NFPA 1855 Selection Care and Maintenance of Protective Ensembles for Technical Rescue Incidents

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

A reference in brackets [ 1 following a section or paragraph indicates material that has been extracted from another NFPA document. As an aid to the user, the complete title and edition of the source documents for extracts in mandatory sections of the document are given in Chapter 2 and those for extracts in informational sections are given in Annex B. Extracted text may be edited for consistency and style and may include the revision of internal paragraph references and other references as appropriate. Requests for interpretations or revisions of extracted text shall be sent to the technical committee respon­sible for the source document.

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

Chapter 1 Administration

1.1 Scope.

• This standard shall specify the minimum selection, care and maintenance requirements for utility technical rescue protective ensembles rescue and recovery technical rescue protective ensembles, and the individual ensemble elements, including garments, helmets, gloves, footwear, and interface components, that are compliant with NFPA 1951.
• This standard shall also specify requirements for urban search and rescue (USAR) operation protective ensembles, ensemble elements, clothing, and equipment certified as compliant with the 2001 edition of NFPA 1951.
• This standard shall not specify requirements for other organizational programs such as appropriate use of technical rescue protective ensembles for training, operations, or infec­tion control, because these programs are under the jurisdiction of other NFPA standards.
• This standard shall not apply to protective ensembles or protective clothing that is compliant with NFPA 1971, NFPA 1977, NFPA 1991, NFPA 1992, NFPA 1994, and NFPA 1999.
• This standard shall not be construed as addressing all the safety concerns associated with the use of compliant protec­tive ensembles or ensemble elements. The persons and organi­zations that use compliant protective ensembles or ensemble elements shall be responsible for establishing safety and health practices and for determining the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
• This standard shall not be construed as addressing all the safety concerns, if any, associated with the use of this stand­ard by testing or repair facilities. The persons and organiza­tions that use this standard shall be responsible for conducting testing of protective ensembles or ensemble elements to estab­lish safety and health practices and for determining the applic­ability of regulatory limitations prior to using this standard for any designing, manufacturing, and testing.
• Nothing herein shall restrict any jurisdiction from exceeding these minimum requirements.
•  
• The purpose of this standard shall be to establish a program for utility technical rescue protective ensembles, rescue and recovery technical rescue 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.
• The purpose of this standard shall also be to establish basic criteria for selection, inspection, cleaning, decontamina­tion, repair, storage, and retirement of utility technical rescue protective ensembles, rescue and recovery technical rescue protective ensembles, and ensemble elements.
•  
• This standard shall apply to technical rescue protective ensembles and ensemble elements certified as compliant with NFPA
• This standard shall also apply to urban search and rescue (USAR) operations protective ensembles and ensemble elements certified as compliant with the 2001 edition of NFPA
• This standard shall not apply to other organizational programs such as appropriate use of technical rescue protec­tive ensembles for training, operations, or infection control, because such programs are under the jurisdiction of other NFPA standards.
• This standard shall not apply to respiratory protective equipment.

1.3.5 The requirements of this standard shall not apply to accessories attached to any element of the technical rescue protective ensemble unless specifically addressed herein.

1.4 Units.

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

Chapter 2 Referenced Publications

• The documents or portions thereoflisted in this chapter are referenced within this standard and shall be considered part of the requirements of this document.
• NFPA Publications. National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471.

NFPA 70H®, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace®, 2018 edition.

NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety, Health, and Wellness Program, 2018 edition.

NFPA 1670, Standard on Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue Incidents, 2017 edition.

NFPA 1951, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Technical Rescue Incidents, 2013 edition.

NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting 2018 edition.

NFPA 1977, Standard on Protective Clothing and Equipment for Wildland Fire Fighting 2016 edition.

NFPA 1981, Standard on Open-Circuit Self ContainedBreathing Apparatus (SCBA) for Emergency Services, 2018 edition.

NFPA 1991, Standard on Vapor-Protective Ensembles for Hazard­ous Materials Emergencies and CBRN Terrorism Incidents, 2016 edition.

NFPA 1992, Standard on Liquid Splash-Protective Ensembles and Clothing for Hazardous Materials Emergencies, 2018 edition.

NFPA 1994, Standard on Protective Ensembles for First Responders to Hazardous Materials Emergencies and CBRN Terrorism Incidents, 2018 edition.

NFPA 1999, Standard on Protective Clothing and Ensembles for Emergency Medical Operations, 2018 edition.

• Other Publications.
  • ACGIH Publications. American Conference of Govern­mental Industrial Hygienists, 1330 Kemper Meadow Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45240-1634.

ACGIH Publication No. 0115, 2015 TLVs and BEIs, 2015.

• ISO Publications. International Organization for Stand­ardization, ISO Central Secretariat, BIBC II, Chemin de Blan- donnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland.

ISO 17011, Conformity assessment — Ceneral requirements for accreditation bodies accrediting conformity assessment bodies, 2004.

ISO/IEC 17025, Ceneral requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, 2005.

ISO/IEC 17065, Conformity assessment — Requirements for bodies certifying products, processes, and services, 2012.

• S. Government Publications. U.S. Government Publishing Office, 732 North Capitol Street, NW, Washington, DC 20401-0001.

NIOSH Publication No 2005-149, NIOSH Pocket Cuide to Chemical Hazards, September 2005.

USFA, Protective Clothing and Equipment Need of Emergency Responders to US&R Missions, 1993.

• Other Publications.

Lews, R., Hazardous Chemicals Desk Reference, John Wiley & Sons, New York, 2002.

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th edition, Merriam- Webster, Inc., Springfield, MA, 2003.

2.4 References for Extracts in Mandatory Sections. (Reserved)

Chapter 3 Definitions

• 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 acceptecl meaning.
• NFPA Official Definitions.

3.2.1* Approved. Acceptable to the authority having jurisdic­tion.

3.2.2* Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). An organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard, or 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 oflisted 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.

• Indicates a mandatory requirement.
• Indicates a recommendation or that which is advised but not required.
• An NFPA Standard, the main text of which contains only mandatory provisions using the word “shall” to indicate requirements and that is in a form generally suitable for mandatory reference by another standard or code or for adoption into law. Nonmandatory provisions are not to be considered a part of the requirements of a standard and shall he located in an appendix, annex, footnote, informational note, or other means as permitted in the NFPA Manuals of Style. When used in a generic sense, such as in the phrase “standards development process” or “standards development activities,” the term “standards” includes all NFPA Standards, including Codes, Standards, Recommended Practices, and Guides.

3.3 General Definitions.

• Accessory/Accessories. An item, or items, that could be attached to a certified product but that is not necessary for the certified product to meet the requirements of the standard.
• Advanced Cleaning. See 3.3.8.1.
• Body Fluids. Fluids that are 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.
• Carcinogen/Carcinogenic. A cancer-causing substance that is identified in one of several published lists, including, but not limited to, NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards, Hazard­ous Chemicals Desk Reference, and ACGIH 2015 TLVs and BEIs.
• Procedures for cleaning, decontamination, and storage of protective clothing and equipment.
• 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 continued compliance of labeled and listed products with the require­ments of that standard(s).
• The formation of a brittle residue when material is exposed to thermal energy.
• The act of removing soils and contaminants from ensembles and ensemble elements by mechanical, chemi­cal, thermal, or combined processes.

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

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

3.3.8.3* Specialized Cleaning. Cleaning to remove hazard­ous materials or body fluids.

• See 3.3.76, Rescue and Recovery Technical Rescue Protective Garment Element, and 3.3.108, Utility Technical Rescue Protective Garment Element.
• The portion of a coat or coverall that encircles the neck.
• Collar Lining. That part of collar fabric composite that is next to the skin when the collar is closed in the raised posi­tion.
• Compliance/Compliant. Meeting or exceeding all applicable requirements of this standard.
• Component(s). Any material, part, or subassembly used in the construction of the compliant product.
• The layer or layers of materials or compo­nents.
• Confined Space Entry. An activity of rescue that takes place in a space that is large enough and so configured that a person can bodily enter and perform assigned work, that has limited restricted means for entry or exit (e.g., tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits), and that is not designed for continuous occupancy.
• Contamination/Contaminated. The process by which ensembles and ensemble elements are exposed to hazardous materials or body fluids.
• See 3.3.76, Rescue and Recovery Technical Rescue Protective Garment Element, and 3.3.108, Utility Tech­nical Rescue Protective Garment Element.
• The appearance of fine cracks in the surface of a helmet shell or other smooth surface of an ensemble element.
• Cross-Contamination. The transfer of contamination from one item to another or to the environment.
• The portion of the helmet that covers the head above the reference plane.
• Crown Straps. See 3.3.88.2.
• The act of removing contaminates from protective clothing and equipment by a physical, chemi­cal, or combined process.
• An agent that destroys, neutralizes, or inhibits the growth of harmful biological agents.
• The ability of a material to return to its origi­nal form after being stretched.
• See 3.3.30, Ensemble Elements.
• The hardening of a material that makes it susceptible to easy fracture.

3.3.27* Emergency Medical Operations. Delivery of emer­gency patient care, including patient transportation, provided prior to arrival at a hospital or other health care facility.

• Energy Absorbing System. Materials or systems used to attenuate impact energy.
• See 3.3.73, Rescue and Recovery Technical Rescue Protective Ensemble, and 3.3.105, Utility Technical Rescue Protective Ensemble.

3.3.30* Ensemble Elements. The certified (individually) products that provide protection to the upper and lower torso, arms, legs, head, hands, and feet.

• Field Evaluation. The nonlaboratory assessment of an ensemble, ensemble element, or item.
• The quality, state, and manner in which clothing and equipment, when worn, relate to the human body.
• Flame Resistance. 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. (See also 3.3.51, Inher­ent Flame Resistance.)

• Flammable or Explosive Atmospheres. Atmospheres containing solids, liquids, vapors, or gases at concentrations that will burn or explode if ignited.
• Flash Fire. A fire that rapidly spreads through a diffuse fuel, such as a dust, gas, or the vapors of an ignitible liquid, without the production of damaging pressure.
• See 3.3.75, Rescue and Recovery Technical Rescue Protective Footwear Element, and 3.3.107, Utility Tech­nical Rescue Protective Footwear Element.
• Footwear Upper. The portion of the protective foot­wear element above the sole, heel, and insole.
• The ability of an ensemble element or component of an ensemble element to continue to be utilized for its intended purpose.
• See 3.3.76, Rescue and Recovery Technical Rescue Protective Garment Element, and 3.3.108, Utility Tech­nical Rescue Protective Garment Element.
• An interface component of the protective glove element that provides limited protection to the coat/ glove interface area.
• See 3.3.95, Technical Rescue Protective Gloves, and 3.3.109, Utility Technical Rescue Protective Glove Element.
• Glove Barrier. The innermost component of the glove body composite that comes in contact with the wearer’s skin.
• Glove Body. The part of the glove that extends from the tip of the fingers to the wrist crease or a specified distance beyond the wrist crease.
• Glove Wrisdet. See 3.3.116, Wristlet.

3.3.45* Goggles. The component that provides limited protection to the wearer’s eyes.

3.3.46 Hardware. Nonfabric components of the protective clothing and equipment including, but not limited to, those made of metal or plastic.

3.3.47* Hazardous Materials. Substances (solid, liquid, or gas) that when released are capable of creating harm to people, the environment, and property.

• Hazardous Materials Emergencies. Incidents involving the release or potential release of hazardous materials.
• See 3.3.78, Rescue and Recovery Technical Rescue Protective Helmet Element, and 3.3.111, Utility Techni­cal Rescue Protective Helmet Element.
• Independent Service Provider (ISP). See 3.3.112, Veri­fied Independent Service Provider (ISP).
• Inherent Flame Resistance. Flame resistance that is derived from the essential characteristics of the fiber or poly­mer.
• Interface Area. An area of the body where the protec­tive garments, helmet, gloves, footwear, or respiratory protec­tion facepiece meet. Interface areas include, but are not limited to, the coat/helmet/respiratory protection facepiece area; the coat/trouser area; the coat/glove area; and the trou- ser/footwear area.

3.3.53* Interface Component(s). Any material, part, or subas­sembly used in the construction of the compliant product that provides limited protection to interface areas.

3.3.54* Item. The individual compliant products consisting of protective clothing, protective equipment, auxiliary equip­ment, and supplementary equipment or tools.

• The inspection, service, and repair of protective clothing and equipment, including the determina­tion for removal from service.
• The entity that directs and controls any of the following: compliant product design, compliant product manufacturing, or compliant product quality assurance; or the entity that assumes the liability for the compliant product or provides the warranty for the compliant product.
• A response to heat by a material resulting in evidence of flowing or dripping.
•  
• Search Operations. Any land-based operations involving the search for victims or body recovery.
• Technical Rescue Incidents. Those activities directed at locating endangered persons, removing endangered persons from danger, treating the injured at an emergency incident, and providing transport to an appropriate health care facility.

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

• Manufacturer Trained Organization. A nonverified organization trained by an element manufacturer of the same element type to conduct any one or a combination of advanced cleaning, advanced inspection, and basic repair of the organization’s elements.
• Verified Organization. An organization verified by a third-party certification organization to conduct any one or a combination of advanced cleaning, advanced inspection, basic repair, and advanced repair of any organization’s elements.
• Outer Shell. The outermost component of an ensem­ble element or item, not including trim, hardware, reinforcing material, pockets, wristlet material, accessories, fittings, or suspension systems.
• Protecdve Clothing. See 3.3.73, Rescue and Recovery Technical Rescue Protective Ensemble, and 3.3.105, Utility Technical Rescue Protective Ensemble.
• Protecdve Coat. See 3.3.74, Rescue and Recovery Tech­nical Rescue Protective Ensemble Elements, and 3.3.106, Utility Technical Rescue Protective Ensemble Elements.
• Protecdve Coverall. See 3.3.74, Rescue and Recovery Technical Rescue Protective Ensemble Elements, and 3.3.106, Utility Technical Rescue Protective Ensemble Elements.
• Protecdve Ensemble. See 3.3.73, Rescue and Recovery Technical Rescue Protective Ensemble, and 3.3.105, Utility Technical Rescue Protective Ensemble.
• Protective Footwear. See 3.3.75, Rescue and Recovery Technical Rescue Protective Footwear Element, and 3.3.107, Utility Technical Rescue Protective Footwear Element.
• Protecdve Garment. See 3.3.76, Rescue and Recovery Technical Rescue Protective Garment Element, and 3.3.108, Utility Technical Rescue Protective Garment Element.
• Protecdve Glove. See 3.3.95, Technical Rescue Protec­tive Gloves, and 3.3.109, Utility Technical Rescue Protective Glove Element.
• Protecdve Goggle. See 3.3.77, Rescue and Recovery Technical Rescue Protective Goggle Element, and 3.3.110, Util­ity Technical Rescue Protective Goggle Element.
• Protecdve Helmet. See 3.3.78, Rescue and Recovery Technical Rescue Protective Helmet Element, and 3.3.111, Util­ity Technical Rescue Protective Helmet Element.
• Protecdve Trouser. See 3.3.76, Rescue and Recovery Technical Rescue Protective Garment Element, and 3.3.108, Utility Technical Rescue Protective Garment Element.
• Puncture-Resistant Device. A reinforcement to the bottom of protective footwear that is designed to provide punc­ture resistance.
• An operation involving the retrieval of either the remains of a deceased victim or property, but in no case a living person.
• Rescue and Recovery Technical Rescue Protective Ensemble. Multiple elements of compliant protective clothing and protective equipment designed and configured as an ensemble to provide limited protection in operational settings where exposure to physical, thermal, liquid, and body fluid- borne pathogen hazards is expected.
• Rescue and Recovery Technical Rescue Protective Ensemble Elements. The parts that comprise the rescue and recovery technical rescue protective ensemble, that include coats, trousers, coveralls, helmets, gloves, footwear, and inter­face components.
• Rescue and Recovery Technical Rescue Protective Foot­wear Element. The element of the certified rescue and recov­ery technical rescue protective ensemble that provides protection to the foot, ankle, and lower leg.
• Rescue and Recovery Technical Rescue Protective Garment Element. The coat, trouser, or coverall element of the certified rescue and recovery technical rescue protective ensemble that provides protection to the upper and lower torso, arms, and legs.
• Rescue and Recovery Technical Rescue Protective Goggle Element. The element of the certified rescue and recovery technical rescue protective ensemble that provides partial protection to the face and eyes.
• Rescue and Recovery Technical Rescue Protective Helmet Element. The element of the certified rescue and recovery technical rescue protective ensemble that provides protection to the head.
• The process of permanently removing an ensemble element from emergency operations service in the organization.
• Any permanent attachment of two or more materials in a line formed by joining the separate material pieces.
• Major A Seam. Outermost layer seam assemblies where rupture could reduce the protection of the garment by exposing the garment’s inner layers, and/or the wearer’s station/work uniform, other clothing, or skin.
• Major B Seam. Inner layer 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.

3.3.80.3* Minor Seam. Remaining seam assemblies that are not classified as Major A or Major B seams.

• The process of determining what protective clothing and equipment (PCE) is necessary for protection of fire and emergency services response personnel from an antici­pated specific hazard or other activity, the procurement of the appropriate PCE, and the choice of the proper PCE for a specific hazard or activity at an emergency incident.
• Separate/Separadon. A material response evidenced by splitting or delaminadng.
• Service Life. The period for which a compliant prod­uct can be useful before retirement.
• The component of footwear that provides addi­tional support to the instep.
• Site Stabilizadon. Those activities directed at mitigat­ing the dangerous elements of an emergency situation.
• Soiled/Soiling. The accumulation of materials that are not considered hazardous materials or body fluids but that could degrade the performance of the ensemble or ensemble element.
• Specialized Cleaning. See 3.3.8.3.
•  
• Chin Strap. An adjustable strap for the helmet that fits under the chin to help secure the helmet to the head.
• Crown Straps. The part of the helmet suspension that passes over the head.
• Stress Area. Those areas of the garment that are subjected to more wear, including, but not limited to, crotches, knees, elbows, and shoulders.
• The energy attenuating system of the helmet that is made up of the headband and crown strap.
• Technical Rescue Incidents. Complex rescue incidents requiring specially trained personnel and special equipment to complete the mission.
• Technical Rescue Protecdve Ensembles. See 3.3.73, Rescue and Recovery Technical Rescue Protective Ensemble, and 3.3.105, Utility Technical Rescue Protective Ensemble.
• Technical Rescue Protecdve Footwear. See 3.3.75, Rescue and Recovery Technical Rescue Protective Footwear Element, and 3.3.107, Utility Technical Rescue Protective Foot­wear Element.
• Technical Rescue Protective Garments. See3.76, Rescue and Recovery Technical Rescue Protective Garment Element, and 3.3.108, Utility Technical Rescue Protective Garment Element.
• Technical Rescue Protective Gloves. See3.109, Util­ity Technical Rescue Protective Glove Element.
• Technical Rescue Protecdve Goggles. See3.77, Rescue and Recovery Technical Rescue Protective Goggle Element, and 3.3.110, Utility Technical Rescue Protective Goggle Element.
• Technical Rescue Protecdve Helmets. See3.78, Rescue and Recovery Technical Rescue Protective Helmet Element, and 3.3.111, Utility Technical Rescue Protective Helmet Element.
• Tensile Strength. The force at which a fiber or fabric will break when pulled in one dimension.
• Textile Fabric. A planar structure consisting of yarns or fibers.
• A reinforcement to the toe area of footwear designed to protect the toes from impact and compression.
•  
• Lower Torso. The area of the body trunk below the waist, excluding the legs, ankles, and feet.
• Upper Torso. The area of body trunk above the waist and extending to the shoulder, excluding the arms, wrists, and hands.
• See 3.3.76, Rescue and Recovery Technical Rescue Protective Garment Element, and 3.3.108, Utility Tech­nical Rescue Protective Garment Element.

3.3.103* 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.

• Utility Sink. A separate sink used for cleaning ensem­bles, and ensemble elements and items.
• Utility Technical Rescue Protective Ensemble. Multi­ple elements of protective clothing and protective equipment designed and configured as an ensemble to provide limited protection in operational settings where exposure to physical and thermal hazards are expected.
• Utility Technical Rescue Protective Ensemble Elements. The parts that comprise the utility technical rescue protective ensemble, that include coats, trousers, coveralls, helmets, gloves, footwear, and interface components.
• Utility Technical Rescue Protective Footwear Element.

An element of the utility technical rescue protective ensemble that provides protection to the foot, ankle, and lower leg that is certified to the utility protection requirements.

• Utility Technical Rescue Protective Garment Element.

The coat, trouser, or coverall of the certified utility technical rescue protective ensemble that provides protection to the upper and lower torso, arms, and legs.

• Utility Technical Rescue Protective Glove Element.

The element of the certified utility technical rescue protective ensemble that provides protection to the hand.

• Utility Technical Rescue Protective Goggle Element.

The element of the certified utility technical rescue protective ensemble that provides partial protection to the face and eyes.

• Utility Technical Rescue Protective Helmet Element.

The element of the certified utility technical rescue protective ensemble that provides protection to the head.

• Verified Independent Service Provider (ISP). 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.

• Verified/Verification. A system whereby a certification organization determines that an ISP or an organization has demonstrated the ability to conduct repairs that complies with the requirements of this standard, authorizes the ISP or organi­zation to use a verification mark that complies with the require­ments of this standard, and establishes a follow-up program conducted by the certification organization as a check on the methods of repair used to determine continued compliance with the requirements of this standard.

3.3.114* Visibility Markings. Retroreflective and fluorescent conspicuity enhancements.

• Wear Surface. The bottom of the footwear sole, including the heel.
• The interface component of the protective element or item that provides limited protection to the coat/ glove interface area.

Chapter 4 Program

4.1 General.

4.1.1* The organization shall develop and implement a program for the selection, care, and maintenance of utility technical rescue ensembles, rescue and recovery technical rescue ensembles, and ensemble elements used by the members of the organization in the performance of their assigned functions.

• This program shall have the goal of providing technical rescue 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 their condition; and recondition­ing, repairing, or retiring such protective ensembles and ensemble elements.
• Where this program for the selection, care, and mainte­nance of technical rescue 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 technical rescue protective ensembles and ensemble elements shall be in accordance with Section2.

4.2 Program Organization for Technical Rescue Protective Ensembles and Ensemble Elements.

4.2.1 The organization’s program specified in Section 4.1 shall incorporate at least the requirements in Chapters 4 through 12.

4.2.2* 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 in the program parts specified in Table 4.2.2.

4.2.3* The organization shall not add or permit accessories to be added to any ensemble or ensemble element prior to the organization requesting approval in writing and receiving writ­ten approval from the ensemble or ensemble element manu­facturer for each specific accessory.

4.2.3.1* The organization shall not add or permit accessories to be added to any ensemble or ensemble element where the organization’s request for approval has been responded to in writing with a disapproval from the ensemble or ensemble element manufacturer.

4.2.3.2* In the event that the organization cannot make contact with the ensemble or ensemble element manufacturer for a specific accessory to be used on the ensemble or ensem­ble element, the organization shall be permitted to evaluate the accessory for attachment to an ensemble or ensemble element using recognized tests to determine that the accessory does not degrade the performance of the ensemble or ensem­ble element.

4.2.3.3* In the event the organization’s written requests for permission have not received a reply from the ensemble or

Required Program Parts for Technical Rescue Protective Ensembles and Elements

ensemble element manufacturer for a specific accessory to be used on the ensemble or ensemble element, the organization shall be permitted to evaluate the accessory for attachment to an ensemble or ensemble element using recognized tests to determine that the accessory does not degrade the perform­ance of the ensemble or ensemble element.

4.2.4* The organization shall use one of the following to perform advanced cleaning, advanced inspection, and repair services of ensembles and ensemble elements (see Table 4.2.4):

• Manufacturer trained organization for their own organi­zation’s elements only
• Verified organization
• Verified ISP

• Verified organizations and verified ISPs shall meet the requirements of Chapter 11, Verification, and shall be verified by a third-party certification organization.
• Where the organization is a verified organization or uses a verified ISP, approval from the element manufacturer shall not be required.

4.2.4.3* Verified organizations and verified ISPs shall receive written verification from the third-party certification organiza­tion to conduct garment element advanced cleaning, advanced inspection or advanced cleaning, advanced inspection and advanced repair services.

• The written verification shall indicate that the verified organization or the verified ISP has demonstrated a thorough knowledge of this standard as well as the design and perform­ance requirements of NFPA 1951.
• All garment advanced repairs shall be conducted by the garment manufacturer, a verified organization, or verified ISP.
• Manufacturer trained organizations performing advanced cleaning and advanced inspection shall be trained by an element manufacturer of the same element type or by a veri­fied ISP. The element manufacturer or verified ISP shall provide documentation that the organization has received the necessary training.

Table 4.2.4 Responsibilities for Garment Element Inspection, Cleaning, and Repair

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’s instructions, and the experience of the organization.

4.3.1* The organization shall compile and maintain records on its technical rescue protective ensembles and ensemble elements.

4.3.2* The records specified in 4.3.1 shall apply to technical rescue protective ensembles and ensemble elements that are utilized by the organization, 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:

• Person to whom element is issued
• Date and condition when issued
• Manufacturer and model name or design
• Manufacturer’s identification number, lot number, or serial number
• Month and year of manufacture
• Date(s) and findings advanced inspection (s)
• Date(s) and findings of advanced cleaning or decon­tamination
• Reason for advanced cleaning or decontamination and who performed cleaning or decontamination
• Date(s) of repair(s), who performed repair(s), and brief description of repair(s)
• Date of retirement
• Date and method of disposal

• Manufacturer’s Instructions.

4.4.1 When issuing new technical rescue protective ensembles and ensemble elements, the organization shall provide users with the instructions provided by the manufacturer on the care, use, and maintenance of the protective ensembles or ensemble elements, including any warnings provided by the manufacturer.

4.4.2* Where the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the care or maintenance of the protective ensembles or elements differ from a specific requirement(s) in this standard, the manufacturer’s instructions shall be followed for that require­ments). Manufacturers shall not be permitted to override the requirements of this standard for third-party verification.

• The organization shall retain and make accessible to organization personnel a copy of manufacturers’ instructions regarding the care, use, and maintenance of the protective ensembles, for reference purposes.
• Protecting the Public and Personnel from Contamination.

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

4.5.2* The SOPs shall require that protective ensembles or ensemble elements not be worn or stored in the living areas of organization facilities.

4.5.3* The public shall not be exposed at any time, except during emergency operations, to soiled or potentially contami­nated protective ensembles or ensemble elements.

• Soiled or potentially contaminated ensembles or ensem­ble elements shall not be brought into the home, washed in home laundries, or washed in public laundries.

4.6 Reporting Personal Protective Equipment Health and Safety Concerns.

4.6.1* The organization shall report all personal protective equipment (PPE) health and safety concerns, if caused by a known or suspected element failure, to the element manufac­turer and certification organization.

4.6.2* The organization shall notify the manufacturer and the certification organization in writing.

• The organization shall request written acknowledgment from the element manufacturer and certification organization within 30 days.

Chapter 5 Selection

5.1.1* The organization shall ensure that elements under consideration are certified as being compliant with NFPA 1951 by a third-party certification organization.

5.1.2* 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.

5.1.3* Where a field evaluation of an ensemble or ensemble element is conducted, the organization shall establish criteria to ensure a systematic method of comparing products in a manner related to their intended use and assessing their performance relative to the organization’s expectations.

• Where a utility ensemble is identified, all elements shall be compliant with appropriate utility standards at a minimum.
• Where a rescue/recovery ensemble is identified, all elements shall be compliant with appropriate rescue/recovery standards at a minimum.
• At a minimum, the organization shall ensure the proper overlap between ensemble elements being used, including, but not limited to, coat to pant, coat to glove, and pants to foot­wear. Any other specialty equipment being used shall also be considered to ensure the equipment does not interfere with the proper function and interface of the protective ensemble or ensemble elements.
• Risk Assessments.

5.2.1* Prior to starting the selection process of technical rescue protective ensembles and ensemble elements, the organization shall perform a risk assessment.

5.2.2 The risk assessment shall include, but not be limited to, the hazards that can be encountered by technical rescue personnel based on the following items and as detailed in Table 5.2.2, which represents potential hazards identified in the USFA report, Protective Clothing and Equipment Need of Emer­gency Responders to US&R Missions:

• Type of duties performed
• Frequency of use of ensemble elements
• Organization’s experiences
• Incident operations
• Geographic location and climate

Risk Assessment

Note: An “X” indicates that the ensemble element provides a level of protection from that hazard. An element name indicates that only that element provides a level of protection from that hazard. The terms “good,” “better,” and “best” indicate the level of performance in providing protection from that hazard. A “—” indicates the ensemble does not provide protection from that hazard based on the requirements in NFPA 1951.

5.2.3* The organization shall review the current edition of NFPA 1951, NFPA 1994, NFPA 1500, NFPA 1670, and any appli­cable federal or state OSHA standards relating to technical rescue protective ensembles and ensemble elements to deter­mine how they affect the selection process.

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

• Utility technical rescue ensembles shall be selected where there is no expectation of encountering liquid, body fluid, orbloodborne pathogens.
• Rescue/recovery ensembles shall be selected where there is an expectation of liquid, body fluid, or bloodborne pathogens.
• As part of the risk assessment, the organization shall determine which type of technical rescue protection is needed: utility technical rescue protective ensembles and ensemble elements or rescue and recovery technical rescue protective ensembles and ensemble elements. The organization shall also determine in the risk assessment if consideration for NFPA 1999 is also needed.

5.3 Purchase.

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

• Purchase specifications shall require that the ensemble or ensemble element(s) to be purchased shall be compliant with the current edition of NFPA 1951.
• * Where the organization selects criteria that exceed the minimum requirements of the current edition of NFPA 1951, such criteria shall be stipulated in the purchase specifications.
• * Purchase specifications shall require that manufacturers’ bids include substantiation of certification for each element and model stated in the bid.
• * Where applicable, the purchase specifications shall define the process for determining proper fit.
• * The organization shall compare each bid submittal against purchase specifications.

• Upon receipt, organizations shall inspect purchased protective ensemble element(s) to determine that they meet their specifications and that they were not damaged during shipment.
• Organizations shall verify the quantity and sizes of the protective ensemble element(s) received.
• Organizations shall examine information supplied with the products, such as instructions, warranties, and technical data.
• 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 Universal precautions shall be observed, as appropriate, when handling ensemble elements.

6.1.2* Any ensemble elements that are found to be soiled or contaminated shall be cleaned or decontaminated before any additional inspection is initiated. Where ensemble elements cannot be decontaminated, the ensemble elements shall be retired in accordance with Chapter 10.

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

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.

• At a minimum, any necessary cleaning or decontami­nation shall be done in accordance with the requirements specified in Chapter 7.
• At a minimum, any necessary repairs shall be made in accordance with the requirements specified in Chapters.
• At a minimum, any necessary testing shall be conduc­ted in accordance with the methods specified in Chapter 12.

6.2 Routine Inspection.

6.2.1 Individual members shall conduct a routine inspection of their protective ensembles and ensemble elements upon issue and after each use.

6.2.2* The routine inspection shall include, at a minimum, the inspections specified in 6.2.2.1 through 6.2.2.6.

• Coat and trouser garment elements shall be inspected for the following:
  • Soiling
  • Contamination
  • Physical damage such as the following:
    • Rips, tears, and cuts
    • Damaged or missing hardware and closure systems
    • Thermal damage (charring, burn holes, melting, discoloration of any layer)
  • Damaged or missing components (visibility markings)
  • Loss of seam integrity and broken or missing stitches
  • Damaged, detached, or missing visibility markings, when present
• Helmet elements shall be inspected for the following:
  • Soiling
  • Contamination
  • Physical damage to the shell such as the following:
    • Cracks, crazing, dents, and abrasions
    • Thermal damage to the shell (bubbling, soft spots, warping, discoloration)
  • Physical damage to any fabric components on the helmet such as the following:
    • Rips, tears, and cuts
    • Thermal damage (charring, burn holes, melting)
  • Damaged or missing components of the suspension and retention systems
  • Damaged or missing visibility markings, when present
• Glove elements shall be inspected for the following:
  • Soiling
  • Contamination
  • Physical damage such as die following:
    • Rips, tears, and cuts
    • Thermal damage (charring, burn holes, melting, discoloration of any layer)
    • Inverted barrier
  • Shrinkage
  • Loss of elasticity or flexibility
  • Loss of seam integrity and broken or missing stitches 2.2.4 Footwear elements shall be inspected for the following:
• Soiling
• Contamination
• Physical damage such as the following:
  • Cuts, tears, and punctures
  • Thermal damage (charring, burn holes, melting, discoloration of any layer)
  • Exposed or deformed protective toe, protective midsole, or shank
• Closure system component damage and functionality
• Loss of seam integrity and broken or missing stitches

6.2.2.5* Goggle elements shall be inspected for the following:

• Damaged or missing components including discolora­tion, crazing, and scratches to the lens, limiting visibility
• Physical damage to band or loss of elasticity

6.2.2.6 Interface components shall be inspected for the following:

• Soiling
• Contamination
• Physical damage
• Loss or reduction of properties that allow component to continue as effective interface [loss of shape or inability to remain attached to the respective element(s) where attachment is required]
• Loss of seam integrity and broken or missing stitches

6.3 Advanced Inspection.

• Advanced inspection and any necessary testing shall be performed by the element manufacturer, a manufacturer trained organization, a verified organization, or a verified ISP
• The member(s) of the organization who has received training in the advanced inspection of the ensembles or ensem­ble elements shall be responsible for performing, managing, or coordinating advanced inspections or the advanced inspection process.

6.3.2.1* The ensemble or ensemble element manufacturer or a verified ISP and the organization shall determine the level of training required to perform advanced inspections. The ensemble or ensemble element manufacturer or verified ISP shall provide written verification of training.

6.3.2.1.1 If the organization is a verified organization, they shall be permitted to determine the level of training necessary to perform the advanced inspection, without any further writ­ten verification.

• Advanced inspections of all protective ensemble elements that are issued shall be conducted at a minimum of every 12 months or whenever routine inspections indicate that a problem could exist.

6.3.4* The findings of the advanced inspection shall be docu­mented.

6.3.5* The advanced inspection shall include, at a minimum, the inspections specified in 6.3.5.1 through 6.3.5.6.

6.3.5.1* All separable layers of the garment elements shall be individually inspected for the following:

• Soiling
• Contamination
• * Physical damage to all layers and sides of each layer, such as the following:
  • Rips, tears, cuts, and abrasions
  • Damaged or missing hardware
  • Thermal damage (charring, burn holes, melting, discoloration of any layer)
• * Physical damage to the barrier layer and each side of the barrier layer for loss of barrier performance properties as indicated by any of the following:
  • Rips, tears, cuts, or abrasions
  • Discoloration
  • Thermal damage
  • Loose or missing barrier material seam tape
  • Delamination as evidenced by separation of the film from substrate fabric, flaking or powdering
  • Contamination
  • Age
• Evaluation of system fit and coat/trouser overlap
• Loss of seam integrity and broken or missing stitches
• * Loss of material physical integrity [ultraviolet (UV) or chemical degradation 1 as evidenced by discoloration, significant changes in material texture, loss of material strength.
• Loss of wristlet elasticity, stretching, runs, cuts, or burn holes
• * Visibility marking integrity, attachment to garment, reflectivity, or damage
• * Label integrity and legibility
• Hook and loop functionality
• Barrier attach me nt systems
• Closure system functionality
• Accessories for compliance with 4.2.3
• Correct assembly and size compatibility of shell and barrier
• Label integrity and legibility

• Helmet elements shall be inspected for the following:
  • Soiling
  • Contamination
  • Physical damage to the shell such as the following:
    • Cracks, dents, and abrasions
    • Thermal damage to the shell (bubbling, soft spots, warping, or discoloration)
  • Damaged or missing components of the suspension and retention systems
  • Functionality of suspension and retention systems
  • Damage to the impact cap
  • Damaged or missing visibility markings
  • Accessories for compliance with 4.2.3
• Glove elements shall be inspected for the following:
  • Soiling
  • Contamination
  • * Physical damage such as die following:
    • Rips, tears, and cuts
    • Thermal damage (chairing, burn holes, melting, or discoloration of any layer)
    • Inverted barrier
    • Loss of seam integrity or broken or missing stitches
  • Shrinkage
  • Loss of flexibility
  • Loss of elasticity and shape in wristlets
  • Accessories for compliance with 4.2.3
• Footwear elements shall be inspected for the following:
  • Soiling
  • Contamination
  • Physical damage such as the following:
    • Cuts, tears, punctures, cracking, or splitting
    • Thermal damage (charring, burn holes, melting, or discoloration of any layer)
    • Exposed or deformed steel toe, steel midsole, or shank
    • Loss of seam integrity, delamination, or broken or missing stitches
  • Loss of water resistance as determined by Section 12.2
  • Closure system component damage and functionality
  • * Excessive tread wear
  • Condition of lining such as the following:
    • Tears
    • Excessive wear
    • Separation from outer layer
  • Heel counter failure
  • Accessories for compliance with 4.2.3 (10) Label integrity and legibility
• Goggle elements shall be inspected for the following:
  • Soiling
  • Contamination
  • Thermal damage
  • Damaged or missing components of the goggle, includ­ing discoloration or scratches
  • Functionality of element components
  • Label integrity and legibility
• Interface components shall be inspected for the following:
  • Soiling
  • Contamination
  • Physical damage
  • 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
  • Loss of seam integrity and broken or missing stitches

6.4 Complete Barrier Inspection.

• Complete barrier inspection of rescue and recovery technical rescue garments shall be performed by the garment manufacturer, a manufacturer trained organization, a verified organization, or a verified ISP.
• The member(s) of the organization who has received training in the complete barrier inspection of the garment element shall be responsible for performing, managing, or coordinating the complete barrier inspection or the complete barrier inspection process.
• The garment element manufacturer or a verified ISP and the organization shall determine the level of training required to perform complete barrier inspections. The garment element manufacturer or verified ISP shall provide written verification of training.

6.4.2.1.1 If the organization is a verified organization, they shall be permitted to determine the level of training necessary to perform the complete liner inspection, without any further written verification.

• The element manufacturer or verified ISP shall provide written verification of training.
• Complete barrier inspection of all garment elements shall be conducted whenever advanced inspections indicate that a problem might exist. The barrier system shall be opened to expose all layers.
• The findings of the complete barrier inspection shall be documented.
• The complete barrier inspection shall include, at a mini­mum, the inspection specified in 6.4.5.1 and 6.4.5.2.
• The barrier material shall be tested using the hydro­static test to evaluate the water penetration barrier, as specified in Section 12.1, and shall show no leakage.
• The result of each water penetration barrier evaluation shall be recorded.

Chapter 7 Cleaning and Decontamination 7.1 General.

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

7.1.2 Ensembles and ensemble elements shall be evaluated by the wearer for application of appropriate cleaning level after each use.

7.1.3* Ensembles and ensemble elements that cannot be decontaminated in accordance with AHJ guidelines shall be retired in accordance with Chapter 10.

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 the need for ensemble or ensemble elements to be isolated, tagged, and bagged on scene.

7.1.4.1 Contaminated ensembles and ensemble elements shall be isolated during the incident personnel decontamination process and 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* Where possible and where the contaminant and its source have been identified, the organization shall consult the supplier of the contaminant and the manufacturer of the ensemble and ensemble elements for an appropriate decon­tamination agent and process.

• 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* Organizations shall have written procedures detailing the decontamination and cleaning processes for ensembles and ensemble elements contaminated with body fluids.

• Universal precautions shall be observed at all times by members handling elements known or suspected to be conta­minated with body fluids.
• 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 protective ensembles and ensemble elements.

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

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

7.2 Routine Cleaning.

7.2.1* The end users shall be responsible for the routine cleaning of their issued ensemble and ensemble elements.

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

7.2.4.1* Where possible, the contamination levels shall be evaluated and cleaning shall be initiated at the emergency scene.

• Ensembles and element layers shall be isolated when­ever possible to avoid cross contamination.
• Any dry debris shall be brushed off.
• Other debris shall be gently rinsed off with water.
• Heavy scrubbing or spraying with high-velocity water jets such as a power washer shall not be used.
• Where necessary, a soft bristle brush shall be used to gently scrub, and the ensemble or element shall be rinsed off again.
• Where necessary, elements for routine cleaning shall be cleaned in a utility sink designated for personal protective equipment (PPE) cleaning and decontamination using the following procedures:
  • * Heavily soiled or spotted areas shall be pretreated. Chlor­ine bleach, chlorinated solvents, active-ingredient clean­ing agents, or solvents shall not be used without the ensemble or element manufacturer’s approval.
  • * Water temperature shall not exceed 40°C (105°F).
  • Mild detergents with a pH range of not less than 6.0 pH and not greater than 10.5 pH as indicated on the product material safety data sheet (MSDS) or original product container shall be used.
  • * Protective gloves and eye/face splash protection shall be worn.
  • Element(s) shall be gently scrubbed using a soft bristle brush.
  • Element(s) shall be thoroughly rinsed.
  • Element(s) shall be inspected and, where necessary, shall be rewashed or submitted for advanced cleaning proce­dures. The manufacturer shall be consulted if stronger cleaning agents are required.
  • Elements shall not be machine dried using equipment that produces mechanical action from tumbling or agita­tion.
  • Following the routine cleaning procedure, the utility sink shall be rinsed.

7.2.5 Additional Requirements for Routine Cleaning of Garment.

• Routine cleaning procedures for cleaning garment elements shall be used only for spot cleaning of the element and shall be performed in a utility sink.
• If garment requires more than spot cleaning, entire garment shall be cleaned using advanced cleaning procedures.

7.3 Advanced Cleaning and Decontamination.

7.3.1 Advanced cleaning shall be performed by the element manufacturer, a manufacturer trained organization, a verified organization, or a verified ISP.

• The member(s) of the organization who has received training in the advanced cleaning of the ensembles or ensem­ble elements shall be responsible for performing, managing, or coordinating advanced cleaning or the advanced cleaning process.
• The ensemble or ensemble element manufacturer or verified ISP and the organization shall determine the level of training required to perform advanced cleaning. The ensemble or ensemble element manufacturer or verified ISP shall provide written verification of training.

7.3.2* Ensemble and ensemble elements that are soiled shall receive advanced cleaning prior to reuse.

• Ensemble and ensemble elements that are issued and used shall receive advanced cleaning at the time of advanced inspection if not subjected to advanced cleaning in the preced­ing 12 months.
• The training of the organization’s personnel shall be performed by the element manufacturer or a verified ISP, who will provide written documentation of training.

7.3.4.1 If the organization is a verified organization, they shall be permitted to determine the level of training necessary to perform advanced cleaning without any further written verifica­tion.

• 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 for the ensemble or ensemble element, the advanced cleaning and drying proce­dures provided in this section shall be used.

7.3.7* Advanced cleaning of ensembles and ensemble elements shall be conducted by machine unless specifically prohibited.

7.3.8* The following procedures shall be used for machine washing:

• * The machine shall not be overloaded.
• * Heavily soiled or spotted areas shall be pretreated. Chlorine bleach, chlorinated solvents, active-ingredient cleaning agents, or solvents shall not be used without the ensemble or ensemble element manufacturer’s appro­val.
• All closures, including pocket closures, hooks and loops, snaps, zippers, and hooks and dees, shall be fastened.
• All garments and separable barriers shall be placed into a mesh laundry bag for machine cleaning.
• * Water temperature shall not exceed 40°C (105°F).
• 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 shall be used.
• All tools and accessories shall be removed and not machine washed.
• * Washing machines shall be adjusted so the g-force does not exceed 100 gfor all elements.
• Machines with a center post agitator shall not be used.
• * Machine manufacturers’ instructions shall be followed for proper setting or program selection for the specific element being washed.
• The element shall be inspected and rewashed if neces­sary.
• All tools and accessories shall be removed and not machine dried.
• * Where the machine is also used to wash items other than protective ensemble elements, it shall be rinsed out by running the machine without a laundry load through a complete cycle with detergent and filled to the maxi­mum level with water at a temperature of 49°C to 52°C (120°F to 125°F).
• Cleaning and soaking agents shall not leave any residue or cause any degrading of the ensemble or ensemble elements.

• Ensembles and ensemble elements shall be dried in accordance with Section 7.4.
• Additional Requirements for Advanced Cleaning of Garment Elements.

7.3.10.1* Where the shells and barriers of protective garment elements are separable, those items shall be cleaned and decontaminated only with like items, other than as provided for in 7.3.13.

7.3.10.2 Separable barrier systems shall be turned inside out so the barrier material, where present, is on the inside for both machine washing and machine drying.

7.3.11 Additional Requirements for Advanced Cleaning of Helmet Elements.

7.3.11.1* Detachable items shall be removed from the helmet and shall be washed and dried separately.

7.3.11.2 Helmets shall not be machine cleaned or dried using equipment that produces mechanical action by tumbling or agitation.

7.3.12* Additional Requirements for Advanced Cleaning of Glove Elements. Gloves shall not be machine dried using equipment that produces mechanical action by tumbling or agitation.

7.3.13* Additional Requirements for Advanced Cleaning of Footwear Elements. Footwear shall not be machine cleaned or dried using equipment that produces mechanical action by tumbling or agitation.

7.4 Drying Procedures.

7.4.1* Organizations shall examine the manufacturer’s label and user information for instructions on drying procedures that the manufacturer provided with the ensemble or ensemble element.

7.4.2 In the absence of manufacturer’s instructions or manu­facturer’s approval of alternative procedures, the drying proce­dures provided in this section shall be used.

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

• * Place elements in an area with good ventilation.
• * Do not dry in direct sunlight.

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

• The recommended capacity of the machine shall not be exceeded.
• All closures, including pocket closures, hooks and loops, snaps, zippers, and hooks and dees shall be fastened.
• * A “no heat” or “air dry” option shall be used, if available.
• * In the absence of a “no heat” or “air dry” option, the basket temperature shall not exceed 40°C (105°F).
• * The use of a heat cycle shall be discontinued prior to the removal of all moisture from the ensemble or ensemble elements.
• * The remainder of the drying process shall be accom­plished by a “no heat” machine setting or removal of the ensemble or ensemble elements from the machine dryer to air dry.

Chapter 8 Repair

8.1 Requirements for All Ensembles and Ensemble Elements.

8.1.1 All repairs shall be performed by the original manufac­turer, a verified a ISP who has received training, or a member of the organization who has received training. Training shall be provided by an element manufacturer or by a verified ISP in the repair of ensembles or ensemble elements.

8.1.1.1 Requirements for garment element repair shall be specified in Sections 8.2 through 8.4.

• The member(s) of the organization who has received training in the repair of the ensembles or ensemble elements shall be responsible for performing or managing repairs.
• Ensembles or ensemble elements shall be subjected to advanced cleaning, when necessary, before any repair work is undertaken.

8.1.4* All repairs and alterations to the ensemble or ensemble element shall be done in a manner and using like materials and components that are compliant with NFPA 1951.

• Due to the different methods of construction, the ensemble or ensemble element manufacturer shall be contac­ted if the organization or verified ISP is unsure of whether a repair can be accomplished without adversely affecting the integrity of the ensemble or ensemble element.
• Replacement interface components shall be installed in a manner consistent with the ensemble or ensemble element manufacturer’s method of construction or recommendation.

8.2 Basic and Advanced Garment Element Repair.

• All repairs and alterations shall be performed in the same manner and using like materials as the garment element manufacturer, including, but not limited to, fabric, thread type, seam construction, hardware, and hardware backing, unless approved by the garment element manufacturer.
• Repairs shall be made to all components and to all layers of the composite that have been damaged or that have been affected by the repair.
• 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 32 cm² (5 in.²) patch of the same material that is compliant with NFPA 1951.
• The finished edges of the patch shall extend at least 25 mm (1 in.) in all directions beyond the damaged area.
• To prevent fraying, the patch shall have no raw edges.
• Where tears, holes, or abrasions are being repaired, the damaged areas shall be mended using flame-resistant (FR) thread that is compliant with NFPA 1951 to prevent further damage prior to application of the patch.

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

8.2.4.1 When hardware is replaced, the reinforcement back­ing material shall be reinstalled or, if it is no longer serviceable, the backing material shall be replaced.

• If the complexity of the repair is uncertain, the garment element manufacturer shall be consulted.
• Replacement visibility markings shall be installed in a manner consistent with the garment element manufacturer’s method of construction, unless an alternative method is approved by the garment element manufacturer.

8.2.6.1 Visibility markings being replaced shall be completely removed so that no new visibility marking is sewn over older visibility marking.

• Visibility marking patches that do not exceed 75 mm (3 in.) in length shall be permitted.
• The visibility marking patch shall extend 25 mm (1 in.) beyond the damaged area.
• A maximum of two visibility marking patches per stripe shall be permitted.
• Where a repair or alteration necessitates replacing visi­bility markings, an equal amount of visibility markings shall be installed.
• Where the complexity of the visibility marking repair is uncertain, the garment element manufacturer shall be consul­ted.
• Additional Requirements for Basic Garment Element Repair.
• The repairs specified in this section shall be performed by the element manufacturer, the organization, manufacturer trained organizations, verified organizations, or verified ISPs.
• Basic repairs shall be limited to the following:
  • Patching of minor tears, char marks, and ember burns to a separable outer shell
  • Repairing of skipped, broken, and missing stitches to a separable outer shell
  • Replacement of missing hardware, excluding positive closure systems to a separable outer shell
  • Reclosing of the liner of a garment after inspection
• Repairs to nonbarrier garment barrier materials shall be permitted, provided such repairs do not result in stitching through the barrier materials.
• Additional Requirements for Advanced Garment Element Repair.

8.4.1* The repairs specified in this section shall be conducted only by the element manufacturer, a verified organization, or a verified ISP meeting the requirements as specified in Chap­ter 11, Verification.

8.4.2 Repairs to the garment outer shell shall be performed consistent with the garment element manufacturer’s methods. The garment element manufacturer shall be contacted if the organization is unsure of the complexity of the repair.

8.4.3* All repairs to the garment barrier materials shall be performed consistent with the barrier manufacturer’s methods. The original garment element manufacturer shall be contacted if the organization is unsure as to whether an area to be repaired contains a barrier material.

• Due to labeling requirements, as well as the complexity and specialized equipment needed to replace entire garment element component layers (the outer shell) or barrier materi­als, only the garment element manufacturer or the garment element manufacturer’s designated verified ISP shall replace entire garment component layers.
• Restitching of more than 25 mm (1) continuous of a Major A seam and Major B seam shall require consulting the garment element manufacturer and shall be conducted in a manner consistent with the garment element manufacturer’s methods.

8.4.6 Repairs to Major B seams in the moisture barrier shall require consulting the garment element manufacturer and shall be conducted in a manner consistent with the garment element manufacturer’s methods.

8.4.7* All repaired stress areas shall be reinforced in a manner consistent with the garment element manufacturer’s methods.

8.4.8 If replacing visibility markings necessitates sewing into a Major A seam, visibility markings replacement shall be done only by the garment element manufacturer or by a verified ISP unless the organization is also a verified ISP and conducted in a manner consistent with the garment element manufacturer’s methods.

8.4.9* Replacement zippers shall be installed in a manner consistent with the garment element manufacturer’s method of construction. If the complexity of the repair is uncertain, the garment element manufacturer shall be consulted.

8.4.10* Replacement hook-and-loop fastener tape shall be installed in a manner consistent with the garment element manufacturer’s method of construction. If the complexity of the repair is uncertain, the garment element manufacturer shall be consulted.

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

• Helmet Element Repair.

8.5.1 In addition to the requirements in Section 8.1, all repairs to helmet components other than as specified herein shall be performed in accordance with the helmet element manufacturer’s instructions.

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

• Small surface nicks shall be repaired in accordance with the helmet element manufacturer’s instructions.
• Small scratches on the helmet shell shall be permitted to be removed by using mildly abrasive compounds recommen­ded by the helmet element manufacturer.
• Glove Element Repair. In addition to the requirements in Section 8.1, all repairs to glove components shall be performed in accordance with the glove element manufacturer’s instruc­tions. The glove manufacturer shall be contacted to determine feasibility of the repair.
• Footwear Element Repair.
• In addition to the requirements in Section 8.1, all repairs to footwear components shall be performed in accord­ance with the footwear manufacturer’s instructions.
• Other than the replacement of bootlaces and lace-in zipper assemblies, the footwear manufacturer shall be contac­ted to determine feasibility of the repair.
• All replacement bootlaces and lace-in zippers shall be provided by the footwear element manufacturer.
• Goggle Element Repair. Goggle lens components that become cracked or badly scratched shall be replaced.

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

9.1.4 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 such environments, the ensemble or element(s) shall be placed in a protective case or bag to prevent damage.

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

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

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

Chapter 10 Retirement, Disposition, and Special Incident Procedure

10.1 Retirement.

10.1.1* The organization shall develop specific criteria for removal of technical rescue protective ensembles and ensemble elements 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* Technical rescue protective ensembles and ensemble elements shall be retired in accordance with 10.2.1 no later than the number of years after date of manufacture indicated in Table 10.1.2.

10.1.3* Technical rescue protective 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.

10.1.4* Technical rescue protective ensembles and ensemble elements that were not in compliance with the edition of the applicable NFPA standard that was current when the ensembles and ensemble elements were manufactured shall be retired in accordance with 10.2.1.

10.1.5 Technical rescue protective 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.

10.1.6* Technical rescue protective 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.

• Disposition of Retired Elements.
• Retired technical rescue protective ensembles and ensemble elements shall be destroyed or disposed of in a manner ensuring that they will not be used in any emergency activities.
• Retired technical rescue protective ensembles and ensemble elements as determined in 10.1.6 shall be permitted to be used as follows:
  • For training, provided the ensembles and ensemble elements are appropriately marked as being for nonemer­gency training only
  • As determined by the organization
• Special Incident Procedure.

10.3.1* The organization shall have procedures for the handling and custody of technical rescue protective ensembles and ensemble elements that were worn by emergency response personnel who were victims at incidents where serious injuries or fatalities to the emergency responders occurred.

• In the absence of any other prevailing rules of evidence, the organization’s procedures shall include at least the following:
  • Provisions shall be made for the immediate removal from service and preservation of all technical rescue protective ensembles and ensemble elements utilized by the injured or deceased emergency responder.
  • Custody of such ensembles and ensemble elements shall be maintained at a secure location with controlled, docu­mented access.
  • All such technical rescue protective ensembles and ensemble elements shall be nondestructively tagged and stored only in paper or cardboard containers to prevent further degradation or damage. Plastic or airtight containers shall not be used.
  • Examination of the technical rescue protective ensembles and ensemble elements shall be made by qualified members of the organization or by outside experts to determine the condition thereof.
• The organization shall determine a specific period of time for retaining custody of technical rescue protective ensem­bles and ensemble elements.

Chapter 11 Verification

•  
• In order for an organization or ISP to be verified, it shall meet the requirements of this chapter.
• Verification of the organization or ISP shall include advanced inspection, advanced cleaning, and advanced repairs of garment elements only. Verification of the organization or ISP shall not apply to helmet elements, glove elements, or foot­wear elements.
• An organization or ISP shall be permitted to be veri­fied for advanced cleaning and advanced inspection only.
• Where an organization or ISP is verified for conduct­ing repairs, the organization or ISP shall also be verified for advanced cleaning and advanced inspection.
• The verified organization or ISPs shall be listed. The listing shall contain advanced cleaning; advanced inspection; and/or the repair categories that the organization or the ISP is verified to conduct. Repair categories shall be garment outer shell repairs and garment barrier material repairs.
• Where the certification listing includes the barrier material repair categoiy, the listing shall include the barrier material manufacturer and trade name designation.
• All verification of the organization or ISP shall be performed by a certification organization that meets at least the requirements specified in Section 11.2 and that is accredi­ted for personal protective equipment in accordance with ISO/IEC 17065, Confonnity assessment — Requirements for bodies certifying products, processes and services. The accreditation shall be issued by an accreditation body operating in accordance with ISO 17011, Conformity assessment — General requirements for accreditation bodies accrediting conformity assessment bodies.
• The verified organization or verified ISP shall not use the NFPA name or the name or identification of this standard in any statements about its services, unless the services are veri­fied as compliant to this standard.

11.1.3.1 No provider of the services covered by this standard shall claim to be an ISP, a verified ISP, or a verified organiza­tion unless they comply with all of the requirements in this standard and are third-party verified in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.

• Verification Program.

11.2.1* The certification organization shall not be owned or controlled by the organization or the ISP being verified.

• The certification organization shall be primarily engaged in certification work and shall not have a monetary interest in the organization’s or ISP’s ultimate profitability.
• The certification organization shall be accredited for personal protective equipment in accordance with ISO/IEC 17065, Conformity assessment — Requirements for bodies certifying products, processes, and services. The accreditation shall be issued by an accreditation body operating in accordance with ISO 17011, Conformity assessment — General requirements for accredita­tion bodies accrediting conformity assessment bodies.

11.2.4 The certification organization shall refuse to verify serv­ices to this standard that do not comply with all applicable requirements of this standard.

11.2.5* The contractual provisions between the certification organization and the organization or the ISP shall specify that verification is contingent on compliance with all applicable requirements of this standard.

11.2.6 The certification organization shall not offer or confer any conditional or temporary verification.

11.2.7* The certification organization shall have laboratory facilities and equipment available for conducting proper tests to determine organization or ISP compliance.

• The certification organization’s laboratory facilities shall have a program in place and functioning for calibration of all instruments, and procedures shall be in use to ensure proper control of all testing.
• The certification organization’s laboratory facilities shall follow good practice regarding the use of laboratory manuals, form data sheets, documented calibration and cali­bration routines, performance verification, proficiency testing, and staff qualification and training programs.
• The certification organization shall require the organ­ization or the ISP to establish and maintain a quality manage­ment program that meets the requirements of Section 11.4.
• The certification organization and the organization or ISP shall evaluate any changes affecting function of the compli­ant services to determine continued certification to this stand­ard.

11.2.12* The certification organization shall have a follow-up inspection program of the organization’s or the ISP’s facilities of the compliant services with at least one random and unan­nounced visit per 12-month period to verify continued compli­ance.

• The certification organization shall be permitted to conduct specific testing to verify continued compliance.
• The certification organization’s operating procedures shall provide a mechanism for the organization or the ISP to appeal decisions. The procedures shall include the presenta­tion of information from both sides of a controversy to a desig­nated appeals panel.
• The certification organization shall be in a position to use legal means to protect the integrity of its name. The name shall be registered and legally defended.

11.3 Inspection and Testing.

• For verification of the organization’s or ISP’s services, the certification organization shall conduct both inspection and testing as specified in this section.
• All inspections, evaluations, conditioning, and testing for verification of the organization or ISP shall be conducted by a certification organization’s testing laboratory that is accredited in accordance with the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibra­tion laboratories.
• The certification organization’s testing laboratory’s scope of accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, shall encom­pass testing of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• The accreditation of a certification organization’s test­ing laboratory shall be issued by an accreditation body operat­ing in accordance with ISO 17011, Conformity assessment — General requirements for accreditation bodies accrediting conformity assessment bodies.
• A certification organization shall be permitted to utilize conditioning and testing results conducted by an organization or an ISP for verification provided the organization or the ISP testing laboratory meets the requirements specified in 11.3.5.1 through 11.3.5.5.
• Where an organization or an ISP provides condition­ing and testing results to the certification organization, the organization’s or ISP’s testing laboratory shall be accredited in accordance with the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories.
• The organization or ISP testing laboratory’s scope of accreditation to ISO 17025/IEC, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, shall encompass testing of PPE.
• The accreditation of an organization’s or ISP’s testing laboratory shall be issued by an accreditation body operating in accordance with ISO 17011, Conformity assessment — General requirements for accreditation bodies accrediting conformity assessment bodies.
• The certification organization shall also approve the organization’s or ISP’s testing laboratory.
• The certification organization shall determine the level of supervision and witnessing of the conditioning and test­ing for verification conducted at the organization’s or ISP’s testing laboratory.
• Sampling levels for testing and inspection shall be established by the certification organization and the organiza­tion or the ISP to ensure reasonable and acceptable reliability at a reasonable and acceptable confidence level that repair services are compliant to this standard, unless such sampling levels are specified herein.
• For verification of an organization’s or an ISP’s advanced cleaning services, the certification organization shall evaluate the organization’s or ISP’s procedures in accordance with Section 7.3 of this standard.
• For verification of an organization’s or an ISP’s advanced inspection services, the certification organization shall evaluate the organization’s or ISP’s procedures in accord­ance with Sections 6.3 and 6.4 of this standard.
• For verification of an organization’s or an ISP’s repair services, the following series of tests shall be required for each repair category for which the organization or the ISP is veri­fied. Testing shall be conducted using new materials as outlined in Table 11.3.9(a) and Table 11.3.9(b).

11.3.9.1 For repairs to tears in the outer shell, barrier mate­rial, and lining material, the certification organization shall create the tear in the material(s) to be repaired in accordance with Figure 11.3.9.1.

NFPA 1855, 8.2.3, and NFPA 1951, 7.2.1.14, in the as-received condition

NFPA 1855, 8.2.3, and NFPA 1951, 7.2.1.14, in the as-received condition

NFPA 1951, 7.2.1.6

NFPA 1855, 8.2.3 and NFPA 1951, 7.2.1.14 in the as-received condition

NFPA 1855, 8.2.3, NFPA 1951, 7.2.1.14 in the as-received condition

• For barrier material hole repairs, the certification organization shall create the hole in the material (s) to be repaired in accordance with Figure 11.3.9.2.
• The certification organization shall not allow test specimens that have been conditioned and tested for one method to be reconditioned and tested for another test method unless specifically permitted in the test method.
• For verification of an organization’s or ISP’s advanced inspection services, the documentation and measurements specified in Table 11.3.10 shall be evaluated and verified to be compliant by the certification organization.
• For verification of an organization’s or ISP’s advanced cleaning services, the documentation and measurements speci­fied in Table 11.3.11 shall be evaluated and verified to be compliant by the certification organization.
• The organization or the ISP shall maintain all inspec­tion and test data from the certification organization used in the verification of the organization’s or the ISP’s services. The organization or ISP shall provide such data, upon request, to the purchaser or authority having jurisdiction.

305 mm (12 in.)

Hole Repairs.

Advanced Inspection Evaluation Method of Evaluation

Audit or review of organization’s or ISP’s procedures and documentation by certification organization Audit or review of organization’s or ISP’s procedures and documentation by certification organization Audit or review of organization’s or ISP’s procedures and documentation by certification organization Audit or review of organization’s or ISP’s procedures and documentation by certification organization Audit or review of organization’s or ISP’s procedures and documentation by certification organization Audit or review of organization’s or ISP’s procedures and documentation by certification organization

Audit or review of organization’s or ISP’s procedures and documentation by certification organization Audit or review of organization’s or ISP’s procedures and documentation by certification organization Audit or review of organization’s or ISP’s procedures and documentation by certification organization Audit or review of organization’s or ISP’s procedures and documentation by certification organization Audit or review of organization’s or ISP’s procedures and documentation by certification organization Direct measurement or observation by a representative of the certification organization Audit or review of organization’s or ISP’s procedures and documentation by certification organization Audit or review of organization’s or ISP’s procedures and documentation by certification organization Audit or review of organization’s or ISP’s procedures and documentation by certification organization Audit or review of organization’s or ISP’s procedures and documentation by certification organization Audit or review of organization’s or ISP’s procedures and documentation by certification organization Direct measurement or observation by a representative of the certification organization

11.3.13 All repair categories that are verified in accordance with this standard shall undergo verification on an annual basis.

11.4 Organization or ISP Quality Management Program.

• The organization’s or the ISP’s management shall define and document its policy and objectives for and commit­ment to quality and shall ensure that this policy is understood, implemented, and maintained at all levels in the organization or the ISP.
• The organization or the ISP shall operate an effective quality system appropriate to the type, range, and volume of work performed.
• The management of the organization or the ISP shall designate a person who, irrespective of other duties, shall have defined authority and responsibility for quality assurance within the organization or ISP. The quality system shall be maintained relevant and current under the responsibility of the same person.

11.4.4 The quality system shall be fully documented. There shall be a Quality Manual, which shall contain at least the following information:

• General information (name, addresses, phone numbers, and legal status)
• Management statement on the organization’s or ISPs policy on, objectives for, and commitment to quality
• Management statement assigning a responsible person for quality assurance
• Description of the organization’s or ISP’s areas of activity and competence
• Organization chart(s)
• Relevantjob descriptions
• Policy statement on qualification and training of person­nel
• Procedures for control of documents
• Procedures for internal audits
• Procedures for feedback and corrective action
• Procedures for management review of the quality system
• Distribution list for the Quality Manual
• Work instructions or process manuals
• Procedure for handling returns and complaints

• The organization or ISP shall maintain a system for control of all documentation relating to its activities and shall ensure that the following occur:
  • The current revisions of the appropriate documentation are available at all relevant locations and to all relevant staff.
  • All amendments to documents are authorized and processed in a manner that will ensure timely availability at the appropriate location.
  • Superseded documents are removed from use through­out the organization but that one copy is filed for a deter­mined period.
  • Other parties, as necessaiy, are notified of changes.
• The organization or the ISP shall carry out a system of planned and documented internal quality audits to verify compliance with the criteria of this standard and the effective­ness of the quality system. The personnel performing the audits shall be suitably qualified and independent from the functions being audited.
• The organization or the ISP shall have documented procedures for dealing with feedback and corrective action whenever discrepancies are detected in the quality system or in the performance of inspections.
• The management of the organization or the ISP shall review the quality system at least annually to ensure its continu­ing suitability and effectiveness. The results of such reviews shall be recorded.

Chapter 12 Test Procedures

12.1 Water Penetration Barrier Evaluation.

• This evaluation method shall apply to barrier materials and barrier seams found in rescue and recov­ery technical rescue protective garment elements that are in service.
• Evaluation Areas.

12.1.2.1 A minimum of three barrier material areas and a minimum of three barrier areas with a seam shall be tested on each garment element.

• Barrier material areas shall be from high-abrasion areas of the garment elements, including, but not limited to, the following:
  • Broadest part of the shoulders
  • Back waist area of the coat
  • Knees
  • Crotch area
  • Seat area
• In addition to the areas listed in 12.1.2.1.1 where potential damage to the garment outer shell or barrier has been detected, the evaluation shall be conducted on the corre­sponding area of the barrier material.
• Barrier material areas shall be positioned in the eval­uation apparatus such that the side of the barrier that is against the outer shell faces the water in the evaluation apparatus.
• Barrier material areas with seams shall be positioned on the evaluation apparatus so that the seam divides the speci­men into two equal halves.
• Evaluation Apparatus.

12.1.3.1* The apparatus used to evaluate water penetration shall have the following characteristics:

• The apparatus shall consist of a means of clamping the area to be evaluated in a roughly horizontal position, providing a watertight seal with the pressurized portion of the apparatus and water reservoir.
• The apparatus shall accommodate evaluations of barrier materials and seams without the removal of the speci­mens.
• The apparatus shall have a clamping area that provides a water exposure and viewing area that is at least 75 mm (3 in.) in diameter.
• The apparatus shall have a water reservoir containing sufficient water for carrying out the evaluation.
• The apparatus shall provide for the pressurization of water against the garment element barrier material area at a pressure of 6.9 kPa (1 psi) for at least 15 seconds. The 6.9 kPa (1 psi) pressure shall be achieved within 10 seconds.
• The apparatus shall be equipped with a pressure gauge that is accurate to the nearest 0.2 kPa (0.1 psi).
• The apparatus shall be equipped with a means of bleed­ing air pressure and permit the drainage of water from the pressurized portion of the apparatus.

12.1.3.2 A stopwatch or other timer shall be used to ensure that pressure is applied for the specified duration of 15 seconds.

• The evaluation shall be conducted using the following procedure:
  • Place the selected area of barrier material in the appara­tus and clamp to provide a watertight seal with the appa­ratus
  • Introduce a water pressure of 6.9 kPa (1 psi) against the barrier material for a period of not less than 15 seconds
  • Visually inspect the visible side of the barrier material after 15 seconds to determine if water penetration has occurred
•  
• If any water passes through the barrier material or barrier material seam, the barrier shall be removed from serv­ice and repaired or replaced.
• If no water passes through the barrier material or barrier material seam, the barrier shall be allowed to dry completely before being returned to service.

12.2 Footwear Water Resistance Evaluation.

12.2.1 Application. This evaluation method shall apply to footwear.

• The evaluation shall be conducted using the following procedure:
  • Paper toweling shall be placed inside the footwear speci­men such that the paper toweling intimately contacts all areas inside the footwear specimen to a minimum height of 200 mm (8 in.).
  • The footwear specimen shall be placed upright in a container that allows the entire footwear specimen to be immersed in tap water.
  • The container shall be tilled with tap water to a height of 200 mm, +0/-25 mm (8 in., +0/-1 in.).
  • After 3 minutes, the paper toweling shall be removed and examined for evidence of liquid leakage.
•  
• If any water passes through the footwear, the footwear shall be removed from service and repaired or replaced.
• If no water passes through the footwear, the footwear shall be allowed to dry completely before being returned to service.

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, 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 havingjurisdiction.

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.3.3.8.1 Advanced Cleaning. Advanced cleaning usually requires that ensemble elements be temporarily taken out of service. Examples include hand washing, machine washing, and contract cleaning.

A.3.3.8.2 Routine Cleaning. Examples include brushing off chy debris, rinsing off debris with a water hose, and spot clean­ing.

A.3.3.8.3 Specialized Cleaning. This level of cleaning involves specific procedures and specialized cleaning agents and processes.

A.3.3.27 Emergency Medical Operations. Patient care includes, but is not limited to, first aid, cardiopulmonary resus­citation, basic life support, and advanced life support.

A.3.3.30 Ensemble Elements. The rescue and recovery techni­cal rescue protective ensemble includes, but is not limited to, garments, helmets, goggles, gloves, and footwear. The utility technical rescue protective ensemble includes, but is not limi­ted to, garments, helmets, goggles, gloves, and footwear. The utility and rescue and recovery elements are certified individu­ally.

A.3.3.45 Goggles. To provide primary protection, goggles must be certified to ANSI/ISEA Z87.1, Occupational and Fduca- tional Fye and Face Protection Devices.

A.3.3.47 Hazardous Materials. Hazardous materials are any solid, particulate, liquid, gas, aerosol, or mixture thereof that can cause harm to the human body through respiration, inges­tion, skin absorption, injection, or contact.

A.3.3.53 Interface Component(s). Interface components are evaluated and tested individually or are evaluated and tested as a part of the protective element.

A.3.3.54 Item. An item is a noncertified part of an element or an ensemble that must be used with the complete certified element or certified ensemble.

A.3.3.59 Organization. Examples of organizations include, but are not limited to, fire departments, police and other law enforcement departments, rescue squads, place EMS providers, and hazardous materials response teams.

A.3.3.80.3 Minor Seam. An example of a minor seam could be a seam in a comfort layer or a nonbarrier layer.

A.3.3.103 Universal Precautions. Under circumstances in which differentiation between body fluids is difficult or impos­sible, all body fluids should be considered potentially infectious materials.

A.3.3.114 Visibility Markings. Retroreflective enhancements improve nighttime conspicuity, and fluorescent enhancements improve daytime conspicuity.

A.4.1.1 NFPA 1500 and NFPA 1581 also provide requirements and information on cleaning and decontamination.

Protective ensembles and ensemble elements are important tools that enable emergency response personnel 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.4.2.2 The following sample outline for an SOP is provided as a guide to aid organizations in the development of their program SOPs. Organizations should consider addressing each point in the outline based on their types of protective clothing, operations, situation, needs, and so forth. The SOP should also include the responsibilities of the organization and the respon­sibilities of the individual members for each point in the follow­ing outline:

• Records
  • Issued
  • Manufacturer information
  • Maintenance
  • Retirement
• Protecting the public and personnel from contamination
  • Risk assessment
  • Contamination containment
  • Public access
  • Procedures
    1. Public areas
    2. Living areas

• Food preparation and eating areas

1. Training areas
2. Other
   • Selection
     • Risk assessment
     • Compliance with NFPA 1951
     • Element evaluation
   • Inspection
     • Routine inspection
     • Routine inspection procedure points
     • Advanced inspection
     • Advanced inspection procedure points
   • Cleaning and decontamination
     • Routine cleaning
     • Routine cleaning procedure points
     • Advanced cleaning and decontamination
     • Advanced cleaning and decontamination procedure points
     • Diying procedure points
   • Repair
     • Basic repairs
     • Advanced repairs
     • Barrier layer repairs
   • Storage
     • Unissued storage
     • Issued storage
   • Retirement, disposition, and special incident procedures
     • Condition
     • Age
     • Disposal method

A.4.2.3 Emergency response organizations are cautioned that accessories could degrade the protection or performance of the certified ensemble or ensemble element; interfere with form, fit, or function of the certified ensemble or ensemble element; or become a hazard to the wearer.

Accessories are not part of the certified ensemble or ensem­ble element but could be attached to a certified ensemble or ensemble element by means not engineered, manufactured, or authorized by the certified ensemble or ensemble element manufacturer. If an accessory or its means of attachment causes the structural integrity of the certified ensemble or ensemble element to be compromised, the certified ensemble or ensem­ble element might not be compliant with the standard with which it was originally certified.

Additionally, if an accessory or the accessory’s means of attachment is not designed and manufactured from suitable materials for the hazardous environments of emergency inci­dents, the failure of the accessory or the means of attachment could cause injury to the emergency responder.

Users are also cautioned that the means of attachment for an accessoiy that fails to safely and securely attach the accessoiy to a certified ensemble or ensemble element can allow the acces­sory to become inadvertently dislodged from the certified ensemble or ensemble element, possibly posing a risk to emer­gency response personnel in the vicinity.

Organizations should consider evaluating the ensemble with tests provided in NFPA 1951 in which the accessoiy could nega­tively impact the performance of the ensemble element, when in place. One test that is not part of NFPA 1951 but could be used to evaluate the performance of an externally placed acces­sory is ASTM F1930, 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 accessoiy can be determined and compared to an ensemble that does not have the accessoiy in place. A mini­mum exposure time of 6 seconds is recommended for evaluat­ing technical rescue protective ensembles. While this test provides a demonstration of technical rescue protective element accessoiy performance under emergency conditions, it does not simulate all fire ground hazards, and other evalua­tions should be considered.

A.4.2.3.1 See A.4.2.3.

A.4.2.3.2 Organizations should consider evaluating the ensem­ble or ensemble element with tests provided in NFPA 1951 in which the accessoiy could negatively affect the performance of the ensemble or ensemble element, depending on how the element might be affected by the attachment of the accessoiy (See Table A.4.2.3.2.)

Another test that can be used to evaluate the performance of an externally placed accessoiy is ASTM F1930, Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Flame Resistant Clothing for Protection Against Flash Fire Simulations Using an Instrumented Manikin. This test simulates a flash fire exposure using a static manikin. The effects of the flash fire on an ensemble or ensemble element with the accessoiy can be determined and compared to the effects on an ensemble or ensemble element that does not have the accessoiy in place. A minimum exposure time of 10 seconds is recommended when evaluating technical rescue protective ensembles. While this test demonstrates ensemble/ accessoiy performance under emergency conditions, it does not simulate all fire ground hazards, and other evaluations should be considered.

A.4.2.3.3 See A.4.2.3.2.

A.4.2.4 A manufacturer trained organization receives training from an element manufacturer or a verified ISP in cleaning, inspection, and repair services for that organization’s own elements. For garment elements, this entity has not received any formal verification from a third-party certification organiza­tion.

Evaluating Possible Negative Effects of Accessory Attachments on Ensemble

A verified organization has demonstrated the ability to conduct cleaning, inspection, and repairs to a third-party certif­ication organization in accordance with this standard and is not required to have the approval of the element manufacturer to perform these services. Verified organizations are permitted to conduct these services for other organizations.

A verified ISP has demonstrated the ability to conduct clean­ing, inspection, and repairs to a third-party certification organi­zation in accordance with this standard and is not required to have the approval of the element manufacturer to perform these services.

A.4.2.4.3 The end user should always request the list of repair categories for which the verified ISP is approved to perform.

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 on the amount of their use and the care they receive.

A.4.3.1 Records are an important part of an overall protective ensemble management program. Records can be used to provide information about the life cycle of protective ensem­bles and ensemble elements, to document repair and decon­tamination efforts, and to compare the effectiveness of elements that are made of different materials or by different manufacturers. These records can be compiled and maintained by the organization, the ISP, another third party selected by the organization, or any combination thereof.

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

A.4.4.2 It should be noted that the intent of this requirement is not to allow manufacturers to dictate which verified ISP an organization must use. The organization is allowed a choice in service providers for cleaning, inspection, and repairs.

A.4.5.2 Living areas include kitchen and dining areas, dayrooms, sleeping areas and dormitories, dedicated fitness rooms, bath and shower areas, office areas, and meeting and conference rooms.

A.4.5.3 Extra caution should be practiced to avoid exposing children to soiled protective equipment because they usually are more interested in actually touching or handling the equip­ment than are adults. Children are also less likely to wash off any dirt that they might pick up from handling ensembles or ensemble elements. Organizations should consider dedicating PPE solely for use at public education events to minimize public exposure to soils and contaminants.

Emergency response personnel often have a need to enter public facilities such as restaurants, grocery stores, and other businesses as part of their routine activities. PPE should not be worn during those times.

A.4.6.1 The purpose of 4.6.1 is to require notification to the manufacturer and the certification organization of all health and safety concerns related to PPE identified through use or inspection. If a known or suspected failure of an ensemble element is identified, the element manufacturer and certifica­tion organization are the appropriate parties to be notified.

PPE health and safety concerns include, but are not limited to, the following:

• An occurrence resulting in loss of life or that which is likely to cause loss of life
• An injury resulting in permanent bodily damage, which can be instantaneous or cause a life-limiting disease or disorder eventually resulting in death
• An injury that requires hospitalization or medical or surgical treatment and that is not likely to result in a permanent disorder but is likely to necessitate loss of work for more than one day

A.4.6.2 The manufacturer and the certification organization information can be found on the product label.

A.5.1.1 Organizations responsible for selecting certified prod­ucts are the best vehicle for enforcing correct representations of products. Organizations need to understand the correct way to refer to certified products and to be informed of the ways that uncertified products can be misrepresented, and to require suppliers to accurately communicate which products are certified versus which products are not certified.

The best expression to use when referring to compliant products is as follows: “The product is certified by (insert name of certification organization) to be compliant with NFPA 1951 (current edition).”

Other shorter but acceptable expressions are as follows:

• “The product is certified to be compliant with NFPA 1951.”
• “The product is certified to NFPA 1951.”
• “The certified NFPA 1951 product…”

If it is certified, the certification organization that is certify­ing the compliance will have the product “listed.” Any organiza­tion selecting certified products should confirm that the certification organization has the product listed. NFPA itself does not do the certifying, so an expression like “NFPA- certified” is incorrect.

Certification of protective elements can be checked by examination of 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 1951. 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 ISO/IEC 17065, Conformity assessment — Requirements for bodies certifying products, processes, and services.

Expressions that do not use the term “certified” leave a lot of doubt about the status of the product. Expressions that include the word “compliant” are used frequently instead (e.g., “the product is compliant to NFPA 1951” or “the NFPA 1951- compliant product”). If the product is truly compliant, then it is also certified because certification is part of the provisions of the standard. However, if the product is not truly compliant, then describing the product as certified is illegal whereas describing the product as compliant is only misleading. Some­times, noncertifiable products are intentionally described as compliant to misinform the purchaser without incurring liabil­ity. It leaves open the uncertainty about who is claiming the compliance, and against what the compliance is measured. Some of the most egregious examples of this kind of practice are expressions such as, “The product complies with the viral penetration test requirements (or any other individual part) of NFPA 1951,” or, “The product complies with the footwear requirements (or other respective component parts) of NFPA 1951.”

Certified NFPA products have many benefits over noncerti- fied or noncertifiable products. Suppliers who can achieve the required level of product performance and quality are proud of that fact and will communicate it proudly and correctly because it has cost them considerable effort to achieve it. If the product is not represented as certified, it most likely is not and cannot be certified. The AHJ should appreciate the advantages it is getting in product performance, product quality, and prod­uct assurance with certified products and recognize that it is a significant factor in providing safety for its personnel. It should endorse the use of certified NFPA-compliant products over noncertified products.

When a product claims to be certified to NFPA 1951, it will have a certification organization’s mark indicating the same. The consumer enjoys the following benefits when selecting a certified product:

(1) The mark and identification of the independent third- party organization that certified the product and that supports the current listing

• Confirmation that the certification is maintained and to the current edition of the standard
• All the data generated to demonstrate passing results of all the design and performance requirements is available upon request
• Details of all the test methods are documented and the number of specimens required for each test is known
• Preconditioning of all the specimens is required and known
• Confidence that the specimens are representative of or taken from finished product
• Specimens subject to assembly operations are also tested (e.g., seams, not just pristine specimens)
• Products are tested repeatedly, initially and every year according to a known schedule
• Products are tested in an accredited laboratory whose results can be relied on
• Products are produced in a manufacturing plant with good manufacturing practices in place that comply with ISO 9001, Quality management systems — Requirements, and are subject to random audits
• Faulty products are subject to a recall

When a product merely claims to be “compliant” with specific performance requirements of NFPA 1951, the manu­facturer should at a minimum be able to provide a written report verifying the product’s compliance from a certifying agency. This report might include the date of the test, the labo­ratory performing the test, the test method, and the results data. However, there might not be information on the number of specimens tested, whether the test is statistically repeatable, the condition of the specimen, or the origin of that specimen, nor the competence of the laboratory in producing the data. It might even be a report generated about a product or material used in a different element or style than the one of interest to the consumer. When these types of claims are made, it should be noted that the product might not actually be able to be certified to the standard.

Even weaker is a manufacturer or salesperson making a marketing or verbal claim that a product complies with any requirements of NFPA 1951 without even providing evidence of a written report or other documentation supporting that claim. The consumer should expect that the product does not comply with any of the requirements of NFPA 1951. Reputable manu­facturers, salespeople, and certifying labs will only make these claims when they can support them with documentation.

A5.1.2 The organization should consider the interface of items, such as helmets with respirators, gloves with coats, trou­sers with boots, and so forth.

A5.1.3 Organizations should contact manufacturers or vendors about field evaluation programs. Many provide sample items for tests. The following criteria should be used to conduct an effective field evaluation:

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

        Participants should conduct field evaluations of each 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 with the same participants to use and evaluate each ensemble.

        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, facilitating a quantitative evalua­tion. Evaluation forms should include general performance criteria, a specific length of time 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.

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

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

A.5.2.1 In general, some hazards that can be encountered include, but are not limited to, physical, environmental, ther­mal, chemical, biological, electrical, radiation, operational, and ergonomic hazards. 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 since that is his or her role in the organization. The safety officer should consider national trends when performing this task. NFPA 1500 substantiates OSHA’s regulations as follows:

• Mandatory evaluation of safety and health programs (see Section 4.3 from NFPA 1500)
• Mandatory compliance with state and federal laws (see 4.4.2 from NFPA 1500)
• Safety officer’s responsibilities also defined in NFPA 1521 (see Section 4.7 from NFPA 1500)
• Requirements for ensembles and ensemble elements (see Section 7.1 from MI-PA 1500)

In the identification of hazards, the organization should consider those hazards that emergency response personnel are likely to encounter. In determining risk, the organization should consider the frequency or likelihood of exposure to the hazard along with its potential severity (consequence) if expo­sure occurs.

Potential technical rescue incident and other related emer­gency hazards are as follows:

(1) Physical hazards

• Thermal hazards
  • High convective heat
  • Low radiant heat
  • High radiant heat
  • Flame impingement
  • Steam
  • Hot liquids
  • Molten metals
  • Hot solids
  • Hot surfaces
• Biological hazards
  • Bloodborne pathogens
  • Airborne pathogens
  • Biological toxins
  • Biological allergens
• Chemical hazards
  • Inhalation
  • Skin absorption or contact
  • Chemical ingestion or injection
  • Liquefied gas contact
  • Chemical flashover
  • Chemical explosions
• Electrical hazards
  • High voltage
  • Electrical arc flashover
  • Static charge buildup
• Radiation hazards
  • Ionizing radiation
  • Nonionizing radiation
• Person-position hazards
  • Daytime visibility
  • Nighttime visibility
  • Falling
  • Drowning
• Person-equipment hazards
  • Material biocompatibility
  • Ease of contamination
  • Thermal comfort
  • Range of motion
  • Hand function
  • Ankle and back support
  • Vision clarity
  • Communications ease
  • Fit (poor)

(j)   Ease of donning and doffing

A.5.2.3 These standards provide minimum requirements. In order to fully utilize this standard, organizations should be familiar with the performance requirements in NFPA 1951. Additional requirements can be necessary. Organizations should also solicit information from and exchange information with other organizations.

A.5.2.4 The majority of tests in NFPA 1951 provide quantita­tive results; however, some tests are established on the basis of pass or fail results and cannot be readily compared. Specific tests that offer comparative performance results include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1) Protective garment elements

• Total heat loss of the material composite
• Tear resistance of the material layers (outer shell and lining fabrics)
• Breaking strength of the outer shell
• Abrasion resistance of the outer shell
• Cleaning shrinkage of the material layers (outer shell and lining fabrics)
• Seam strength of outer shell and lining layers
• Flame resistance of material layers and other components (outer shell, lining fabrics, other material layers and components)
• Thermal shrinkage of the material layers (outer shell and lining fabrics)
• Thermal protective performance of the material composite

(j) Water absorption resistance of the outer shell

• Protective helmet elements
  • Flame resistance
  • Heat resistance (level of sagging)
  • Impact resistance (top) after selected preconditions
• Protective glove elements
  • Cut resistance of the glove composite
  • Puncture resistance of the glove composite
  • Abrasion resistance of the glove composite
  • Dexterity of whole gloves
  • Grip of whole gloves
  • Flame resistance of the glove composite
  • Conductive heat resistance of the glove composite
  • Burst strength of wristlet material
  • Thermal protective performance of the glove composite
• Protective footwear elements
  • Abrasion resistance of the footwear sole and upper
  • Cut resistance of the footwear upper
  • Puncture resistance of the footwear sole and upper
  • Slip resistance of the footwear sole
  • Flame resistance of whole footwear
  • Thermal protective performance of the footwear upper
  • Conductive heat resistance of the footwear upper

Additional testing can also be specified for performance properties not addressed in NFPA 1951 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 should consider the use of a request for infor­mation (RFI) or a request for proposal (RFP) format when soliciting quotations for technical rescue protective ensemble elements. The advantage of an RFI or an RFP is that it allows manufacturers the option of providing 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 an RFI and an RFP have the following char­acteristics:

• Minimum requirements, such as NFPA product certifica­tion, required materials, or available options
• Inclusion of current specifications and a requirement that each manufacturer explain how its offering differs from the currently specified product
• Background on the offering firm’s finances, capabilities, and references
• Field test procedures and results (see 5.1.6) of offered products

Using this approach, the organization can then employ a rating system that assigns values and weights to several factors, including, but not limited to, product design, manufacturer references, and field test results.

In this approach, a separately sealed cost proposal is opened only 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 organizations to compare prices and product acceptability.

Organizations should also consider integrated personal protective equipment programs that address various levels of care and maintenance as provided or coordinated by the manufacturer of the emergency response personal protective equipment. These programs can 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 and documentation of procedures.

A.5.3.1 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 with 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. Ware housing requirements, if desired, should also be established in the procurement specification.

Organizations should be careful not to write specifications that are redundant or contradictory or that cannot be met by manufacturers of ensembles or ensemble elements. For exam­ple, the organization should be sure the thermal protection performance (TPP) specified can be achieved with the materi­als specified. A pre-bid meeting with participation by potential bidders or manufacturers is useful in eliminating inconsisten­cies and explaining requirements that might 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 NFPA 1951 ensemble element components:

• Garments
  • Outer shell material: fabric, weight, and color
  • Barrier material (rescue and recovery): base fabric, film, or coating
  • Visibility markings (if present): configuration, mate­rial, and color
  • Closure system
  • Wristlets: material, design, if present
• Helmets
  • Material
  • Color
  • Retention system
  • Visibility markings (if present): configuration, mate­rial, and color

Gloves

• Composite materials
• Wristlet or gauntlet; type of material
• Wristlet material Boots: composite materials Eye protection (goggles)
• Type, ventilated, not ventilated, indirect ventilation
• Type of band

A.5.3.1(2) An organization should consider its needs for performance or features, in excess of the minimum require­ments of NFPA 1951, such as the following:

(1) Garment elements

• Any styling issues
• Any specific range-of-motion requirements
• Any sleeve retraction requirements
• Any garment rise with overhead reach require­ments
• Any additional barrier material requirements
• Any additional reinforcement needs (recognizing that multiple layering can modify protective performance in several areas, especially breathabil- ity)
• Any specific additional thread requirements
• Any specific additional requirements for stitch characteristics
• Any customized sizing requirements

(j) Any attachment requirements for barriers and outer shells

(k) Any specific requirements for placement of visibil­ity marking, visibility marking materials, and reflec­tive lettering (1) 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 field interchangeability or

replacement of reinforcement pieces (p) Any requirements for enhanced flexibility at

movement-sensitive areas (q) Any requirements for notification systems to indi­cate barrier absence (r) Any requirements for barrier material substrate

accessibility to allow field inspection (s) Any requirements for lumbar support systems (t) Any customization requirements (u) Any passport or accountability system require­ments

(v) Any specialized or additional pocketing require­ments

(w) Any flashlight clips required

(x) Any personal alert safety system (PASS) interface

features required (y) Any requirements for personal escape or rescue features

(z) Any requirements for sizing adjustment (aa) Any requirements for temperature-sensing features (bb) Any requirements for interface area compatibilities

(2) Helmet elements

Any styling requirements Any customization requirements Any reflective marking requirements Any customized sizing requirements Any specific material choices

Any specific requirements for earflaps (design, materials, dimensions, attachment to shell specif­ics), if the organization determines ear flaps are required as they are not required in NFPA 1951 Any specific requirements for suspension construc­tion

Any requirements for weight reduction

• Glove elements
  • Any specific material choices
  • Any overall styling requirements
  • Any details of cuff styling (wristlet or gauntlet)
• Boot elements
  • Any specific material choices
  • Any overall styling requirements
  • Any trouser interface requirements
• Goggles elements
  • Any specific lens types and size
  • Any type of ventilation
  • Any type of strap material
  • Overall styling requirements
• All ensemble elements
  • Any additional certification requirements (e.g., state OSHA, federal OSHA)
  • Any requirements for interface with existing elements of the protective ensemble
  • Any warranty requirements
  • Any requirements for cleaning and repair support
  • Any requirements for manufacturer or dealer refer­ences

A.5.3.1(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 turnaround times, and similar customer service issues.

A.5.3.1(4) Organizations can obtain assistance in garment sizing from ASTM F1731, 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 periods of active wear. In addi­tion to the sizing and depth adjustments, many models are available with quick adjusters to accommodate varying condi­tions for proper fitting (e.g., with or without respirator and goggles).

A.5.3.1(5) Organizations should consider comparing a preproduction sample from the apparent winning submitter against the purchase specifications before awarding the bid.

A.6.1.2 When inspecting elements for soiling, consideration should be given to the accumulation of dirt, mud, or other grime that could cause degradation of the element. Perspira­tion and its remains could also degrade the element or compo­nents of the element and should be considered when evaluating for soiling.

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

A.6.2.2 Table A.6.2.2 provides a quick reference guide to routine inspection criteria.

A.6.2.2.5 The inspection should ensure that the sides and edges of goggles are maintained to preserve peripheral vision.

A6.3.2.1 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 provides consistency on whether an item should be repaired or retired. The manufacturer and the organization, the verified ISP and the organization, or a verified organization should determine the level of training required to perform advanced inspections. Resources for training that should be considered, at a minimum, are the manufacturer(s) of the elements in use; the Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Services Association (FEMSA) user guides; NFPA 1500; and professional cleaning and repair facilities.

A6.3.4 The following inspection grading scale is designed to assist fire department personnel in identifying and document­ing the condition of ensembles and ensemble elements:

• New or as-new condition. Newly purchased items that are in like-new condition.
• Good condition. Items in good serviceable condition. Items might show wear, but replacement or repair is not neces­sary.
• Maintenance needed. Items in need of repair. The organiza­tion determines if an item is to be retired. Maintenance details are described in the “Comments” section of the inspection form.
• Immediate replacement. Unsafe items that should be removed from service.

A6.3.5 Table A.6.3.5 provides a quick reference guide to advanced inspection criteria.

A6.3.5.1 It is important to realize during the inspection of different layers of garment elements that some portions of the material might be more susceptible to damage than others. For example, one side of a multilayer laminate material might show damage while the other side might not. Moreover, certain fibers in a single-layer material might be more susceptible to damage than other fibers. Each of these effects could be cause for repair or retirement of the garment element, depending on the extent of observed damage. When garments have an optional winter liner, the winter liner should be inspected during each advanced inspection.

Roudne Inspection Criteria

A6.3.5.1(3) All charred, burned, or discolored areas should be thoroughly checked for strength and integrity by aggressive flexing of the material and attempts to push a finger or thumb through the fabric. Any loss of strength or weakening of the materials to the degree that the material can be torn with manual pressure is a sign of deterioration, and the garment should be removed from service.

A.6.3.5.1(4) While all materials and components in garment elements are susceptible to different types of damage from wear or abuse, the barrier material is one of the most difficult parts of the rescue and recovery technical rescue protective garment elements to inspect and evaluate because the film or coating side of most barrier materials might be hidden from easy examination. Even if a garment element is equipped with a means of viewing the film or coating side, it might be difficult to conduct a visual evaluation of the barrier material film or coating. Even a physical examination of the barrier material film or coating side will not detect all types of damage or defects that can lead to loss of liquid penetration resistance for the garment element. Barrier material coatings or films can become abraded, tear, or have pinholes from use. In severe cases, the degradation in some barrier materials can take the form of separation, cracking, or flaking. Tapes used on barrier material seams, to ensure garment element integrity against liquid penetration, can crack, lift, or completely separate. Because only the most obvious damage is usually observable, the following field evaluation procedure can be used. In addi­tion to potential areas of damage to the garment, the front and back body panels of each protective garment element should be evaluated using three different barrier material areas and three different barrier areas with a seam. Evaluation areas should be from high-abrasion areas of the garment elements, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Broadest part of the shoulders
• Back waist area of the coat
• Knees
• Crotch area
• Seat area

An alcohol-tap water mixture should be made by combining

• part rubbing alcohol (70 percent isopropyl alcohol) with 6 parts of tap water. A (5 gal) bucket or similar container with a (12 in.) diameter should be used to support the barrier during evaluation. The evaluation procedure should be performed at room temperature. The evaluation should be conducted using the following procedure:
  • If possible, separate the barrier from the outer shell.
  • Orient the barrier such that the barrier material is on the outside.
  • Position the dry barrier over the bucket with the inner­most layer facing down and the interior layer facing up.
  • Cup the barrier area that is being evaluated so that it is lower than the surrounding barrier.
  • Pour 1 cup of the alcohol-tap water mixture onto the barrier material in the cupped area of the barrier.

The barrier should be visually inspected for leakage on the innermost layer side after 1 minute. If any liquid passes through the barrier material and wets the barrier material or other interior layer, the barrier should be removed from serv­ice and evaluated per Section 6.4. After the evaluation proce­dure has been performed, the barrier should be cleaned and allowed to completely dry to remove all traces of the alcohol- tap water mixture.

A.6.3.5.1(7) Material discoloration can indicate many types of possible damage, including, but not limited, to dye loss, heat degradation, US⁷ damage, and chemical contamination.

A.6.3.5.1(9) Visibility markings can appeal’ to the human eye to be undamaged when actually they have lost much of their ability to reflect. Retroreflective properties can be checked with the following simple flashlight test:

• Stand approximately 12 m (40 ft) from a sample of the trim being tested and a sample of new trim.
• Hold a bright, focused flashlight at eye level, either next to the temple or on the bridge of the nose, and aim the light beam at the samples.
• Compare the brightness of the reflected lights. If the reflected light from the trim being tested is substantially less than the light reflected from the new trim, the trim should be replaced.

While this simple test provides a practical evaluation of visi­bility marking retroreflective performance, it does not evaluate visibility marking fluorescence or mean that the visibility mark­ing will provide adequate emergency responder visibility. Visi­bility markings can lose fluorescence (daytime visibility) and still remain retroreflective. Visibility markings can also appear to be retroreflective and not have sufficient intensity for night­time visibility at far distances. Only testing under laboratory conditions can provide an accurate determination of material visibility properties.

A.6.3.5.1(10) If a label problem is identified, the organization should contact the manufacturer of the ensemble or ensemble element.

A.6.3.5.3(3) The watertight integrity of gloves can be evalu­ated by the following test. Have a test subject wear the gloves with lightweight cotton gloves under the gloves being inspec­ted. The test subject then immerses the gloves in water up to the wrist crease, repeatedly flexes his or her hands for

• minutes, and then takes them out of the water. Remove the test gloves and examine the cotton gloves for signs of water­marks. Gloves showing signs of leakage should be removed from service.

A.6.3.5.4(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 the ball of foot areas since those two areas carry the majority of a emer­gency responder’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 emergency response personnel because soils and contaminants can be flammable, toxic, or carcinogenic. Additionally, soiled or contaminated ensembles and ensemble elements can have reduced protective performance. Clean ensembles and ensemble elements offer the emergency responder better protection and can add to the life of the ensemble and ensemble elements. Ensembles and ensemble elements should be cleaned whenever they become soiled.

In everyday use, personal protective equipment gets dirty by the absorption of sweat from the wearer and of soils, soot, and so forth from the outside environment. Cleaning of ensembles and ensemble elements removes those substances. Ensembles and ensemble elements can also become contaminated with other substances, principally hazardous materials, particulates, and body fluids. The removal of those substances is most often referred to as decontamination. In technical rescue incidents, both general cleaning and decontamination of ensembles and ensemble elements might be necessary.

Health risks of soiled or contaminated ensembles and ensemble elements. Soiled or contaminated ensembles and ensemble elements can expose emergency response personnel 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 emphasis is placed on safety to avoid injury or inhalation hazards to personnel working on the fire ground, many of the toxins that lead to health risks are carried away from the emergency scene on the personal protective equip­ment used by the emergency response personnel.

Toxins that emergency response personnel come into contact with can be trapped in the fibers of soiled ensembles and ensemble elements or absorbed into the materials them­selves. Contact with the soiled ensembles and ensemble elements increase the risk of the toxic contaminants being introduced into the body.

Ensembles and ensemble elements contaminated with body fluids present a potential risk of a communicable disease being transmitted to persons coming into contact with the contami­nated ensembles or ensemble elements.

Reduced performance hazards of contaminated ensembles and ensemble elements. Ensembles or ensemble elements laden with particles and chemicals present problems in addition to expo­sure to toxins, such as the following:

• Soiled ensembles and ensemble elements typically reflect less radiant heat. Materials that are saturated with hydro­carbons tend to absorb rather than reflect the radiant heat from a surrounding fire.
• Ensembles and ensemble elements heavily contaminated with hydrocarbons are more likely to conduct electricity, increasing the danger to emergency response personnel entering a building or vehicle where wiring can still be live.
• Ensembles and ensemble elements 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 emergency responders still encounter various chemicals during technical rescue inci­dents. Exposure to oils, gasolines, and lubricants can occur around emergency vehicles. During responses, exposure to liquids ranging from pesticides to acids to chemical solvents can occur, knowingly or unknowingly. In addition to being hazardous, such contaminants can also degrade ensembles and ensemble elements as follows:

• Fabrics can become weakened and tear more easily.
• Thread or seam sealing tape can become loose.
• Flame-retarding or water-repelling treatments can be removed.
• Visibility markings can lose reflective properties or mark­ings, becoming less visible.
• Helmet shells or goggles can pit or craze.
• Ensemble and ensemble elements hardware can become corroded.

A.7.1.3 Users are cautioned that exposure of ensembles to chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear terrorism agents requires disposal, particularly if the effectiveness of decontami­nation cannot be assessed.

A.7.1.4 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.7.1.4.2 Organizations should be aware that decontamina­tion of protective equipment is a complicated process and that there is no guarantee that the protective elements will be free from contamination.

While the purpose of decontamination is to remove all contaminant(s) from an ensemble element, decontamination procedures or cleaning processes are not always 100 percent effective in removing all contamination. The actual success of a decontamination process can be determined only by measuring the concentration of the contaminant(s) in the element before and after the selected decontamination or cleaning process. The majority of tests that can be applied for measuring the concentration of contaminant(s) in the element require destructive sampling of the element that could render the element unusable or nonrepairable. 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 should be specific for the contaminant(s), if known. Useful analytical procedures for measuring levels of semivolatile organic chemi­cals in materials are found in EPA SW-846, Test Methods for Eval­uating Solid Waste, Physical/Chemical Methods-. Method 3540, “Soxhlet Extraction,” and Method 8270, “Semivolatile Organic Compounds by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/ MS).” 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 SW-846: Method 3015, “Microwave Assisted Acid Digestion of Aqueous Samples and Extracts,” and Method 6010, “Inductively Coupled Plasma- Atomic Emission Spectrometry.” These procedures similarly involve analysis of a small material specimen: The specimen is digested in nitric acid and then treated 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.

Because 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 used 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 such chemicals can interfere with the accuracy of measurements for actual contaminants. In general, the following control tests are needed:

• A test of the same material being analyzed without the contaminant present (This could be taken from personal protective equipment that has a similar history but that was unexposed to the contaminants.)
• 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 before-cleaning samples.

Decontamination effectiveness can be determined by calcu­lating the proportion of contaminant removed using the following equation:

[A. 7.1.4.2]

The decontamination effectiveness will vary with each contaminant because some contaminants can be removed more easily than other contaminants, given differences in the properties of the contaminant and the properties of the conta­minated element materials. For example, chemicals such as hexane and benzene that evaporate easily usually will be removed relatively easily compared with nonvolatile (noneva- porating) chemicals found in tars and oily chemicals.

The remaining level of contaminant in a 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 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 will not reflect the contamination level for the back of the coat or the bottom of the trousers. In addition, sampling of one protective element will not be representative of all elements from a certain group that are or are suspected of being contaminated. Contamina­tion levels for different protective elements of the same type depend on the type of exposure, the condition of the protec­tive element, and the care provided to the 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 in the ensemble element(s). Organiza­tions can periodically sample ensemble elements to determine the effectiveness of cleaning processes in removing harmful contaminants, but they should understand the limitations of the approach, specifically that sampling cannot be representa­tive of all the protective ensemble elements in use.

Further details about this information are 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 that report is provided in ASTM STP 1237, Performance of Protective Clothing.

A.7.1.6 Members should follow universal precautions when handling cleaning and decontamination of any ensemble or ensemble element contaminated by body fluids. Universal precautions include member self-protection with the use of gloves, aprons, full torso covers, arm covers, and eye/face protection. In addition, cleaning of contaminated ensembles and ensemble elements should take place in a designated area with sinks and counters made of materials, such as stainless steel, that can be adequately decontaminated following an element-cleaning procedure. Organizations should ensure that appropriate decontamination agents are available for member use as well as applicable procedures for each type of ensemble and ensemble element. NFPA 1581 should be consulted for additional guidance. At a minimum, persons involved in clean­ing contaminated ensembles and ensemble elements should wear cleaning gloves, an apron, and a faceshield that conform to NFPA 1999.

A.7.1.9 Some dry cleaning solvents that are used in lieu of water can damage components of the ensembles and ensemble elements. Visibility markings, helmets, and leather gloves, in particular, can be adversely affected by such solvents. The manufacturer should be consulted prior to dry cleaning to confirm that ensembles and ensemble elements will not be damaged.

A.7.1.10 For ensembles and ensemble elements that are to be cleaned or decontaminated by contract cleaning, the following questions should be asked to determine if the ISP is knowledge­able enough to provide adequate service and not cause damage to the ensembles and ensemble elements:

• Can the ensembles or ensemble elements be effectively cleaned or decontaminated?
• Does the ISP have references for cleaning and/or decontamination of ensembles and ensemble elements?
• 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.)?
• Does the ISP take reasonable precautions to protect its personnel from contaminant exposures while handling ensembles and ensemble elements?
• Is the ISP familiar with the requirements of NFPA 1951 and NFPA 1581 as well as federal, state, and local regula­tions?
• Does the ISP have a quality assurance program?
• What type of process does the ISP use? Are material safety data sheets (MSDS) available? If the process is proprietary, is it approved by the manufacturer of the ensemble or the ensemble element?
• Does the ISP take appropriate steps to prevent cross contamination between any and all products laundered in the facility?
• How does the ISP demonstrate the effectiveness of the cleaning process?
• What testing or evaluation method(s) are used to ensure that decontaminated ensembles or ensemble elements are truly decontaminated and safe to wear?
• Does the ISP comply with applicable federal, state, and local wastewater discharge regulations and standards?
• Does the ISP provide delivery and pick-up services for soiled and/or contaminated ensembles and ensemble elements?
• Does the ISP have the capability to restore water- repellent properties of ensembles and ensemble elements?
• What is the turnaround time?

It is important that the organization request information from the ISP or the cleaning agent supplier about the effective­ness of cleaning agents and cleaning procedures and about the effects of the cleaning agents and cleaning procedures on ensembles and ensemble elements. Although there are few established procedures for making these determinations, the following guidelines are offered:

(1) Request information about the cleaning effectiveness of the process or the cleaning agent. Actual cleaning effec­tiveness should be demonstrated by washing ensembles or ensemble elements that either have become soiled from use or have been intentionally soiled. Cleaning effective­ness is typically confirmed by a visual comparison of the before and after cleaned samples. It is important to note that ensembles and ensemble elements that appear clean might not be fully clean and can contain chemical contaminants.

(2) Request data about the effects of the cleaning process or cleaning agent on protective ensembles or ensemble elements. The effects of the cleaning agent or cleaning process should be judged on the basis of tests performed on representative material samples following several cleaning cycles (washing and drying). The samples should be subjected to at least 10 cleaning cycles; however, organizations might want suppliers or the ISP to demonstrate effects after as many as 25 cleaning cycles. Ideally, ensemble element(s) should be evaluated for each of the performance properties listed in NFPA 1951; however, key properties can be selected. Table A.7.1.10 provides a recommended list of key properties for evalua­tion. Other properties can be evaluated that are of inter­est to the organization, including the following:

• Composite weight
• Composite thickness
• Composite total heat loss (breathability)
• Outer shell colorfastness to washing
• Outer shell colorfastness to light exposure
• Outer shell or lining fabric abrasion resistance

The effects of cleaning properties are evaluated by compar­ing the measured property after washing with the same prop­erty measured for new material. It is important to review both the after-cleaning level and the change for the measured prop­erty. Properties should remain at or above the minimum performance requirements established in NFPA 1951. It is also 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 35N (7.87 lbf) before cleaning and then 30N (6.75 lbf) after several cycles, whereas a different material could begin at 50N (11.24 lbf) and drop to 35N (7.87 lbf) after the same number of cleaning cycles. This particular case points out that one material might be more susceptible to cleaning.

Table A.7.1.10 Recommended Performance Tests for Evaluating Effects of Cleaning Agents or Cleaning Procedures

It is also possible for some measured properties to increase after multiple cleaning cycles. For example, thermal insulation as measured in the thermal protective performance test often improves after cleaning because the thickness (or loft) of the materials increases. Conversely, the total heat loss (THL) value of the same ensemble can decrease as a result of cleaning.

The loss of water absorption resistance for an 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 and without any adverse effects on the ensemble element(s).

In evaluating the effects of cleaning agents or cleaning procedures on ensembles and ensemble elements, it is impor­tant to realize that applying multiple cleaning cycles does not simulate its use. Cleaning is but one factor in the “wear” of protective ensemble and ensemble elements. Cleaning when properly applied might also extend the life of the ensemble and ensemble element.

A7.2.1 Routine cleaning is a light cleaning of ensembles and ensemble elements performed by the end user without the elements being taken out of service. Routine cleaning can be accomplished by brushing off dry debris, rinsing off debris with a water hose, and spot cleaning.

A7.2.4.1 Routine cleaning immediately after the termination of an incident can remove substantial amounts of surface contaminants before they have a chance to set in and can help limit the transfer of contaminants to apparatus and stations. Many of the contaminants that can cause damage to visibility markings also can be removed if routine cleaning is done as soon as possible after an exposure to those contaminants.

A7.2.4.7(1) Care must be exercised in the use of aggressive cleaning agents that contain active ingredients such as sodium percarbonate, found in oxy-type additives, and d-limonene, found in citrus-type additives and degreasers, as well as other solvents. Chlorine will damage the fibers of the protective fabrics used in ensemble elements. Use of aggressive cleaning agents must be accomplished in strict accordance with manu­facturer’s instructions for such chemicals, or serious damage to the elements can result. Elements that contain leather, such as footwear, helmets, and gloves, are extremely susceptible to damage from such chemicals. In addition, use of those chemi­cals with more absorbent element materials without extreme care taken to fully rinse out the chemical can create an extremely hazardous condition for the member by impregnat­ing protective elements with a flammable substance.

A.7.2.4.7(2) 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 ensemble element(s).

A.7.2.4.7(4) Appropriate precautions should be taken to provide protection from possible exposure to contaminants during the cleaning process.

A.7.3.2 Advanced cleaning is a thorough cleaning of ensem­bles and ensemble elements accomplished by washing them with cleaning agents and usually requires elements to be temporarily taken out of service and can be accomplished by hand washing in a utility sink, by machine washing, or by an ISP.

Soiling is not always visible and can be difficult to observe on darkly colored materials. In addition, exposure can occur where ensemble elements are contaminated with fire gases, resulting in ensemble elements that can be relatively unsafe for use. Ensemble elements that have not been cleaned and appear to be unsoiled have been shown to contain numerous fire gas chemicals, including carcinogenic polynuclear aromatic compounds. Periodic cleaning is required to avoid use of ensemble elements that could be contaminated without visible evidence of soiling.

A.7.3.7 Machine cleaning is the most effective method for cleaning ensemble elements such as coats, trousers, and cover­alls. It is the most effective means of loosening and removing dirt, soot, and other debris. Presendy there are two basic types of automatic washing machines commonly available for use by end users: top-loading machines and front-loading washer/ extractors. New technologies are emerging every day in the cleaning industry that will affect the options available to both the end user as well as the ISP for all ensemble elements. At this time, it is generally accepted that front-loading machines are more appropriate for protective ensembles and ensemble elements, where allowed by the element manufacturer. It is very important for machine operators to ensure correct water temperatures and proper detergent and additive selection and to carefully monitor and adjust the ^forces of the spinning/ extraction cycle for each element type being laundered. Care­ful adherence to manufacturers’ recommendations of cleaning processes has a significant impact on cleaning thoroughness and maintenance of protection factors inherent in each element, as well as extending the life expectancy of elements. Some of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of machine follow.

Top-Loading Washers. Top-loading machines are similar to those used in most homes. Traditionally, 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-loading machines are more damaging to ensembles and ensemble elements than front-loading machines. Top-loading, agitating machines have the potential to reduce the longevity of garments due to mechanical damage. If top-loading machines without center post agitators are used, stainless steel wash tubs free of rough spots, burrs, or sharp edges are recom­mended to protect against rusting, chipping, snags, and the associated wear on and damage of garments.

Front-Loading Washers. Front-loading 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-loading machines are more appropriate for protective clothing. If front-loading machines are used, stain­less steel wash tubs free of rough spots, burrs, or sharp edges are recommended to protect against rusting, chipping, snags, and the associated wear on and damage of garments.

A.7.3.8 Washing and drying should be conducted to be as little physically damaging as possible. Precautions, such as removing hardware and tools from pockets, separating shells from barriers, closing all closures, laundering in a laundry bag, and so forth, are all designed to reduce physical damage. Hard heavy accessories (e.g., harnesses and carabiners) and findings (e.g., D-rings) beating on the garments against the washer and dryer drums can be very damaging to garments, especially barriers. Any and all precautions should be taken to avoid this source of damage.

A.7.3.8(l) For example, no more than one set of garments should be placed in a top-loading machine, and machine manufacturer’s instructions should be followed for front- loading machines. Proper load size is essential for effective cleaning.

A.7.3.8(2) The garments should be soaked according to 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 gently scrub the garment. Extra care should be taken with barrier assemblies.

A.7.3.8(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 susceptibilities 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 those conditions.

A.7.3.8(8) Preliminary research suggests excessive g-forces created by washing machine drums that spin at high RPMs can damage protective garments. Extracting at high RPMs creates very high g-forces. The type and severity of damage will depend on the g-forces created, exposure time, the number of expo­sures, condition of the ensemble or ensemble element, and the materials used to construct the ensemble or element. Barrier materials are the most vulnerable. Barrier materials and seams by their very nature are designed to impede the flow of water. Extraction at excessively high RPMs can severely damage barrier materials and barrier material seams as water pushes against the barriers in an attempt to escape toward the outer perimeter of the drum. A vast majority of ISPs are monitoring extraction RPMs and have adjusted their commercial machines to create less than 100 g-force when cleaning all protective ensembles and ensemble elements. Controlling the RPM of laundering machines used for protective ensemble and ensem­ble element laundering preserves the integrity and increases the longevity of PPE elements.

A.7.3.8(10) If the machine does not automatically have a second rinse, an additional complete cycle without detergent should be run.

A.7.3.8(13) When possible, organizations should provide a washing machine (s) for the sole purpose of cleaning protective ensemble elements.

A.7.3.10.1 Ensembles and ensemble elements should be cleaned and decontaminated only with like elements, includ­ing, but not limited to, outer shells with outer shells, barriers with barriers, gloves with gloves, and boots with boots. It is highly recommended that garment barrier systems be removed, if possible, and cleaned separately to avoid contamination with the debris found in the shell. Because any barrier material, if present, will limit the flow of water through the outer shell fabric, removing the barrier will result in better cleaning. Sepa­rating the barrier from the outer shell will also reduce drying time.

A.7.3.11.1 Advanced cleaning includes washing both the inside and outside surfaces of the helmet carefully, using a soft brush to reach between components and into difficult-to-access spaces, and washing the goggles. It is usually not necessary to completely submerge a helmet for cleaning unless it is being inspected for damage or repairs are being performed in conjunction with the cleaning. The helmet should be thor­oughly washed prior to disassembly to prevent the migration of dirt and contamination.

A.7.3.12 The thermal protective capability of leather gloves is seriously degraded when gloves are washed in any machine that develops excessive ^forces to extract water from the materials. Studies indicate that the outer leather shell material becomes compressed and does not fully recover once dry. This loss of thickness directly relates to a loss of thermal protection as well as a loss of dexterity, both important factors of emergency responder PPE safety. Alternative commercial machine technol­ogies are available that are suitable for gloves but should be used only with approval of the glove manufacturer.

A.7.3.13 Unless specifically approved by the manufacturer, footwear should not be machine laundered. Damage to both the footwear and the machine can result. Alternative commer­cial machine technologies as well as specific procedures for different footwear materials and construction are available but should be used only after consultation with and approval from the footwear manufacturer.

A.7.4.1 The decision of how to dry ensembles and ensemble elements after cleaning should be made with the following factors in mind:

• Time constraints
• Effect of the drying method on the ensembles and ensemble elements

A.7.4.3 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 to recirculate air in the room with the ensembles and ensemble elements. 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 depend on the efficiency of the drying room and the ambient conditions. Heating the room or the inlet air 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.7.4.3(l) The use of racks to provide maximum air exposure of the ensembles and ensemble elements will decrease the overall drying time.

A.7.4.3(2) Exposure to direct sunlight will cause degradation of fibers in protective garments, resulting in loss of fabric strength.

A.7.4.4 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.7.4.4(3) “No heat” is the preferred method of machine drying because it effectively accomplishes forced air ventilation.

A.7.4.4(4) Excessive temperatures can cause damage to ensembles and ensemble elements, excessive garment shrink­age, and potentially premature failure and retirement of protective equipment. Temperatures can rise as the garments in the basket dry out.

A.7.4.4(5) Removal of garments before they are completely dry prevents exposure to excessive heat and reduces the poten­tial for premature retirement of ensemble and ensemble elements. Ensembles and ensemble elements should be air dried to complete the drying process. Mechanical dryers can be used on a “no heat” setting.

A.7.4.4(6) Ensembles and ensemble elements should be completely dry before reuse to avoid the potential for steam burns caused by moisture remaining in the layers of the ensem­ble or ensemble element.

A.8.1.4 Although repairs can bring ensembles or ensemble elements back to a serviceable level of performance, repaired ensembles or ensemble elements might not provide the same levels of protection and performance as new ensembles or ensemble elements.

A.8.2.4 Although some hardware can be replaced in the field, it should be noted that field application might not be as perma­nent or as strong as when the hardware is replaced at the factory, by a verified organization, or by a verified ISP.

A.8.4.1 For elements that are being repaired by a verified ISP, questions should be asked to determine if the verified ISP is knowledgeable enough to ensure repaired elements are safe and serviceable. It is important that the organization request information for the verified ISP so that the organization can make an informed decision about who is maintaining their gear and how it is being maintained. The following questions should provide assistance in making that decision, but they should not be considered to be all inclusive and the organiza­tion might have other questions they would like to ask as well.

• Can the ensemble or ensemble element be repaired (i.e., is the damage too severe, or does the age and/or overall condition of the garment make a repair too costly or safety prohibitive?
• Does the verified ISP have a certificate they can provide for review?
• Carefully read the certificate and/or the certification organization’s listing: What materials is the verified ISP verified to repair? Some verifications are limited to outer shells and therefore cannot repair barrier materials. Other verified ISPs elect to become verified only to work on specific barrier material, not all. It is important to confirm that a verified ISP has been verified to work on the specific type of barrier material found in your garment.
• Does the verified ISP have liability insurance for repair of replacement of lost or stolen ensembles or ensemble elements?
• Does the verified ISP should have a quality assurance program and is the program available to you upon request?
• Does the verified ISP take appropriate steps to prevent cross contamination between any and all items being repaired?
• Does the verified ISP have training to do the required repair?
• Does the verified ISP have documentation that the repair was completed?
• Does the verified ISP have current calibration data for the gauges used on the hydrostatic testing apparatus?
• Does the verified ISP follow guidelines of the barrier material manufacturer for repair of barrier materials?
• At what point do you make the decision to replace a barrier rather than repair it? Does age enter into your decision?
• If a barrier has been repaired previously (e.g., patches on the fabric, re-seam-sealing small areas of the seam), and additional punctures or taping issues are found, at what point do you stop repairing and make the decision to replace the barrier? Does age enter into your deci­sion?
• Has the verified ISP attended seminars provided by barrier material manufacturers for proper testing and repair?
• Does the verified ISP warranty their work, and if so, for how long?
• What is the normal turnaround time for repairs?

A.8.4.3 Due to the complexity and specialized equipment needed to conduct barrier material repairs, it is mandated that the garment be returned to the manufacturer or to a verified ISP. The equipment needed to conduct these repairs is typically not found in the field but in specialized repair facilities or manufacturing facilities. Barrier materials are found in collars, collar closure systems, and other assemblies, including, but not limited to, storm flaps and sleeve wells.

A.8.4.7 Stress areas are generally considered to be the corners of pockets and flaps, the base of the fly, the top and bottom of the storm flap, and any place where the stitching begins or ends.

A.8.4.9 Depending on the method of construction, broken zippers can be replaced in the field, providing it can be accom­plished without causing a breach to any barrier material and without affecting the garment integrity.

A.8.4.10 Depending on the method of construction, hooks and loops can be replaced in the field, providing doing so can be accomplished without causing a breach to any barrier mate­rial and without affecting the garment integrity.

A.8.4.11 Reinforcing materials are those fabrics, including, but not limited to, suede leather and outer shell fabrics, that are used to reinforce specific areas of an element, for example, a knee or elbow on a garment.

A.8.5.2 The 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 and main­tenance instructions. Accessories to technical rescue protective helmets should include only those items that are provided by or recommended by the manufacturer. Because aftermarket accessories affect the weight and balance of the helmet, they should not be utilized unless they have the approval of the manufacturer. Pre-existing holes should never be enlarged to accommodate aftermarket accessories.

A.9.1 Proper storage of ensembles and ensemble elements extends their life, maintains their performance, and reduces potential health risks. Improper storage can result in damage to the ensemble or ensemble element and can compromise the emergency responder’s safety. Certain conditions can result in deterioration of performance of the ensemble or element or create potential health hazards.

A.9.1.1 Ultraviolet (UV) light, especially from sunlight, is a known cause of protective ensemble degradation. Storage in direct sunlight causes 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 promotes 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.9.1.3 Storage in extreme temperatures for extended periods can accelerate deterioration of ensembles and ensemble elements. A cold performance parameter of -32°C (-25°F) is used in NFPA 1951. Temperatures above 82°C (180°F) can cause some adhesives to lose their integrity.

A.9.1.5 Soiled ensembles and ensemble elements can present a health risk to individuals who come into contact with them and therefore need to be segregated. 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.9.1.6 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.10.1.1 Retirement criteria should be based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Overall condition of the item
• Specific deterioration of materials or components beyond their economic repair
• Ability to adequately remove hazardous materials and other contaminants
• Age of technical rescue protective ensemble or ensemble elements

Physical damage from use, detrimental effects from improper cleaning procedures, and fabric failure of an ensem­ble and ensemble elements that can make repairs impossible are other factors that can affect when an item should be retired.

Where ensembles and ensemble elements are worn, damaged, or contaminated, organizations should determine if it would 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 or ensemble elements, replacement should be considered. A typical guideline that can be used involves the use of a matrix that takes into account the current age of the gear and the cost of the repair versus the replacement cost of the item. (See A. 10.1.3.)

Experience suggests that ensembles and ensemble elements that are approaching the time given in Table 10.1.2 since the date of their manufacture have a high likelihood of perform­ance deficiencies in multiple areas that can often be detected only by destructive testing. Such performance failures could compromise emergency responder safety.

It is important to understand that the actual service life of ensembles and ensemble elements varies depending on the amount of their use and the care they receive. Factors such as the size of the organization, area covered, types of exposures, frequency of PPE use, and the aggressiveness of the individual emergency responder are all considerations in how long any ensemble element will last. It is possible that a protective element could be exposed to circumstances that totally destroy it the first time it is utilized. Since the purpose of emergency responders’ protective elements is to protect the wearer, if the element has saved a life or prevented serious injury, even just once, it has done its job. In many cases, an ensemble or ensem­ble element will need to be retired sooner than the time given in Table 10.1.2.

Organizations should use members who have received train­ing in the inspection of ensembles and ensemble elements, who understand the limitations of each ensemble and ensem­ble element, and who recognize the signs of failure to help make decisions as to the integrity of an ensemble or ensemble element.

An additional consideration that can influence the decision to repair or replace an ensemble or ensemble element centers on the advances in technology that occur through each revi­sion of NFPA 1951. These technological advances might be deemed important enough by an organization to influence its criteria for replacement of ensembles or ensemble elements.

A10.1.2 Mandatory retirement is from the date of manufac­ture, and recognizes that these ensembles and ensemble elements might be stored and unused for long periods of time. The protective elements should be routinely inspected to ensure that they are clean, well maintained, and still safe. Just knowing the age of the elements does not guarantee that they are still serviceable.

A.10.1.3 Organizations can use various methods to determine whether it is cost effective to repair or replace technical rescue protective ensembles or ensemble elements. One commonly used method involves the use of a matrix that compares factors such as the age of the gear, the cost of the repair, and the replacement cost or the original cost of the ensemble.

A10.1.4 All technical rescue protective ensembles and ensem­ble elements are required by NFPA 1951 to be certified by an independent, third-party certification organization. For an ensemble or ensemble element to meet the requirements of NFPA 1951, the item should carry a statement on the product label stating compliance and the label, symbol, or other identi­fying mark of that certifying organization.

Third-party certification is an important means of ensuring the quality of ensembles and ensemble elements. To be certain that an item is properly certified, labeled, and listed, NFPA strongly recommends that prospective purchasers require appropriate evidence of certification for the specific product and model from the manufacturer before purchase. 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 for third-party certification by NFPA 1951 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 1951. Also, the definitions of certification/certified in NFPA 1951, Section 3.3, and labeled and listed in Section 3.2 of this standard should be reviewed.

From time to time, NFPA receives complaints that certain items of technical rescue protective ensembles and ensemble elements might be carrying labels falsely identifying them as compliant with an NFPA standard. NFPA advises those purchas­ing technical rescue protective ensembles and ensemble elements to be aware that any technical rescue protective ensemble or ensemble element that does not bear the appro­priate compliance statement and the mark of an independent, third-party certification organization is not compliant with NFPA 1951, even if the product label states that the ensemble or ensemble element is compliant.

When an organization is in doubt as to the authenticity of a certification claim, the certification organization or the consumer protection agency of the state/provincial govern­ment should be contacted direcdy.

A.10.1.6 Changes in the type of technical rescue protective ensembles used by an organization can result in the retirement of elements that have not yet reached the end of their service life. Items of no further use to the organization in front line service might be of use for training or donation to other organ­izations.

A10.3.1 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. Organizations can find additional guidance related to the processing of technical rescue protec­tive ensembles and ensemble elements that are direcdy related to serious emergency response personnel injuries and fire fighter fatalities in the International Association of Fire Fight­ers manual, Line-oJ-Duty Death Notification, Assistance, and In­vestigation Policy, available at http://client.prod.iaff.org/ #contentid=206, and the International Association of Fire Chiefs guide for investigating a line-of-duty death, LODD Response Plan, available at wvvv.iafc.org.

11. 11.2.1 The certification organization should have a suffi­cient breadth of interest and activity so that the loss or award of a specific business contract would not be a determining factor in the financial well-being of the agency.
12. 11.2.5 The contractual provisions covering verification programs should contain clauses advising the verified organiza­tion or verified ISP that, if requirements change, the process should be brought into compliance with the new requirements by a stated effective date through a compliance review program involving all currendy verified repairs. Without such clauses, certification organizations would not be able to move quickly to protect their names, marks, or reputations. A verification program would be deficient without these contractual provi­sions and the administrative means to back them up.
    11. 2.7 Investigative procedures are important elements of an effective and meaningful verification program. A prelimi­nary review should be carried out on processes submitted to the agency before any major testing is undertaken.

All.2.12 Such inspections should include witnessing of advanced cleaning, advanced inspections, and advanced repairs, and reviewing the quality management system.

A12.1.3.1 An evaluation apparatus meeting these require­ments is specified in AATCC 127, Water Resistance: Hydrostatic Pressure Test. The method of pressurization can be automatic or manual.

Annex B Informational References

1. l 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.l.l NFPA Publications. National Fire Protection Associa­tion, 1 Batteiymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471.

NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety, Health, and Wellness Program, 2018 edition.

NFPA 1521, Standard for Fire Department Safety Officer Professio­nal Qualifications, 2015 edition.

NFPA 1581, Standard on Fire Department Infection Control Program, 2015 edition.

NFPA 1951, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Technical Rescue Incidents, 2018 edition.

NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting, 2018 edition.

NFPA 1991, Standard on Vapor-Protective Ensembles for Hazard­ous Materials Emergencies and CBRN Terrorism Incidents, 2016 edition.

NFPA 1994, Standard on Protective Ensembles for First Responded to Hazardous Materials Emergencies and CBRN Terrorism Incidents, 2018 edition.

NFPA 1999, Standard on Protective Clothing and Ensembles for Emergency Medical Operations, 2018 edition.

B.1.2 Other Publications.

1. 1.2.1 AATCC Publications. American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, P.O. Box 12215, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2215.

AATCC 127, Water Resistance: Hydrostatic Pressure Test, 2014.

1. 1.2.2 ANSI Publications. American National Standards Institute, Inc., 25 West 43rd Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036.

ANSI/ISEA Z87.1, Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection Devices, 2015.

B.l.2.3 ASTM Publications. ASTM International, 100 Ban- Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.

ASTM F1731, Standard Practice for Body Measurements and Sizing of Fire and Rescue Services Uniforms and Other Thermal Hazard Protective Clothing, 2013.

ASTM F1930, Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Flame Resistant Clothing for Protection Against Flash Fire Simulations Using an Instrumented Manikin, 2015.

ASTM STP1237, Performance of Protective Clothing, 1996.

1. 1.2.4 EPA Publications. Environmental Protection Agency, William Jefferson Clinton East Building, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20460.

EPA SW-846, Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste, Physical/ Chemical Methods-. Method 3015, “Microwave Assisted Acid Digestion of Aqueous Samples and Extracts,” September 1994; Method 3540, “Soxhlet Extraction,” Revision 3, December 1996; Method 6010, “Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emis­sion Spectrometry,” Revision 2, December 1996; and Method 8270, “Semivolatile Organic Compounds by Gas Chromatogra­phy/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS),” Revision 3, December 1996. (The specific methods cited can be downloaded at https://www.epa.gov/hw-sw846/sw-846-compendium.)

1. 1.2.5 IAFC Publications. International Association of Fire Chiefs, 4025 Fair Ridge Drive, Suite 300, Fairfax, VA 22033-2868.

www.iafc.org. LODD Response Plan.

1. 1.2.6 IAFF Publications. International Association of Fire Fighters, 1750 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006-5395.

Line of Duty Notification, Assistance, and Investigation Policy, 2010. Available at http://client.prod.iaff.org/#contentid=206.