NFPA 1877 Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Wildland Firefighting Protective Clothing and Equipment

A reference in brackets f 1 following a section or paragraph indicates material that has been extracted from another NFPA document. 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.

Chapter 1 Administration

1.1 Scope.

• This standard shall specify the minimum requirements used for selection, care, and maintenance of wildland firefight­ing protective clothing and equipment that are compliant with NFPA 1977, including garments, helmets, gloves, footwear, face/neck shrouds, goggles, chain saw protection, and load- carrying equipment.
• This standard shall not specify requirements for other organizational programs, such as appropriate use of wildland firefighting protective clothing and equipment for training, for operations, or for infection control, because such programs are under the jurisdiction of other NFPA standards.
• This standard shall not apply to protective ensembles or protective clothing that are compliant with NFPA 1951, NFPA 1971, 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 clothing and equipment. It shall be the responsibility of the persons and organizations that use compliant protective clothing and equipment to establish safety and health practices and to determine 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. It shall be the responsibility of the persons and organizations that use this standard to conduct testing of protective clothing and equipment to establish safety and health practices and to determine 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 basic criteria for selection, inspection, cleaning, decontamination, repair, storage, and retirement of wildland firefighting protec­tive clothing and equipment.
• The purpose of this standard shall be to establish a program that uses these criteria to reduce the safety risks and potential health risks associated with poorly maintained, conta­minated, or damaged wildland firefighting protective clothing and equipment.
•  
• This standard shall apply to wildland firefighting cloth­ing and equipment certified as compliant with NFPA 1977.
• This standard shall not apply to other organizational programs such as appropriate use of wildland firefighting protective clothing and equipment 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 other than where such equipment interfaces with wildland firefighting protective clothing and equipment.
• The requirements of this standard shall not apply to accessories attached to any element of the wildland firefighting protective clothing and equipment unless specifically addressed herein.
•  
• 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.
• Values in parentheses shall not be considered as the requirements because these values might not be exact equiva­lents.

Chapter 2 Referenced Publications

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

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

NFPA 1500™, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety, Health, and Wellness Program, 2021 edition.

NFPA 1951, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Technical Rescue Incidents, 2020 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 and Urban Interface Fire Fighting, 2022 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.

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

ISO 17011:2017(E), Conformity assessment — General require­ments for accreditation bodies accrediting conformity assessment bodies, 2004.

ISO 17025, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, 2005.

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

• 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 accepted 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 of listed equipment or materials or periodic evalua­tion of services, and whose listing states that either the equip­ment, material, or service meets appropriate designated standards or has been tested and found suitable for a specified purpose.

• 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 be 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.

• An item, or items, that could be attached to a certified product but that are not necessary for the certified product to meet the requirements of the standard.
• Base-Layer Garment. The first layer of a textile structure that is in direct contact with the skin (e.g., briefs, t-shirts, bras, socks).
• Biological Terrorism Agents. Liquid or particulate agents that consist of a biologically derived toxin or pathogen to inflict lethal or incapacitating casualties.
• 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.
• 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 clothing and equipment by mechanical, chemical, ther­mal, or combined processes.
• Contamination/Contaminated. The process by which clothing and equipment are exposed to hazardous materials, body fluids, or chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) terrorism agents.
• Cross-Contamination. The transfer of contamination from one item to another or to the environment.
• Crown Straps. The part of the helmet suspension that passes over the head.
• The act of removing contaminates from protective clothing and equipment by a physical, chemi­cal, or combined process. (See also 3.3.8, Cleaning.)
• The ability of a material to return to its origi­nal form after being stretched.
• Field Evaluation. The nonlaboratory assessment of an element.
• The quality, state, and manner in which clothing and equipment, when worn, relate to the human body.
• Flame Resistance (Protective Clothing and Equipment).

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.

• The ability of the clothing and equip­ment or a component to continue to be utilized for its inten­ded purpose.
• Nonfabric components of the protective clothing and equipment, including but not limited to those made of metal or plastic.
• Hazardous Materials. Substances (solid, liquid, or gas) that when released are capable of creating harm to people, the environment, and property.
• Independent Service Provider (ISP). See 3.3.34, Veri­fied Independent Service Provider (ISP).
• The ability of an element to remain intact and provide continued minimum performance.
• The inspection, service, and repair of protective clothing and equipment, including the determina­tion for removal from service.
• Major A Seam. Seam assemblies where rupture exposes the wearer to immediate danger.
• The entity that directs and controls the 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.
• Manufacturer-Trained Organization. A nonverified organization trained by an element manufacturer of the same element type to conduct advanced cleaning, advanced inspec­tion, and/or basic repair on the organization’s clothing and equipment.
• A response to heat by a material resulting in evidence of flowing or dripping.
• Minor Seam. Remaining seam assemblies that are not classified as major seams.
• The entity that provides the direct management and supervision for the emergency services personnel.
• The process of permanently removing an element from emergency operations service in the organiza­tion.
• The risk assessment process used to deter­mine 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 PCX for a specific hazard or activity at an emergency incident.
• Soiled/Soiling. The accumulation of materials that are not considered hazardous but could degrade the performance of the element.
• 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.
• Verified Independent Service Provider (ISP). An inde­pendent service provider verified by a third-party certification organization to conduct cleaning, repair service, or both.

3.3.35* Verified Organization. An organization, verified by a third-party certifier, to conduct cleaning, repair service, or both.

Chapter 4 Program

4.1.1* The organization shall develop and implement a program for the selection, care, and maintenance of wildland firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE) used by the members of the organization in the performance of their assigned functions.

• This program shall have the goal of providing wildland firefighting PPE that are suitable and appropriate for the inten­ded use; maintaining such protective PPE in a safe, usable condition to provide the intended protection to the user; removing from use such PPE that could cause or contribute to user injury, illness, or death because of its condition; and reconditioning, repairing or retiring such PPE.
• Where this program for the selection, care, and mainte­nance of wildland firefighting PPE is part of an organization’s overall program on protective clothing and protective equip­ment, the portion of the organization’s overall program that affects wildland firefighting PPE shall be in accordance with Section 4.2.
• Program Organization for Wildland Firefighting PPE.

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

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

4.2.3* The organization shall establish policy regarding base- layer garments that are permitted to be worn under the PPE assigned by the organization.

• The organization shall establish procedures for evalu­ating base-layer garments to determine whether or not the base-layer garment will affect the performance of the PPE.
• The organization shall contact the PPE manufacturer for advice and/or data as to what base-layer garment(s) the PPE manufacturer permits to be used with its specific prod­uct (s).
• The organization shall not permit base-layer garments that would degrade the performance of the PPE.

4.2.4 The organization shall establish a policy regarding acces­sories that are permitted to be attached to the organization’s PPE.

• The organization shall establish procedures for evalu­ating accessories to determine whether the accessories will affect the performance of the PPE.
• The organization shall contact the PPE manufacturer for advice and/or data as to what accessories the PPE manufac­turer permits to be used with its specific product(s).

Required Program Parts for Wildland Firefighting PPE

• The organization shall not add accessories and shall not permit accessories to be added to PPE that would degrade the performance of the PPE.

4.2.5* The organization shall use one of the following to perform cleaning, inspection, and repair services of PPE, as shown in Table 4.2.5:

• Manufacturer-trained organization for the organization’s PPE only
• Verified organization
• Verified independent service provider (ISP)

4.2.5.1 Verified organizations and verified ISPs shall meet the requirements of Chapter 11 and shall be verified by a third- party certification organization.

4.2.5.2* Where an organization is a verified organization or uses a verified ISP, approval from the element manufacturer shall not be required.

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

• 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
• All garment advanced repairs shall be conducted by the garment manufacturer, a verified organization, or a 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.

4.2.6 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 clothing and equipment being used by the organization, the manufacturers’ instructions, and the experience of the organi­zation.

Responsibilities for Garment Element Inspection, Cleaning, and Repair

Element Verified

Manufacturer Verified ISP Organization

Manufacturer-Trained Organization End User

(Chapter 6) Cleaning and decontamination (Chapter 7) Repair (Chapter 8) Training provider

• At least the following records shall be kept for each PPE:
  • Manufacturer and model name or design
  • Manufacturer’s identification number, lot number, or serial number
  • Month and year of manufacture
• Manufacturer’s Instructions.
• When issuing new PPE, the organization shall provide users with the instructions provided by the PPE’s manufacturer on the care, use, and maintenance of the PPE, including any warnings provided by the manufacturer.
• Unless otherwise specified herein, where the manufac­turer’s instructions regarding the care or maintenance of its PPE differ from a specific requirement in this standard, the manufacturer’s instructions shall be followed for that require­ment.
• The organization shall retain a copy of manufacturer’s instructions regarding the care, use, and maintenance of their PPE.
• Protecting the Public and Personnel from Contamination.

The organization shall develop written SOPs that minimize the public’s exposure to contaminated PPE.

• The SOPs shall require that contaminated PPE not be worn or stored in the living areas of fire department facilities.
• The public shall not be exposed at any time, except during emergency operations, to contaminated PPE.
• Contaminated PPE shall not be brought into the home, washed in home laundries, or washed in public laundries.
• Reporting Personal Protective Equipment Health and Safety Concerns.
• The organization shall report all PPE health and safety concerns, if caused by a known or suspected element failure, to the element manufacturer and certification organization.
• The organization shall notify the manufacturer and the certification organization in writing of such known or suspec­ted element failures.
• The organization shall request written acknowledgment from the element manufacturer and certification organization within 30 days.

Chapter 5 Selection 5.1 Selection and Purchase.

5.1.1* Prior to starting the selection process of wildland fire- fighting PPE, a risk assessment shall be performed. The risk assessment shall include, but not be limited to, the hazards that wildland firefighters could encounter, based on the following:

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

• The organization shall review the current editions of NFPA 1977 and NFPA 1500 and any applicable federal or state OSHA standards, as well as organizational rules and regula­tions, relating to wildland firefighting in order to determine how they affect the selection process.
• The organization shall confirm that the PPE is certified by a third-party certification organization as being compliant with NFPA
• Based on the risk assessment, the organization shall compile and evaluate information on the comparative strengths and weaknesses of the items under consideration.
• The organization shall ensure that the items under consideration interface properly with the other personal protective items with which they will be used.
• Where a field evaluation is conducted, the organization shall establish criteria to ensure a systematic evaluation.
• Where the organization develops purchase specifica­tions, at least the following criteria shall be included:
  • Purchase specifications shall require that the items to be purchased are compliant with the current edition of NFPA
  • Where the organization selects criteria that exceed the minimum of NFPA 1977, such criteria shall be stipulated in the purchase specifications.
  • Purchase specifications shall require that manufacturers’ bids include substantiation of certification for each item and model stated in their bids.
  • * 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 items to ensure they meet the organizations’ specifi­cations and that they were not damaged during shipment. Organizations shall also verify quantity and sizes of the protec­tive items 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.

5.1.11* The organization’s needs assessment shall be written into a specification of performance and/or design require­ments for the wildland firefighting PPE.

5.1.12* Using the written specifications, the organization shall select a supplier or shall solicit bids from manufacturers or vendors of wildland firefighting PPE.

5.1.13* The organization shall carefully check bid quotation and any supplied samples of the wildland firefighting PPE against the bid specifications.

5.1.14 The organization shall recommend the award of the contract to the selected manufacturer or vendor to the purchasing authority.

5.1.15* Upon delivery of the wildland firefighting PPE purchased, the organization shall inspect the order for completeness against the purchase specifications.

5.1.16 The organization shall periodically review and docu­ment how the wildland firefighting PPE specifications meet the organization’s needs and applicable standards and revise speci­fications as needed for new or replacement equipment.

5.2* Specific Requirements for Wildland Firefighting Protec­tive Garments, Cold Weather Protection, and Face and Neck Shrouds.

5.2.1* Protective Garments. The organization shall ensure that wildland firefighting protective garments and cold weather protection provide limited thermal and physical protection from the hazards associated with wildland firefighting.

• Cold Weather Protection. The organization shall ensure that wildland firefighting cold weather protection include, but are not limited to, jacket, shirt, trousers, cold weather outer­wear, or one-piece garment which provides thermal and limited physical protection from the hazards associated with wildland firefighting.
• Face and Neck Shrouds. The organization shall ensure that wildland firefighting face and neck shrouds provide at least minimum thermal protection to the face and neck.
• The organization shall ensure that wild- land firefighting garments are compatible with gloves and foot­wear in order to provide continuous minimum protection to the upper and lower torsos, the hands, and the feet.

Chapter 6 Inspection

6.1* General.

• Universal precautions shall be observed, as appropriate, in the handling of clothing and equipment.
• Items contaminated by hazardous materials or biological agents shall be decontaminated before any additional inspec­tion is initiated.

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

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

• As a minimum, any necessary cleaning or decontami­nation shall be done in accordance with the requirements specified in Chapter 7.
• As a minimum, any necessary repairs shall be made in accordance with the requirements specified in Chapter 8.

6.2 Inspection.

• Inspections of all issued PPE shall be conducted at the time of issue, after each use, or at a minimum every 12 months by individual members or members who have been trained to perform the inspection.
• The organization shall establish what constitutes “use” to include at least each time an item is exposed or is suspected of having been exposed to damage or contamination.
• The inspection shall include, as a minimum, the inspec­tions specified in2.3.1 through 6.2.3.7.
• Garments and face/neck shrouds shall be inspected for the following:
  • Soiling
  • Contamination from hazardous materials or biological agents
  • Physical damage, such as the following:
    • Rips, tears, and cuts
    • Damaged or missing hardware and closure systems
    • Thermal damage, such as charring, burn holes, and melting
  • Damaged or missing retroreflective trim
• Helmets shall be inspected for the following:
  • Soiling
  • Contamination from hazardous materials or biological agents
  • Physical damage to the shell, such as the following:
    • Cracks, crazing, dents, and abrasions
    • Thermal damage to the shell, such as bubbling, soft spots, warping, or discoloration
  • Damaged or missing components of the suspension and retention systems
  • Damaged or missing retroreflective trim
• Gloves shall be inspected for the following:
  • Soiling
  • Contamination from hazardous materials or biological agents
  • Physical damage, such as the following:
    • Rips, tears, and cuts
    • Thermal damage, such as charring, burn holes, and melting
  • Shrinkage
  • Loss of elasticity/flexibility
• Footwear shall be inspected for the following:
  • Soiling
  • Contamination from hazardous materials or biological agents
  • Physical damage, such as the following:
    • Cuts, tears, and punctures
    • Thermal damage, such as charring, burn holes, and melting
  • Closure system component damage and functionality
• Goggles shall be inspected for the following:
  • Soiling
  • Contamination from hazardous materials or biological agents
  • Physical damage, such as the following:
    • Damage to the frame
    • Excessive scratching or fogging of the lenses
    • Loss of elasticity and adjustment of headband
    • Thermal damage, such as charring, burn holes, and melting
  • Chain saw leg protectors shall be inspected for the following:
    • Soiling
    • Contamination from hazardous materials or biological agents
    • Physical damage, such as the following:
      • Rips, tears, and cuts
      • Thermal damage, such as charring, burn holes, and melting
    • Shrinkage
    • Loss of flexibility
    • Functionality of all hardware, including buckles, slides, and zippers

6.2.3.7 Load-carrying protective equipment shall be inspected for the following:

• Soiling
• Contamination from hazardous materials or biological agents
• Physical damage, such as the following:
  • Rips, tears, and cuts
  • Thermal damage, such as charring, burn holes, and melting
• Shrinkage
• Loss of flexibility
• Functionality of all hardware, including buckles, slides, and zippers

Chapter 7 Cleaning and Decontamination 7.1* General.

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

• Contaminated PPE shall not be brought into the homeor washed in home laundries.
• The use of public laundries shall be permitted when a procedure to decontaminate the machines after use is estab­lished.
• Commercial dry cleaning shall not be used as a means of cleaning or decontaminating PPE unless approved by the PPE or element manufacturer.

7.1.5* When a commercial cleaning service or ISP is used, it shall demonstrate to the organization’s satisfaction that proce­dures for cleaning and decontamination do not compromise the performance of PPE.

7.2 Garments.

7.2.1* Cleaning of soiled wildland firefighting PPE shall be done in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations and instructions.

7.2.2 Contaminated wildland firefighting garments shall be either laundered in washing equipment dedicated solely to that purpose or properly disposed of.

7.2.2.1 The public shall not be exposed at any time to conta­minated garments.

7.2.2.2* PPE shall not be brought into the homeand washed in home laundries.

7.2.2.3 If contaminated protective garments are to be laun­dered, organizations shall provide a washing machine (s) for the sole purpose of cleaning contaminated protective garments or shall contract with an outside service for that purpose.

7.2.2.4* Unless specifically advised otherwise by manufactur­ers’ instructions, the following cautions shall be heeded:

• Bleach shall not be used.
• Garments shall be, as a minimum, double rinsed.
• Water temperature shall not exceed 40°C (105°F).
• A mild detergent with a pH range of not less than0 pH and not greater than 10.5 pH as indicated on the product safely data sheet (SDS) or original product container shall be used.
• Garments shall not be exposed to direct sunlight, indirect sunlight, or fluorescent light when air dried.

7.2.3* Organizations shall be permitted to use a contract cleaning service for cleaning of wildland firefighting PPE.

• Organizations shall examine the manufacturer’s label and user information for instructions on cleaning and drying procedures that the manufacturer provided with the element. In absence of manufacturer’s instructions or manufacturer’s approval of alternative procedures, the cleaning and drying procedures provided in this section shall be used.
• Helmets shall not be machine cleaned or dried.
• Helmet shells, headbands, crown straps, and suspension systems shall be cleaned in a utility sink using mild detergent and water.
• Helmets and suspension systems shall be air dried out of direct sunlight, indirect sunlight, or fluorescent light.
• The manufacturer shall be consulted if stronger clean­ing agents are required.
• Do not use solvents.
• Organizations shall examine the manufacturer’s label and user information for instructions on cleaning and drying procedures that the manufacturer provided with the element. In absence of manufacturer’s instructions or manufacturer’s approval of alternative procedures, the cleaning and drying procedures provided in this section shall be used.
• Goggles shall not be machine cleaned or dried.

7.4.3* Goggle bodies, attachments, and lenses shall be cleaned using a soft dry cloth.

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

• Organizations shall examine the manufacturer’s label and user information for instructions on cleaning and drying procedures that the manufacturer provided with the element. In absence of manufacturer’s instructions or manufacturer’s approval of alternative procedures, the cleaning and drying procedures provided in this section shall be used.
• Gloves shall not be machine dried with heat.

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

• Footwear shall not be machine cleaned or machine dried.
• Footwear shall be cleaned in a utility sink using mild detergent (pH range > 6.0 and < 10.5 as indicated on the prod­uct SDS or original product container), water, and a soft bristle brush.
• The manufacturer shall be consulted if stronger clean­ing agents are required.
• Footwear shall be air dried in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, indirect sunlight, or fluorescent light.
• Face and Neck Shrouds. See Section2 for garment requirements.
• Wildland Firefighting Load-Carrying Protective Equip­ment.
• Organizations shall examine the manufacturer’s label and user information for instructions on cleaning and drying procedures provided by the manufacturer. In absence of manu­facturer’s instructions or manufacturer’s approval of alternative procedures, the cleaning and drying procedures provided in this section shall be used.
• Load-carrying protective equipment shall not be machine washed.
• Load-carrying protective equipment shall not be machine dried using heat.
• Wildland Firefighting Chain Saw Leg Protectors.
• Organizations shall examine the manufacturer’s label and user information for instructions on cleaning and drying procedures provided by the manufacturer. In absence of manu­facturer’s instructions or manufacturer’s approval of alternative procedures, the cleaning and drying procedures provided in this section shall be used.
• Wildland firefighting chain saw leg protectors shall not be machine cleaned, machine dried, or pressure washed.
• Wildland firefighting chain saw leg protectors shall be cleaned in a utility sink or soak tank using a citrus-based cleaner (pH range > 6.0 and < 10.5 as indicated on the product SDS or original product container) and a brush, then rinsed thoroughly with clean water.
• Wildland firefighting chain saw leg protectors shall be air dried in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, indirect sunlight, and fluorescent light.

7.9.5* If excessive soiling by chain saw fuel and bar oil cannot be decontaminated by normal manufacturer’s instructions, the leg protectors shall be retired.

Chapter 8 Repair

8.1 Garment Repair.

8.1.1 All repairs shall be performed by the original manufac­turer, by a verified ISP who has received training, or by a member(s) of the organization who has received training in the repair of clothing and equipment and is responsible for performing or managing specialized repairs.

• Garments shall be cleaned before any repair work is undertaken.
• All repairs and alterations to garments shall be done in a manner approved by the manufacturer and using materials approved by the manufacturer, including, but not limited to, fabric, thread type, stitch construction, hardware, and hard­ware backing.
• Because there are different methods of construction, the clothing manufacturer shall be contacted if the organization is unsure whether a field repair can be made without adversely affecting the integrity of the garment.
• Major repairs to the garment shall be accomplished only by the manufacturer or by a manufacturer-recognized repair facility consistent with the manufacturer’s instructions and methods. The manufacturer shall be contacted if the organiza­tion is unsure whether a repair is major or minor or can be accomplished without adversely affecting the integrity of the garment.
• Repairs shall be completed on all components that have been damaged.
• Repairs and alterations shall be performed using seam­ing methods consistent with the manufacturer’s instructions. Seaming methods shall include, but not be limited to, seam type, stitches per inch, and manner of construction.

8.1.8* Restitching of more than 1 in. (2.5 cm), continuous, of a major seam either shall require consulting the manufacturer or shall be performed by the manufacturer or by a manufacturer-recognized repair facility in a manner consistent with the manufacturer’s instructions.

• All minor seams shall be repaired or altered in a manner consistent with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• All repaired stress areas shall be reinforced in a manner consistent with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Repair Criteria.
• Repairs of minor tears, char marks, ember burns, and abraded areas shall be limited to those where the damaged area can be covered by a maximum of a 50 in.² (32 cm²) patch.
• The finished edge of the patch shall extend at least 1 in. (2.5 cm) in all directions beyond the damaged area.
• To prevent fraying, the patch shall have no raw edges.
• To prevent further damage, tears, holes, and abra­sions shall be mended prior to the patch being applied.
• Trim Repair.
• Replacement trim shall be obtained from the garment manufacturer or the manufacturer’s recognized source and installed in a manner consistent with the garment manufacturer’s method of construction.
• Trim being replaced shall be completely removed so that no new trim is sewn over older trim.
• If a repair or alteration necessitates replacing trim, an equal amount of trim shall be installed; no repair or alteration shall result in a reduction of the total amount of trim on the garment.
• If replacing trim necessitates sewing into a major A seam, trim replacement shall he clone only by the manufac­turer or by a repair facility recognized by the manufacturer.
• If unsure of the complexity of the repair, the organi­zation shall consult the manufacturer.
• Replacement hardware shall be installed in a manner consistent with the garment manufacturer’s method of construction.
• Replacement hardware shall be obtained from the garment manufacturer or the manufacturer’s recognized source.
• Where hardware is to be replaced, the reinforcement backing material either shall be reinstalled or, if no longer serv­iceable, shall be replaced.
• If unsure of the complexity of the repair, the organi­zation shall consult the manufacturer.
• Replacement zippers shall be installed in a manner consistent with the garment manufacturer’s method of construction.
• Replacement zippers shall be obtained from the manufacturer or the manufacturer’s recognized source.
• If unsure of the complexity of the repair, the organi­zation shall consult the manufacturer.
• Replacement Hook and Loops.
• Replacement hook and loop fastener tape shall be installed in a manner consistent with the garment manufactur­er’s method of construction.
• Replacement hook and loop shall be obtained from the garment manufacturer or the manufacturer’s recognized source.
• If unsure of the complexity of the repair, the organi­zation shall consult the manufacturer.
• Replacement Reinforcement.
• Replacement reinforcement materials shall be instal­led in a manner consistent with the garment manufacturer’s method of construction.
• Replacement reinforcement material shall be obtained from the garment manufacturer or the manufactur­er’s recognized source.
• If unsure of the complexity of the repair, the organi­zation shall consult the manufacturer.

8.2 Helmet Repair.

• All repairs shall be performed by the original manufac­turer, by a verified ISP who has received training, or by a member(s) of the organization who has received training in the repair of helmets and is responsible for performing or managing specialized repairs.
• Helmets shall be cleaned before any repair work is undertaken.
• Where replacement of a helmet component is performed, the replacement component(s) shall be obtained from the helmet manufacturer or the manufacturer’s recog­nized source.
• If there is indication of a crack, dent, abrasion, bubbling, soft spot, discoloration, or warping in the helmet shell, the shell shall be replaced (see Section 10.1).
• Small surface nicks and scratches shall be repaired in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Goggle Repair.
• All repairs shall be performed by the original manufac­turer, by a verified ISP who lias received training, or by a member(s) of the organization who has received training in the repair of goggles and is responsible for performing or managing specialized repairs.
• Goggles shall be cleaned before any repair work is undertaken.
• Where replacement of a goggle component is performed, the replacement component(s) shall be obtained from the goggles manufacturer or the manufacturer’s recog­nized source.
• If there is indication of a crack, dent, abrasion, bubbling, soft spot, discoloration, or warping in the goggle, the goggle shall be replaced (see Section 10.1).
• Small surface nicks and scratches in the goggle frame or body shall be repaired in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Glove Repair.
• All repairs shall be performed by the original manufac­turer, by a verified ISP who lias received training, or by a member(s) of the organization who has received training in the repair of gloves and is responsible for performing or managing specialized repairs.
• Gloves shall be cleaned before any repair work is under­taken.
• All repairs to gloves shall be done in a manner approved by the manufacturer and using materials approved by the manufacturer.
• Footwear Repair.
• All repairs shall be performed by the original manufac­turer, by a verified ISP who lias received training, or by a member(s) of the organization who has received training in the repair of footwear and is responsible for performing or managing specialized repairs.
• Footwear shall be cleaned before any repair work is undertaken.
• All repairs to leather boots other than the replacement of boot laces, insoles, and zipper assemblies shall be performed by the manufacturer or a repair service recognized by the manufacturer.
• Face/Neck Shroud Repair.

8.6.1 All repairs shall be performed by the original manufac­turer, by a verified ISP who lias received training, or by a member(s) of the organization who has received training in the repair of face/neck shroud and is responsible for perform­ing or managing specialized repairs.

• Face/neck shrouds shall be cleaned before any repair work is undertaken.
• All repairs to face/neck shrouds shall be done in a manner approved by the manufacturer and using materials approved by the manufacturer.
• Chain Saw Leg Protector Repair.
• All repairs shall be performed by the original manufac­turer, by a verified ISP who has received training, or by a member(s) of the organization who has received training in the repair of chain saw leg protectors and is responsible for performing or managing specialized repairs.
• Chain saw leg protectors shall be cleaned before any repair work is undertaken.
• All repairs to chain saw leg protectors shall be done in a manner approved by the manufacturer and using materials approved by the manufacturer.
• Load-Carrying Protective Equipment.
• All repairs shall be performed by the original manufac­turer, by a verified ISP who has received training, or a by member(s) of the organization who has received training in the repair of load-carrying protective equipment and is respon­sible for performing or managing specialized repairs.
• Load-carrying protective equipment shall be cleaned before any repair work is undertaken.
• All repairs to load-carrying protective equipment shall be done in a manner approved by the manufacturer and using materials approved by the manufacturer.

Chapter 9 Storage 9.1 Requirements for All PPE.

• PPE shall not be stored in or exposed to direct sunlight, indirect sunlight, or fluorescent light while not being worn.
• PPE shall be clean and dry before storage.
• PPE storage areas shall be clean, dry, and well ventilated.
• PPE shall not be stored in airtight containers unless they are new and unissued.
• PPE shall not be stored at temperatures below -32°C (-25T) or above 82°C (180°F).
• PPE shall not be stored or transported in compartments or trunks with sharp objects, tools, or other equipment that could damage the clothing and equipment unless the items are in a protective case or bag to prevent damage.
• PPE shall not be stored in contact with hydraulic fluids, solvents, hydrocarbons, hydrocarbon vapors, or other contami­nants.

Chapter 10 Retirement, Disposition, and Special Incident Procedure

• The organization shall develop specific criteria for removal of PPE from service, including, but not limited to, issues that are specific to the organization, the manufacturer’s instructions, and the experience of the organization.
• PPE that is worn or damaged to the extent that the organization deems it not possible or cost effective to repair the PPE shall be destroyed or disposed of in a manner that ensures the PPE will not be used in any firefighting or emer­gency activities, including training.
• PPE that is contaminated to the extent that the organi­zation deems it not possible or cost effective to decontaminate the PPE shall be destroyed or disposed of in a manner that ensures the PPE will not be used in any firefighting or emer­gency activities, including training.
• PPE that is no longer of use to the organization for emergency operations service shall be destroyed or disposed of in a manner that ensures it will not be used in any firefighting or emergency activities, including training.
• PPE not in compliance with the edition of the NFPA standard that was current when the PPE was manufactured shall be destroyed or disposed of in a manner that ensures it will not be used in any firefighting or emergency activities, including training.
• The chain saw leg protectors shall be retired when any physical damage results in the pulling out of cut-resistant fabric.
• Special Incident Procedure.
• The organization shall have procedures for the handling and custody of clothing and equipment directly rela­ted to serious firefighter injuries and firefighter fatalities.
• In the absence of any other prevailing rules of evidence, the organization’s procedures shall include at least the following:
  • Provisions shall be in place for the immediate removal from service and preservation of all personal protective clothing and equipment utilized by the injured or deceased firefighter. Custody of such clothing and equip­ment shall be maintained at a secure location with controlled, documented access.
  • All such clothing and equipment shall be nondestruc- tively tagged and stored only in paper or cardboard containers to prevent further degradation or damage. Plastic or airtight containers shall not be used.
  • Personal protective clothing and equipment directly rela­ted to serious firefighter injuries and firefighter fatalities shall be reviewed 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 the personal protective clothing and equipment.

Chapter 11 Verification

• In order for an organization or ISP to he verified, it shall meet the requirements of this chapter.
• Verification of the organization or ISP shall include inspection, cleaning, and repairs of garment elements only and shall not apply to helmets, gloves, footwear, chain saw protec­tors, or load-carrying equipment.
• Where an organization or ISP is verified for conduct­ing repairs, the organization or ISP shall also be verified for cleaning and inspection.
• The verified organization or ISP shall be listed.

11.1.1.3.1 The listing shall specify cleaning, inspection, and/or repairs that the organization or the ISP is verified to conduct.

• 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 PPE in accordance with ISO/IEC 17065, Conformity assessment — Requirements for bodies certifying products, processes and services.

11.1.2.1 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 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 PPE in accordance with ISO/IEC 17065, Conformity assessment — Requirements for bodies certifying products, processes and services.

11.2.3.1 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 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 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 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 17025,

General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration labo­ratories.

• The certification organization’s testing laboratory’s scope of accreditation to ISO 17025, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, shall encompass testing of 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 safe and effective manner. Organizations need to recognize that these items do not have an indefinite life span and that regular inspections are a necessary part of any protective equip­ment program.

A.4.2.3 Emergency response organizations are cautioned that base-layer garments could degrade the protection or perform­ance of the certified clothing or equipment; interfere with form, fit, or function of the certified clothing or equipment; or become a hazard to the wearer. Base-layer garments are not part of the certified clothing but could be worn under certified clothing by means not engineered, manufactured, or author­ized by the clothing manufacturer. Additionally, if the base- layer garments are not designed and manufactured from suitable materials for the hazardous environments of emer­gency incidents, the failure of the base-layer garments could cause injury to the wearer. If a base-layer garment causes the structural integrity of the certified clothing to be compromised, the certified clothing might not be compliant with the standard by which it was originally certified.

Organizations should consider evaluating the ensemble with tests provided in NFPA 1977 to determine whether the base- layer garment(s) might negatively impact performance. Addi­tional tests not included in NFPA 1977 that could be used to evaluate the performance of base-layer garments, such as those in the following two documents, should be considered.

ASTM F1930, Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Flame Resistant Clothing for Protection Against Fire Simulations Using an Instrumented Manikin, provides for a simulation of a flash fire exposure using a static manikin. The effects of flash fire on the base-layer garments can be determined and compared to an ensemble that does not have the base-layer garment in place. A minimum exposure time of 10 seconds is recommended for evaluating wildland protective clothing and equipment.

ASTM F2370, Standard Test Method for Measuring the Evapora­tive Resistance of Clothing Using a Sweating Manikin, provides for a simulation of the evaporative heat loss using a static manikin. The effects of heat loss on the base-layer garments can be determined and compared to an ensemble that does not have the base-layer garments in place. A minimum exposure time of 10 seconds is recommended for evaluating wildland protective clothing and equipment.

While these ASTM tests provide demonstrations of base-layer garments under emergency conditions, they do not simulate all fire ground hazards. Other evaluations should also be consid­ered.

A.4.2.5 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 clothing and equipment. For garment elements, this entity has not received any formal verification from a third-party certifica­tion organization. If an organization has received training in cleaning, inspection, and repair of elements, it can be permit­ted to utilize another organization’s equipment to conduct cleaning, inspection, or repair. For example, if Organization A purchases a washer/extractor and neighboring Organization B wishes to utilize this washer/extractor, it is permissible to do so; however, Organization B must use its trained personnel to conduct the laundering. If Organization B wishes to use Organ­ization A’s equipment and personnel to conduct the launder­ing, then Organization A must be a verified organization [see 4.2.5(2)].

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.4.2.5.2 Although approval from a manufacturer is not a requirement of this standard, it might be advantageous for the specific clothing or equipment manufacturer to be consulted when there is any question concerning the appropriate clean­ing, inspection, or repair of specific clothing or equipment. NFPA 1977 requires that every certified element contain the name and address of the clothing or equipment manufacturer so this information is readily available and each manufacturer will be able to offer the best possible practical knowledge of its product.

A.4.2.5.3 The end user should always request documentation of the services for which the verified ISP is approved to perform.

A.5.1.1 A committee should be established to oversee the process of selection. This committee should consist of interes­ted individuals representing a cross section of the organization (e.g., from both labor and management) who collectively have several years of experience in wildland firefighting activities. The role of the committee will be to set and define goals and requirements for the wildland firefighting PPE, including compliance with NFPA 1977; to identify areas of responsibility for each member; and to provide recommendations to the authority having jurisdiction. The following list outlines the tasks the committee should undertake:

• The committee should evaluate the suitability and performance of current products based on the organization’s needs, field performance, and safety results. Evaluation can include the following:
  • Types of work activity
  • Types of injuries sustained
  • Wear life and replacement cycles
  • Cost
  • Support and service of manufacturer or vendor
  • Satisfaction level of personnel
  • Conformance to latest edition of applicable stand­ards and regulations
• Gather information. Seek sources of information such as product information, test results, trade shows, seminars, and/or other pertinent references.
• Examine and review literature and evaluate samples.
• Contact Manufacturers. Contact manufacturers or vendors who offer products that meet the organization’s criteria.
• Ask for Samples. Ask for samples or demonstrations of products of interest. Verify that the bid PPE items work properly with existing PPE items already in service.
• Conduct Field Evaluations. Where practical, the organiza­tion may want to conduct field evaluations to help evalu­ate products.
• Design a systematic evaluation procedure:

• Good Condition. Equipment is in good serviceable condi­tion. The equipment may show wear but replacement is not necessary.
• Immediate Replacement. Equipment is unsafe and should be removed from sen ice. After further inspection by trained personnel, PPE may be repaired and returned to service or PPE may be retired.
• Maintenance Needed. Maintenance details should be descri­bed in the “comments” section of the inspection form.

Suggested Inspection Criteria. Every article of PPE should be inspected for the following types of wear or damage. After cleaning, PPE should be inspected again to ensure proper detection of damage such as discoloration or heat damage that would be masked by soiling. Each of the following damage types indicate a potential problem with the protective features of the PPE:

• Soiled PPE should be regularly cleaned and restored to “good” condition. Excessive soiling can compromise the performance of the PPE.
• Heat Damage. Charred or burned areas indicate excessive exposure to heat or flame impingement. Such areas are damaged and indicate that the item might need to be repaired or replaced.
• Fabric or Material Damage. This type of damage, as evidenced by rips, tears, cuts, worn areas, fraying, weak or easily torn areas, has many possible causes and can often be repaired. To check for fabric strength and integrity, bend or fold the fabric, then attempt to tear it and to push a finger or thumb through the material. The extent and complexity of damage will determine the appropriate follow-up action.
• Discoloration can indicate many types of possible damage, including dye loss, frosting (white streaks), heat degradation, ultraviolet (UV) damage, and chemical contamination, among others. These areas should be thoroughly checked for strength and integrity. Any loss of strength or weakening of the material(s) is a sign of damage and grounds for removal of the PPE from service for repair or retirement.
• Thread or Seam Damage. This type of damage is evidenced by skipped, broken, or missing stitches. All PPE should be regularly checked for any type of skipped, broken, or missing stitches, which can indicate seam failure.

A.6.1.3 It is not the intent of this standard to require the cleaning of clothing and equipment if the clothing and equip­ment is not soiled. The organization should establish guide­lines for judging the extent of soiling that requires cleaning based on the organization’s experience. In applying such judg­ment, the organization should take into consideration the importance of keeping clothing and equipment clean. Soiled clothing and equipment can pose a health risk to the wearer and/or degrade the level of performance.

A.7.1 The importance of maintaining the cleanliness of wild- land and urban interface PPE should not be underestimated. Studies have shown that soiled or contaminated wildland and urban interface PPE are a hazard to firefighters because soils and contaminants can be flammable, toxic, or carcinogenic. Additionally, soils or contaminants can reduce the protective performance of wildland and urban interface PPE. Clean wild- land and urban interface PPE can last longer and offer the emergency responders better protection. Wildland and urban interface PPE should be cleaned whenever they become soiled.

In everyday use, PPE becomes dirty by absorbing sweat from the wearer and soils, soot, and so forth from the outside envi­ronment. Cleaning of wildland and urban interface PPE removes those substances. Wildland and urban interface PPE can also become contaminated with other substances, princi­pally hazardous materials, particulates, and body fluids. The removal of these substances is most often referred to by the term decontamination. In wildland and urban interface PPE, both general cleaning and decontamination of PPE are often necessary.

Health risks of soiled or contaminated wildland and urban interface PPE. Soiled or contaminated wildland and urban interface PPE can expose firefighters to toxins, carcinogens, and other harm­ful substances that enter the body through ingestion, inhala­tion, or skin absorption. Repeated small exposures to some contaminants can accumulate within the body over time and cause health problems.

Although great emphasis is placed on safety to avoid injury or inhalation hazards to personnel working on the fireground, many of the contaminants that lead to health risks are being carried away from the fire scene on PPE used by the firefighter. Wildland and urban interface fires are increasingly being iden­tified as sources for contamination by products of combustion that are known to include various toxic and carcinogenic chem­icals.

Contaminants that a firefighter could come into contact with can be trapped in the fibers of soiled wildland and urban inter­face PPE or absorbed into the materials themselves. Contact with soiled wildland and urban interface PPE can also increases the risk of hazardous contaminants being introduced into the body through either skin absorption or from contaminants off- gassing into the immediate atmosphere breathed by firefight­ers.

PPE contaminated with body fluids present a potential risk of infectious diseases being transmitted to the person coming into contact with the PPE.

Other forms of contaminants include substances such as bulk chemicals, asbestos, and other hazardous substances encountered at the emergency scene.

Reduced performance hazards of midland and urban interface PPE. When wildland and urban interface PPE becomes laden with particles and chemicals, other problems are faced in addition to being exposed to toxins, such as the following:

• Wildland and urban interface PPE typically reflects less radiant heat. After materials are saturated with hydrocar­bons, they will tend to absorb rather than reflect the radi­ant heat from the surrounding fire.
• Wildland and urban interface PPE that is heavily contami­nated with hydrocarbons are more likely to conduct elec­tricity, increasing the danger when entering a building or vehicle where wiring can still be live.
• Wildland and urban interface PPE 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 firefighters can still encounter various chemicals in their normal firefighting activi­ties. Exposures to oils, gasoline, and lubricants can occur around fire station vehicles. During responses, exposures to