRIER
REQUIREMENTS
Resistance to Light: UV exposure
Water Resistance: 25 psi
Liquid Penetration Resistance:
• No penetration after 1 hour
– Fuel C
– 37 % Sulfuric Acid
– FR Hydraulic Fluid
– AFFF
– Chlorinated Water
Viral Penetration Resistance:
• No penetration after 1 hour
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
Garment Composite Layers
– Thermal Protective Performance
• Minimum TPP of 35
– Total Heat Loss
• Minimum THL of 205 w/m²
– Conductive, compressive heat resistance
• Time to burn not less than 25 seconds
– Stored Energy Test
• 130 seconds until 2nd degree burn
– Overall Liquid Penetration
• Whole mannequin shower test – no water entry
THERMAL PROTECTIVE
PERFORMANCE
OVERVIEW
Test measures the ability of the garment composite to
prevent heat from passing through the layers
METHOD
The composite is subjected to
radiant heat & flame, simulating
flashover conditions. The rating
is determined on the Stoll curve
and represents the point at
which human skin would reach
2nd degree burn.
TOTAL HEAT LOSS
GUARDED SWEATING HOT PLATE
– This test measures the
ability of the garment
composite to dissipate
heat through the layers
INVERSE RELATIONSHIP
WITH TPP
CCHR
CONDUCTIVE, COMPRESSIVE, HEAT RESISTANCE
The CCHR rating is the time in seconds to 2nd degree
burn in compressed areas of the garments
– Shoulder area is tested under a pressure of 2 psi;
– Knee area is tested under a pressure of 8 psi.
The 2013 requirement is that it must take at least 25
seconds in tested compressed areas,
before a 2nd degree burn occurs
STORED THERMAL ENERGY
• New test added to the 2013 edition of the
standard.
• Fire fighters can receive burns in ordinary fire
ground operations, with no apparent or obvious
damage to the protective clothing.
• Burns can be referred to as stored energy burns,
steam burns, and/or compression burns.
• Commonality seems to be arms and shoulders
STORED ENERGY TEST
► PERFORMED ON SLEEVE SHELL ATTACHMENTS
►TEST PARAMETERS:
120 second exposure
5 second delay
60 second compression
5 second delay
►REQUIREMENT:
130 seconds until
2nd degree burn
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
• Overall Liquid
Integrity Test
Performed on coats
and pants as an
ensemble
–Every style
–Every closure
–20 minute exposure
DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
• Liner system
– Means to secure liner to shell; mechanism used to attach liner to shell
maximum 1” and not expandable
– Extend to neckline of coats, waist of pants
– Extend to 1” at coat cuffs and 3” on coat hem and pant cuffs
• Closure systems
– Continuous thermal & moisture protection
– Secured with positive fasteners
• Collar
– Minimum 3” in height with closure system
– TPP Performance of all three layers
• Cargo Pockets
– Must have means of drainage
DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
• Wristlets
– Close fitting knit; minimum TPP of 20
• Sizing
– Must be available in both male & female patterns
– Chest, waist, inseams in 2” increments; sleeve lengths in 1”
– Chest & waist size 28” to 60”; inseams 24” to 36”; sleeves 28” to 38”
• Trim
– Must have both retroreflective and fluorescent properties
Solid trim must be a
minimum of 2” wide
and triple trim must
be 3” wide to attain
min. requirements
NFPA 1851 – Standard on Selection,
Care, and Maintenance of Protective
Ensembles for Structural Fire
Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting,
2014 edition
- Strictly a user document, intended
for organizations as a standard for
maintaining their gear safely
NFPA 1851 – 2014 EDITION
Chapter 1: Administration
Chapter 2: Referenced Publications
Chapter 3: Definitions
Verified Independent Service Provider –
an independent service provider verified by a third
party certification organization to conduct any one or
a combination of advanced inspection, advanced
cleaning, basic repair, or advanced repair service.
NFPA 1851 – 2014 EDITION
Chapter 4: Program
-Record Keeping
-Manufacturers Instructions
Chapter 5: Selection
-Risk Assessment
-Interface
-Wear Test
NFPA 1851 – 2014 EDITION
Chapter 6 – INSPECTION
The organization is responsible for establishing guidelines for
when an element is found to be in need of cleaning,
decontamination, or repair, and determining the appropriate action
Routine Inspection is performed by user, upon issue and after
each use
• Soiling
• Contamination
• Physical damage
• Thermal damage
• Reflective trim
• Seam integrity
• Assembly & size compatibility of shell, liner & DRD
SCORCHING
UV DEGRADATION
SIGNS OF WEAR
NFPA 1851 – 2014 EDITION
ADVANCED INSPECTION
 Performed by element manufacturer, a manufacturer trained
organization, a verified ISP, or verified organization, at a
minimum 12 months, or when routine inspections indicate a
problem could exist.
 Findings of advanced inspections must be documented
 The element manufacturer or a verified ISP and the organization
determines the level of training to perform advanced inspections
and shall provide written verification of training.
-Verified organizations making this determination do not
need written verification
NFPA 1851 – 2014 EDITION
 In addition to all of the items in a routine inspection, the
following are also inspected:
• System fit/overlap
• Material integrity, including wristlets
• Loss of moisture barrier integrity
• Label integrity
• Hook & loop functionality
• Liner attachment systems
• Closure system functionality
• Accessories for compliance
• Light Evaluation of Liners
• Leakage Evaluation
• Complete Liner Inspection
NFPA 1851 – 2014 EDITION
COMPLETE LINER INSPECTION
 Required after 3 years in service; results
documented
 Performed by manufacturer, a manufacturer
trained organization, a verified organization, or a
verified ISP
 The manufacturer or a verified ISP and the
organization will determine the level of training
necessary to perform Complete Liner Inspections.
Training must be documented
NFPA 1851 – 2014 EDITION
Complete Liner Inspection – Garment Elements
 The Complete Liner Inspection includes a Water
Penetration Barrier Evaluation Test for the moisture
barrier, which requires a hydrostatic test apparatus.
 The moisture barrier and thermal barrier shall be
inspected for the following:
• Physical damage
• Loss of seam strength
• Material physical integrity
• Delamination
HYDROSTATIC TESTING
Gore Hydrostatic Tester
Clamp
Pressure
gauge
Liquid tank
Test plate
Hose
HYDROSTATIC TESTING
When testing the sealed
barrier seam, the substrate
side is down such that the
film side with the seam tape
is visible.
EXAMPLES OF WEAR TO
THERMAL
BATT
HYDROSTATIC TESTING
Jacket high abrasion areas
HYDROSTATIC TESTING
Pant high abrasion areas
NFPA 1851 – 2014 EDITION
Chapter 7 - CLEANING & DECONTAMINATION
General
 Organizations shall provide a means for having ensemble
elements cleaned and decontaminated
 Wearer is to determine appropriate cleaning level
 Elements contaminated by CBRN terrorism agents
immediately retired; elements suspected to have been
contaminated by hazardous materials evaluated at the scene
 Contaminated elements isolated and removed from service
until contaminant is identified and elements receive
necessary specialized cleaning
 Trained member shall be responsible for specialized cleaning
NFPA 1851 – 2014 EDITION
Chapter 7 - CLEANING & DECONTAMINATION
General
 Organizations must have written procedures detailing
decontamination and cleaning processes for elements
contaminated with body fluids.
 Universal precautions shall be observed by members handling
elements known or suspected of contamination by body fluids.
 Soiled or contaminated elements shall not be brought home or
washed in public laundries.
 Commercial dry cleaning shall not be used, unless approved by
garment manufacturer.
 Verified ISP shall demonstrate to organization that procedures
do not compromise performance.
NFPA 1851 – 2014 EDITION
Ch. 7 – CLEANING & DECONTAMINATION
Routine Cleaning is the responsibility of user
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Performed at the emergency scene if possible
Elements isolated to avoid cross contamination
Brush off dry debris; gently rinse off other debris as necessary
A soft bristle brush may be used
Garments thoroughly rinsed following any cleaning
If necessary, a utility sink may be used
If necessary, spot cleaning is allowed
 Routine cleaning does not need to be documented
NFPA 1851 – 2014 EDITION
Ch7: ADVANCED CLEANING & DECON
 Advanced cleaning is conducted by machine unless specifically
prohibited, and is performed by a verified ISP, the garment
manufacturer, a manufacturer trained organization, or a verified
organization.
 Members of organization who have received training shall be
responsible for performing, managing, or co-ordinating
advanced cleaning.
 Element manufacturer or verified ISP and the organization will
determine necessary training, with written documentation.
 Verified organizations are permitted to determine level of training
necessary to perform advanced cleaning without any further
written verification.
NFPA 1851 – 2014 EDITION
Ch 7 - ADVANCED CLEANING & DECON
 Elements that are issued and used shall receive advanced
cleaning at the time of advanced inspection if not subjected
to advanced cleaning in the previous 12 months.
 Elements that are soiled shall receive advanced cleaning
prior to reuse.
 Training shall be by the element manufacturer or verified
ISP who will provide written verification of training.
 Organization shall refer to the manufacturer’s label
information and User Guides.
NFPA 1851 – 2014 EDITION
Chapter 7 – ADVANCED CLEANING & DECON
 Procedure
•
•
•
•
Front loading washing machines are preferable
Machine shall not be overloaded
Pre-treat heavily soiled or spotted areas
Separate outer shells from liners and wash
independently, turning liners inside out
• Remove DRD from coats and wash separately
• All closures shall be fastened
NFPA 1851 – 2014 EDITION
Ch 7 – ADVANCED CLEANING AND DECON
 Procedure
• Water temperature shall not exceed 105°F
• Mild detergent, pH factor of 6.0 up to10.5 as indicated
on MSDS or original product container
• Machine adjusted so g-force doesn’t exceed 100g
• Follow machine manufacturer’s instructions for proper
setting or program selection
• Inspect after cleaning and rewash if necessary
• Elements shall be dried in accordance with the
standard
NFPA 1851 – 2014 EDITION
Ch 7 – ADVANCED CLEANING & DECON
DRYING: Follow Manufacturers instructions
 Air Drying
• Dry in area with good ventilation
• Do NOT dry in direct sunlight
 Machine Drying
• Do not overload capacity of machine
• Fasten all closures
• Use “no heat” or “air dry only” option
• If heat must be used, basket temperature
not to exceed 105°F
NFPA 1851 – 2014 EDITION
Chapter 8: Repairs
Chapter 9: Storage
-Store in clean, dry & well ventilated area’s
-Do not dry in direct sunlight or airtight containers
-Avoid harsh temperatures, above 180°F or below
minus 40°F
-Do not store or transport with sharp objects or in
contact with contaminants, Hydraulic fluids,
solvents, etc.
NFPA 1851 – 2014 EDITION
Chapter 10 – RETIREMENT
 Structural fire fighting elements shall be retired no
more than 10 years from the date of manufacture
 Retired elements shall be destroyed or disposed of
in a manner ensuring they will not be used in live
fire fighting activities
 Retired elements shall be permitted to be used for
training that does not include live fire, provided
they are marked as being for non-live fire training
only, as determined by the organization
NFPA 1851 – 2014 EDITION
Chapter 11: Verification
Chapter 12: Testing
ANNEX
So what’s the buzz?
NFPA 1971 – 2018 Edition
– NFPA 1971 has just begun work on 2018 edition
– TCC has mandated extensive vetting of new tests
– Task group appointed to work on gloves
– Annex task group to compile explanation of intent
and history of test methods
– Task group appointed to research hoods
• Sizing
• Add moisture barrier layer to hoods
So what’s the buzz?
NFPA 1851- 2019 edition
– NFPA 1851 will be about one year behind 1971
– Aluminized gear v. structural; risk assessment
– Focus on decontamination of turnout gear
• Garment soiling and more effective cleaning
– Mandatory retirement
• Questionnaire by NFPA
So what’s the buzz?
A new research project
– Non-Destructive Chemical/Biological Analysis
Techniques Enabling Effective PPE
Decontamination Strategies
• Goal is to identify techniques for nondestructive
evaluation of clothing for specific contaminants.
• Develop detailed guidelines for applying analytical
results to determine disposition of contaminated
gear and appropriate decontamination
techniques.
New Research project (continued)
• International Personnel Protection, Inc. (IPP) will
be lead
• Technical Support Working Group (TSWG) a
branch of the Office of Combating Terrorism
Technical Support Office (CTTSO) is funding the
project
• Fire Protection Research Foundation is a project
partner for managing external reviews
New Research project (continued)
• Timing:
– Start date of early February, 2014 with an overall
duration of 18 months, ending in July of 2015
– Project is expected to have guidance information
available to NFPA committees in mid – 2015
• Disclosure:
– All information generated will be shared with
industry through project summaries and meeting
minutes. Final project report will be available to
public following review by CTTSO/TSWG
So what’s the buzz?
• BECOME INVOLVED – YOU CAN MAKE
A DIFFERENCE!
• Visit http://www.NFPA.org
QUESTIONS?
COMMENTS?
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!
NFPA 1971 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS – Structural Clothing
Requirement
Applicable to
Description
Trapezoidal Tear
Strength
Outer shell – 22 lbs.
Thermal & moisture barrier – 5 lbs.
Tested as received and after
laundering
Laundry Shrinkage
All three layers
Max 5% after 5 W/D cycles
Heat & Thermal
Resistance
All three layers, components
10% maximum shrinkage
No melt, drip or ignition
Vertical Flame
All three layers, all components
excepting hook & pile, elastic when
covered, and labels on interior
maximum 4 in. char length &
2 sec. afterflame
Seam Strength
Outer shell - 150 lbs.
Thermal & moisture barrier - 75 lbs.
Minor – 40 lbs.
Tested as received and after
laundering
Corrosion Resistance All metal Hardware
20 hour salt spray
Durability
All labels
legibility after laundering &
abrasion
Conspicuity
Reflectivity & Fluorescence
All trim on garments
NFPA 1971 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS – structural clothing
Requirement
Applicable to
Description
Cleaning Shrinkage
All garment layers
Max 5% after laundering
Thread heat
resistance
All thread used in garment
No melting, dripping or
igniting after 500/5 min.
Breaking Strength
Outer Shell; min. 140 lbs.
New and after 10 launderings
Water Absorption
Outer Shell; 30% max absorption
New and after 5 launderings
Water Resistance
Moisture Barrier hydrostatic test
Max 25 psi- no leakage
Resistance to Light
Moisture Barrier
No leakage after UV exposure
Liquid Penetration
Moisture Barrier – no leakage after
exposure
1 hr exposure to Fuel C;
AFFF;
37 % Sulfuric Acid;
FR Hydraulic Fluid; and
Chlorinated Water
Viral Penetration
Moisture Barrier
1 hr exposure to surrogate
viruses
NFPA 1971 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
(continued)
Requirement
Applicable to
Description
Thermal Protective
Performance
Three layer composite; minimum
TPP value of 35
Simulated flashover with heat
and flame; new and after 5
launderings
Total Heat Loss
Three layer composite; minimum
THL value of 205 w/m²
Ability of thee layer system to
dissapate heat as received
Conductive,
compressive heat
resistance
Shoulder tested at 2 psi;
Knees tested at 8 psi
Stored Thermal
Energy
Anything affixed to outer shell coat
sleeve
25 seconds to 2nd degree
burn under compression;
new and after laundering
130 seconds to 2nd degree
burn under low heat flux
Whole Garment
Liquid Penetration
Coat and Pant
20 minute exposure to
shower test; no leakage
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
PROXIMITY OUTER SHELL FABRIC
–
–
–
–
Wet Flex: no cracking or delamination
Adhesion after wet flex: no separation of coating
Flex at low temperature: no breaking or cracking
Resistance to high temperatures blocking:
• No sign of blocking
– Radiant Protective Performance (RPP)
• Minimum of 20 seconds
NFPA 1851 – 2014 EDITION
Responsibilities for Garment Inspection, Cleaning & Repair
MFG
V
ISP
V ORG MT ORG
USER
Routine inspection
X
Advanced inspection
X
X
X
X
Complete liner inspection
X
X
X
X
Routine cleaning
X
Advanced cleaning & decontamination
X
X
X
X
Basic repair
X
X
X
X
Advanced repair
X
X
X
Training provider
X
X
MFG = manufacturer
V ISP = verified ISP
V ORG = verified organization
MT ORG = manufacturer
trained organization
USER = the end user
Sample Calculator For
Turnout Gear Repair Limits
Year of
Service
1st year
2nd year
3rd year
4th year
5th year
6th year
7th year
8th year
9th year
10th year
Year-of-Service
End Date
Amount of Original
Cost ($1,000.00)
for Repair
01/11/05
01/11/04
01/11/03
01/11/02
01/11/01
01/11/00
01/11/99
01/11/98
01/11/97
01/11/96
(excerpt from NFPA 1851, 2014 edition)
70%
50%
40%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
5%
0%
Amount
Allowed
per Set
$700.00
$500.00
$400.00
$250.00
$200.00
$150.00
$100.00
$ 50.00
$ 50.00
$ 0.00