NFPA 1951 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 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.

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

Chapter 1 Administration

1.1* Scope.

• This standard shall specify the minimum design, performance, testing, and certification requirements for tech­nical rescue protective ensembles for use by emergency services personnel during technical rescue incidents.
• This standard shall also specify the minimum require­ments for the various elements of the technical rescue protec­tive ensembles, including garments, helmets, gloves, footwear, and eye and face protection devices.
• This standard shall not specify requirements for respira­tory protection equipment for technical rescue protective ensembles; those requirements are specified by NIOSH in 42 CFR84 and by OSHA in 29 CFR 1910.134.
• This standard shall not establish criteria for water or wildland operations.

1.1.5* This standard shall not specify requirements for any visibility markings.

1.1.6 This standard shall not establish criteria for protection for any firefighting operations or hazardous materials emer­gencies.

1.1.7* This standard shall not specify requirements for acces­sories that could be attached to any ensemble or ensemble element but are not required for the ensemble or element to meet the requirements of this standard.

• Certification of technical rescue protective ensembles or ensemble elements to the requirements of this standard shall not preclude certification to additional applicable standards where the protective ensemble or ensemble elements meet all the applicable requirements of the other standards.
• This standard shall not be construed as addressing all the safety concerns associated with the use of compliant protec­tive ensembles or elements. It shall be the responsibility of the persons and organizations that use compliant protective ensembles or elements 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 facilities. It shall be the responsibility of the persons and organizations that use this standard to conduct testing of protective ensembles or elements to establish safety and health practices and to determine the applicability of regu­latory limitations prior to using this standard for any designing, manufacturing, and testing.
• Nothing herein shall restrict any jurisdiction or manu­facturer from exceeding these minimum requirements.

1.2* Purpose.

1.2.1* The purpose of this standard shall be to establish mini­mum levels of protection for emergency services personnel assigned to or involved in search, rescue, treatment, decon­tamination, recovery, site stabilization, and similar operations at technical rescue incidents.

1.2.2 To achieve that purpose, this standard shall establish requirements for ensembles and their associated ensemble elements designed to provide protection to emergency response personnel during technical rescue incidents.

1.2.2.1* This standard shall establish limited protection for operational settings where exposure to physical and flame hazards are expected.

1.2.2.2* This standard shall also establish optional require­ments for operational settings where exposure to blood-borne pathogen hazards are expected.

1.2.3* Controlled laboratory tests used to determine compli­ance with the performance requirements of this standard shall not be deemed as establishing performance levels for all situa­tions to which personnel can be exposed.

1.2.4 This standard is not intended to be utilized as a detailed manufacturing or purchase specification but shall be permitted to be referenced in purchase specifications as minimum requirements.

1.3 Application.

• This standard shall apply to the design, manufacturing, testing, and certification of new technical rescue protective ensembles and new ensemble elements.
• This edition of NFPA 1951 shall not apply to urban search and rescue (USAR) and technical rescue protective ensembles and ensemble elements manufactured and certified to previous editions of this standard.
• This standard shall not apply to technical rescue protec­tive ensembles and ensemble elements manufactured to the requirements of any other organization’s standards.
• This standard shall not apply to protective ensembles or protective ensemble elements for personnel assigned to or involved in search, rescue, recovery, or site stabilization opera­tions that require the functional capabilities for water or wild- land incidents.
• The requirements of this standard shall not apply to accessories that could be attached to any element of technical rescue ensembles. (See A. 1.1. 7.)

1.3.6* This standard shall not apply to protection for any fire- fighting operations or hazardous materials emergencies.

1.3.7 This standard shall not apply to the use of technical rescue protective ensembles and ensemble elements.

1.3.8* The requirements of this standard shall not apply to any accessories that could be attached to the product but that are not necessary for the product to meet the requirements of this standard.

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 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 1855, Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Protective Ensembles for Technical Rescue Incidents, 2018 edition.

• Other Publications.

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

AATCC 42, Water Resistance: Impact Penetration Test, 2017.

AATCC 61, Colorfastness to Laundering: Accelerated, 2013.

AATCC 135, Dimensional Changes in Automatic Home Launder- ing of Woven and Knit Fabrics, 2004.

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

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

ANSI/ISEA Z89.1, American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection, 2014.

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

ASTM B117, Standard Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus, 2016.

ASTM D471, Standard Test Method for Rubber Property — Effect of Liquids, 2016a.

ASTM D1683/D1683M, Standard Test Method for Failure in Seam Seams of Woven Fabrics, 2017e 1.

ASTM D3787, Standard Test Method for Bursting Strength of Textiles— Constant-Rate-ofTraverse (CRT) Ball Burst Test, 2016.

ASTM D3884, Standard Cuide for Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics (Rotary Platform, Double-Head Method), 2017.

ASTM D3885, Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics (Flexing and Abrasion Method), 2015.

ASTM D3940, Standard Test Method for Bunting Strength (Load) and Elongation of Sewn Seams of Knit or Woven Stretch Textile Fabrics, 1983.

ASTM D4966, Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics (Martindale Abrasion Tester Method), 2016.

ASTM D5034, Standard Test Method for Breaking Strength and Elongation of Textile Fabrics (Crab Test), 2017.

ASTM D5035, Standard Test Method for Breaking Force and Elon­gation of Textile Fabrics (Strip Method), 2015.

ASTM D5169, Standard Test Method for Shear Strength (Dynamic Method) of Hook and Loop Touch Fasteners, 2015.

ASTM D5170, Standard Test Method for Peel Strength (“T” Method) of Hook and Loop Touch Fasteners, 2015.

ASTM D5587/ D5587M, Standard Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by Trapezoid Procedure, 2016.

ASTM D6413/D6413M, Standard Test Method for Flame Resist­ance of Textiles (Vertical Test), 2015.

ASTM D7138, Standard Test Method to Determine Melting Temperature of Synthetic Fibers, 2016.

ASTM F903, Standard Test Method for Resistance of Materials Used in Protective Clothing to Penetration by Liquids, 2017.

ASTM F1342/F1342M, Standard Test Method for Protective Clothing Material Resistance to Puncture, 2013e 1.

ASTM F1671/F1671M, Standard Test Method for Resistance of Materials Used in Protective Clothing to Penetration by Blood-Borne Pathogens Using Phi-X 174 Bacteriophage as a Test System, 2013.

ASTM F1790, Test Methods for Measuring Cut Resistance of Mate­rials Used in Protective Clothing, 2005.

ASTM F1868, Standard Test Method for Thermal and Evaporative Resistance of Clothing Materials using a Sweating Hot Plate, 2017.

ASTM F2010/F2010M, Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Glove Effects on Wearer Hand Dexterity Using a Modified Pegboard Test, 2010.

ASTM F2412, Standard Test Methods for Foot Protection, 2018a.

ASTM F2413, Standard Specification for Performance Require­ments for Protective (Safety) Toe Cap Footwear, 2018.

ASTM F2913, Standard Test Method for Measuring the Coefficient of Friction for Evaluation of Slip Performance of Footwear and Test Surfaces/Flooring Using a Whole Shoe Tester, 2019.

ASTM F2961, Standard Test Method for Characterizing Gripping Performance of Gloves Using a Torque Meter, 2015.

• CENELEC Publications. CENELEC, European Commit­tee for Electrotechnical Standardization, CEN-CENELEC Management Centre, Avenue Marnix 17, 4th floor, B-1000, Brussels.

CEN EN 16473, Firefighter Helmets — Helmets for Technical Rescue, 2014.

EN 13087-8, Protective helmets — Test methods — Part 8: Electri­cal properties, 2005.

• AAFA Publications. American Apparel and Footwear Association, 1601 North Kent Street, Suite 1200, Arlington, VA 22209.

FIA Standard 1209, Whole Shoe Flex, 1984.

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

ISO Guide 27, Guidelines for corrective action to be taken by a certification body in the event of misuse of its mark of conformity, 1983.

ISO 4649, Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic — Determination of abrasion resistance using rotating cylindrical drum device, 2017.

ISO 9001, Quality management systems — Requirements, 2015.

ISO 17011, Conformity assessment — Requirements for accredita­tion bodies accrediting conformity assessment bodies, 2017.

ISO/IEC 17021, Conformity assessment — Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems — Part 1: Requirements, 2015.

ISO/IEC 17025, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, 2017.

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

• US Department of Defense Publications. Standardiza­tion Documents Order Desk, Building 4D, 700 Robbins Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094.

A-A-55126B, Commercial Item Description: Fastener Tapes, Hook and Loop, Synthetic, 2006.

A-A-55634, Commercial Item Description: Zippers (Fasteners, Slide Interlocking), 2004.

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

Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1910.132, “Personal Protective Equipment: General Requirements.”

Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1910.134, “Respi­ratory Protection Standard.”

Title 42, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 84.

• Other Publications.

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 accepted meaning.
• NFPA Official Definitions.

3.2.1* Approved. Acceptable to the authority having jurisdic­tion.

3.2.2* Authority Having Jurisdiction. 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.

• The bottom curve of the foot, from the heel to the ball.
• Barrier Layer. The component of the ensemble that is intended to provide protection from hazardous liquids.
• Biological Agents. Biological materials that are capable of causing acute disease or long-term damage to the human body.
• Body Fluid-Borne Pathogen. An infectious bacterium or virus carried in human, animal, or clinical body fluids, organs, or tissue.
• Body Fluids. Fluids that are produced by the body, including, but not limited to, blood, semen, mucus, feces, urine, vaginal secretions, breast milk, amniotic fluid, cerebro­spinal fluid, synovial fluid, and pericardial fluid.
• A part of the shell of the helmet extending around the entire circumference of the helmet.
• Cargo Pockets. Pockets located on the protective garment exterior.
• An abbreviation for chemicals, biological agents, and radiological particulate hazards.
• Certification Organization. An independent, third-party organization that determines product compliance with the requirements of this standard with a labeling/listing/follow-up program.
• 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 this standard, authorizes the manufacturer to use a label on listed products that comply with the require­ments of this standard, and establishes a follow-up program conducted by the certification organization as a check on the methods the manufacturer uses to determine continued compliance of labeled and listed products with the require­ments of this standard.
• See 3.3.92, Technical Rescue Protective Garments.
• 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.
• See 3.3.92, Technical Rescue Protective Garments.
• The act of removing contaminants from protective clothing and equipment by a physical, chemi­cal, or combined process.
• To run or fall in drops or blobs.
• Element(s). See 3.3.22, Ensemble Elements.
• Energy Absorbing System. Materials or systems used to attenuate impact energy.
• Ensemble Elements. The certified parts of an ensem­ble that provide protection to the upper and lower torso, arms, legs, head, hands, and feet.

3.3.23* 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.

• 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 ignitable liquid, without the production of damaging pressure.
• Follow-Up Program. The sampling, inspections, tests, or other measures conducted by the certification organization on a periodic basis to determine the continued compliance of labeled and listed products that are being produced by the manufacturer to the requirements of this standard.
• See 3.3.91, Technical Rescue Protective Foot­wear.
• Footwear Upper. The portion of the protective foot­wear element or item that includes, but is not limited to, the toe, vamp, quarter, shaft, collar, and throat, but not including the sole with heel, puncture-resistant device, and insole.
• See 3.3.92, Technical Rescue Protective Garments.
• Garment Closure. The garment component designed and configured to allow the wearer to don (put on) and doff (take off) the garment.
• Garment Closure Assembly. The combination of the garment closure and the seam attaching the garment closure to the garment, including any protective flap or cover.
• Garment Material. The primary protective material(s) used in the construction of garments.
• An interface component of the protective glove element that provides limited protection to the coat/ glove interface area.
• See 3.3.93, Technical Rescue Protective Gloves.
• Glove Body. The part of the glove that extends from the tip of the fingers to 25 mm (1 in.) beyond the wrist crease.
• Glove Gauntlet. See 3.3.33, Gauntlet.
• Glove Liner. The innermost component of the glove body composite that comes in contact with the wearer’s skin.

3.3.38 Goggles. The component that provides protection to the wearer’s eyes and a portion of the wearer’s face.

3.3.39* Gusset. The part of the protective footwear that is a relatively flexible material joining the footwear upper (quarter) and the tongue, which is intended to provide expansion of the footwear front to enable donning of the footwear while main­taining continuous moisture integrity of the footwear.

• Nonfabric components of the protective clothing or equipment, including, but not limited to, those made of metal or plastic.
• The portion of the helmet suspension that encircles the head.
• A device that simulates the configuration of the human head.
• See 3.3.95, Technical Rescue Protective Helmets.
• Helmet Positioning Index. The distance, as specified by the manufacturer, from the lowest point of the brow open­ing at the lateral midpoint of the helmet to the basic plane of the headform when the helmet is firmly positioned on the headform.
• The inner component of the footwear upon which the foot rests.
• Interface Area. An area of the body where the protec­tive garments, helmet, gloves, footwear, or SCBA facepiece meet. Interface areas include, but are not limited to, the coat/ helmet/SCBA facepiece area, the coat/trouser area, the coat/ glove area, and the trouser/footwear area.

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

• Ladder Shank. See 3.3.82, Shank.
• Liquid-Borne Pathogen. See 3.3.4, Body Fluid-Borne Pathogen.
• Major A Seam. See 3.3.79.1.
• Major B Seam. See 3.3.79.2.
• The entity that assumes the liability for the compliant product.
• Manufacturing Facility. A facility that produces, assem­bles, labels, or performs final inspection of a compliant prod­uct.
• A response to heat by a material resulting in evidence of flowing or dripping.
• Midsagittal Plane. The anatomical plane perpendicu­lar to the basic plane and containing the midpoint of the line connecting the notches of the right and left inferior orbital ridges and the midpoint of the line connecting the superior rims of the right and left auditory meatus.
• Minor Seam. See 3.3.79.3.
• The collective term used to identify a group of individual elements of the same basic design and components from a single manufacturer produced by the same manufactur­ing and quality assurance procedures that are covered by the same certification.
• Nape Device. A component used to aid in helmet retention.
•  
• Search Operations. An}’ 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.
• Outer Shell. The outermost component of an element or item not including trim, hardware, reinforcing material, pockets, wristlet material, accessories, fittings, or suspension systems.
• The wrapping or enclosure directly contain­ing the technical rescue ensembles or element.
• The compliant protective ensemble or the compliant elements and the compliant interface elements of the protective ensemble.

3.3.63* Product Label. A marking provided by the manufac­turer for each compliant product containing compliant state­ments, certification statements, manufacturer and model information, or similar data.

• Protective Clothing. See 3.3.90, Technical Rescue Protective Ensembles.
• Protective Coat. See 3.3.92, Technical Rescue Protec­tive Garments.
• Protective Coverall. See 3.3.92, Technical Rescue Protective Garments.
• Protective Ensemble. See 3.3.90, Technical Rescue Protective Ensembles.
• Protective Footwear. See 3.3.91, Technical Rescue Protective Footwear.
• Protective Garment. See 3.3.92, Technical Rescue Protective Garments.
• Protective Glove. See 3.3.93, Technical Rescue Protec­tive Gloves.
• Protective Goggle. See 3.3.94, Technical Rescue Protective Goggles.
• Protective Helmet. See 3.3.95, Technical Rescue Protective Helmets.
• Protective Trouser. See 3.3.92, Technical Rescue Protective Garments.
• 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 (1) the remains of a deceased victim or (2) property, but in no case a living person.
• Those operations directed at locating and removing endangered persons and treating the injured at an emergency incident.
• Retention System. The complete assembly by which the helmet is retained in position on the head.
• The ensemble, element, item, component, or composite that is conditioned for testing. (See also 3.3.85, Speci­men. )
• 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.
• 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.
• Minor Seam. Remaining seam assemblies that are not classified as Major A or Major B seams.
• Land-based efforts to find victims or recover bodies.
• A material response evidenced by splitting or delaminating.
• The component of footwear that provides addi­tional support to the instep.
• See 3.3.60, Outer Shell.
• Site Stabilization. Those activities directed at mitigat­ing the dangerous elements of an emergency situation.
• The conditioned element, item, compo­nent, or composite that is tested; specimens are taken from samples. (See also 3.3.78, Sample.)
•  
• 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.
• The energy attenuating system of the helmet that is made up of the headband and crown strap.
• That part of a helmet headband, either integral or attached, that comes in contact with the wearer’s forehead.
• Technical Rescue Incidents. Complex rescue incidents requiring specially trained personnel and special equipment to complete the mission.
• Technical Rescue Protective Ensembles. A protective ensemble that includes but is not limited to garments, helmets, goggles, gloves, and footwear.
• Technical Rescue Protective Footwear. The certified element of the protective ensemble that provides protection to the foot, ankle, and lower leg.
• Technical Rescue Protective Garments. The coat, trou- ser, and coverall certified elements of the protective ensemble that provide protection to the upper and lower torso, arms, and legs.
• Technical Rescue Protective Gloves. The certified element of the protective ensemble that provides protection to the hand and wrist.
• Technical Rescue Protective Goggles. The certified element of the protective ensemble that provides partial protection to the face and eyes.
• Technical Rescue Protective Helmets. The certified element of the protective ensemble that provides protection to the head.
• 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.

3.3.98* Tongue. The part of the protective footwear that is provided for protective footwear with a closure that extends from the vamp to the top line of the footwear between sides of the footwear upper and is exposed to the exterior environment when the footwear is correctly donned.

• Top Line. The top edge of the protective footwear that includes the tongue, gusset, quarter, collar, and shaft.
•  
• 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.
• The provision of medical first aid at the incident.
• See 3.3.92, Technical Rescue Protective Garments.
• Wear Surface. The bottom of the footwear sole, including the heel.
• Winter Liner. An optional component layer that provides added insulation against cold.
• The interface component of the protective element or item that provides limited protection to the coat/ glove interface area.

Chapter 4 Certification

4.1 General.

4.1.1 The process of certification for protective ensembles and ensemble elements as being compliant with NFPA 1951 shall meet the requirements of Section 4.1, General; Section 4.2, Certification Program; Section 4.3, Inspection and Testing; Section 4.4, Annual Verification of Product Compliance; Section 4.5, Manufacturers’ Quality Assurance Program; Section 4.6, Hazards Involving Compliant Product; Section 4.7, Manufacturers’ Investigation of Complaints and Returns; and

Section 4.8, Manufacturers’ Safety Alert and Product Recall Systems.

• All compliant protective ensembles and ensemble elements that are labeled as being compliant with this standard shall meet or exceed all applicable requirements specified in this standard and shall be certified.
• All certification shall be performed by a certification organization that meets at least the requirements specified in Section 4.2, Certification Program, and that is 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 — Requirements for accreditation bodies accrediting conformity assessment bodies.

4.1.4* Manufacturers shall not claim compliance with portions or segments of the requirements of this standard and shall not use the NFPA name or the name or identification of this standard, NFPA 1951, in any statements about their respec­tive product(s) unless the product(s) is certified as compliant to this standard.

• All compliant protective ensembles and ensemble elements shall be labeled.
• All compliant protective ensembles and ensemble elements shall be listed by the certification organization. The listing shall uniquely identify the certified product, for exam­ple, by style, model number, or part number.
• All compliant protective ensembles and ensemble elements shall also have a product label that meets the require­ments specified in Section 5.1, Product Label Requirements.
• The certification organization’s label, symbol, or identi­fying mark shall be attached to the product label, shall be part of the product label, or shall be immediately adjacent to the product label.
• The certification organization shall not issue any new certifications to the 2013 edition of this standard on or after the NFPA effective date for the 2020 edition.
• The certification organization shall not permit any manufacturer to continue to label any protective ensembles or ensemble elements that are certified as compliant with the 2013 edition of this standard on or after the effective date for the 2020 edition plus 12 months.
• The certification organization shall require manufac­turers to remove all certification labels and product labels indi­cating compliance with the 2013 edition of this standard from all protective ensembles and ensemble elements that are under the control of the manufacturer on the effective date of the 2020 edition plus 12 months, and the certification organization shall verify that this action is taken.

4.2 Certification Program.

4.2.1* The certification organization shall not be owned or controlled by manufacturers or vendors of the product being certified.

4.2.2 The certification organization shall be primarily engaged in certification work and shall not have a monetary interest in the product’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 — Requirements for accreditation bodies accrediting conformity assessment bodies.
• The certification organization shall refuse to certify products to this standard that do not comply with all applicable requirements of this standard.

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

• The certification organization shall not offer or confer any conditional, temporary, or partial certifications.
• Manufacturers shall not be authorized to use any label or reference to the certification organization on products that are not compliant with all applicable requirements of this standard.

4.2.6* The certification organization shall have laboratory facilities and equipment available for conducting proper tests to determine product compliance.

• The certification organization 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 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 manufac­turer to establish and maintain a quality assurance program that meets the requirements of Section 4.5, Manufacturer’s Quality Assurance Program.

4.2.7.1* The certification organization shall require the manufacturer to have a product recall system specified in Section 4.8, Manufacturers’ Safety Alert and Product Recall Systems, as part of the manufacturer’s quality assurance program.

4.2.7.2 The certification organization shall audit the manufac­turer’s quality assurance program to ensure that the quality assurance program provides continued product compliance with this standard.

• The certification organization and the manufacturer shall evaluate any changes affecting the form, fit, or function of the compliant product to determine its continued certification to this standard.

4.2.9* The certification organization shall have a follow-up inspection program of the manufacturer’s manufacturing facili­ties of the compliant product with at least two random and unannounced visits per 12-month period to verify the product’s continued compliance. Where portions of the production proc­ess are carried out by multiple facilities, the certification organ­ization shall determine the appropriate follow-up program according to which facility or facilities most closely meet the definition of manufacturing facility. (See 3.3.53, Manufacturing Facility.)

• As part of the follow-up inspection program, the certif­ication organization shall select sample compliant product at random from the manufacturing facility’s production line, from the manufacturer’s or manufacturing facility’s in-house stock, or from the open market.
• The sample product shall be evaluated by the certifica­tion organization to verify the product’s continued compliance to assure that the materials, components, and manufacturing quality assurance systems are consistent with the materials, components, and manufacturing quality assurance that were inspected and tested by the certification organization during certification and recertification.
• The certification organization shall be permitted to conduct specific testing to verify the products’ continued compliance.
• For products, components, and materials where prior testing, judgment, and experience of the certification organiza­tion have shown the result to be in jeopardy of not complying with this standard, the certification organization shall conduct more frequent testing of the sample product, components, and materials acquired in accordance with 4.2.9.1 against the appli­cable requirements of this standard.
• The certification organization shall have in place a series of procedures, as specified in Section 4.6, Hazards Involv­ing Compliant Product, that address report(s) of situation (s) in which a compliant product is subsequently found to be hazard­ous.
• The certification organization’s operating procedures shall provide a mechanism for the manufacturer 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 and label. The name and label shall be registered and legally defended.

4.3 Inspection and Testing.

• For both initial certification and recertification of protective ensembles and ensemble elements, the certification organization shall conduct both inspection and testing as speci­fied in this section.
• All inspections, evaluations, conditioning, and testing for certification or for recertification 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 17025, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, shall encompass testing of personal protective equipment.
• The accreditation of a certification organization’s test­ing laboratory shall be issued by an accreditation body operat­ing in accordance with ISO 17011, Conformity Assessment — Requirements for accreditation bodies accrediting conformity assessment bodies.
• A certification organization shall be permitted to utilize conditioning and testing results conducted by a product or component manufacturer for certification or recertification, provided the manufacturer’s testing laboratory meets the requirements specified in 4.3.3.1 through 4.3.3.5.
• The manufacturer’s testing laboratory shall be accredi­ted in accordance with the requirements of ISO 17025, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories.
• The manufacturer’s testing laboratory’s scope of accreditation to ISO 17025, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, shall encompass testing of personal protective equipment.
• The accreditation of a manufacturer’s testing labora­tory shall be issued by an accreditation body operating in accordance with ISO 17011, Confonnity Assessment — Require­ments for accreditation bodies accrediting conformity assessment bodies.
• The certification organization shall approve the manu­facturer’s testing laboratory.
• The certification organization shall determine the level of supervision and witnessing of the conditioning and test­ing for certification or recertification conducted at the manu­facturer’s testing laboratory.
• Sampling levels for testing and inspection shall be estab­lished by the certification organization and the manufacturer to ensure a reasonable and acceptable reliability at a reasona­ble and acceptable confidence level that products certified to this standard are compliant, unless such sampling levels are specified herein.
• Inspection by the certification organization shall include a review of all product labels to ensure that all required label attachments, compliance statements, certification statements, and other product information are at least as specified for the protective ensemble and ensemble elements in Section 5.1, Product Label Requirements.
• Inspection by the certification organization shall include an evaluation of any symbols and pictorial representations used on product labels or in user information, as permitted by 5.1.5, to ensure that the symbols are clearly explained in the product’s user information package.
• Inspection by the certification organization shall include a review of the user information required by Section 5.2 to ensure that the information lias been developed and is availa­ble.
• Inspection by the certification organization for deter­mining compliance with the design requirements specified in Chapter 6 shall be performed on whole or complete products.
• Testing to determine product compliance with the performance requirements specified in Chapter 7 shall be conducted by the certification organization in accordance with the specified testing requirements of Chapter 8.
• Testing shall be performed on specimens representa­tive of materials and components used in the actual construc­tion of the protective ensemble and ensemble element.
• The certification organization also shall be permitted to use sample materials cut from a representative product.
• The certification organization shall accept from the manufacturer, for evaluation and testing for certification, only product or product components that are the same in every respect as the actual final product or product component.
• The certification organization shall not allow any modi­fications, pretreatment, conditioning, or other such special processes of the product or any product component prior to the product’s submission for evaluation and testing by the certification organization.
• The certification organization shall not allow the substi­tution, repair, or modification, other than as specifically permitted herein, of any product or any product component during testing.
• 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.
• The certification organization shall test ensemble elements with the specific ensemble(s) with which they are to be certified.
• Any change in the design, construction, or material of a compliant product shall necessitate new inspection and testing to verify compliance to all applicable requirements of this standard that the certification organization determines can be affected by such change. This recertification shall be conduc­ted before labeling the modified product as being compliant with this standard.
• The manufacturer shall maintain all design and performance inspection and test data from the certification organization used in the certification of the manufacturer’s compliant product. The manufacturer shall provide such data, upon request, to the purchaser or authority having jurisdiction.

4.4 Annual Verification of Product Compliance.

4.4.1 All individual elements of the protective ensemble that are labeled as being compliant with this standard shall undergo recertification on an annual basis. This recertification shall include the following:

• Inspection and evaluation to all design requirements as required by this standard on all manufacturer models and components
• Testing to all performance requirements as required by this standard on all manufacturer models and compo­nents within the following protocol:
  • When a test method incorporates testing both before and after the laundering precondition speci­fied in 8.1.3 and the test generates quantitative results, recertification testing shall be limited to the conditioning that yielded the worst case test result during the initial certification for the model or component.
  • Where a test method incorporates testing both before and after the laundering precondition speci­fied in 8.1.3 and the test generates nonquantitative results, recertifications shall be limited to a single conditioning procedure in any given year. Subse­quent annual recertifications shall cycle through the remaining conditioning procedures to ensure that all required conditionings are included over time.
  • Where a test method requires the testing on three specimens, a minimum of one specimen shall be tested for annual recertification.
  • Where a test method requires the testing of five or more specimens, a minimum of two specimens shall be tested for annual recertification.
• Samples of manufacturer models and components for recertification acquired from the manufacturer or component supplier during random and unannounced visits as part of the follow-up inspection program in accordance with 4.2.9 shall be permitted to be used toward annual recertification.
• The manufacturer shall maintain all design and performance inspection and test data from the certification organization used in the recertification of manufacturer models and components. The manufacturer shall provide such data, upon request, to the purchaser or authority having juris­diction.

4.5* Manufacturers’ Quality Assurance Program.

• The manufacturer shall provide and operate a quality assurance program that meets the requirements of this section and that includes a product recall system as specified in 4.2.7.1, and Section 4.8, Manufacturers’ Safety Alert and Product Recall Systems.
• The operation of the quality assurance program shall evaluate and test compliant product production to the require­ments of this standard to assure production remains in compli­ance.
• All the following entities shall be either registered to ISO 9001, Quality management systems — Requirements, or listed as a covered location under an ISO 9001 registered entity:
  • Manufacturer
  • Manufacturing facility
  • Entity that directs and controls compliant product design
  • Entity that directs and controls compliant product quality assurance
  • Entity that provides the warranty for the compliant prod­uct
  • Entity that puts their name on the product label and markets and sells the product as their own

4.5.3.1 Registration to the requirements of ISO 9001, Quality management systems — Requirements, shall be conducted by a registrar that is accredited for personal protective equipment in accordance with ISO/IEC 17021, Conformity assessment — Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of manage­ment systems. The registrar shall affix the accreditation mark on the ISO registration certificate.

4.5.4* Where the manufacturer uses subcontractors in the construction or assembly of the compliant product, the loca­tions and names of all subcontractor facilities shall be docu­mented, and the documentation shall be provided to the manufacturer’s ISO registrar and the certification organization.

4.6 Hazards Involving Compliant Product.

4.6.1 The certification organization shall establish procedures to be followed where situation(s) are reported in which a compliant product is subsequently found to be hazardous. These procedures shall comply with the provisions of ISO Guide 27, Guidelines for corrective action to be taken by a certification body in the event of misuse of its mark of conformity, and as modified herein.

4.6.2* Where a report of a hazard involved with a compliant product is received by the certification organization, the valid­ity of the report shall be investigated.

• With respect to a compliant product, a hazard shall be a condition or create a situation that results in exposing life, limb, or property to an imminently dangerous or dangerous condition.
• Where a specific hazard is identified, the determination of the appropriate action for the certification organization and the manufacturer to undertake shall take into consideration the severity of the hazard and its consequences to the safety and health of users.
• Where it is established that a hazard is involved with a compliant product, the certification organization shall deter­mine the scope of the hazard, including products, model numbers, serial numbers, factory production facilities, produc­tion runs, and quantities involved.
• The certification organization’s investigation shall include, but not be limited to, the extent and scope of the problem as it might apply to other compliant products or compliant product components manufactured by other manu­facturers or certified by other certification organizations.
• The certification organization shall also investigate reports of a hazard where a compliant product is gaining wide­spread use in applications not foreseen when the standard was written, such applications in turn being ones for which the product was not certified, and no specific scope of application has been provided in the standard, and no limiting scope of application was provided by the manufacturer in written mate­rial accompanying the compliant product at the point of sale.
• The certification organization shall require the manufac­turer of the compliant product, or the manufacturer of the compliant product component if applicable, to assist the certifi­cation organization in the investigation and to conduct its own investigation as specified in Section 4.7, Manufacturers’ Investi­gation of Complaints and Returns.
• Where the facts indicating a need for corrective action are conclusive and the certification organization’s appeal procedures referenced in 4.2.11 have been followed, the certifi­cation organization shall initiate corrective action immediately, provided there is a manufacturer to be held responsible for such action.
• Where the facts are conclusive and corrective action is indicated, but there is no manufacturer to be held responsible, such as when the manufacturer is out of business or the manu­facturer is bankrupt, the certification organization shall imme­diately notify relevant governmental and regulatory agencies and issue a notice to the user community about the hazard.

4.6.11* Where the facts are conclusive and corrective action is indicated, the certification organization shall take one or more of the following corrective actions:

(1) Notification of parties authorized and responsible for issuing a safety alert when, in the opinion of the certifica­tion organization, such a notification is necessary to inform the users

• Notification of parties authorized and responsible for issuing a product recall when, in the opinion of the certif­ication organization, such a recall is necessary to protect the users
• Removal of the mark of certification from the product
• Where a hazardous condition exists and it is not practical to implement 4.6.11(1), 4.6.11(2), or 4.6.11(3), or the responsible parties refuse to take corrective action, the certification organization shall notify relevant govern­mental and regulatory agencies and issue a notice to the user community about the hazard

4.6.12 The certification organization shall provide a report to the organization or individual identifying the reported hazard­ous condition and notify them of the corrective action indica­ted, or that no corrective action is indicated.

4.6.13* Where a change to an NFPA standard(s) is felt to be necessary, the certification organization shall also provide a copy of the report and corrective actions indicated to the NFPA, and shall also submit either a public proposal for a proposed change to the next revision of the applicable stand­ard, or a proposed temporary interim amendment (TIA) to the current edition of the applicable standard.

• Manufacturers’ Investigation of Complaints and Returns.
  • Manufacturers shall provide corrective action in accord­ance with ISO 9001, Quality management systems — Requirements, for investigating written complaints and returned products.
  • Manufacturers’ records of returns and complaints rela­ted to safety issues shall be retained for at least 5 years.
  • Where the manufacturer discovers, during the review of specific returns or complaints, that a compliant product or compliant product component can constitute a potential safety risk to end users that is possibly subject to a safety alert or prod­uct recall, the manufacturer shall immediately contact the certification organization and provide all information about their review to assist the certification organization with their investigation.
• Manufacturers’ Safety Alert and Product Recall Systems.
  • Manufacturers shall establish a written safety alert system and a written product recall system that describes the proce­dures to be used in the event that it decides, or is directed by the certification organization, to either issue a safety alert or to conduct a product recall.
  • The manufacturers’ safety alert and product recall system shall provide the following:
    • The establishment of a coordinator and responsibilities by the manufacturer for the handling of safety alerts and product recalls
    • A method of notifying all dealers, distributors, purchas­ers, users, and the NFPA about the safety alert or product recall that can be initiated within a one week period following the manufacturer’s decision to issue a safety alert or to conduct a product recall, or after the manufac­turer has been directed by the certification organization to issue a safety alert or conduct a product recall
    • Techniques for communicating accurately and under­standably the nature of the safety alert or product recall and in particular the specific hazard or safety issue found to exist
    • Procedures for removing a product that is recalled and for documenting the effectiveness of the product recall
    • A plan for either repairing, replacing, or compensating purchasers for returned product

Chapter 5 Labeling and Information 5.1 Product Label Requirements.

5.1.1* Each element of the protective ensemble shall have a product label or labels permanently and conspicuously located inside each element when the element is properly assembled with all layers and components in place.

5.1.2 Multiple label pieces shall be permitted in order to carry all statements and information required to be on the product label; however, all label pieces that make up the product label shall be located adjacent to each other.

5.1.3* The certification organization’s label, symbol, or identi­fying mark shall be permanently attached to the product label or shall be part of the product label. All letters shall be at least 2.5 mm (%2 in.) high. The label, symbol, or identifying mark shall be at least 6 mm (4 in.) in height and shall be placed in a conspicuous location.

• All worded portions of the required product label shall be printed at least in English.
• Symbols and other pictorial graphic representations shall be permitted to be used to supplement worded statements on the product label(s) where the symbols and pictorial graphic representations are clearly explained in the product’s user information package.
• The statement specified in 5.1.6.1 for the specific element being certified shall be printed legibly on the product label. The appropriate term for the element (e.g., garment, helmet, glove, footwear, goggles) shall be inserted in the compliance statement text where indicated. All letters shall be at least 2.5 mm in.) in height.
• For technical rescue protective ensemble elements, the following statement shall be printed as specified in 5.1.6:

THIS TECHNICAL RESCUE PROTECTIVE ENSEMBLE [insert appropriate element term here] ELEMENT MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS OF NFPA 1951, STANDARD ON PROTECTIVE ENSEMBLES FOR TECHNICAL RESCUE INCIDENTS, 2020 EDITION. DO NOT REMOVE THIS LABEL.

• Where technical rescue garments meet the optional requirements for blood-borne pathogen protective garments, the following statement shall also be printed on the product label as specified in 5.1.6 immediately following the statement in 5.1.6.1:

THIS GARMENT MEETS THE OPTIONAL BLOOD-BORNE PATHOGEN PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS OF NFPA 1951-2020.

• Where the technical rescue garments meet the optional requirements for blood-borne pathogen protective garments and are composed of separable layers, at least the following statement and information shall also be printed on the product label as specified in 5.1.6 and placed on the outer shell:

FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE BLOOD-BORNE PATHO­GEN PROTECTION OPTIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF NFPA 1951, THE FOLLOWING PROTECTIVE ITEMS MUST BE WORN IN CONJUNCTION WITH THIS GARMENT: (list separable layers here).

• The following information shall also be printed legibly on the product label, and all letters shall be at least 1.6 mm (’46 in.) high:
  • Manufacturer’s name, identification, or designation
  • Manufacturer’s address
  • Country of manufacture
  • Manufacturer’s element identification number, lot

number, or serial number

• Month and year of manufacture (not coded)
• Model name, number, or design
• Size or size range
• * Principal material(s) of construction.
  • For gloves, at least the outer layer, barrier layer, and thermal lining layer, where applicable, shall be listed. Generic names of materials shall be permit­ted to be used. If used, the type of leather shall be listed. Additional materials that are used through­out the significant portion of the glove’s construc­tion shall also be listed on the label.
  • For footwear, at least the outer layer, barrier layer, and thermal lining layer, where applicable, shall be listed. Generic names of materials shall be permit­ted to be used. Additional materials that are used throughout the majority of the boot shall also be listed on the boot label.
  • For garments, at least the identification of the fiber or material type of the outer shell and barrier layer, where applicable, shall be listed.
  • For helmets, at least the general terminology for the shell material shall be used.
• Cleaning precautions, if applicable

• Supplementary Product Labels.
• For garments only, where the outer shell and barrier layer are separable, each separable layer shall also have a label containing the information required in 5.1.7(4) through 5.1.7(8).
• Supplementary product labels shall also meet the requirements of 5.1.4 and 5.1.5.
• Specific Requirements for Technical Rescue Incidents Protective Goggles.
• For goggles only, the product label shall be permitted to be placed on the package.
• The package containing the smallest number of goggle elements from which the user withdraws product for use shall have a package product label.
• The package product label shall be permanently and conspicuously located on the outside of the package or printed on the package.
• The label shall not be removed, obscured, or otherwise mutilated by the opening of the package when the package is opened as intended.

5.1.9.5 Where goggles have a package label, the certification organization’s label, symbol, or identifying mark and at least the following statement shall be legibly printed as the product label on each pair of goggles. All letters and numbers shall be at least 3 mm (V* in.) high.

MEETS NFPA 1951, 2020 EDITION

5.2 User Information.

5.2.1 The manufacturer shall provide user information, including, but not limited to, warnings, information, and instructions with each element.

5.2.2* The manufacturer shall attach the required user infor­mation or packaging containing the user information to the element in such a manner that it is not possible to use the element without being aware of the availability of the informa­tion.

5.2.3 The required user information or packaging containing the user information shall be attached to the element so that a deliberate action is necessary to remove it. The element manu­facturer shall provide notice that the user information is to be removed only by the end user.

5.2.4* The element manufacturer shall provide at least the following instructions and information with each element:

• Pre-use information, including the following:
  • Safety considerations
  • Limitations of use
  • Marking recommendations and restrictions
  • A statement that most performance properties of the element cannot be tested by the user in the field
  • Warranty information
• Preparation for use, including the following:
  • Sizing/adjustment
  • Recommended storage practices
• Inspection, including inspection frequency and details
• Don/doff, including the following:
  • Donning and doffing procedures
  • Sizing and adjustment procedures
  • Interface issues
• Use, including proper use consistent with 29 CFR 1910.132
• Maintenance and cleaning, including the following:
  • Cleaning instructions and precautions with a state­ment advising users not to use garments that are not thoroughly cleaned and dried
  • Inspection details
  • Maintenance criteria and methods of repair where applicable
  • Decontamination procedures for both chemical and biological contamination
• Retirement and disposal, including criteria and consider­ations
• A statement that the liquid barrier layer has not been evaluated for all chemicals that can be encountered during technical rescue operations and information that the effects of chemical exposure on the liquid barrier layer are to be evaluated per the inspection procedures in NFPA 1855.

Chapter 6 Design Requirements

6.1 Technical Rescue Protective Ensemble Design Require­ments.

6.1.1 Technical Rescue Protective Ensemble Garment Elements.

• Garments shall at least meet the design requirements specified in this section.
• Garments shall be permitted to be single-layer or multiple-layer garments.
• All coats and coveralls shall have a collar.
• Garments shall not have turn-up cuffs. Sleeve cuffs shall have a closure system that can be adjusted to provide a snug and secure fit around the wrist when a technical rescue glove is worn.
• Pass-through openings of coveralls shall have a closure system that can be easily secured and easily opened by the wearer.
• Sewing thread utilized in the construction of garments shall be made of an inherently flame-resistant fiber.
• All garment hardware finish shall be free of rough spots, burrs, and sharp edges.
• Zippers shall meet the physical performance require­ments of A-A-55634, Commercial Item Description: Zippers (Fasten­ers, Slide Interlocking).
• Expandable pockets, where provided, shall have a means to drain water and shall have a means of being fastened in the closed position. This shall not apply to patch pockets that lie flat on the garment.
• All coat front closure systems and trouser fly closure systems shall be secured with positive locking fasteners, includ­ing, but not limited to, hooks and dees or zippers.

6.1.1.10.1 Nonpositive fasteners, such as snaps or hook and pile tape, shall not be used as positive locking fasteners but shall be permitted to be utilized as supplementary garment closure devices.

• One-piece coverall torso closure systems shall be continuous from the top of the crotch area to the top of the garment at the neck.
• Metallic closure systems shall not come in direct contact with the body.
• Metal components of the garments shall not come in direct contact with the body.

6.1.1.14* Garment Sizing.

• Upper torso garment chest circumferences shall be provided in circumferences from 760 mm to 1270 mm (30 in. to 50 in.) in 50 mm (2 in.) increments or cut to order.
• Upper torso garment sleeve lengths shall be provi­ded in lengths from 760 mm to 915 mm (30 in. to 36 in.) in 25 mm (1 in.) increments or cut to order.
• Lower torso garment waist circumferences shall be provided in circumferences from 660 mm to 1270 mm (26 in. to 50 in.) in 50 mm (2 in.) increments or cut to order.
• Lower torso garment inseam lengths shall be provi­ded in lengths from 660 mm to 890 mm (26 in. to 35 in.) in 25 mm (1 in.) increments or cut to order.
• Men’s and women’s sizing shall be accomplished by the use of individual patterns for men’s and women’s garments.

6.1.1.15 Optional Requirements for Blood-Borne Pathogen Protective Technical Rescue Garment Ensemble Elements.

6.1.1.15.1* Garments shall have a means of securing the barrier layer to the outer shell.

• Garment barrier layers or materials meeting the performance requirements of this component shall extend at least to the neckline seam of coats and to the waistline seam of trousers and shall extend to at least 75 mm (3 in.) of the bottom outer shell hems of both coats and trousers.
• For coats, the barrier layers or materials meeting the performance requirements of this component shall extend at least to within 25 mm (1 in.) of the sleeve ends of the outer shell and shall be attached at or adjacent to the end of the coat sleeves.
• For trousers, the barrier layers or materials meet­ing the performance requirements of this component shall be attached to the trouserlegs.
• Any mechanism used to attach the barrier layer to the coat sleeves or trouser legs shall not be greater than 25 mm (1 in.) between the attachment points, and the mechanism and attachment points shall not be expandable.
• Garments and their closure systems, including the coat front and the trouser fly, shall be constructed in a manner that provides continuous liquid protection.
• All garment barrier layer seams shall be sealed to provide continuous liquid protection.
• Pass-through openings of the barrier layer shall not be permitted.
• Technical Rescue Protective Ensemble Helmet Elements.
• Helmets shall have at least the applicable design requirements specified in this section where inspected by the certification organization as specified in Section 4.3, Inspection and Testing.
• Suspension shall contain a nape device and shall be removable and replaceable.
• Helmet suspension shall be adjustable in at least 3 mm (V_s) hat size increments, and the size range that can be accommodated shall be marked on the product label.
• Chin straps shall be provided and shall not be less than 12 mm (% in.) in width.
• Product labels and any other identification labels or markers used on helmet shells shall be affixed without the use of any metal parts or metallic labels.

6.1.2.6* Helmets shall be permitted to have ventilation open- ings.

• Technical Rescue Protective Ensemble Glove Elements.

6.1.3.1 Gloves shall at least meet the design requirements specified in this section.

6.1.3.2* Gloves shall consist of a material or materials meeting the performance requirements of 7.1.3. The composite shall be permitted to be configured as a single layer or multiple layers. If the glove is made up of multiple layers, all layers of the glove shall be individually graded per size.

• The glove shall consist of at least a glove body.
• The glove shall extend circumferentially from the tip of the fingers to at least the wrist crease.
• The portion of the glove that extends from the tip of the fingers to the wrist crease shall be considered to be the glove body and shall meet the glove body requirements as specified in 7.1.3.
• The portion of the glove that extends from the wrist crease up to the end of the entire glove, where present, shall be considered to be the glove interface component and shall meet the glove interface component requirements as specified in 7.1.3.
• The location of the wrist crease shall be deter­mined by first placing the glove on a measurement board palm down and securing (locking) the fingertips down on the board.
• A 454 g (1 lb) weight shall be attached to the end of the glove body or gauntlet glove interface component. The weight shall not be attached to a knitted wristlet glove interface component. The weight shall be applied evenly across the glove.
• The weight shall be allowed to hang freely in the air for 60 seconds prior to any measurements.

6.1.3.3.3.4* Two points shall be marked on the back side of the glove, and the location of the points shall be determined by measuring down the distances shown in Table 6.1.3.3.3.4 from the finger crotch of digit two and from the finger crotch of digit three. The distances are shown according to glove size.

• A straight line shall be drawn on the back side of the glove using the two points. This line shall be drawn around the side edges of the glove.
• The glove shall be removed from the measurement board. A line shall be drawn on the palm side of the glove by connecting the lines from the side edges of the glove.
• The resulting straight line around the circumfer­ence of the glove shall be the location of the wrist crease.
• The glove shall be designed to fit closely around the wearer’s wrist or shall be adjustable such that a close fit around the wearer’s wrist can be achieved.

Table 6.1.3.3.3.4 Glove Sizes and Corresponding Palm Length

Palm Length

Glove Size                                cm                                    in.

XS                                          9.46                                  3.72

S                                             10.04                                3.95

M                                           10.68                                4.20

L                                             11.21                                4.42

XL                                          11.73                                4.62

XXL                                       12.23                                4.81 6.1.3.5 Sewing thread utilized in the construction of gloves shall be made of an inherently flame-resistant fiber.

6.1.3.6* Glove Sizing.

• In order to label or otherwise represent a glove as compliant with the requirements of this standard, the manufac­turer shall provide gloves in not fewer than the following sizes:
  • Extra Small (XS)
  • Small (S)
  • Medium (M)
  • Large (L)
  • Extra Large (XL)
  • Extra, Extra Large (XXL)
• Gloves shall be available in at least two finger lengths for all sizes in 6.1.3.6.1.
• The glove size indicated on the label shall be deter­mined by the hand length and hand circumference ranges provided in Table 6.1.3.6.3.

6.1.4 Technical Rescue Protective Ensemble Footwear Elements.

• Footwear shall at least meet the design requirements specified in this section.
• The footwear shall consist of a composite meeting the performance requirements of 7.1.4. The composite shall be permitted to be configured as a continuous or joined single layer or continuous or joined multiple layers. If the footwear is made up of multiple layers, all layers of the footwear shall be individually graded per size.
• Footwear shall consist of a sole with heel, an upper with lining, an insole with puncture-resistant device, a ladder shank, and a toecap permanently attached.
• Footwear height shall be a minimum of 150 mm (6 in.).
• The footwear height shall be determined by measur­ing inside the footwear from the center of the insole at the heel up to a perpendicular reference line extending across the width of the footwear at the lowest point of the topline, exclud­ing the tongue and gusset.
• Removable insole inserts shall not be removed prior to measurement.
• Moisture protection shall be continuous circumfer- entially to within 50 mm (2 in.) of the footwear topline at all locations with the exception of the area inside of and within 13 mm (0.5 in.) around pull-up holes that fully penetrate the footwear from the outside to the inside. The height of moisture protection at all locations of the boot shall be no less than 150 mm (6 in.) when measured as described in 6.1.4.4.1.

6.1.4.4.4 Physical protection shall be continuous circumferen- tially to within 50 mm (2 in.) of the footwear topline at all loca­tions with the exception of the tongue, gusset, and the area inside of and within 13 mm (0.5 in.) around pull-up holes that fully penetrate the footwear from the outside to the inside. The height of physical protection at all locations of the boot with the exception of the tongue and gusset shall be no less than 150 mm (6 in.) when measured as described in 6.1.4.4.1.

• The puncture-resistant device shall cover the maxi­mum area of the insole.
• Footwear shall have a toecap that extends not less than 50 mm (2 in.) from the front edge of the footwear.
• Sewing thread utilized in the construction of footwear shall be made of an inherently flame-resistant fiber.
• Metal parts shall not penetrate from the outside into the lining or insole at any point unless the metal parts are covered.
• No metal parts, including but not limited to nails or screws, shall be present or utilized in the construction or attachment of the sole with heel to the puncture-resistant device, insole, or upper.
• Where stud hooks are used, there shall be a mini­mum of four metal stud hooks on each side of the eyerow.
• Eyelets, where used, shall be constructed of coated steel, solid brass, brass-coated nickel, or nickel.
• Where the footwear incorporates a metatarsal impact guard, it shall be positioned partially over the protective toecap and extended to cover the metatarsal bone area. Where provi­ded, the metatarsal protection shall be an integral and perma­nent part of the footwear.
• Footwear shall meet the performance requirements as specified in ASTM F2413, Standard Specification for Performance Requirements for Protective (Safety) Toe Cap Footwear, for impact- resistant footwear, compression-resistant footwear, and puncture-resistant footwear with the exception that flex resist­ance to cracking shall not be evaluated.
• Where metatarsal protection is provided, footwear shall also meet the performance requirements as specified in ASTM F2413, Standard Specification for Performance Requirements for Protective (Safety) Toe Cap Footwear, for metatarsal protective footwear.

Table 6.1.3.6.3 Hand Length and Hand Circumference Ranges

Range for Hand Length Range for Hand Circumference (cm/in.)                                (cm/in.)

Sizing for:

16.25-17.25/6.40-6.79 17.25-18.25/6.79-7.19 18.25-19.25/7.19-7.58 19.25-20.25/7.58-7.97 20.25-21.25/7.97-8.37 > 21.25/> 8.37

16.25-20.25/6.40-7.97 17.25-21.25/6.79-8.37 18.25-22.25/7.19-8.76 19.25-23.25/7.58-9.15 20.25-24.25/7.97-9.55 > 24.25/> 9.55

Extra Small (XS) glove Small (S) glove Medium (M) glove Large (L) glove Extra-Large (XL) glove Extra, Extra-Large (XXL) glove

6.1.4.15 Footwear Sizing.

• Footwear shall be available in all of the following sizes:
  • Men’s 6-15, including half sizes, and a minimum of three widths
  • Women’s 5-10, including half sizes, and a minimum of three widths
• Manufacturers shall be required to establish and provide, upon request, a size conversion chart for each model or style of protective footwear based on toe length, arch length, and foot width as measured on the Brannock Scientific Foot- Measuring Device.
• Full and half sizes in each of the three required widths shall be accomplished by individual and unique lasts to provide proper fit.

6.1.5 Utility Protective Ensemble Goggle Elements.

• Goggle elements shall meet the respective require­ments for goggles and be marked “Z87+” in accordance with ANSI/ISEA Z87.1, Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices.
• Goggle elements shall be rated as “Z87+” in accord­ance with ANSI Z87.1, Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices.
• Goggle elements shall be permitted to be attached to the helmet.

Chapter 7 Performance Requirements

7.1 Technical Rescue Protective Ensemble Performance Requirements.

7.1.1 Technical Rescue Protective Ensemble Garment Elements.

• Garment composites shall be tested for total heat loss as specified in Section 8.4, Total Heat Loss Test, and shall have a total heat loss equal to or greater than 650 W/m².
• Textile fabrics and linings used for garments shall be tested for tear resistance as specified in Section 8.5, Tear Resist­ance Test, and shall have a tear resistance of not less than 30 N (6.75 lbf).
• Outer shell fabric shall be tested for breaking strength as specified in Section 8.6, Breaking Strength Test, and shall have a breaking strength of not less than 400 N (90 lbf).
• Garment outer shell fabrics shall be tested for abrasion resistance as specified in Section 8.7, Abrasion Resistance Test 1, and shall have an ending breaking strength of not less than 230 N (50 lbf).
• Garment outer shell fabrics and liners shall be individ­ually tested for cleaning shrinkage resistance as specified in Section 8.8, Cleaning Shrinkage Resistance Test, and shall not shrink more than 5 percent in either direction.
• All garment seam assemblies shall be tested for seam strength as specified in Section 8.10, Seam Breaking Strength Test, and shall demonstrate a seam strength equal to or greater than that stipulated for the respective seam type.
• Garment seam assemblies shall demonstrate a seam strength equal to or greater than 315 N (70 lbf) force for Major A seams and 180 N (40 lbf) for Major B seams.
• All combination woven and knit or stretch knit seam assemblies shall meet the requirements specified in 7.1.1.6.1.
• Seam strength shall be considered acceptable where the fabric strength is less than the required seam strength specified in 7.1.1.6.1, provided the fabric fails without seam fail­ure below the applicable forces specified in 7.1.1.6.1.
• Textile fabrics, linings, collar linings, lettering, and other materials used in garment construction, including but not limited to padding, reinforcement, interfacing, binding, and hanger loops but excluding emblems, labels, and patches, shall be individually tested for flame resistance as specified in Section 8.2, Flame Resistance Test 1, and shall not have a char length of more than 100 mm (4 in.), shall not have an after- flame of more than 2 seconds, and shall not melt or drip.
• Zippers shall meet the performance requirements specified in 7.1.1.7 only where located on the exterior of the garment.
• Elastic and hook and pile fasteners shall meet the performance requirements specified in 7.1.1.7 only where loca­ted where they will directly contact the wearer’s body.
• Small specimens that are not large enough to meet the sample size requirements in 8.2.2.1 shall be tested for resist­ance to flame as specified in 8.2.11 and shall not have an after- flame of more than 2 seconds and shall not melt or drip.
• Garment materials utilized in garments shall be indi­vidually tested for thermal shrinkage resistance as specified in Section 8.3, Heat and Thermal Shrinkage Resistance Test, and shall not shrink more than 10 percent in any direction.
• Garment materials shall be individually tested for heat resistance in their original form as specified in Section 8.3, Heat and Thermal Shrinkage Resistance Test, and shall not melt, drip, separate, ignite, or char.
• Sewing thread utilized in the construction of garments shall be tested for heat resistance as specified in Section 8.12, Thread Heat Resistance Test, and shall not melt.
• All metal hardware and hardware that includes metal parts shall be tested for corrosion resistance as specified in Section 8.13, Corrosion Resistance Test, and shall have metals that are inherently resistant to corrosion, including but not limited to stainless steel, brass, copper, aluminum, and zinc, show no more than light surface-type corrosion or oxidation; shall have ferrous metals show no corrosion of the base metal; and shall have hardware items remain functional.
• Garment outer shell fabric shall be tested for water absorption resistance as specified in Section 8.11, Water Absorption Resistance Test, and shall have a percent water absorption of 15 percent or less.
• Garment product labels shall be tested for legibility as specified in Section 8.33, Label Durability and Legibility Test, and shall not be torn, shall remain in place, and shall be legible to the unaided eye.
• Where used as part of a garment closure, fastener tape shall be tested for breaking strength as specified in Section 8.36, Fastener Tape Strength Tests, and in A-A-55126B,

Commercial Item Description: Fastener Tapes, Hook and Loop, Synthetic, and shall meet or exceed the minimum breaking strength requirements as set forth in the specification estab­lished in Table 1 of A-A-55126B, Commercial Item Description: Fastener Tapes, Hook and Loop, Synthetic.

• Where used as part of a garment closure, fastener tape shall be tested for shear strength as specified in Section 8.36, Fastener Tape Strength Tests, and in A-A-55126B, Commercial Item Description: Fastener Tapes, Hook and Loop, Synthetic, and shall meet or exceed the minimum shear strength requirements as set forth in the specification established in Table 1 of A-A-55126B, Commercial Item Description: Fastener Tapes, Hook and Loop, Synthetic.
• Where used as part of a garment closure, fastener tape shall be tested for peel strength as specified in Section 8.36, Fastener Tape Strength Tests, and in A-A-55126B, Commercial Item Description: Fastener Tapes, Hook and Loop, Synthetic, and shall meet or exceed the minimum peel strength requirements as set forth in the specification established in Table 1 of A-A-55126B, Commercial Item Description: Fastener Tapes, Hook and Loop, Synthetic.

7.1.2 Technical Rescue Protective Ensemble Helmet Elements.

• Helmets shall be tested for heat resistance as specified in Section 8.3, Heat and Thermal Shrinkage Resistance Test, and shall not have any distortion of the shell extend more than 30 mm (1^6 in.) below the original position of the helmet, and hardware and retention system shall remain functional.
• Helmets shall be tested for force transmission as speci­fied by Section 8.16, Force Transmission Test, and shall not transmit an average force of more than 3785 N (850 lbf). No individual specimen shall transmit a force of more than 4450 N (1000 lbf).
• Helmets shall be tested for force transmission as speci­fied in Section 8.37, Offset Force Transmission Test, and shall not transmit an average force of more than 5 kN (1124 lbf) when subjected to an impact energy of 25 J ± 1 J.
• Helmets shall be tested for physical penetration resist­ance as specified in Section 8.17, Physical Penetration Resist­ance Test, and shall exhibit no electrical or physical contact between the penetration striker and the headform.
• Helmet shell material shall be tested for electrical conductivity as specified in Section 8.18, Electrical Insulation Test, and shall not have electrical leakage current exceeding­ly milliam peres.
• Helmets with suspension systems shall be tested as specified in Section 8.19, Suspension System Retention Test, and shall not have the minimum force required to separate any individual attachment point of the suspension assembly from the helmet shell be less than 22 N (5 lbf).
• Helmets shall be tested for retention system and chin strap efficiency as specified in Section 8.20, Retention System Test, and the retention system shall not break or show any slip or stretch greater than 38 mm (V/,).
• All metal hardware and hardware that includes metal parts shall be tested for corrosion resistance as specified in Section 8.13, Corrosion Resistance Test, and shall have metals that are inherently resistant to corrosion, including but not limited to stainless steel, brass, copper, aluminum, and zinc, show no more than light surface-type corrosion or oxidation; shall have ferrous metals show no corrosion of the base metal; and shall have hardware items remain functional.

7.1.2.9 Helmet product labels shall be tested for legibility as specified in Section 8.33, Label Durability and Legibility Test, and shall not be torn, shall remain in place, and shall be legible to the unaided eye.

7.1.3 Technical Rescue Protective Ensemble Glove Elements.

• Glove body composites shall be tested for resistance to cut as specified in Section 8.22, Cut Resistance Test, and shall have a distance of blade travel not less than 20 mm (0.8 in.).
• Glove body composites shall be tested as specified in Section 8.23, Puncture Resistance Test 1, and shall not punc­ture under an average applied force of 22 N (5 lbf).
• Glove body composites shall be tested as specified in Section 8.9, Abrasion Resistance Test 2, and shall show no wear- through.
• Gloves shall be tested for hand function as specified in Section 8.24, Glove Hand Function Test, and shall not have an average percent of barehanded control exceeding 170
• Gloves shall be tested for grip as specified in Section 8.25, Grip Test, and shall not have a drop of force of more than 30 percent in any 0.2-second interval.
• Gloves shall be tested for ease of donning as specified in Section 8.26 and shall have neither a baseline donning time exceed 10 seconds nor a final donning time exceed the base­line donning time plus 20 seconds, shall have no detachment of the inner liner, where present, and shall allow full insertion of all digits.
• Glove body composites, including but not limited to trim, labels, and external tags, but excluding hardware and hook and pile fasteners that do not directly contact the wear­er’s body, shall be individually tested for flame resistance as specified in Section 8.21, Flame Resistance Test 3; shall have an average char length of not more than 100 mm (4 in.); shall have an average afterflame of not more than 2 seconds; and shall not melt or drip.
• Gloves shall be tested for heat resistance as specified in Section 8.3, Heat and Thermal Shrinkage Resistance Test, and shall not separate, melt, ignite, or drip. Hook and pile fasteners on gloves shall be excluded from these requirements because these items are placed such that they will not directly contact the wearer’s body.
• All glove metal hardware and hardware that includes metal parts shall be tested for corrosion resistance as specified in Section 8.13, Corrosion Resistance Test, and shall have metals that are inherently resistant to corrosion, including but not limited to stainless steel, brass, copper, aluminum, and zinc, show no more than light surface-type corrosion or oxida­tion; shall have ferrous metals show no corrosion of the base metal; and shall have hardware items remain functional.
• Glove knit wristlet material shall be tested for mate­rial strength as specified in Section 8.34, Burst Strength Test, and shall have a burst strength of not less than 180 N (40.7 lbf).
• Sewing thread utilized in the construction of gloves shall be tested for heat resistance as specified in Section 8.12, Thread Heat Resistance Test, and shall not melt.
• Glove product labels shall be tested for legibility as specified in Section 8.33, Label Durability and Legibility Test, and shall not be torn, shall remain in place, and shall be legible to the unaided eye.
• Glove interface component composites shall be indi­vidually tested for flame resistance as specified in Section 8.21, Flame Resistance Test 3, and shall have an average char length of not more than 100 mm (4 in.), shall have an average after- flame of not more than 2 seconds, and shall not melt or drip.
• Gloves shall be tested for grip function as specified in Section 8.35, Torque Test, and shall have an average percent of barehanded control not less than 80 percent.

7.1.4 Technical Rescue Protective Ensemble Footwear Elements.

• Footwear uppers shall be tested for abrasion resistance as specified in Section 8.9, Abrasion Resistance Test 2, and shall show no wear-through.
• Footwear uppers shall be tested for cut resistance as specified in Section 8.22, Cut Resistance Test, and shall have a distance of blade travel not less than 20 mm (0.8 in.).
• Footwear uppers shall be tested for puncture resist­ance as specified in Section 8.23, Puncture Resistance Test 1, and shall not puncture under an applied force of 45 N (10 lbf).
• Footwear ladder shanks shall be tested for resistance to bending as specified in Section 8.28, Ladder Shank Bend Resistance Test, and shall not deflect more than 6 mm (% in.).
• Footwear soles and heels shall be tested for abrasion resistance as specified in Section 8.29, Abrasion Resistance Test 3, and the relative volume loss shall not be greater than 250 mm³ (0.02 in.³).
• Footwear shall be tested for slip resistance as specified in Section 8.30, Slip Resistance Test, and shall have a coeffi­cient of friction of 0.45 or greater.
• Footwear shall be tested for electrical conduction as specified in Section 8.31, Electrical Insulation Test 2, and shall not have any electrical leakage exceed 3 milliamperes.
• Eyelets and stud hooks shall be tested for detachment strength as specified in Section 8.32, Eyelet and Stud Post Attachment Test, and shall have a minimum detachment strength of 300 N (66 lbf).
• All metal hardware and hardware that includes metal parts shall be tested for corrosion resistance as specified in Section 8.13, Corrosion Resistance Test, and shall have metals that are inherently resistant to corrosion, including but not limited to stainless steel, brass, copper, aluminum, and zinc, show no more than light surface-type corrosion or oxidation; shall have ferrous metals show no corrosion of the base metal; and shall have hardware items remain functional.
• Footwear shall be individually tested for flame resist­ance as specified in Section 8.27, Flame Resistance Test 4, shall not have an afterflame of more than 5 seconds, shall not melt or drip, and shall not exhibit any burn-through.
• Footwear shall be tested for heat resistance as speci­fied in Section 8.3, Heat and Thermal Shrinkage Resistance Test, and, other than the laces, shall not have any part of the footwear melt, shall have no delamination or separation of any part of the footwear, shall have all hardware remain functional, and shall show no water penetration.
• Footwear upper material composite, upper seams, and vamp seams shall be tested for liquid penetration resist­ance as specified in Section 8.14, Liquid Penetration Resistance Test, and shall show no chemical penetration.
• Footwear upper material composite, upper seams, and vamp seams shall be tested for biopenetration resistance as specified in Section 8.15, Viral Penetration Resistance Test, and shall show no viral penetration.
• Sewing thread utilized in the construction of footwear shall be made of an inherently flame-resistant fiber, shall be tested for heat resistance as specified in Section 8.12, Thread Heat Resistance Test, and shall not melt.
• Footwear product labels shall be tested for legibility as specified in Section 8.33, Label Durability and Legibility Test, and shall not be torn, shall remain in place, and shall be legible to the unaided eye.
• Footwear shall meet the performance requirements as specified in ASTM F2413, Standard Specification for Performance Requirements for Protective (Safety) Toe Cap Footwear, for impact- resistant footwear, compression-resistant footwear, and puncture-resistant footwear, with the exception that flex resist­ance to cracking shall not be evaluated.
• Where footwear is provided with metatarsal protec­tion, footwear shall meet the performance requirements as specified in ASTM F2413, Standard Specification for Performance Requirements for Protective (Safety) Toe Cap Footwear, for impact- resistant footwear, compression-resistant footwear, metatarsal- protective footwear, and puncture-resistant footwear, with the exception that flex resistance to cracking shall not be evalu­ated.

7.1.5 Technical Rescue Protective Ensemble Goggle Elements.

7.1.5.1 Goggle elements shall be tested for heat resistance as specified in Section 8.3, Heat and Thermal Shrinkage Resist­ance Test, and shall not melt, drip, or ignite.

7.2 Optional Requirements for Blood-Borne Pathogen Protec­dve Technical Rescue Garments.

7.2.1 Where garments are represented as providing blood- borne pathogen protection, they shall also meet the require­ments of 7.1.1.2 to 7.1.1.16.

• Garment composites shall be tested for total heat loss as specified in Section 8.4, Total Heat Loss Test, and shall have a total heat loss equal to or greater than 450 W/nr.
• Barrier layer seams shall be individually tested for resistance to heat as specified in Section 8.3, Heat and Thermal Shrinkage Resistance Test, and shall not drip or ignite.
• Barrier layers and barrier layer seams shall be tested for liquid penetration resistance as specified in Section 8.14, Liquid Penetration Resistance Test, and shall show no liquid penetration.
• Barrier layers and barrier layer seams shall be tested for biopenetration resistance as specified in Section 8.15, Viral Penetration Resistance Test, and shall show no viral penetra­tion.

Chapter 8 Test Methods

8.1 Sample Preparation Procedures.

•  
• The sample preparation procedures contained in this section shall apply to each test method in this chapter, as specif¹ ically referenced in the sample preparation section of each test method.
• Only the specific sample preparation procedure or procedures referenced in the sample preparation section of each test method shall be applied to that test method.
• Room Temperature Conditioning Procedure for Garments, Helmets, Gloves, Footwear, and Goggles.
• Garment, gloves, and footwear samples shall be condi­tioned at a temperature of 21°C ± 3°C (70°F ± 5°F) and a rela­tive humidity of 65 percent ± 5 percent for at least 24 hours. Specimens shall be tested within 5 minutes after removal from conditioning.
• Helmets and goggle component samples shall be conditioned at a temperature of 21 “C ± 3°C (70°F ± 5°F) and a relative humidity of 25 to 50 percent for at least 4 hours. Speci­mens shall be tested within 5 minutes after removal from conditioning.
• Washing and Drying Procedure for Garment Materials.

Specimens shall be subjected to 10 cycles of washing and drying in accordance with the procedure specified in Machine Cycle 1, Wash Temperature V, and Drying Procedure Ai, of AATCC 135, Dimensional Changes in Automatic Home Laundering of Woven and Knit Fabrics. A 1.8 kg ± 0.1 kg (4.0 lb ± 0.2 lb) load shall be used. A laundry bag shall not be used.

• Low Temperature Environmental Conditioning Proce­dure for Helmets.
• Sample helmets shall be conditioned by exposing them to a temperature of-18°C ± 1°C (0°F ± 2°F) for at least 4 hours but not more than 24 hours. The impact/penetration test shall be completed within 15 seconds ± 5 seconds after removal from the cold temperature environment, or the helmet shall be reconditioned and tested.
• If during testing, as specified in Section 8.16, Force Transmission Test, and Section 8.17, Physical Penetration Resistance Test, a helmet is returned to the conditioning envi­ronment before the time out of that environment exceeds 4 minutes, the helmet shall be kept in the environment for a minimum of 3 minutes before resumption of testing with that helmet.
• If the time out of the environment exceeds 4 minutes, the helmet shall be returned to the environment for a mini­mum of 3 minutes for each minute or portion of a minute that the helmet remained out of the environment in excess of 4 minutes or for a maximum of 12 hours, whichever is less, before the resumption of testing with that helmet.
• Wet Conditioning Procedure for Helmets. Sample helmets shall be conditioned by immersing them in water at a temperature of 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F) for at least 4 hours but not more than 24 hours. The helmet shall be allowed to drain and tested within 10 minutes after removal from water. If during testing, as specified in Section 8.16, Force Transmission

Test, and Section 8.17, Physical Penetration Resistance Test, a helmet is returned to the conditioning environment before the time out of that environment exceeds 4 minutes, the helmet shall be kept in the environment for a minimum of 3 minutes before resumption of testing with that helmet. If the time out of the environment exceeds 4 minutes, the helmet shall be returned to the environment for a minimum of 3 minutes for each minute or portion of a minute that the helmet remained out of the environment in excess of 4 minutes or for a maxi­mum of 12 hours, whichever is less, before the resumption of testing with that helmet.

• Convective Heat Conditioning Procedure for Helmets.
• Samples shall be conditioned by exposing them as follows:
  • The oven temperature shall be stabilized at 50°C, ± 2°C (122°F, ± 4°F), and the exposure time shall be between 4 hours and 24 hours.
  • The exposure time shall begin when the test thermocou­ple reading has stabilized at the required exposure temperature.
  • Helmet specimens shall be placed on a room tempera­ture nonconductive headform conforming to the dimen­sions in Figure 8.3.9.4 before being placed in the oven.
• After oven exposure, the required testing shall be performed within 15 seconds ± 5 seconds, or the specimen shall be discarded and a new specimen shall be conditioned and tested as specified in 8.1.6.
• Only one helmet shall be conditioned at a time.
• Wet Conditioning Procedure for Whole Gloves.
• Test subjects shall be selected such that their hand dimensions are as close as possible to those specified in accord­ance with manufacturing glove-sizing guidelines.
• The wrist crease location shall be marked as described in 6.1.3.3.3.3 through 6.1.3.3.3.7 on each specimen around the entire glove +0/-3 mm (+0/-0.25 in.). In the same manner, the water height line shall then be marked on each specimen 25 mm, +0/-3 mm (1 in., +0/-0.25 in.) below (toward the fingers) the location of the wrist crease around the entire glove.
• The test subject shall don the test specimen gloves.
• The test subject shall immerse the donned specimens into two containers of water at a temperature of 21°C ± 3°C (70°F ± 5°F) to the water height line for 15 seconds, +1.5/-0 seconds.
• The glove specimens shall be tested within 1 minute after removal from the conditioning tank.
• Convective Heat Conditioning for Labels and Visibility Markings. Samples shall be conditioned by exposing them to the procedures specified in 8.3.4 and in 8.3.5.2 through 8.3.5.4, with the following modifications:
  • The oven temperature shall be stabilized at 140°C, +6°C/ -0°C (285°F, +10°/0°F), and the test exposure time shall be 10 minutes, +15/-0 seconds.
  • The test exposure time shall begin when the test thermo­couple reading has stabilized at the required test expo­sure temperature.
    • • Afterflame time and char length shall be reported for each specimen.
      • The average afterflame time and char length for each material shall be calculated, recorded, and reported.
      • The afterflame time shall be reported to the nearest 0.1 second and the char length to the nearest 3 mm (V» in.).
      • Observations of melting or dripping for each speci­men shall be reported.
    • • Pass or fail performance shall be based on any observed melting or dripping, the average afterflame time, and the average char length.
      • Failure in either direction shall constitute failure of the material.
    • Specific Requirements for Testing Woven Textile Materi­als.
      • Five specimens from each of the warp and filling direc­tions shall be tested.
      • Samples for conditioning shall be at least 1 m (1 yd) square of each material.
      • Testing shall be performed as described in 8.2.2 through 8.2.7.
    • Specific Requirements for Testing Knit Textile Materials.
      • Five specimens from each of the warp and filling direc­tions shall be tested.
      • Samples for conditioning shall include material that is a minimum of 75 mm x 305 mm (3 in. x 12).
      • Testing shall be performed as described in 8.2.2 through 8.2.7.
    • Specific Requirements for Testing Nonwoven Textile Materials.
      • Five specimens from each of the machine and cross- machine directions shall be tested.
      • Samples for conditioning shall be at least 1 m (1 yd) square of each material.
      • Testing shall be performed as described in 8.2.2 through 8.2.7.
    • Specific Requirements for Testing Small Materials.
      • Five specimens attached to the textile layer as used in the protective garments shall be tested. The specimens shall be attached to the textile layer such that the bottom (exposure) edge of the item coincides with the bottom (exposure) edge of the textile support layer.
      • Samples for conditioning shall be 1 m (1 yd) square of the textile layer on which the small specimens are attached.
      • Testing shall be performed as described in 8.2.2 through 8.2.7, other than char length, which shall not be meas­ured.

8.3 Heat and Thermal Shrinkage Resistance Test.

• • This test method shall apply to protective garment textiles and optional barrier layer seams, protective helmets, protective gloves, protective footwear, and goggles.
  • Modifications to this test method for testing garment textiles and optional barrier layer seams shall be as specified in 8.3.8.
  • Modifications to this test method for testing helmets shall be as specified in 8.3.9.
  • Modifications to this test method for testing gloves shall be as specified in 8.3.10.
  • Modifications to this test method for testing footwear shall be as specified in 8.3.11.
  • Modifications to this test method for testing goggles shall be as specified in 8.3.12.
• Sample Preparation.
  • Samples shall be as specified in 8.3.8, 8.3.9, 8.3.10, 8.3.11, or 8.3.12.
  • Samples shall be conditioned as specified in 8.1.3 followed by conditioning as specified in 8.1.2, except glove samples shall be conditioned as specified in 8.1.9 followed by conditioning as specified in 8.1.2.
• • Specimens shall be as specified in 8.3.8, 8.3.9, 8.3.10, 8.3.11, or 8.3.12.
  • Heat resistance testing shall be conducted on a mini­mum of three specimens for each helmet, footwear, goggle, and other protective garment materials not listed in 8.3.3.3.
  • Both heat and thermal shrinkage resistance testing shall be conducted on a minimum of three specimens for each garment textile and on whole gloves.
  • Each separable layer of multilayer material systems or composites shall be tested as an individual layer.
  • Testing shall be conducted on specimens taken from samples conditioned according to 8.3.2.2, except as modified by 8.3.8 through 8.3.12.
• • The test oven shall be a horizontal-flow circulating oven with minimum interior dimensions of 610 mm x 610 mm x 610 mm (24 in. x 24 in. x 24 in.) such that a specimen can be suspended and be at least 50 mm (2 in.) from any interior oven surface or other specimen.
  • The test oven shall have an airflow rate of 38 m/min to 76 m/min (125 ft/min to 250 ft/min) at the standard tempera­ture and pressure of 21 °C (70°F) at 1 atmosphere, measured at the center point of the oven.
  • A test thermocouple shall be positioned so that it is level with the horizontal centerline of a mounted sample speci­men. The thermocouple shall be equidistant between the verti­cal centerline of a mounted specimen placed in the middle of the oven and the oven wall where the airflow enters the test chamber. The thermocouple shall be an exposed bead, Type J or Type K, No. 30 AWG thermocouple. The test oven shall be heated and the test thermocouple stabilized at 260°C, +6/-0°C (500°F, +10/-0°F) for a period of not less than 30 minutes.
• • Specimen marking and measurements shall be conducted in accordance with the procedure specified in AATCC 135, Dimensional Changes in A utomatic Home Laundering of Woven and Knit Fabrics.
  • The specimen shall be suspended by metal hooks at the top and centered in the oven so that the entire specimen is not less than 50 mm (2 in.) from any oven surface or other specimen, and airflow is parallel to the plane of the material.
  • The oven door shall not remain open more than 15 seconds. The air circulation shall be shut off while the door is open and shall be turned on when the door is closed. The total oven recovery time after the door is closed shall not exceed 30 seconds.
  • The specimen, mounted as specified, shall be exposed in the test oven for 5 minutes, +0.15/-0 minutes. The test exposure time shall begin when the test thermocouple recovers to a temperature of 260°C, +6/-0°C (500°F, +10/-0°F).
  • Immediately after the specified exposure, the speci­men shall be removed and examined for evidence of ignition, melting, dripping, or separation.
  • After the specified exposure, the specimen shall also be measured to determine pass or fail performance. Knit fabric shall be pulled to original dimensions and shall be allowed to relax for 1 minute prior to measurement to determine pass or fail performance.
• • Observations of ignition, melting, dripping, or separa­tion shall be recorded and reported for each specimen.
  • The percent change in the width and length dimen­sions of each specimen shall be calculated.
  • Results shall be reported as the average of all three specimens in each direction.
• • Any evidence of ignition, melting, dripping, or separa­tion on any specimen shall constitute failing performance.
  • The average percent change in both dimensions shall be used to determine pass or fail performance.
  • Failure in any one direction shall constitute failure for the entire sample.
• Specific Requirements for Testing Garment Textiles.
  • Each specimen shall be 380 mm x 380 mm ± 13 mm (15 in. x 15 in. ± K in.) and shall be cut from the fabric to be utilized in the construction of the clothing item.
  • Samples for conditioning shall be at least 1 m (1 yd) square of each material.
  • Testing shall be performed as described in 8.3.2 through 8.3.7.
• Specific Testing Requirements for Helmets.
  • Helmet specimens shall include complete helmets. Only one helmet shall be tested at a time.
  • Only the conditioning specified in 8.1.2 shall be required prior to testing.
  • The test oven shall be heated and stabilized to a temperature of 90°C, +5°C/-0°C (194°F, +10^o/-0°F).
  • Sample helmets shall be positioned according to the HPI as described in 8.1.11 on the thermal headform conform­ing to the dimensions in Figure 8.3.9.4.
  • A series of points shall be marked 75 mm (3 in.) apart on the outer edge of the peak or brim of the sample helmets, allowing at least three points on a peak and eight or more points on a full brim. The vertical distance from a known hori­zontal base plane to the marked points on the peak or brim shall be measured and recorded.
  • The sample helmet mounted on the headform shall be placed in the center of the oven with the centerline of the front of the helmet facing the airflow. The thermocouple shall be equidistant between the vertical centerline of a mounted test helmet placed in the middle of the oven and the oven wall where the airflow enters the test chamber.
  • Testing shall be performed as described in 8.3.2 through 8.3.7. Thermal shrinkage shall not be measured.
  • After 20 minutes, +15/-0 seconds, the sample helmet mounted on the headform shall be removed from the test oven. The helmet shall be allowed to cool for a minimum of 5 minutes. The vertical distance from the marked points to the base plane shall be measured, recorded, and compared with the measurements recorded in 8.3.9.5 to determine pass or fail performance.
  • Hardware shall be evaluated to determine functional­ity.
• Specific Requirements for Testing Gloves.
  • Specimens shall include complete gloves with labels. Only three glove specimens shall be tested at a time.
  • The glove body shall be filled with 4 mm (0.15 in.) perforated soda-lime glass beads, with care taken to tightly pack the glass beads into the fingers of the glove and the glove body. The opening of the glove shall be clamped closed, and the specimen shall be suspended by the clamp in the oven so that the entire glove is not less than 50 mm (2 in.) from any oven surface or other specimen and airflow is parallel to the plane of the material.
  • Testing shall be performed as described in 8.3.2 through 8.3.7. Thermal shrinkage shall not be measured.
• Specific Testing Requirements for Footwear.
  • Only the conditioning specified in 8.1.2 shall be required prior to testing. One footwear specimen shall be tested at a time.
  • Samples for conditioning shall be whole boots.
  • The footwear specimen for testing shall be men’s size 9.
    • The footwear specimen shall then be placed in a container that allows its immersion in tap water, treated with a dye and surfactant that achieves a surface tension of 35 dynes/cm ± 5 dynes/cm, to within 0.5 in. of the water height line.
    • After 2 hours ± 10 minutes, the paper toweling shall be removed and examined for evidence of liquid leakage. The test specimen shall also be reexamined for evidence of sole separation or seam separation.
    • Footwear not remaining functional after flexing shall be recorded and reported as a failure for the tested speci­men. The appearance of any liquid on the removed paper toweling shall be recorded and reported as a failure for the tested specimen. One or more footwear specimens failing this test shall constitute failing performance.

8.3.12 Specific Testing Requirements for Goggles.

• Only the conditioning specified in 8.1.2 shall be required prior to testing.
• Where provided, goggle specimens shall include straps or headbands and attachment devices.
• Goggles shall be mounted on a thermal headform conforming to the dimensions in Figure 8.3.9.4. The headform with goggles attached shall be placed in the center of the test oven with the centerline of the front of the goggles facing the airflow.
• The test thermocouple shall be positioned so that it is level with the horizontal centerline of the mounted goggles. The thermocouple shall be equidistant between the vertical centerline of the mounted test goggles placed in the middle of the oven and the oven wall where the airflow enters the test chamber.
• Testing shall be performed as described in 8.3.2 through 8.3.7. Thermal shrinkage shall not be measured.
• Following removal from the oven, the specimen shall be allowed to cool at room temperature for not less than 2 minutes. The specimen shall be examined to ascertain any effects of the heat exposure.

8.4 Total Heat Loss Test.

• This test method shall apply to the protec­tive garment base composites, excluding winter liners.
• Sample Preparation.
• Samples for conditioning shall be at least a 1 m (1 yd) square of each material.
• Samples to be tested shall be conditioned as specified at a temperature of 25°C ± 7°C (75°F ± 12°F) and a relative humidity of 65 percent ± 5 percent for at least 4 hours.
•  
• Specimen size shall be the size required to cover the sweating guarded hot plate.
• At least three specimens shall be tested.
• Specimens shall consist of all layers in the protective garment base composite arranged in the order and orientation as worn and shall not include any reinforcement materials.

8.4.4 Apparatus. The test apparatus shall be as specified in ASTM F1868, Standard Test Method for Thermal and Evaporative Resistance of Clothing Materials using a Sweating Hot Plate.

8.4.5* Procedure. Testing shall be conducted in accordance with ASTM F1868, Standard Test Method for Thermal and Evapora­tive Resistance of Clothing Materials using a Sweating Hot Plate, using Part C, with the following modifications:

• The specimen shall be placed on the test plate with the side normally facing the human body toward the test plate.
• For multiple layers, the layers shall be arranged in the order and orientation as worn.
• Each layer shall be smoothed by hand to eliminate wrin­kles or bubbles in each layer and, if necessary, the edges shall be secured.
• Once the test is started, no further adjustments to the specimen shall be made.

•  
• The average intrinsic thermal resistance (R_r/) of the sample shall be recorded and reported.
• The average apparent intrinsic evaporative resistance (AR_e/) of the sample shall be recorded and reported.
• The average total heat loss (Q) of the sample shall be calculated and reported.
•  
• Pass or fail determination shall be based on the aver­age reported total heat loss measurement of all specimens tested.
• Where an individual result from any test set varies more than ± 10 percent from the average result, the results from the test set shall be discarded and another set of speci­mens shall be tested.

8.5 Tear Resistance Test.

• This test shall apply to garment materials. If the garment is constructed of several separable layers, then all layers shall be individually tested.
• Sample Preparation.
• Samples for conditioning shall be at least 1 m (1 yd) square of material.
• Samples shall be conditioned as specified in 8.1.3 followed by the conditioning as specified in 8.1.2.
•  
• Specimens shall be the size specified in ASTM D5587, Standard Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by Trapezoid Procedure.
• A minimum of five specimens in each of the warp direction, machine or course, and the filling direction, cross- machine or wales, shall be tested.
• If the material is isotropic, then 10 specimens shall be tested.
• Testing shall be conducted on 10 specimens taken from both samples conditioned according to 8.5.2.2 and 8.5.2.3.
• Specimens shall be tested in accordance with ASTM D5587, Standard Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by Trapezoid Procedure, using Option 1 for the calculation of tear resistance.
•  
• The tear resistance of each specimen shall be recorded and reported to the nearest 0.5 N (0.1 lbf).
• An average tear resistance shall be individually calcula­ted for the warp and filling directions.
• For isotropic materials, a single average tear resistance shall be calculated.
•  
• Pass or fail performance shall be based on the average tear resistance in the warp and filling directions.
• Failure in any one direction shall constitute failure for the material.

8.6 Breaking Strength Test.

• This test shall apply to garment outer shell materials.
• Sample Preparation.
• Samples for conditioning shall be at least 1 m (1 yd) square of material.
• Samples shall be conditioned as specified in 8.1.3 followed by conditioning as specified in 8.1.2.
•  
• Specimens shall be the size specified in ASTM D5034, Standard Test Method for Breaking Strength and Elongation of Textile Fabrics (Grab Test).
• A minimum of five specimens in each of the warp direction, machine or course, and the filling direction, cross- machine or wales, shall be tested.
• If the material is isotropic, then 10 specimens shall be tested.
• Testing shall be conducted on 10 specimens taken from both samples conditioned according to 8.6.2.2.
• Specimens shall be tested in accordance with ASTM D5034, Standard Test Method for Breaking Strength and Elongation of Textile Fabrics (Grab Test).
•  
• The breaking strength of each specimen shall be recorded and reported to the nearest 0.5 N (0.1 lbf) of force.
• An average breaking strength shall be individually calculated and reported for the warp and filling directions.
• For isotropic materials, a single average breaking strength shall be calculated.
•  
• Pass or fail performance shall be based on the average breaking strength in the warp and filling directions.
• Failure in any one direction constitutes failure for the material.
• Abrasion Resistance Test
• This test shall apply to garment outer shell materials.
• Sample Preparation.
• Samples for conditioning shall be at least 1 m (1 yd) square of material.
• Samples shall be conditioned as specified in 8.1.3 followed by conditioning as specified in 8.1.2.
•  
• Specimens shall be the size specified in ASTM D3885, Standard lest Method for Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics (Flex­ing and Abrasion Method).
• A minimum of five specimens in each of the warp direction, machine or course, and the filling direction, cross- machine or wales, shall be tested.
• If the material is isotropic, then 10 specimens shall be tested.
•  
• Specimens shall be subjected to abrasion in accord­ance with ASTM D3885, Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resist­ance of Textile Fabrics (Flexing and Abrasion Method), under the following conditions:
  • A 0.23 kg (0.5 lb) head weight shall be used.
  • A 1.35 kg (3.0 lb) back weight shall be used.
  • The specimen shall be abraded for 500 continuous cycles.
• After being abraded as specified in 8.7.4.1, specimens shall be tested in accordance with ASTM D5035, Standard Test Method for Breaking Force and Elongation of Textile Fabrics (Strip Method).
•  
• The breaking strength of each specimen shall be recorded and reported to the nearest 0.5 N (0.1 lbf).
• An average breaking strength after abrasion shall be individually calculated and reported for the warp and filling directions.
• For isotropic materials, a single average breaking strength after abrasion shall be calculated.
•  
• Pass or fail performance shall be based on the average breaking strength after abrasion in the warp and filling direc­tions.
• Failure in any one direction shall constitute failure for the material.
• Cleaning Shrinkage Resistance Test. 8.1 Application.
• This test method shall apply to garment materials.
• Modifications to this test method for woven material shall be as specified in 8.8.7.
• Modifications to this test method for knit and stretch woven materials shall be as specified in 8.8.8.
• Sample Preparation.
• Samples shall be as specified in 8.8.7 or 8.8.8.
• Samples shall be conditioned as specified in 8.1.2.
•  
• Samples shall be as specified in 8.8.7 or 8.8.8.
• At least three specimens shall be tested.
• Each material shall be tested separately.
•  
• Specimens shall be tested using five cycles of Machine Cycle 1, Wash Temperature V, and Drying Procedure Ai, of AATCC 135, Dimensional Changes in Automatic Home Laundering of Woven and Knit Fabrics.
• A 1.8 kg ± 0.1 kg (4.0 lb ± 0.2 lb) load shall be used. A laundry bag shall not be used.
• Specimen marking and measurements shall be conducted in accordance with the procedure specified in AATCC 135, Dimensioned Changes in Automatic Home Laundering of Woven and Knit Fabrics.
•  
• The percent change in the width and length dimen­sions of each specimen shall be calculated and reported.
• Results shall be reported as the average of all three specimens in each direction.
•  
• The average percent change in both dimensions shall be used to determine pass or fail performance.
• Failure in any one direction shall constitute failure for the entire sample.
• Specific Requirements for Testing Woven Textile Materi­als.
• Each specimen shall be 380 mm x 380 mm ± 13 mm (15 in. x 15 in. ± K in.) and shall be cut from the fabric to be utilized in the construction of the clothing item.
• Samples for conditioning shall be at least 1 m (1 yd) square of each material.
• Testing shall be performed as described in 8.8.2 through 8.8.6.
• Specific Requirements for Testing Knit and Stretch Woven Textile Materials.
• Each specimen shall be 380 mm x 380 mm ± 13 mm (15 in. x 15 in. ± K in.) and shall be cut from the fabric to be utilized in the construction of the clothing item.
• Samples for conditioning shall include material that is at least 50 mm (2 in.) larger than necessary for the dimensional change measurement in each of the two required specimen dimensions.
• Testing shall be performed as described in 8.8.2 through 8.8.6.
• Knit fabric specimens, instead of being restored to 7.4.2 of AATCC 135, Dimensioned Changes in Automatic Home

Laundering of Woven and Knit Fabrics, shall be pulled to their original dimensions and shall be allowed to relax for 1 minute prior to measurement.

8.9 Abrasion Resistance Test 2.

•  
• This test shall apply to glove palm composites and foot­wear upper materials.
• Modifications to this test method for testing glove composites shall be as specified in 8.9.7.
• Modifications to this test method for testing footwear upper materials shall be as specified in 8.9.8.
• Sample Preparation.
• Samples shall be as specified in 8.9.7 or 8.9.8.
• Samples shall be conditioned as specified in1.2.
•  
• Samples shall be as specified in 8.9.7 or 8.9.8.
• Samples shall be the size specified in ASTM D3884, Standard Guide for Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics (Rotary Plat­form, Double-Head Method).
• At least five samples shall be tested.
• Specimens shall be tested in accordance with ASTM D3884, Standard Guide for Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics (Rotary Platform, Double-Head Method), using a Cali- brade H-18 wheel for a total of 2500 cycles. At the end of each abrasion exposure, the specimen shall be examined for wear- through of the outermost separable layer.
• The wear-through determination shall be repor­ted for each specimen tested.
• Any specimen of the outermost separa­ble layer showing wear-through shall constitute failure of this test.
• Requirements for Testing Glove Composites.
• Specimens shall be representative of the glove body composite construction at the glove areas A-P, B-P, D-P, E-P, F-P, G-P, H-P, I-P, A-B, B-B, D-B, E-B, F-B, G-B, H-B, I-B as described in 8.1.11 and shall not include seams. Samples and specimens shall be permitted to be materials representative of those used in the construction of the glove.
• Specimens shall consist of the outer separable layer of the glove composite.
• A load of 500 g (17.67 oz) on each wheel shall be used in abrasion testing of gloves.
• Requirements for Testing Footwear Upper Materials.

8.9.8.1 Specimens shall be taken from the footwear upper area, excluding the tongue and gusset, and shall not include seams. Samples and specimens shall be permitted to be materi­als representative of those used in the construction of the foot­wear. Specimens shall consist of the outer separable layer of the boot composite and the outer separable layer of the boot that is at least 50 percent of the total surface area.

• Samples for conditioning shall be complete footwear items.
• A load of 1000 g (35.27 oz) on each wheel shall be used in abrasion testing of footwear.

8.10 Seam Breaking Strength Test.

• This test method shall apply to seam assemblies for garments.
• Sample Preparation.
• Samples for conditioning shall be full clothing items or 305 mm (12 in.) or greater lengths of seam with at least 150 mm (6 in.) of material on either side of the seam center- line.
• Samples shall be conditioned as specified in 8.1.2.
•  
• Specimens shall be cut from the finished garment or shall be permitted to be prepared by the joining of two pieces of the garment fabric as specified in 8.2.1.2 of ASTM D1683/ D1683M, Standard Test Method for Failure in Sewn Seams of Woven Fabrics, for woven fabrics or 7.2.2 of ASTM D3940, Standard Test Method for Bunting Strength (Load) and Elongation of Sewn Seams of Knit or Woven Stretch Textile Fabrics, for knit or stretch woven fabrics, using the same thread, seam type, and stitch type as used in the finished garment.
• Specimens shall be the size specified in ASTM D1683/D1683M, Standard Test Method for Failure in Sewn Seams of Woven Fabrics, for woven fabrics or ASTM D3940, Standard Test Method for Bunting Strength (Load) and Elongation of Sewn Seams of Knit or Woven Stretch Textile Fabrics, for knit or stretch woven fabrics.
• At least five seam specimens shall be tested for each seam type.
•  
• All woven seam assemblies shall be tested in accord­ance with ASTM D1683/D1683M, Standard Test Method for Fail­ure in Sewn Seams of Woven Fabrics. The test machine shall be operated at a rate of 305 mm/min (12 in./min).
• All knit seam assemblies shall be tested in accordance with ASTM D3940, Standard Test Method for Bursting Strength (Load) and Elongation of Sewn Seams of Knit or Woven Stretch Textile Fabrics.
•  
• The seam breaking strength for each seam specimen shall be recorded and reported.
• The average seam breaking strength for each seam type shall also be reported.
• The type of seams tested shall be reported as to whether the specimens were cut from the finished garment or prepared from fabric samples.
• The average seam breaking strength for each seam type shall be used to determine pass or fail perform­ance.

8.11 Water Absorption Resistance Test.

• This test method shall apply to the protec­tive garment outer shell materials.
• Sample Preparation.
• Samples for conditioning shall be at least 1 m (1 yd) square of each material.
• Specimens shall be conditioned as specified in 8.1.3 followed by conditioning as specified in 8.1.2.
•  
• Specimens shall be 200 mm x 200 mm (8 in. x 8 in.).
• At least 3 specimens shall be tested.
• The test apparatus shall be as specified in AATCC 42, Water Resistance: Impact Penetration Test, with the following modifications:
  • A metal roller 113 mm ± 6 mm (414 in. ± % in.) long and weighing 1 kg (2’4 lb) shall be used.
  • Embroidery hoops, measuring 150 mm to 180 mm (6 in. to 7 in.) in diameter shall be used for mounting the speci­men.
•  
• The conditioned specimen shall be securely mounted in the embroidery hoops with sufficient tension to ensure a uniformly smooth surface.
• The direction of the flow of water down the specimen shall coincide with the warpwise direction of the specimen as placed on the stand.
• The mounted specimen shall be placed on the block with the center of the specimen directly beneath the center of the nozzle and the plane of the surface of the specimen at a 45- degree angle with the horizontal.
• A 500 mL volume of distilled water at a temperature of 27°C ± 1°C (80°F ± 2°F) shall be poured quickly into the funnel and allowed to spray onto the specimen.
• The following operations shall then be executed as rapidly as possible:
  • The specimen shall be removed from the hoops and placed between sheets of blotting paper on a flat horizon­tal surface.
  • The metal roller shall be rolled quickly forward and back one time over the paper without application of any pres­sure other than the weight of the roller.
  • A square 100 mm x 100 mm (4 in. x 4 in.) shall be cut out of the center of the wet portion of the specimen and weighed to the nearest 0.05 g. This weight shall be desig­nated the “wet weight.” Not more than 30 seconds shall elapse between the time the water has ceased flowing through the spray nozzle and the start of the weighing.
  • The same 100 mm (4 in.) square shall be conditioned as specified in 8.1.2 until it has dried and reached moisture equilibrium with the surrounding standard atmosphere for textiles.
  • Following this conditioning it shall be reweighed.
  • This weight shall be designated the “dry weight.”

8.11.5.6 The percent water absorption shall be calculated using the following equation: Percent water absorption = \ (wet weight – dry lueight) / (dry lueight) 1 x 100.

•  
• The percent water absorption for each specimen shall be recorded and reported.
• The average percent water absorption for all tested specimens shall be calculated and reported.
• The average percent water absorption shall be used to determine pass or fail performance.
• Thread Heat Resistance Test.
• This test method shall apply to each type of thread used in the construction of garments, gloves, and footwear.
• Sample Preparation.
• Samples shall be 150 mm (6 in.) or greater in length.
• Samples shall be conditioned as specified in 8.1.2.
•  
• Samples shall be 150 mm (6 in.) or greater in length.
• At least three samples of each thread type shall be tested.
• The melting temperature of specimens shall be determined in accordance with ASTM D7138, Standard Test Method to Determine Melting Temperature of Synthetic Fibers, using Procedure 1.
•  
• The melting point of the sample unit shall be the average of the results obtained from the specimens tested and shall be recorded and reported to the nearest degree C.
• The pass/fail results for each specimen tested shall be recorded and reported.
• One or more thread specimens failing this test shall constitute failing performance of the thread type.
• Corrosion Resistance Test.
• This test method shall apply to hardware items on garments, helmets, gloves, and footwear.
• Modifications to this test method for testing garment and glove hardware shall be as specified in 8.13.7.
• Modifications to this test method for testing helmet hardware shall be as specified in 8.13.8.
• Modifications to this test method for testing footwear hardware shall be as specified in 8.13.9.
• Sample Preparation.
• Samples shall be as specified in 8.13.7, 8.13.8, or 8.13.9.
• Samples shall be conditioned as specified in 8.1.2.
•  

8.13.3.1 Specimens shall be the same as the samples.

8.13.3.2 At least five specimens shall be tested for each hard­ware type.

•  
• Specimens shall be tested in accordance with ASTM B117, Standard Practice for Using Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus. Salt spray shall be 5 percent saline solution, and test exposure shall be for 20 hours.
• Immediately following the test exposure and prior to examination, specimens shall be rinsed under warm, running tap water and dried with compressed air.
• Specimens shall then be examined visually with the unaided eye to determine pass or fail.
• The functionality of each specimen shall be evalu­ated.
• The presence of corrosion and the functional­ity of each specimen shall be recorded and reported.
• One or more hardware specimens fail­ing this test shall constitute failing performance for the hard­ware type.
• Specific Requirements for Testing Garment and Glove Hardware. Samples for conditioning shall be whole hardware items.
• Specific Requirements for Testing Helmets. Samples for conditioning shall be whole helmets.
• Specific Requirements for Testing Footwear. Samples for conditioning shall be whole footwear.

8.14 Liquid Penetration Resistance Test.

•  
• This test shall apply to footwear materials, optional barrier layers, and optional barrier layer seams.
• Modifications to this test method for testing optional barrier layers and optional barrier layer seams shall be as speci­fied in 8.14.7.
• Modifications to this test method for testing footwear materials shall be as specified in 8.14.8.
• Sample Preparation.
• Samples shall be 1 m (1 yd) square of material for garments and garment seams and whole elements for footwear.
• Garment material samples shall be conditioned as specified in 8.1.3 followed by conditioning as specified in 8.1.2.
• Footwear samples shall be conditioned as specified in 8.1.2 only.
•  
• Specimens shall be as specified in 8.14.7 or 8.14.8.
• Specimens shall be 75 mm (3 in.) squares of each composite type.
• At least three specimens per liquid shall be tested for each material type.

8.14.3.4 Where the same materials are used as the barrier layer throughout the product, testing of seams only in lieu of testing both material and seams shall be permitted.

•  
• Liquid penetration resistance testing shall be conduc­ted in accordance with ASTM F903, Standard Test Method for Resistance of Materials Used in Protective Clothing to Penetration by Liquids, exposure procedure C.
• Each of the following liquids shall be tested separately against each sample specimen:
  • Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), 3 percent concen­trate
  • Battery acid (37 percent by weight sulfuric acid to water)
  • * Fire-resistant hydraulic fluid, phosphate ester base, containing 50-80 percent tributyl phosphate [CAS No. 126-73-81
  • Surrogate gasoline fuel H as defined in ASTM D471, Standard Test Method for Rubber Property — Effect of Liquids, consisting of 42.5 percent toluene, 42.5 percent isooc- tane, and 15 percent ethanol, by volume, respectively
  • Swimming pool chlorinating chemical containing at least 65 percent free chlorine (saturated solution)
  • Automotive antifreeze fluid (ethylene glycol, 90 percent by weight or higher concentration)
• The normal outer surface of the material as oriented in the clothing item shall be exposed to the liquid.
• The pass or fail result for each specimen shall be recorded and reported.
• One or more failures of any specimen against any liquid shall constitute failure of the material.
• Specific Requirements for Testing Optional Barrier Layer and Optional Barrier Layer Seams. Specimens shall consist of the barrier layer and barrier layer seams, which are intended to prevent the penetration of liquids.
• Specific Requirements for Testing Footwear Materials.

Three specimens shall be representative of the moisture barrier, and three specimens shall be representative of each type of moisture barrier seam. Only that separable layer of the footwear item intended to prevent the penetration of liquids shall be tested. Footwear shall be subjected only to the condi­tioning specified in 8.1.2 prior to testing.

8.15 Viral Penetration Resistance Test.

•  
• This test shall apply to optional barrier layers, optional barrier layer seams, and footwear materials.
• Modifications to this test method for testing optional barrier layers and optional barrier layer seams shall be as speci­fied in 8.15.7.
• Modifications to this test method for testing footwear materials shall be as specified in 8.15.8.
• Sample Preparation.
• Samples shall be 1 m (1 yd) square of material for garments and garment seams and whole elements for footwear.
• Garment material samples shall be conditioned as specified in 8.1.3 followed by conditioning as specified in 8.1.2.

8.15.2.3 Footwear samples shall be conditioned as specified in 8.1.2 only.

•  
• Specimens shall be as specified in 8.15.7 or 8.15.8.
• Specimens shall be 75 mm (3 in.) squares of each composite type. A minimum of three specimens per liquid shall be tested for each material type.
• At least three specimens per liquid shall be tested for each material type.
• Where the same materials are used as the barrier layer throughout the product, testing of seams only in lieu of testing both material and seams shall be permitted.
•  
• Biopenetration resistance testing shall be conducted in accordance with ASTM F1671/F1671M, Standard Test Method for Resistance of Materials Used in Protective Clothing to Penetration by Blood-Bome Pathogens Using PM-X174 Bacteriophage as a Test System.
• The normal outer surface of the material as oriented in the clothing item shall be exposed to the liquid.
• The pass or fail result for each specimen shall be recorded and reported.
• One or more failures of any specimen shall constitute failure of the material.
• Specific Requirements for Testing Optional Barrier Layer and Optional Barrier Layer Seams. Specimens shall consist of the barrier layer and barrier layer seams, which are intended to prevent the penetration of liquids.
• Specific Requirements for Testing Footwear Materials.

Three specimens shall be representative of the moisture barrier, and three specimens shall be representative of each type of moisture barrier seam. Only that separable layer of the footwear item intended to prevent the penetration of liquids shall be tested. Footwear shall be subjected only to the condi­tioning specified in 8.1.2 prior to testing.

8.16 Force Transmission Test.

• This test method shall apply to protective helmets.
•  
• Samples shall be complete helmets. Externally moun­ted goggle components shall be removed. Internally mounted faceshield components shall be removed except where the internal faceshield is an integral part of the helmet.
• Samples shall be conditioned for each environmental condition specified in 8.1.2, 8.1.4, 8.1.5, and 8.1.6 prior to each impact.
•  
• Specimens shall be complete helmets.
• At least three specimens shall be tested as specified for each environmental condition.
• If during testing for the conditions specified in 8.1.2, 8.1.4, 8.1.5, and 8.1.6 the helmet is returned to the condition­ing environment before the time out of that environment exceeds 4 minutes, the helmet shall be kept in the environ­ment for a minimum of 3 minutes before resumption of testing with that helmet. If the time out exceeds 4 minutes, the helmet shall be returned to the environment for a minimum of
  • minutes for each minute or portion of a minute that the helmet remained out of the environment in excess of
  • minutes or for a maximum of 24 hours, whichever is less, before resumption of testing with that helmet.
•  
• Specimen helmets shall be tested in accordance with Section 10.2 of ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection.
• Helmets shall be subjected to the environmental conditions specified in 8.1.2, 8.1.4, 8.1.5, and 8.1.6 prior to each impact and within the specified time after being removed from conditioning.
• Where an internal faceshield is an integral part of the helmet, it shall be deployed as far as possible without interfer­ing with the test equipment.
• The peak force and impact velocity shall be recorded and reported for each test.
•  
• Disengagement of, deformation of, or damage to the helmet shell or component parts shall not of itself constitute failure.
• Pass or fail performance shall be determined for each specimen. One or more helmet specimens failing this test shall constitute failing performance.

8.17 Physical Penetration Resistance Test.

• This test method shall apply to protective helmets.
• Sample Preparation.
• Samples shall be complete helmets. Externally moun­ted goggle components shall be removed. Internally mounted faceshield components shall be removed except where the internal faceshield is an integral part of the helmet.
• Separate samples shall be conditioned for each envi­ronmental condition specified in 8.1.2, 8.1.4, 8.1.5, and 8.1.6 prior to each physical penetration.
•  
• Specimens shall be complete helmets.
• At least three specimens shall be tested as specified for each environmental condition.
•  
• The ISO size J headform shall conform to the nomi­nal dimensions in Figure 8.20.4.1. Above the test line, it shall have an electrically conductive surface that is electrically connected to the contact indicator.
• The penetration striker shall have a mass of 1 kg, +0.02/-0/00 kg (2.2 lb, +0.01/-0.00 lb). The point of the striker shall be a cone with an included angle of 60 degrees ± ^[/_z degree, a height of 38 mm (!’/, in.), and a tip radius of 0.5 mm ± 0.1 mm (0.020 in. ± 0.004 in.). The hardness of the striking tip shall be Rockwell Scale C-60, minimum. The penetration striker shall be electrically connected to the contact indicator.
• The contact indicator shall indicate when electrical contact has been made between the penetration striker and the conductive surface of the test headform. The contact indicator shall have a response time of less than 0.5 second.
• The test shall be conducted at an ambient tempera­ture of 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F), and the relative humidity shall be 30 percent to 70 percent.
•  
• The environmentally conditioned helmet shall be positioned according to the HPI as described in 8.1.11 on the test headform and secured by the helmet retention system or by other means that will not interfere with the test.
• Where the crown clearance of the helmet is adjusta­ble, the helmet shall be mounted with the least amount of clearance.
• The helmet shall be positioned so that the penetra­tion striker shall impact perpendicular to the helmet.
• The helmet shall be adjusted to a size sufficient to properly fit on the headform with the horizontal center plane parallel and within 5 degrees of the reference plane.
• The front-to-back centerline of the shell shall be within 13 mm (0.5 in.) of the midsagittal plane of the head- form.
• Where an internal faceshield is an integral part of the helmet, it shall be deployed as far as possible without inter­fering with the test equipment.
• The drop height of the penetration striker shall be adjusted so that the velocity at impact is 7 m/sec ± 0.1 m/sec (23 ft/sec ± 0.5 ft/sec). The penetration striker shall be drop­ped to strike the sample helmet shell within a circle whose diameter is 75 mm (3 in.) and whose center shall be the geometric center of the shell. The penetration striker shall not fall on any portion of the ridges or make contact with the head- form.
• The pass or fail result for each helmet shall be recorded and reported.
• One or more helmet specimens failing this test shall constitute failing performance.

8.18 Electrical Insulation Test.

• This test method shall apply to helmets.
• Sample Preparation.
• Samples shall be complete helmets.
• Samples shall be conditioned as specified in 8.1.2.
• At least three specimens shall be tested.
• Specimens shall be subjected to electrical insulation testing in accordance with EN 13087-8, Protective helmets — Test methods — Part 8: Electrical properties, section 5.4.
• Any current leakage or evidence of breakdown shall be recorded and reported for each helmet.
• The afterflame time shall be reported to the nearest 0.1 second and the char length to the nearest 2.5 mm (Mo).
• Observations of melting or dripping for each speci­men shall be reported. Dripping or hole formation in any layer, other than the outer layer, shall be reported for each specimen.
• Pass or fail performance shall be based on any observed hole formation, melting or dripping, the aver­age afterflame time, and the average char length.
• Specific Requirements for Testing Glove Body Compo­sites.
• Samples for conditioning shall be in the form of a pouch as described in 8.1.12.
• Specimens shall be representative of each glove body composite construction.
• After conditioning, the pouch and necessary stitching shall be cut to form 50 mm x 150 mm (2 in. x 6 in.) specimens for testing.
• If a proposed glove body construction has stitched- through seams, three additional specimens containing these seams shall be tested. The seam shall be in the direction of the 150 mm (6 in.) dimension.
• Specific Requirements for Testing Protective Glove Interface Components Other than Wristlet Composites.
• Samples for conditioning shall be in the form of a pouch as described in 8.1.12.
• Specimens shall be representative of the glove inter­face component composite construction.
• After conditioning, the necessary stitching shall be cut to form 50 mm x 150 mm (2 in. x 6 in.) specimens for test­ing.
• Specific Requirements for Testing Protective Wristlet Glove Interface Components.
• Samples for conditioning shall include wristlet mate­rial.
• Specimens shall be representative of the wristlet glove interface component composite construction.
• Three specimens shall be tested after the condition­ing specified in 8.1.2. Three additional specimens shall be tested after the conditioning specified in 8.1.3 followed by the conditioning specified in 8.1.2.
• After conditioning, the material shall be cut to form 50 mm x 150 mm (2 in. x 6 in.) specimens for testing.

8.22 Cut Resistance Test.

8.22.1 Application.

• This test method shall apply to glove and footwear upper materials.
• Modifications to this test method for evaluation of glove materials shall be as specified in 8.22.7.
• Modifications to this test method for evaluation of footwear upper materials shall be as specified in 8.22.8.
• Sample Preparation.
• Samples shall be as specified in 8.22.7 or 8.22.8.
• Samples shall be conditioned as specified in1.2.
•  
• Specimens shall be the size specified in ASTM F1790,

Test Methods for Measuring Cut Resistance of Materials Used in Protective Clothing, consisting of all layers.

• At least three specimens shall be tested.
• Specimens shall be evaluated in accord­ance with ASTM F1790, Test Methods for Measuring Cut Resistance of Materials Used in Protective Clothing, with the modification that specimens shall be tested to a specific load with the measure­ment of blade travel distance.
•  
• The blade travel distance shall be recorded and reported to the nearest 1 mm (M32 in.) for each sample speci­men.
• The average blade travel distance in mm shall be recorded and reported for all specimens tested.
• The average blade travel distance shall be used to determine pass or fail performance.
• Specific Requirements for Testing Glove Materials.
• Samples for conditioning shall be in the form of a pouch as described in 8.1.12.
• Specimens shall be representative of glove body composite construction at glove areas A-P, B-P, D-P, E-P, F-P, G-P, H-P, I-P, A-B, B-B, D-B, E-B, F-B, G-B, H-B, I-B as described in 8.1.11.
• All variations in composite construction and the order oflayering of composite materials shall constitute a new composite and shall be tested separately.
• Where a composite is identical to another compo­site except for additional reinforcement layer(s), the composite with no reinforcement layers shall be representative of the composite with reinforcement layer(s).
• Specimens shall not include seams except in the following cases:
  • Ridged areas or similar areas where stitching is used to create specific performance characteristics rather than for glove assembly.
  • Where there are size constraints of a material making it necessary to allow stitching in order to create the sample size required. Stitching shall be of the same type as is used in the actual glove construction.
• After conditioning, the pouch and necessary stitching shall be cut to form specimens for testing.
• Cut resistance testing shall be performed under a load of 150 g (514 oz).
• Specific Requirements for Testing Footwear Upper Materials.

8.22.8.1 Samples shall be footwear uppers or representative materials.

8.31.2.2 Samples shall be conditioned as specified in 8.1.2.

•  
• Specimens shall be whole footwear.
• At least three specimens in men’s size 9 shall be tested.
• Protective footwear shall be tested in accordance with Section 9 of ASTM F2412, Standard Test Meth­ods for Foot Protection, with the following modification: speci­mens shall be tested to 14,000 V (rms).
• Any current leakage or evidence of breakdown shall be recorded for each footwear item.
• One or more footwear specimens fail­ing this test shall constitute failing performance.

8.32 Eyelet and Stud Post Attachment Test.

• This test method shall apply to protective footwear eyelets and stud posts.
• Sample Preparation.
• Samples shall be whole footwear.
• Samples shall be conditioned as specified in 8.1.2.
•  
• Specimens shall be 25 mm x 50 mm (1 in. x 2 in.) containing two eyelets and two stud posts.
• At least three specimens from separate footwear items shall be tested.
• A tensile testing machine shall be used with a traverse rate of 50 mm/min (2 in./min). Clamps measuring 25 mm x 38 mm (1 in. x VA in.) shall have gripping surfaces that are parallel, flat, and capable of preventing slippage of the specimen during the test.
•  
• The stud post or eyelet puller shall be inserted or attached to the upper position of the tensile machine.
• The traverse rate shall be set at 50 mm/min (2 in./ min).
• The test eyelet or stud post shall be attached using the appropriate puller fixture.
• The eyelet stay shall be clamped, but clamping the metal portion of the eyelets or stud hook in the lower clamps shall not be permitted.
• The distance between the clamps and the stud hooks or eyelets shall be 1.6 mm to 3.2 mm (0.063 in. to 0.125 in.).
• The test shall then be started.
•  
• The force shall reach a peak, decline slightly, and then increase to complete failure; however, the value at which the force first declines shall be recorded and reported as the initial failure point, as this is the separation point of the mate­rial around the eyelet or stud post.
• The average force shall be calculated, recorded, and reported.

8.32.7 Interpretation. The average force shall be used to determine pass or fail.

8.33 Label Durability and Legibility Test.

•  
• This test method shall apply to labels on protective garments, helmets, gloves, and footwear.
• Modifications to this test method for testing garment labels shall be as specified in 8.33.7.
• Modifications to this test method for testing helmet labels shall be as specified in 8.33.8.
• Modifications to this test method for testing glove labels all be as specified in 8.33.9.
• Modifications to this test method for testing footwear labels shall be as specified in 8.33.10.
• Sample Preparation.
• Samples shall be as specified in 8.33.7, 8.33.8, 8.33.9, and 8.33.10.
• Samples shall be conditioned as specified for the respective tests.
•  
• At least three specimens of each type of label shall be tested in each test.
• Where labels have areas of “write-in” information, two additional specimens shall be tested that include those areas with sample information written in.
•  
• Laundering Durability Test.
• Specimens shall be subjected to 10 cycles of laun­dering and drying using Machine Cycle 1, Wash Temperature V, and Drying Procedure Ai of AATCC 135, Dimensional Changes in Automatic Home Laundering of Woven and Knit Fabrics.
• A 1.8 kg ± 0.1 kg (4.0 lb ± 0.2 lb) load shall be used. A laundry bag shall not be used.
• Specimens shall be examined for legibility to the unaided eye by a person with 20/20 vision, or vision corrected to 20/20, at a nominal distance of 305 mm (12 in.) in a well- illuminated area.
• Abrasion Durability Test.
• Specimens shall be subjected to abrasion in accord­ance with ASTM D4966, Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resist­ance of Textile Fabrics, with the following modifications:
  • The standard abrasive fabric and the felt-backing fabric shall be soaked for 24 hours or agitated in distilled water so that they are thoroughly wet.
  • The standard abrasive fabric shall be rewetted after each set of cycles with 20 ml (0.68 oz) of distilled water squir­ted from a squeeze bottle onto the center of the abrasive composite pad.
  • Specimens shall be subjected to 200 cycles, 3200 revolu­tions, of the test apparatus.
• Specimens shall be examined for legibility to the unaided eye by a person with 20/20 vision, or vision corrected to 20/20, at a nominal distance of 305 mm (12 in.) in a well- illuminated area.

8.33.4.3 Heat Durability Test.

• Specimens shall be subjected to convective heat as specified in 8.1.8.
• Specimens shall be examined for legibility to the unaided eye by a person with 20/20 vision, or vision corrected to 20/20, at a nominal distance of 305 mm (12 in.) in a well- illuminated area.
• The legibility for each specimen shall be recor­ded and reported as acceptable or unacceptable.
• One or more label specimens failing this test shall constitute failing performance.
• Specific Requirements for Testing Garment Labels.
• For testing label legibility after laundering, specimens shall include individual labels sewn onto a 1 m (1 yd) square of ballast material no closer than 50 mm (2 in.) apart in parallel strips. The ballast material shall be as specified in AATCC 135, Dimensional Changes in Automatic Home Laundering of Woven and Knit Fabrics.
• For testing label legibility after abrasion, specimens shall be individual labels.
• For testing label legibility after convective heat expo­sure, specimens shall include individual labels sewn onto a separate 380 mm ± 13 mm (15 in. ± 14 in.) square of material that meets the outer shell requirements of this standard.
• Specimens shall be tested separately for legibility after laundering, abrasion, and heat durability as specified in 8.33.4.1, 8.33.4.2, and 8.33.4.3, respectively.
• Specific Requirements for Testing Helmet Labels.
• Samples for conditioning shall be whole helmets with labels attached.
• Specimens shall be conditioned as specified in 8.1.4, 8.1.5, and 8.1.6 with the label examined legibility to the unai­ded eye by a person with 20/20 vision, or vision corrected to 20/20, at a nominal distance of 305 mm (12 in.) in a well- illuminated area.
• Specimens shall also be tested separately for legibility after heat durability as specified in 8.33.4.3.
• Specific Requirements for Testing Glove Labels.
• For testing label legibility after laundering and heat durability, specimens shall include gloves with labels attached.
• For testing label legibility after abrasion, specimens shall be individual labels.
• Specimens shall be tested separately for legibility after laundering, abrasion, and heat durability as specified in 8.33.4.1, 8.33.4.2, and 8.33.4.3, respectively.
• For the drying cycles of the laundering durability test specified in 8.33.4.1.1, gloves shall be tumbled for 60 minutes and shall be removed immediately at the end of the drying cycle. At the conclusion of the final drying cycle, the gloves shall be permitted to be dried on a forced air nontumble drying mechanism operated at 10°C ± 5°C (50°F ± 9°F) above current room temperature until completely dry.

8.33.10 Specific Requirements for Testing Footwear Labels.

• For testing label legibility after heat durability, speci­mens shall include footwear with labels attached.
• For testing label legibility after abrasion, specimens shall be individual labels.
• Specimens shall be tested separately for legibility after abrasion and heat durability as specified in 8.33.4.2 and 8.33.4.3, respectively.
• Burst Strength Test.
• This test shall apply to knit materials used in gloves.
• Sample Preparation.
• Samples shall be a 0.5 m (20 in.) long section of knit material.
• Samples shall be conditioned as specified in 8.1.2.
•  
• Specimens shall be the size specified in ASTM D3787, Standard Test Method for Bursting Strength of Textiles — Constant- Rate-of-Traverse (CRT) Ball Bunt Test.
• At least 10 specimens shall be tested.
• Specimens shall include all layers of the wristlet used in glove construction.
• Specimens shall be tested as specified in ASTM D3787, Standard Test Method for Bursting Strength of Textiles — Constant-Rate-of-Traverse (CRT) Ball Burst Test.
•  
• The burst strength of each specimen shall be repor­ted.
• The average burst strength of all specimens shall be calculated, recorded, and reported.
• The average burst strength shall be used to determine pass or fail performance.
• Torque Test.
• This test method shall apply to protective gloves.
•  
• Samples for conditioning shall be whole gloves.
• Sample glove pairs shall be conditioned as specified in 8.1.2.
•  
• A minimum of three glove specimens each for size small and size large shall be used for testing.
• Each specimen glove shall be tested in new, as distrib­uted, condition.
• Specimen gloves shall be tested for each material and construc tion co mbinatio n.
• The apparatus shall be as specified in ASTM F2961, Standard Test Method for Characterizing Gripping Performance of Gloves Using a Torque Meter.
• The testing procedures shall be as specified in ASTM F2961, Standard Test Method for Characterizing Gripping Performance of Gloves Using a Torque Meter.
• The percentage of barehanded control value shall be recorded and reported for each specimen glove size.
•  
• The percentage of barehanded control value for size small and size large shall be used to determine pass or fail performance.
• Failure of either size shall constitute failure of the test.
• Fastener Tape Strength Tests.
• This test shall apply to fastener tape used in the construction of garments.
•  
• Sample size shall be defined as defined in A-A 55126B, Commercial Item Description: Fastener Tapes, Hook and Loof), Synthetic.
• Samples shall be washed for three washings per AATCC 61, Colorfastness to Laundering: Accelerated, using the laundering conditions established for Test 3A.
• A minimum of five specimens shall be eval­uated.
•  
• Fastener tape breaking strength shall be measured in accordance with ASTM D5034, Standard Test Method for Breaking Strength and Elongation of Textile Fabrics (Grab Test), with the following modifications:
  • Specimens shall be tested in the provided width only in lieu of the specified 100 mm (4 in.) width.
  • Only specimens parallel to the length of the tape shall be tested.
• Fastener tape shear strength shall be measured in accordance with ASTM D5169, Standard Test Method for Shear Strength {Dynamic Method) of Hook and Loop Touch Fasteners.
• Fastener tape shear strength shall be measured in accordance with ASTM D5170, Standard Test Method for Peel Strength (“T” Method) of Hook and Loop Touch Fasteners.
• The average breaking strength, shear strength, and peel strength shall be calculated and recorded.
• Pass or fail determinations shall be based on the average breaking strength, shear strength, and peel strength specified for Type 2, Class 1 and 4 fastener tapes as established in Table 1 of A-A 55126B, Commercial Item Descrip­tion: Fastener Tapes, Hook and Loof), Synthetic.
• Offset Force Transmission Test.

8.37.1 Application. This test method shall apply to protective helmets.

•  
• Samples shall be complete helmets. Externally moun­ted goggle components shall be removed. Internally mounted faceshield components shall be removed except where the internal faceshield is an integral part of the helmet.
• Samples shall be conditioned for each environmental condition specified in 8.1.2, 8.1.4, 8.1.5, and 8.1.6 prior to each impact.
•  
• Specimens shall be complete helmets.
• At least three specimens shall be tested as specified for each environmental condition.
• If during testing for the conditions specified in 8.1.2, 8.1.4, 8.1.5, and 8.1.6 the helmet is returned to the condition­ing environment before the time out of that environment exceeds 4 minutes, the helmet shall be kept in the environ­ment for a minimum of 3 minutes before resumption of testing with that helmet. If the time out exceeds 4 minutes, the helmet shall be returned to the environment for a minimum of
  • minutes for each minute or portion of a minute that the helmet remained out of the environment in excess of
  • minutes or for a maximum of 24 hours, whichever is less, before resumption of testing with that helmet.
•  
• Specimen helmets shall be tested in accordance with Section 6.5.3, Lateral Impacts (front, side, rear) of EN 16473, Firefighters Helmets — Helmets for Technical Rescue. All three impacts (locations 2, 3, and 4 as shown in Figure 1 of EN 16473) shall be performed on the same helmet.
• Helmets shall be subjected to the environmental conditions specified in 8.1.2, 8.1.4, 8.1.5, and 8.1.6 prior to each impact and within the specified time after being removed from conditioning.
• Where an internal faceshield is an integral part of the helmet, it shall be deployed as far as possible without interfer­ing with the test equipment.
•  
• The peak force transmitted shall be recorded and reported for each test to the nearest 10 N.
• The average peak force for each impact location and condition combination shall be calculated and reported.
•  
• Disengagement of, deformation of, or damage to the helmet shell or component parts shall not of itself constitute failure.
• The average peak force for each impact location and condition combination shall be used to determine pass or fail performance. Failure of any impact location and condition combination shall constitute failing performance.

Annex A Explanatory Material

Annex A is not a part of the requiremen ts of this NFPA document but is included for informational purposes only. This annex contains explan­atory material, numbered to correspond with the applicable text para­graphs.

1. 1.1 The majority of performance criteria originally included in this standard were based on the US Fire Administration study, FA 136, Protective Clothing and Equipment Needs of Emergency Responders for Urban Search and Rescue Missions. That report documented the protective clothing and equipment needs for emergency responders engaged in technical rescue activities. Input was obtained from an emergency responder user require­ments committee and resulted in proposed criteria based on a needs and risk analysis. The report contains survey results and test data for a number of materials. Revisions were based on information in the RANI) report, Protecting Emergency Respond­ers, Volume 4: Personal Protective Equipment Guidelines for Structural Collapse Events, and an end-user survey conducted by this Tech­nical Committee.
2. 1.1.5 Because this standard does not specify or establish requirements for visibility enhancement, the authority having jurisdiction should conduct a risk assessment and determine the level of visibility required in an ensemble for technical rescue incidents based on the anticipated use of such garments.

Where the authority having jurisdiction anticipates the pres­ence of visibility hazards, such as proximity to traffic, moving machinery, or heavy equipment in operation, the authority having jurisdiction should be aware that the appropriate high- visibility clothing specified in ANSI/ISEA 107, American National Standard for High Visibility Safety Apparel and Accessories, is the type of garments that should be used.

1. 1.1.7 Emergency services organizations are cautioned that accessories are not a part of the certified product but could be attached to the certified product by a means not engineered, manufactured, or authorized by the manufacturer.

Emergency services organizations are cautioned that if the accessory or its means of attachment causes the structural integrity of the certified product to be compromised, the certi­fied product might not comply with the standard for which it was designed, manufactured, and marketed. Additionally, if the accessory or its attachment means are not designed and manu­factured from materials suitable for the hazardous environ­ments of emergency incidents, the failure of the accessory or its attachment means could cause injury to the emergency responder.

Because the after market for certified product accessories is so broad, emergency services organizations are advised to contact both the manufacturer of the accessory and the manu­facturer of the certified product and verify that the accessory and its means of attachment are suitable for use in the inten­ded emergency response environment. Emergency services organizations should seek and receive written documentation from both the accessory manufacturer and the manufacturer of the certified product to validate the following information:

(1) The accessory for a certified product and its attachment method will not degrade the designed protection or performance of the certified product below the require­ments of the product standard to which it was designed, manufactured, tested, and certified.

(2) The accessory, when properly attached to the certified product, should not interfere with the operation or func­tion of the certified product or with the operation or function of any of the certified product’s component parts.

Emergency services organizations are also cautioned that if the means of attachment of the accessory fail to safely and securely attach the accessory to the certified product, the acces­sory can inadvertently dislodge from the certified product, creating a risk to the wearer or other personnel in the vicinity.

1. 1.2 This standard is not designed to be utilized as a purchase specification. It is prepared, as far as practicable, with regard to required performance, avoiding restriction of design wherever possible. Purchasers should specify departmental requirements for such items as color, markings, closures, pock­ets, and visibility markings. Tests specified in this standard should not be deemed as defining or establishing performance levels for protection from all technical rescue environments.

A.l.2.1 The authority having jurisdiction should perform a risk assessment to identify the hazards present and to deter­mine the suitability of protective ensembles specified by this standard. For each of the activities described as technical rescue incidents, the authority havingjurisdiction should deter­mine if the protection provided by compliant technical rescue protective ensembles meeting this standard is commensurate with the level of protection needed as deemed by the hazards present. For example, in an automobile extrication, the deci­sion for using technical rescue protective ensembles versus structural fire fighting protective ensembles can depend on the level of fire risk at the incident.

A.l.2.2.1 Specific design and performance criteria are estab­lished in this standard to demonstrate limited protection against physical and flame hazards to permit emergency serv­ices personnel to provide response and limited rescue.

A.l.2.2.2 Specific design and performance criteria are estab­lished in this standard to demonstrate limited protection against liquid splash and blood-borne pathogen hazards to permit emergency services personnel to provide response, limi­ted rescue, and limited recovery. These requirements were formerly established in the category of rescue and recovery protective ensemble elements. Optional criteria are now provi­ded in Section 7.2 specifically for garments that include addi­tional testing of garment composite materials for both liquid penetration resistance against common fireground chemicals and viral penetration resistance to assess protection against blood-borne pathogens. These tests require the garment to have some form of a barrier layer throughout the construction in the garment. These same tests are also included for techni­cal rescue ensemble footwear given the likelihood for first responders to step into potentially contaminated puddles or otherwise be exposed to contaminated liquids. There are no current criteria for hand protection. Organizations with the need for liquid protection of their hands can consider the use of gloves that are certified to emergency medical work glove requirements in NFPA 1999; however, these gloves are not required to be flame or heat resistant. Another solution is to wear disposable latex or nitrile gloves that are certified to the single-use emergency medical examination glove requirements in NFPA 1999 underneath technical rescue protective gloves.

A.l.2.3 The testing requirements in Chapter 8 of this standard are not intended to establish the limitations of the working environment for technical rescue but are intended to establish material performance.

Users should be advised that if unusual conditions prevail, if there are signs of abuse or mutilation of the protective ensem­ble or any element or component thereof, or if modifications or replacements are made or accessories are added without authorization of the protective ensemble element manufac­turer, the margin of protection could be reduced.

Users should be advised that the protective properties in new technical rescue protective ensemble elements, as required by this standard, can diminish as the product is worn and ages.

1. 1.3.6 Nothing in this standard is intended to imply that fire service responders cannot engage in technical rescue incidents while wearing protective clothing and equipment meeting NFPA 1971.

Organizations responsible for firefighting applications should use protective clothing and equipment specifically designed for those activities. Applicable standards include the following:

• NFPA 1971
• NFPA 1977

Organizations responsible for hazardous chemical emergen­cies should use protective clothing and equipment specifically designed for those activities. Applicable standards include the following:

• NFPA 1991
• NFPA 1992
• NFPA 1994

Organizations responsible for emergency medical operations should use protective clothing and equipment specifically designed for those activities. The applicable standard is NFPA 1999.

1. 1.3.8 Emergency services organizations are cautioned that accessories are not part of the certified product but could be attached to a certified product by a means not engineered, manufactured, or authorized by the certified product manufac­turer.

Emergency services organizations are cautioned that if an accessory or its means of attachment causes the structural integrity of the certified product to be compromised, the certi­fied product might not be compliant with the standard to which it was originally certified as compliant. Additionally, if an accessory or the accessory’s means of attachment are not designed and manufactured from suitable materials for the hazardous environments of emergency incidents, the failure of the accessory or its attachment means could cause injury to the emergency responder.

Because the aftermarket for accessories for certified prod­ucts is so broad, emergency response organizations are advised to contact both the accessory manufacturer and the manufac­turer of the certified product and verify that the accessor)’ and its means of attachment are suitable for use in the intended emergency response environment. Emergency response organi­zations should seek and receive written documentation from both the accessory manufacturer and the manufacturer of the certified product to validate the following information:

(1) The accessor)’ for a certified product and the means of attachment will not degrade the designed protection or

performance of the certified product below the require­ments of this standard to which it was designed, manufac­tured, tested, and certified. (2) The accessory, when properly attached to the certified product, will not interfere with form, fit, or function of any of the certified product or with the form, fit, and function of any of the certified product’ s component parts.

Emergency services organizations are also cautioned that if the means of attachment for accessories fail to safely and securely attach the accessory to a certified product, the acces­sory can inadvertently be dislodged from the certified product, creating a risk to the wearer or other emergency response personnel in the vicinity.

1. 1.4 Metric units are used throughout, with US equivalents provided in parentheses.

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. 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 au t ho rity h avin g jur i sdic tion.

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.3.3.23 Flame Resistance. Flame resistance can be an inher­ent property of the textile material, or it can be imparted by specific treatment.

A.3.3.39 Gusset. The gusset generally lacks some layers used in the construction of the footwear upper or might include different layers for the purpose of being flexible. The gusset is not observable from the front of the footwear when the foot­wear is donned or laced up.

A.3.3.47 Interface Component(s). Interface components are evaluated and tested individually or are evaluated and tested as a part of the protective element.

A.3.3.63 Product Label. The product label is not the certifica­tion organization’s label, symbol, or identifying mark; however, the certification organization’s label, symbol, or identifying mark can be attached to it or be part of the product label.

A.3.3.98 Tongue. The tongue might or might not be made of the same composite as the footwear upper. The tongue might be of a similar material composite as the footwear gusset.

A.4.1.4 The NFPA, from time to time, has received complaints that certain items of fire and emergency services protective clothing or protective equipment could be carrying labels falsely identifying those items as compliant with an NFPA stand­ard. The requirement for placing the certification organiza­tion’s mark on or next to the product label is to help ensure that the purchaser can readily determine compliance of the product through independent third-party certification.

A.4.2.1 The certification organization should have 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.

A.4.2.5 The contractual provisions covering a certification program should contain clauses advising the manufacturer that if requirements change, the product should be brought into compliance with the new requirements by a stated effective date through a compliance review program involving all currently listed products.

Without those clauses, certifiers would not be able to move quickly to protect their names, marks, or reputations. A prod­uct safety certification program would be deficient without such contractual provisions and the administrative means to back them up.

A.4.2.6 Investigative procedures are important elements of an effective and meaningful product safety certification program. A preliminary review should be carried out 011 products submit­ted to the agency before any major testing is undertaken.

A.4.2.7.1 For further information and guidance 011 recall programs, see 21 CFR 7, Subpart C.

A.4.2.9 Such inspections should include, in most instances, witnessing of production tests. With certain products, the certif­ication organization inspectors should select samples from the production line and submit them to the main laboratory for countercheck testing. With other products, it can be desirable to purchase samples in the open market for test purposes.

A.4.5 ISO 9000, Quality management systems — Fundamentals and vocabulary, defines quality terms and concepts. It gives an overview of the content and use of the ISO 9000 series. ISO 9001, Quality management systems — Requirements, is used to regis­ter the manufacturer’s quality system processes. It prescribes quality system requirements for design, development, produc­tion, installation, and servicing.

A.4.5.4 Subcontractors should be considered to be, but not be limited to, a person or persons, or a company, firm, corpora­tion, partnership, or other organization having an agreement with or under contract with the compliant product manufac­turer to supply or assemble the compliant product or portions of the compliant product.

A.4.6.2 By definition, a hazard might involve a condition that can be imminently dangerous to the end user. For that reason, the investigation should be started immediately and completed in as timely a manner as is appropriate considering the particu­lars of the hazard being investigated.

A.4.6.11 The determination of the appropriate corrective action for the certification organization to initiate should take into consideration the severity of the product hazard and its potential consequences to the safety and health of end users. The scope of testing and evaluation should consider, among other things, testing to the requirements of the standard to which the product was listed as compliant, the age of the prod­uct, the type of use and conditions to which the compliant product has been exposed, care and maintenance that has been provided, the use of expertise on technical matters outside the certification organization’s area of competence, and product hazards caused by circumstances not anticipated by the requirements of the applicable standard. As a guideline for determining which is more appropriate, a safety alert or a product recall, the following product hazard characteristics, which are based 011 42 CFR 84, Subpart E, §84.41 are provided:

• Critical: A product hazard that judgment and experience indicate is likely to result in a condition immediately hazardous to life or health (IHLH) for individuals using or depending on the compliant product. If an IHLH condition occurs, the user will sustain, or will be likely to sustain, an injury of a severity that could result in loss of life, or result in significant bodily injury or loss of bodily function, either immediately or at some point in the future.
• Major A: A product hazard other than Critical that is likely to result in failure to the degree that the compliant prod­uct does not provide any protection or reduces protec­tion and is not detectable to the user. The phrase reduced protection means the failure of specific protective design (s) or feature (s) that results in degradation of protection in advance of reasonable life expectancy to the point that continued use of the product is likely to cause physical harm to the user or where continued degradation could lead to IHLH conditions.
• Major B: A product hazard other than Critical or Major A that is likely to result in reduced protection and is detect­able to the user. The phrase reduced protection means the failure of specific protective design (s) or feature (s) that results in degradation of protection in advance of reason­able life expectancy to the point that continued use of the product is likely to cause physical harm to the user or where continued degradation could lead to IHLH condi­tions.
• Minor: A product hazard other than Critical, Major A, or Major B that is not likely to materially reduce the usability of the compliant product for its intended purpose or a product hazard that is a departure from the established applicable standard and has little bearing 011 the effective use or operation of the compliant product for its inten­ded purpose.

Where the facts are conclusive, based on characteristics of the hazard classified as indicated in the preceding list, the certification organization should consider initiating the follow­ing corrective actions with the authorized and responsible parties:

(1) Critical product hazard characteristics: Product recall

• Major A product hazard characteristics: Product recall or safety alert, depending on the nature of the specific prod­uct hazard
• Major B product hazard characteristics: Safety alert or no action, depending on the nature of the specific product hazard
• Minor product hazard characteristic: No action

A.4.6.13 Reports, proposals, and proposed TIAs should be addressed to the technical committee that is responsible for the applicable standard and sent to Standards Administration, NFPA, 1 Battery march Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471.

A5.1.1 Purchasers can include a requirement in the purchase specifications for an additional label that includes certain infor­mation such as the date of manufacture, manufacturer’s name, and garment identification number to be located in a protec­ted location on the garment, to reduce the chance of label degradation and as a backup source of information to aid in garment tracking or during an investigation.

A5.1.3 The NFPA, from time to time, has received complaints that certain items of fire and emergency services protective clothing or protective equipment could be carrying labels falsely identifying those items as compliant with an NFPA stand­ard. The requirement for placing the certification organiza­tion’s mark on or next to the product label is to help ensure that the purchaser can readily determine compliance of the product through independent third-party certification.

A5.1.7(8) For glove labels, examples of the type of leather that could be listed are cow leather, elk leather, and so forth. Any additional thermal liner that is used in the entire back of the glove should be listed on the label. Elastic and similar mate­rials should not be listed. Trade names can be added if desired.

For footwear labels, examples of an additional thermal layer that is used in the majority of the boot should be listed on the label. Zippers, eyelets, and similar items should not be listed. Type of leather does not have to be listed. Trade names can be added if desired.

For helmet labels, examples of general terminology for shell material are as follows: thermoplastic, thermoplastic/leather, fiberglass composite, Kevlar® composite, and fiberglass compo­site/leather.

A5.2.2 Packaging containing the user information can consist of printed materials or instructions to access the information digitally.

A5.2.4 A statement should be included in the user informa­tion specifying that, upon the purchaser’s request, the manu­facturer is to furnish all documentation required by this standard and the test data showing compliance with this stand­ard. A statement also should be included in the user informa­tion specifying that, upon the purchaser’s request, the manufacturer is to furnish a complete specification of all mate­rials and components that each certified helmet comprises.

A6.1.1.14 The selection of protective clothing size is related directly to the garment’s ability to function properly. In occupa­tions such as fire and rescue services, proper fit and function are related directly to the individual’s ability to perform jobs that are often hazardous. Issues of proper fit are directly associ­ated with the risk of injury. Protective clothing that restricts movement or exposes the skin to hazardous environments will result in lost efficiency and can promote injury and illness, respectively. Proper sizing is a factor in the ability of a person to perform tasks that often involve life or death situations. Protec­tive clothing should fit well to function properly when addi­tional safety equipment or other garments are worn. In addition, the selection of protective garment size has a direct impact on the maintaining of appropriate protection in areas where the protective garment has an interface with safety equipment or other protective garments. ASTM F1731, Stand­ard Practice for Body Measurements and Sizing of Fire and Rescue Services Uniforms and Other Thermal Hazard Protective Clothing, can be useful in the selection of protective clothing for technical operations. ASTM F1731 primarily addresses processes for sizing the station/work uniforms referenced in NFPA 1975, however, the techniques described in ASTM F1731 will be useful in the selection of protective clothing addressed in this standard as well.

A.6.1.1.15.1 The fastener system should be specified by the purchaser. Fastener system methods can include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Entirely securing the barrier layer to a component part of the outer shell with snap fasteners or hook and loop
• Zipping the barrier layer to the outer shell
• Stitching the barrier layer into the coat at the neck and into the trouser at the waist area and securing the remain­der with snap fasteners or hook and loop fasteners
• Entirely stitching the barrier layer to the outer shell

It is strongly recommended that the barrier layer be detacha­ble to facilitate cleaning the garments.

A6.1.2.6 Ventilation openings can be provided with or with­out adjustment systems.

A6.1.3.2 It is important for end users to perform a risk analy­sis on an incident where bloodborne exposure is present. Where a single-layer technical rescue glove is utilized, users should consider wearing a medical exam glove certified to NFPA 1999 underneath their technical rescue glove element.

A6.1.3.3.3.4 The measurements given in Table 6.1.3.3.3.4 are palm lengths and are calculated by subtracting the median length of digit 3 from the median hand length found for each glove size in Table 6.7.6.1(a) through Table 6.7.6.1(e) of the 2013 edition of NFPA 1971.

A6.1.3.6 The purchaser should consider the following sizing performance recommendations and evaluation methods:

(1) Glove fit/performance recommendations as follows:

• Glove fit is defined in terms of finger length, finger circumference, glove circumference, and crotch offset.
• The thumb and index finger of the hand should reach the ends of the thumb and index finger of the glove.
• The middle and ring fingers of the glove can be permitted to extend beyond the finger of the hand no more than 10 mm (²%4 in.).
• The little finger of the glove can be permitted to extend beyond the little finger of the hand no more than 13 mm (‘/₂).
• The finger crotches of the glove can be offset from the finger crotches of the hand no more than 13 mm (14 in.).
• The glove should not be permitted to constrict the fingers of the hand in circumference.

(g) Excess circumference of the glove over the fingers and hand can be permitted but should not exceed 10 mm (²⁵/_m in.) for any finger or 13 mm {% in.) for the hand as a whole. (2) Glove fit test method as follows:

• The subject’s hand should be measured for hand circumference and hand length to determine the correct size of test glove. The method described in 6.3.4 should be used.
• Samples should be conditioned to be new, after 10 washes (see 8.1.9), and after heat resistance testing (see Section 8.3).
• The subjects should don the test gloves as they would their own gloves.
• The subject should determine if the thumb and index finger are at the ends of the thumb and index finger of the glove. The tips of the thumb and index finger should be felt from the outside to verify the subject’s answer.
• An inside diameter caliper should be used to meas­ure the excess of glove finger over the test subject’s finger for the middle, ring, and little fingers.
• The subject should determine if the glove constricts either the fingers or the hand in terms of circumfer­ence. Each finger and the sides of the gloved hand should be felt to verify the subject’s answer.
• An inside diameter caliper should be used to meas­ure any excess circumference in each finger and in the hand. When the values are recorded, the meas­ured excess should be doubled to convert the flat dimension into a circumferential dimension (to account for the fact that there are two thicknesses of the glove material).
• The subject’s hand dimensions, glove size, and all test results should be recorded.

A.8.1.11 When a glove is two-dimensional rather than three- dimensional (the glove in Figure 8.1.11 is three-dimensional), then the same methodology should be applied to the two- dimensional glove. For example, if there are requirements for the sides of the fingers, then the area of the glove that would cover the sides of the fingers should be considered for these requirements even though the glove does not have forchettes. When wearing a correctly sized glove and laying the gloved hand completely flat on an even, flat surface, the portion of the glove that comes in contact with the even, flat surface should be considered the palm test areas of the glove. The layers immediately above the palm areas should be considered the areas next to the palm areas. The finger sides should include the interior side areas of the small, ring, middle, and index fingers for a glove, that are hidden from sight, as observed both from the glove palm and glove back sides when an individual wearing a correctly sized glove has his or her fingers completely closed.

The back area is intended to include all parts of the glove that are not defined as the palm areas or the side areas. The layers immediately beneath the back areas should be consid­ered the side areas next to the back areas.

A.8.4.5 These modifications shall be used instead of Note 6 in ASTM F1868, Standard Test Method for Thermal and Evaporative Resistance of Clothing Materials Using a Sweating Hot Plate, Part C.

A.8.14.4.2(3) The types of liquids, specifically the hydraulic fluid liquid, were liquids that were identified as being in use or that could be encountered by the technical rescue and fire service in the early 2000s. These liquids might not represent current day technical rescue and fire service use. While fire- resistant hydraulic fluid is still in use today, the industry has been transitioning to hydraulic fluids based on mineral oils. Research has shown that for the identification of fire-resistant hydraulic fluid, phosphate ester base that does not contain aliphatic phosphate is a better representation of this type of fluid for conducting the liquid penetration resistance test.

A.8.20.5.4 The retention system test measures vertical move­ment. When applying the load, the helmet might shift from its original horizontal plane position. If this occurs, the helmet should be secured in such a manner that the horizontal plane position is maintained but the vertical movement is not influ­enced. For example, this could be accomplished with a secur­ing mechanism for the brim that moves vertically with the helmet.

8. 30.4.3.1 However, if experience shows that the friction properties of the test floor are not strongly influenced by repeated testing, then calibration intervals can be extended.

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 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471.

NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting, 2013 edition.

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

NFPA 1975, Standard on Emergency Services Work Apparel, 2019 edition.

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

1. 1.2 Other Publications.
2. 1.2.1 ANSI Publications. American National Standards Institute, Inc., 25 West 43rd Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036.

ANSI/ISEA 107, American National Standard for High Visibility Safety Apparel and Accessories, 2015.