NFPA 1971 Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting

Administration

1.1* Scope.

• This standard shall specify the minimum design, performance, testing, and certification requirements for struc­tural fire fighting protective ensembles and ensemble elements that include coats, trousers, coveralls, helmets, gloves, footwear, and interface components.
• This standard shall specify the minimum design, performance, testing, and certification requirements for prox­imity fire fighting protective ensembles and ensemble elements that include coats, trousers, coveralls, helmets, gloves, footwear, and interface components.

1.1.2.1 This standard shall also specify optional requirements for particulate barrier protective hood interface components.

1.1.3* This standard shall also specify additional optional requirements for structural fire fighting protective ensembles and proximity fire fighting protective ensembles that will provide limited protection from liquid and particulate hazards.

1.1.3.1 This standard shall not specify requirements for protection against CBRN terrorism agents.

1.1.4 This standard shall specify requirements for new struc­tural fire fighting protective ensembles, new proximity fire fighting protective ensembles, or new elements for both ensem­bles.

1.1.5* This standard shall not specify requirements for any accessories that could be attached to the certified product, but are not necessary for the certified product to meet the require­ments of this standard.

• Other than for the certification of structural or proxim­ity protective ensembles to the optional complete ensemble liquid and particulate hazard protection requirements, this standard shall not specify the respiratory protection that is necessary for proper protection with structural or fire fighting protective ensembles.
• Certification of compliant structural fire fighting protec­tive ensembles, compliant proximity fire fighting protective ensembles, and compliant elements of both ensembles to the requirements of this standard shall not preclude certification to additional appropriate standards where the ensemble or ensemble element meets all the applicable requirements of each standard.
• This standard shall not be construed as addressing all of the safety concerns associated with the use of compliant protec­tive ensembles or ensemble elements. It shall be the responsi­bility of the persons and organizations that use compliant protective ensembles or ensemble elements to establish safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regula­tory limitations prior to use.
• This standard shall not be construed as addressing all of 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 ensemble elements to estab­lish safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to using this standard for any designing, manufacturing, and testing.
• 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 fire fighting personnel assigned to fire department operations including but not limited to struc­tural fire fighting, proximity fire fighting, rescue, emergency medical, and other emergency first responder functions.

1.2.1.1 To achieve this purpose, this standard shall establish minimum requirements for structural fire fighting protective ensembles and ensemble elements designed to provide fire fighting personnel limited protection from thermal, physical, environmental, and bloodborne pathogen hazards encoun­tered during structural fire fighting operations.

1.2.1.2 To achieve this purpose, this standard shall establish minimum requirements for proximity fire fighting protective ensembles and ensemble elements designed to provide fire fighting personnel limited protection from thermal exposures where high levels of radiant heat as well as convective and conductive heat are released, and from physical, environmen­tal, and bloodborne pathogen hazards encountered during proximity fire fighting operations.

• The purpose of this standard shall also be to establish a minimum level of protection for structural and proximity fire fighting personnel from exposure to liquid and particulate contaminants as an option for compliant structural fire fighting ensembles, for compliant proximity fire fighting ensembles, and for compliant elements for both ensembles.

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 shall not be utilized as a detailed manufac­turing or purchasing specification but shall be permitted to be referenced in purchase specifications as minimum require­ments.

1.3 Application.

1.3.1 This standard shall apply to the design, manufacturing, testing, and certification of new structural fire fighting protec­tive ensembles, new proximity fire fighting protective ensem­bles, and new elements of both ensembles for protection from thermal, physical, environmental, and bloodborne pathogen hazards encountered during structural fire fighting operations.

1.3.2* This standard shall apply to the design, manufacturing, testing, and certification of new structural fire fighting protec­tive ensembles, new proximity fire fighting protective ensem­bles, and new elements of both ensembles for additional optional protection from liquid and particulate contaminants.

• This standard shall not apply to any protective ensem­bles, ensemble elements, or protective clothing for any other types of fire fighting operations.
• This standard shall not apply to structural fire fighting protective ensembles manufactured according to previous editions of NFPA 1971.
• This standard shall not apply to structural fire fighting protective clothing and equipment manufactured according to past editions of NFPA 1971, NFPA 1972, NFPA 1973, and NFPA 1974.
• This standard shall not apply to proximity fire fighting protective ensembles manufactured according to previous editions of NFPA 1976.
• This standard shall not apply to proximity fire fighting protective clothing and equipment manufactured according to past editions of NFPA 1976.

1.3.8* This standard shall not apply to any accessories that could be attached to the certified product, before or after purchase, but are not necessary for the certified product to meet the requirements of this standard.

1.3.9 This standard shall not apply to the use of structural fire fighting protective ensembles, proximity fire fighting protective ensembles, or elements of these ensembles since these require­ments are specified in NFPA 1500.

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

AATCC 35, Water Resistance: Rain Test, 2013.

AATCC 42, Water Resistance: Impact Penetration Test, 2013.

AATCC 61, Colorfastness to Laundering: Accelerated, 2013.

AATCC 70, Water Repellency — Tumble Jar Dynamic Absorption Test, 2015.

AATCC 135, Dimensional Changes of Fabrics after Home Launder­ing, 2004.

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

ASTM A666, Standard Specification for Annealed or Cold Worked Austenitic Stainless Steel Sheet, Strip, Plate, and Flat Bay-, 2015.

ASTM B152/B152M, Specification for Copper Sheet, Strip Plate, and Rolled Bar, 2013.

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

ASTM D751, Standard Test Methods for Coated Fabrics, 2011.

ASTM 1)1003, Standard Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics, 2013.

ASTM D1683, Standard Test Method for Failure in Sewn Seams of Woven Fabrics, 2011.

ASTM D1776/D1776M, Standard Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles, 2016.

ASTM D3359, Standard Test Methods for Measuring Adhesion by Tape Test, 2009 e2.

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

ASTM D4157, Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics (Oscillatory Cylinder Method), 2013.

ASTM D4966, Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics (Martindale Abrasion Test Method), 2012 el.

ASTM D5034, Standard Test Method for Breaking Strength and Elongation of Textile Fabrics (Crab Test), 2013.

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, Standard Test Method for the Tearing Strength of Fabrics try Trapezoid Procedure, 2015.

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

ASTM D6775, Standard Test Method for Breaking Strength and Elongation of Textile Webbing, Tape and Braided Material, 2013.

ASTM D6797, Standard Test Method for Blasting Strength of Fabrics Constant-Rate-of-Extension (CRE) Ball Burst Test, 2015.

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

ASTM E809, Standard Practice for Measuring Photometric Charac­teristics of Ret roref lectors, 2013.

ASTM E991, Standard Practice for Color Measurement of Fluores­cent Specimens Using the One-Monochromator Method, 2011.

ASTM El 164, Standard Practice for Obtaining Spectrometric Data for Object -Color Evaluation, 2012.

ASTM E2152, Standard Practice for Computing the Colors of Fluo­rescent Objects from Bispectral Photometric Data, 2012.

ASTM E2153, Standard Practice for Obtaining Bispectral Photo­metric Data for Evaluation of Fluorescent Color, 2011.

ASTM F903, Standard Test Method for Resistance of Materials Used in Protective Clothing to Penetration by Liquids, 2010.

ASTM F1060, Standard Test Method for Thermal Protective Performance of Materials for Protective Clothing for Hot Surface Contact, 2008.

ASTM F1215, Test Method for Determining the Initial Efficiency of a Flatsheet Filter Medium in an Airflow Using Latex Spheres, 1998.

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

ASTM F1359/F1359M, Standard Test Method for Liquid Penetra­tion Resistance of Protective Clothing or Protective Ensembles Under a Shower Spray While on a Manikin, 2016.

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 Penetration 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, 2014.

ASTM F1939, Standard Test Method for Radiant Heat Resistance of Flame Resistant Clothing Materials with Continuous Heating, 2015.

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

ASTM F2299/ F2299M, Standard Test Method for Determining the Initial Efficiency of Materials Used in Medical Face Masks to Penetra­tion by Particulates Using Latex Spheres, 2010.

ASTM F2412, Standard Test Methods for Foot Protection, 2011.

ASTM F2413, Standard Specification for Performance Require­ments for Protective (Safety) Toe Cap Footwear, 2011.

ASTM F2731, Standard Test Method for Measuring the Transmit­ted and Stored Energy in Fire Fighter Protective Clothing Systems, 2011.

ASTM F2894, Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Materials, Protective Clothing and Equipment for Heat Resistance Using a Hot Air Circulating Oven, 2014.

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, 2011.

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

ASTM G155, Standard Practice for Operating Xenon Arc Light Apparatus for Exposure of Non-Metallic Materials, 2013.

• CIE Publications.S. National Committee of the Comission Internationale de l’Eclairage CIE, c/o Mr. Thomas M. Lemons, TLA — Lighting Consultants, Inc., 7 Pond Street, Salem, MA 01970-4819.

ISO/CIE 10526, Calorimetric Rluminants, 1999.

• CSA Publications. Canadian Standards Association, 5060 Spectrum Way, Mississauga, ON, L4W 5N6, Canada.

CSA Z195, Protective Footwear, 2014.

• FIA Publications. Footwear Industries of America, 1420 K Street, NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20005.

FIA 1209, mole Shoe Flex, 1984.

• GSA Publications.S. General Services Administration, 1800 F Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20405.

Federal Test Method Standard 191 A, Textile Test Methods, 20 July 1978.

• ISEA Publications. International Saf ety Equipment Asso­ciation, 1901 North Moore Street, Arlington, VA 22209-1762.

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

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

• ISO Publications. International Organization for Stand­ardization, ISO Central Secretariat, BIBC II, Chemin de 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 a rotating cylindrical drum device, 2010.

ISO 9001, Quality management systems — Requirements, 2008.

ISO 9001, Quality management systems — Requirements, 2015.

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

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

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

ISO 17492, Clothing for protection against heat and flame — Determination of heat transmission on exposure to both flame and radi­ant heat, 2003.

ISO/CIE 10526, Calorimetric Illuminants, 2007.

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

• SAE Publications. SAE International, 400 Common­wealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096.

SAE J211-1, Instrumentation for Impact Test, Part 1 – Electronic Instrumentation, 2014.

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

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

A-A-55634A, Commercial Item Description, Zippers (Fasteners, Slide, Interlocking), March 23, 2004.

• S. Government Publications. U.S. 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,” 1994.

2.3.12 U.S. Military Publications. U.S. Army Developmental Test Command, ATTN: CSTE-DTC-TT-S, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5055.

Federal Specification CCC-C-419, Cloth, Duck, Unbleached, Plied- Yarns, Army and Numbered, 1985.

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

Test Operations Procedure (TOP) 10-2-022, Chemical Vapor and Aerosol System-Level Testing of Chemical/Biological Protective Suits, 2013.

2.4 References for Extracts in Mandatory Sections. (Reserved)

Definitions

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

3.2.1* Approved. Acceptable to the authority having jurisdic­tion.

3.2.2* Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). An organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard, or for approving equipment, materials, an installation, or a procedure.

3.2.3 Labeled. Equipment or materials to which has been attached a label, symbol, or other identifying mark of an organ­ization that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and concerned with product evaluation, that maintains peri­odic inspection of production of labeled equipment or materi­als, and by whose labeling the manufacturer indicates compliance with appropriate standards or performance in a specified manner. (See also definition 3.3.88, Product Label.)

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.

General Definitions.

• The bottom curve of the foot from the heel to the ball.
• Barrier Hood. See3.136, Structural Fire Fighting Protective Hood.
• Barrier Material. The part of the composite that limits transfer from the face of the layer to the other side.
• Basic Plane. The anatomical plane that includes the superior rim of the external auditory meatus, the upper edge of the external openings of the ear, and the inferior margin of the orbit, which is the lowest point of the floor of the eye socket.
• An equipment item configured as a device that fastens around the waist only and is designated as a ladder belt or an escape belt.
• Biological Terrorism Agents. Liquid or particulate agents that can consist of biologically derived toxin or patho­gen to inflict lethal or incapacitating casualties.

3.3.7* Bitragion Coronal Arc. The arc between the right and left tragion as measured over the top of the head in a plane perpendicular to the midsagittal plane.

3.3.8* Bitragion Inion Arc. The arc between tragion as meas­ured over the inion.

• 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 sock-like extension of the garment or suit leg that covers the entire foot.
• A part of the shell of the helmet extending around the entire circumference of the helmet.
• Brim Line. A horizontal plane intersecting the point of the front opening of the helmet at the midsagittal plane.
• Cargo Pockets. Pockets located on the protective garment exterior.
• An abbreviation for chemicals, biological agents, and radiological particulates hazards. (See also 3.3.16, CBRN Terrorism Agents.)

3.3.16* CBRN Terrorism Agents. Chemicals, biological agents, and radiological particulates that could be released as the result of a terrorist attack. (See also 3.3.20, Chemical Terrorism Agents; 3.3.6, Biological Terrorism Agents; and 3.3.112, Radiological Particulate Terrorism Agents.)

3.3.17 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.

• Certification Organization. An independent, third- party organization that determines product compliance with the requirements of this standard with a labeling/listing/ follow-up program.
• The formation of a brittle residue when material is exposed to thermal energy.
• Chemical Terrorism Agents. Liquid, solid, gaseous, and vapor chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemi­cals used to inflict lethal or incapacitating casualties, generally on a civilian population, as a result of a terrorist attack. (See also 3.3.21, Chemical Warfare (CW) Agents, and 3.3.146, Toxic Indus­trial Chemicals.)
• Chemical Warfare (CW) Agents. Liquid, solid, and gaseous chemical agents (most are liquids) traditionally used during warfare or armed conflict to kill or incapacitate an enemy.
• Chin Strap. An adjustable strap for the helmet that fits under the chin to secure the helmet to the head.
• See 3.3.128, Structural Fire Fighting Protective Coat, and 3.3.102, Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Coat.
• The portion of the coat or coverall that encir­cles the neck.
• Collar Lining. The 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.
• Coronal Plane. The anatomical plane perpendicular to both the basic and midsagittal planes and containing the midpoint of a line connecting the superior rims of the right and left auditory meatuses.
• See 3.3.129, Structural Fire Fighting Protec­tive Coverall, and 3.3.103, Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Coverall.
• The portion of the helmet that covers the head above the reference plane.
• Crown Straps. The part of the helmet suspension that passes over the head.
• Dielectric Test Plane. A plane that runs diagonally through the headform from the intersection of the test line and midsagittal plane in the front of the headform to the inter­section of the reference plane and midsagittal plane in the rear of the headform.
• To run or fall in drops or blobs.
• Ear Covers. An interface component of the protective helmet element that provides limited protection to the helmet/coat interface area.
• Element(s). See 3.3.39, Ensemble Elements.
• Energy Absorbing System. Materials or systems used to attenuate impact energy.
• See 3.3.130, Structural Fire Fighting Protec­tive Ensemble, and 3.3.104, Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Ensemble.
• Ensemble Elements. The compliant products that provide protection to the upper and lower torso, arms, legs, head, hands, and feet.

3.3.40* Entry Fire Fighting. Extraordinarily specialized fire fighting operations that can include the activities of rescue, fire suppression, and property conservation at incidents involving fires producing extreme levels of radiant, conductive, and convective heat.

3.3.41* Faceshield. The component of the helmet that provides limited protection to a portion of the wearer’s face.

• Faceshield/Goggle. The term that applies to the helmet component that is a faceshield, or goggle, or both.
• Facial Feature Headform. The medium size reference headform specified in ANSI/ISEA Z87.1, Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices.
• Flame Resistance. The property of a material whereby combustion is prevented, terminated, or inhibited following the application of a flaming or nonflaming source of ignition, with or without subsequent removal of the ignition source. Flame resistance can be an inherent property of a material, or it can be imparted by specific treatment. (See also 3.3.67, Inher­ent Flame Resistance.)
• The process by which radiant flux of certain wavelengths is absorbed and reradiated, nonthermally in other, usually longer, wavelengths.
• Follow-Up Program. The sampling, inspection, 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.

3.3.47* Footwear. See 3.3.132, Structural Fire Fighting Protec­tive Footwear, and 3.3.106, Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Footwear.

• The ability of an element or component of an element to continue to be utilized for its intended purpose.
• Garment(s). See 3.3.133, Structural Fire Fighting Protective Garments, and 3.3.107, Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Garments.
• An interface component of the protective glove element that provides limited protection to the coat/ glove interface area.
• See 3.3.134, Structural Fire Fighting Protective Gloves, and 3.3.108, Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Gloves.
• Glove Body. The part of the glove that extends from the tip of the fingers to the wrist crease or to a specified distance beyond the wrist crease.
• Glove Liner. The innermost component of the glove body composite that comes into contact with the wearer’s skin.
• Glove Wrisdet. See 3.3.153, Wristlet.
• The component of the helmet that provides protection to the wearer’s eyes and a portion of the wearer’s face.
• The process of proportioning components for construction of an element.

3.3.57* 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 and equipment including, but not limited to, those made of metal or plastic.
• An equipment item; an arrangement of materials secured about the body used to support a person.
• Hazardous Materials Emergencies. Incidents involving the release or potential release of hazardous materials.
• The portion of the helmet suspension that encircles the head.
• A device that simulates the configuration of the human head.
• See 3.3.135, Structural Fire Fighting Protec­tive Helmet, and 3.3.109, Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Helmet.
• Helmet Cover. A removable helmet component that offers radiant reflective protection to the exterior of the helmet shell.
• Helmet Shroud. The component element of the helmet that provides limited protection to the helmet/coat SCBA interface area.
• See 3.3.136, Structural Fire Fighting Protective Hood.
• Inherent Flame Resistance. Flame resistance that is derived from the essential characteristic of the fiber or poly­mer.
• 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.
• 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 3.3.122, Shank.
• Liquid Borne Pathogen. See3.9, Body Fluid-Borne Pathogen.
• Lower Torso. The area of the body trunk below the waist, excluding the legs, ankles, and feet.
• Major ASeam. See3.119.2.
• Major B Seam. See3.119.3.
• The entity that assumes the liability for the compliant product.
• Manufacturing Facility. A facility that is involved in the production, assembly, final inspection, or labeling of the compliant end product.
• A response to heat by a material resulting in evidence of flowing or dripping.
• Midsagittal Plane. The plane, perpendicular to the basic and coronal planes, that bisects the head symmetrically.
• Minor Seam. See3.119.4.
• The collective term used to identify a group of elements or items 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.
• Moisture Barrier. The component of an element or item that principally prevents the transfer of liquids.
• Nape Device. A component used to aid in helmet retention.
• Outer Shell. The outermost component of an element or item not including trim, hardware, reinforcing material, pockets, wristlet material, accessories, fittings, or suspension systems.

3.3.85* Particulate Blocking Layer. The layer(s) of an element or item that principally inhibits the ingress of parti­cles.

3.3.86* Particulates. Finely divided solid matter that is dispersed in air.

• Percent Inward Leakage. The ratio of vapor concentra­tion inside the ensemble versus the vapor concentration outside the ensemble expressed as a percentage.
• Product Label. A marking provided by the manufac­turer for each compliant product containing compliant state­ments, certification statements, manufacturer or model information, or similar data. The product label is not the certif­ication organization’s label, symbol, or identifying mark; however, the certification organization’s label, symbol, or iden­tifying mark is attached to or part of the product label.
• Protective Clothing. See3.130, Structural Fire Fight­ing Protective Ensembles, and 3.3.104, Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Ensemble.
• Protective Coat. See3.128, Structural Fire Fighting Protective Coat, and 3.3.101, Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Coat.
• Protective Coverall. See3.129, Structural Fire Fight­ing Protective Coverall, and 3.3.103, Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Coverall.
• Protective Ensemble. See3.130, Structural Fire Fight­ing Protective Ensemble, and 3.3.104, Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Ensemble.
• Protective Footwear. See3.132, Structural Fire Fight­ing Protective Footwear, and 3.3.106, Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Footwear.
• Protective Garment. See3.133, Structural Fire Fight­ing Protective Garments, and 3.3.107, Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Garments.
• Protective Gloves. See3.134, Structural Fire Fighting Protective Glove, and 3.3.108, Proximity Fire Fighting Protec­tive Glove.
• Protective Helmet. See3.135, Structural Fire Fight­ing Protective Helmet, and 3.3.109, Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Helmet.
• Protective Hood. See3.136, Structural Fire Fighting Protective Hood.
• Protective Trousers. See3.137, Structural Fire Fight­ing Protective Trousers, and 3.3.110, Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Trousers.
• Protective Wristlet. See3.153, Wristlet.

3.3.100* Proximity Fire Fighting. Specialized fire fighting operations that can include the activities of rescue, fire suppression, and property conservation at incidents involving fires producing high levels of radiant heat as well as conductive and convective heat.

Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Clothing

3.3.104, Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Ensemble.

• Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Coat. The element of the protective ensemble that provides protection to upper torso and arms, excluding the hands and head.
• Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Coverall. The

element of the protective ensemble that provides protection to the torso, arms, and legs, excluding the head, hands, and feet.

• Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Ensemble. Multi­ple elements of compliant protective clothing and equipment that when worn together provide protection from some risks, but not all risks, of emergency incident operations.
• Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Ensemble with Optional Liquid and Particulate Contaminant Protection. A

compliant proximity fire fighting protective ensemble that is also certified as an entire ensemble to meet the optional requirements for protection from liquid and particulate contaminants.

• Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Footwear. The

element of the protective ensemble that provides protection to the foot, ankle, and lower leg.

• Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Garment. The

coat, trouser, and coverall elements of the protective ensemble.

• Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Glove. The

element of the protective ensemble that provides protection to the hand and wrist.

• Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Helmet. The

element of the protective ensemble that provides protection to the head.

• Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Trousers. The

element of the protective ensemble that provides protection to the lower torso and legs, excluding the ankles and feet.

• Puncture-Resistant Device. A reinforcement to the bottom of protective footwear that is designed to provide punc­ture resistance.

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

• Recall System. Procedures by which a manufacturer identifies a product, provides notice or safety alert, and repairs or withdraws the product as the corrective action.
• Reference Plane. A dimensionally defined plane parallel to the basic plane that is measured from the top of the applicable headform or the basic plane.
• Retention System. The complete assembly by which the helmet is retained in position on the head.
• Retroreflection/Retroflective. The reflection of light in which the reflected rays are preferentially returned in the direction close to the opposite of the direction of the incident rays, with this property being maintained over wide variations of the direction of the incident rays.
• Retroreflective Markings. A material that reflects and returns a relatively high proportion of light in a direction close to the direction from which it came.
• (1) The ensemble, element, component, or composite that is conditioned for testing. (2) Ensembles, elements, items, or components that are randomly selected from the manufacturing facility’s production line, from the manufacturer’s or manufacturing facility’s inventory, or from the open market.
• Any permanent attachment of two or more materials in a line formed by joining the separate material pieces.

3.3.119.1 Major Seam. Seam assemblies where rupture exposes the wearer to immediate danger.

3.3.119.2* 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, Major A, or Major B seams.
• Seam Assembly. The structure obtained when materi­als are joined by means of a seam.
• Separate/Separation. A material response evidenced by splitting or delaminating.
• The component of footwear that provides additional support to the instep.
• See 3.3.84, Outer Shell.
• The conditioned ensemble, element, item, or component that is tested. Specimens are taken from samples. (See also 3.3.118, Sample.)
• Structural Fire Fighting. The activities of rescue, fire suppression, and property conservation in buildings, enclosed structures, vehicles, marine vessels, or like properties that are involved in a fire or emergency situation.
• Structural Fire Fighting Protective Barrier Hood. The optional interface element of the protective ensemble that provides limited thermal, physical, and barrier protection to the coat/helmet/SCBA facepiece interface area.

3.3.130, Structural Fire Fighting Protective Ensemble.

• Structural Fire Fighting Protective Coat. The element of the protective ensemble that provides protection to the upper torso and arms, excluding the hands and head.
• Structural Fire Fighting Protective Coverall. The element of the protective ensemble that provides protection to the torso, arms, and legs, excluding the head, hands, and feet.

3.3.130* Structural Fire Fighting Protective Ensemble. Multi­ple elements of compliant protective clothing and equipment that when worn together provide protection from some risks, but not all risks, of emergency incident operations.

• Structural Fire Fighting Protective Ensemble with Optional Liquid and Particulate Contaminant Protection. A compliant structural fire fighting protective ensemble that is also certified as an entire ensemble to meet the optional requirements for protection from liquid and particulate contaminants.

• Structural Fire Fighting Protective Footwear. Theelement of the protective ensemble that provides protection to the foot, ankle, and lower leg.

• Structural Fire Fighting Protective Garment(s). The coat, trouser, and coverall elements of the protective ensemble.

• Structural Fire Fighting Protective Glove. The element of the protective ensemble that provides protection to the hand and wrist.

• Structural Fire Fighting Protective Helmet. The element of the protective ensemble that provides protection to the head.

• Structural Fire Fighting Protective Hood. The inter­face element of the protective ensemble that provides limited protection to the coat/helmet/SCBA facepiece interface area.
• Structural Fire Fighting Protective Trousers. The element of the protective ensemble that provides protection to the lower torso and legs, excluding the ankles and feet.

• 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.
• Textile Fabric. A planar structure consisting of yarns or fibers.
• Thermal Barrier. The component of an element or item that principally provides thermal protection.
• Toe Cap. A reinforcement to the toe area of footwear designed to protect the toes from impact and compression.

3.3.143* Tongue. The part of the protective footwear that is provided for lace up 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.

• The intersection between the midsagittal plane and the coronal plane extended to the helmet surface.
• Top Line. The top edge of the protective footwear that includes the tongue, gusset, quarter, collar, and shaft.
• Toxic Industrial Chemicals. Highly toxic solid, liquid, or gaseous chemicals that have been identified as mass casualty threats that could be used to inflict casualties, generally on a civilian population, during a terrorist attack.
• Retroreflective and fluorescent materials attached to the outermost surface of the protective ensemble for visibility enhancement. Retroreflective materials enhance nighttime visibility, and fluorescent materials enhance daytime visibility. “Trim” is also known as “visibility markings.”
• See 3.3.137, Structural Fire Fighting Protec­tive Trousers, and 3.3.110, Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Trousers.

3.3.149* Upper. The part of the protective footwear includ­ing, but not limited to, the toe, vamp, quarter, shaft, collar, and throat, but excluding the sole with heel, puncture-resistant device, and insole.

• Upper Torso. The area of body trunk above the waist and extending to the shoulder, excluding the arms and wrists, and hands.
• 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 protec­tive coat/glove interface area.

Chapter 4 Certification

4.1 General.

4.1.1 The process of certification for product as being compli­ant with NFPA 1971 shall meet the requirements of Section 4.1, General; Section 4.2, Certification Program; Section 4.3, inspection and Testing; Section 4.4, Recertification; 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 products that are labeled as being compli­ant with this standard shall meet or exceed all applicable requirements specified in this standard and shall be certified.
• The certification organization shall only permit the certification of complete protective ensembles, which include protective garments, protective helmet, protective gloves, protective footwear, interface components where necessary for certification, and protective hood where the hood is not part of the protective garments, to the optional requirements for protection against liquid and particulate contaminants.
• The certification organization shall further require that the protective ensemble manufacturer specify the respira­tory protection component of the ensemble by manufacturer, type, and model in order for the ensembles to be certified to the optional requirements for protection against liquid and particulate contaminants.
• The respiratory protection shall be a specific model self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) that is certified as compliant with NFPA 1981.
• 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 certifiy- ing products, processes, and services. The accreditation shall be issued by an accreditation body operating in accordance with ISO 17011, Conformity assessment — General requirements for accred­itation bodies accrediting conformity assessment bodies.

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 1971, in any statements about their respec­tive products unless the products are certified as compliant to this standard.

• All compliant products shall be labeled and listed.
• All compliant products shall also have a product label that meets the requirements specified in Section 5.1, Product Libel Requirements.
• The certification organization’s label, symbol, or identi­fying mark shall be part of the product label, shall be attached to 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 NFPA 1971 on or after the NFPA effective date for the 2018 edition, which is August 21, 2017.
• The certification organization shall not permit any manufacturer to continue to label any products that are certi­fied as compliant with the 2013 edition of NFPA 1971 on or after August 21, 2018.
• The certification organization shall require manufac­turers to remove all certification labels and product labels indi­cating compliance with the 2013 edition of NFPA 1971 from all products that are under the control of the manufacturer on August 21, 2018, and the certification organization shall verify 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.

• 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 certifiying products, processes, and services. The accreditation shall be issued by an accreditation body operating in accordance with ISO 17011, Conformity assessment — General requirements for accredita­tion bodies accrediting conformity assessment bodies.
• The 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, Manufacturers’ 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 provided in 3.3.77 (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.
• Sample product shall be evaluated by the certification organization to verify the product’s continued compliance in order 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 initial certification and recertification.
• The certification organization shall be permitted to conduct specific testing to verify the product’s continued compliance.
• For products, components, and materials where prior testing, judgment, and experience of the certification organiza­tion have shown results to be in jeopardy of not complying with this standard, the certification organization shall conduct more frequent testing of 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 reports of situations 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 compliant products, 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 17025, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories.

4.3.2.1 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.

4.3.2.2 The accreditation of a certification organization’s test­ing laboratory shall be issued by an accreditation body operat­ing in accordance with ISO 17011, Conformity assessment — General requirements for accreditation bodies accrediting conformity assessment bodies.

4.3.3 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, Conformity assessment — General 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.

4.3.4* 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.

4.3.4.1* For certification of structural fire fighting helmet elements, a test series shall consist of 14 helmets.

• A minimum of three test series shall be required for certification.
• Each helmet shall be subjected to the specified envi­ronmental conditioning and test or tests.

4.3.4.2* For certification of proximity fire fighting helmet elements, a test series shall consist of 14 helmets.

• A minimum of three test series shall be required for certification.
• Each helmet shall be subjected to the specified envi­ronmental conditioning and test or tests.

4.3.4.3 For certification of any ensembles with the optional liquid and particulate contaminant protection requirements, the ensembles and components shall be subjected to the speci­fied environmental conditioning and test or tests.

4.3.5 Inspection and evaluation 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 products identified in Section 5.1, Product Label Requirements for Both Ensembles, Section 5.2, Addi­tional Product Label Requirements for Structural Fire Fighting Ensemble Elements Only, and Section 5.3, Additional Product Label Requirements for Proximity Fire Fighting Ensemble Elements Only.

• Inspection and evaluation by the certification organiza­tion shall include an evaluation of any symbols and pictorial graphic representations used on product labels or in user infor­mation, as permitted in 5.1.5 to ensure that the symbols are clearly explained in the product’s user information package.
• Inspection and evaluation by the certification organiza­tion shall include a review of the user information required by Section 5.4, User Information Requirements for Both Ensem­bles, to ensure that the information has been developed and is available.
• Inspection and evaluation 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 compliant product.
• 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 to 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 an ensemble element with the specific ensemble(s) with which it is 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 Recerdfication.

• All individual elements of the protective ensemble that are labeled as being compliant with this standard shall undergo recerdfication on an annual basis. This recerdfication 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 with the following protocol:
    • Where a test method incorporates testing both before and after laundering conditioning specified in 8.1.2 and the test generates quantitative results, recerdfication 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 laundering conditioning specified in 8.1.2 and the test generates non-quantitative results (e.g., pass/fail for melt/drip), recerdfication shall be limited to a single conditioning procedure in any given year. Subsequent annual recertifica- tions shall cycle through the remaining condition­ing procedures to ensure that all required conditionings are included over time.
    • Where a test method requires the testing of three specimens, a minimum of one specimen shall be tested for annual recerdfication.
    • Where a test method requires the testing of five or more specimens, a minimum of two specimens shall be tested for annual recerdfication.
  • At least one sample of each compliant product and component shall be tested for overall performance as specified in Chapter 7 according to the following protocol:
    • Where a test method incorporates testing both before and after laundering conditioning specified in 8.1.2 and the test generates quantitative results, recerdfication 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 laundering conditioning specified in 8.1.2 and the test generates non-quantitative results (e.g., pass/fail for melt/drip), recerdfication 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 ofless than five specimens, a minimum of one specimen shall be tested for annual recerdfication.
    • Where a test method requires the testing of five or more specimens, a minimum of two specimens shall be tested for annual recerdfication.
  • Any change that affects the element’s performance under the design or performance requirements of this stand­ard shall constitute a different model.
  • For the purpose of this standard, models shall include each unique pattern, style, or design of the individual element.
  • Samples of manufacturer models and components for recerdfication shall be acquired as part of the follow-up program in accordance with 4.2.7 and shall be permitted to be used toward annual recerdfication.
  • The manufacturer shall maintain all design and performance inspection and test data from the certification organization used in the recerdfication 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.

4.5.3* All the following entities shall either be registered to ISO 9001, Quality management systems — Requirements, or shall be listed as a covered location under an ISO 9001 registered entity:

• Manufacturer
• Manufacturing facility
• The entity that directs and controls compliant product design
• The entity that directs and controls compliant product quality assurance
• The entity that provides the warranty for the compliant product
• The entity that puts their name on the product label and markets and sells the product as their own

• 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 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.
• The scope of the ISO registration shall include at least the design and manufacturing systems management for the type of personal protective equipment being certified.

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.

4.5.5 Where manufacturers construct custom sized or special fitting gloves for accommodating the special needs of individ­ual fire fighters, the manufacturer shall employ the same manufacturing methods as used in the construction of required glove sizes.

• The manufacturer shall notify the certification organi­zation as required in 4.2.8 and shall obtain written approval from the certification organization prior to proceeding with any modifications to an existing certified glove design.
• Custom fitting gloves shall be individually evaluated to verify the integrity of the glove moisture barrier using air or other similar method to ensure that the glove is constructed in a leak-free manner.

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 fSO 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 imminendy 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 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’ Investi- gation 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.

4.6.10 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:

• 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.
• Removing 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 Input 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 manufacturer 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 1 week period follow­ing the manufacturer 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 product that is recalled and for documenting the effectiveness of the product recall
    • A plan for either repairing, or replacing, or compensat­ing purchasers for returned product

Labeling and Information

5.1 Product Label Requirements for Both Ensembles.

5.1.1* Each element of both protective ensembles shall have at least one product label permanendy 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 comprising the product label shall be located adjacent to each other.

5.1.3* The certification organization’s label, symbol, or identi­fying mark shall be permanendy 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 (V\ 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).
• The compliance statements specified in Section 5.2 for structural fire fighting protective ensemble elements and in Section 5.3 for proximity fire fighting protective ensemble elements shall be printed legibly on the product label.
• The following information shall also be printed legibly on each product label with all letters at least 1.5 mm (‘/is in.) in height:
  • 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
  • Cleaning precautions
• For garments only, where the principal material of construction is a component that is listed, the component name under which it is listed shall be identified.
• For garments only, where the thermal liner, moisture barrier, and outer shell are separable, each separable layer shall also have a label containing the information required in 5.1.7(4) through 5.1.7(8).

5.1.7.3* For principal materials of construction of footwear, at least the outer shell, moisture barrier, and thermal liner shall be listed. Generic names of materials shall be permitted to be used. Additional materials that are used throughout the major­ity of the footwear shall also be listed on the label.

5.1.7.4* For principal materials of construction of helmets, the shell material shall be listed.

5.1.7.5* For principal materials of construction of gloves, at least the outer shell, moisture barrier, thermal liner, and glove interface component (wristlet) shall be listed. Generic names of materials shall be permitted to be used. If used, the type of leather shall be listed. Any additional materials that are used throughout the significant portion of the glove’s construction shall also be listed on the label.

5.2 Additional Product Label Requirements for Structural Fire Fighting Ensemble Elements Only.

5.2.1 The following compliance statement shall be printed legibly on the product label for each structural fire fighting protective ensemble element, unless the requirements in 5.2.1.1 prevail. The appropriate term for the element type — garment, helmet, glove, footwear, hood — shall be inserted in the compliance statement text where indicated. All product label letters and figures shall be at least 2.5 mm in.) in height.

5.2.1.1 Where an entire ensemble is also certified as compli­ant with the optional requirements for protection against liquid and particulate contaminants, each element of the entire ensemble shall have at least the additional following compli­ance statement on the product label in place of the compliance statement specified in 5.2.1. The appropriate term for the element type — garment, helmet, glove, footwear, hood — shall be inserted in the compliance statement text where indi­cated. All product label letters and figures shall be at least 2.5 mm (%₂ in.) in height.

5.2.1.2 The garment element of the ensemble meeting the optional requirements for protection against liquid and partic­ulate contaminants shall list those items of the certified ensem­ble by manufacturer name and model number on the product label.

• Where other protective item(s) or detachable compo­nents must be used with structural fire fighting protective ensemble elements in order for an element to be compliant with this standard, at least the following statement and informa­tion shall also be printed legibly on the product label. All letters shall be at least 2.5 mm in.) high. The appropriate term for the element type — garment, helmet, glove, footwear, hood — shall be inserted in the statement text where indica­ted. Following this statement, the additional protective items or detachable components shall be listed by type, identification, and how properly assembled.
• For helmets only, the helmet manufacturer shall place a unique manufacturer’s part number, the symbol of the certifi­cation organization, and the words “NFPA 1971, 2018 ED.” permanendy on each replaceable performance critical part of the goggle lens or faceshield.
• For hoods only, where the hood is designed to interface with a specific SCBA facepiece(s), the hood manufacturer shall add an item to the items specified in 5.1.7.
• The hood manufacturer shall designate the specific SCBA facepiece(s), model(s) and size(s) in the new item of 5.1.7.
• Where the hood is designed to be used with a specific SCBA facepiece(s), the hood manufacturer shall add to the hood product label the following statement:
• For garments only, the garment manufacturer shall place a manufacturer’s identification number, lot number or serial number, the size or size range, the symbol of the certifica­tion organization, and the words “NFPA 1971, 2018 ED.” on the drag rescue device (DRD).

“THIS HOOD PROVIDES LIMITED PARTICULATE BLOCK­ING PROTECTION.”

5.3 Additional Product Label Requirements for Proximity Fire Fighting Ensemble Elements Only.

• The following compliance statement shall be printed legibly on the product label for each proximity fire fighting protective ensemble element. The appropriate term for the element type — garment, helmet, glove, footwear — shall be inserted in the compliance statement text where indicated. All product label letters and figures shall be at least 2.5 mm (%«in.) in height.
• Where an entire ensemble is also certified as compli­ant with the optional requirements for protection against liquid and particulate contaminants, each element of the entire ensemble shall have at least the additional following compli­ance statement on the product label in place of the compliance statement specified in 5.3.1. The appropriate term for the element type — garment, helmet, glove, footwear — shall be inserted in the compliance statement text where indicated. All product label letters and figures shall be at least 2.5 mmin.) in height.
• The garment element of the ensemble meeting the optional requirements for protection against liquid and partic­ulate contaminants shall list those items of the certified ensem­ble by manufacturer name and model number on the product label.’
• Where other protective item(s) or detachable compo­nents must be used with proximity fire fighting protective ensemble elements in order for an element to be compliant with this standard, at least the following statement and informa­tion shall also be printed legibly on the product label. All letters shall be at least 2.5 mm (%₂) high. The appropriate term for the element type — garment, helmet, glove, footwear — shall be inserted in the statement text where indicated. Following this statement, the additional protective items or detachable components shall be listed by item/ component identification or part number, and where applicable, how prop­erly assembled.

“FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROXIMITY FIRE FIGHT­ING (insert appropriate element term here) REQUIREMENTS OF NFPA 1971, THE FOLLOWING PROTECTIVE ITEMS MUST BE WORN IN CONJUNCTION WITH THIS [insert appropriate element term here]:

[List additional items or detachable components here.]

DO NOT REMOVE THIS LABEL.”

5.3.2.1 For proximity fire fighting helmets, the list of addi­tional items or detachable components shall include, as a mini­mum, the shroud, cover (except where the helmet cover is part of the shroud), and faceshield.

5.3.3 For helmets only, the helmet manufacturer shall place a unique manufacturer’s part number, the symbol of the certifi­cation organization, and the words “NFPA 1971, 2018 ED.” permanendy on each replaceable performance critical part of the faceshield.

5.3.4* For the helmet shroud and cover (except where the helmet cover is part of the shroud), the manufacturer shall place a label on the shroud and cover (except where the helmet cover is part of the shroud) with a unique manufactur­er’s part number or identification and the following statement. The appropriate term for the item, shroud or cover, shall be inserted in the statement text where indicated.

“FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROXIMITY FIRE FIGHT­ING REQUIREMENTS OF NFPA 1971-2018, THIS [insert appropriate item term here] CAN ONLY BE USED WITH THE FOLLOWING NOTED HELMET(S) AND ADDITIONAL ITEM(S): [insert helmet manufacturer’s name and specific helmet model; and item name (shroud or cover) and shroud or cover part number, or identification where applicable].”

5.3.5 For garments only, the garment manufacturer shall place a manufacturer’s identification number, lot number or serial number, the size or size range, the symbol of the certifica­tion organization, and the words “NFPA 1971, 2018 ED.” on the DRD.

5.4 User Information Requirements for Both Ensembles.

• The manufacturer shall provide at least the user infor­mation that is specified in 5.4.4 with each structural and prox­imity fire fighting element.
• 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.
• 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 manufacturer shall provide notice that the user information is to be removed only by the end user.

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

(1) Pre-use information

• 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
    • Sizing/adjustment
    • Recommended storage practices
  • Inspection frequency and details
  • Don/doff
    • Donning and doffing procedures
    • Sizing and adjustment procedures
    • Interface issues
  • Proper use consistent with NFPA 1500 and 29 CFR 132, General Requirements of Subpart I, “Personal Protective Equipment”
  • Maintenance and cleaning
    • Cleaning instructions and precautions with a state­ment advising users not to use an element that is 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 criteria and considerations
  • A statement that the moisture barrier has not been evalu­ated for all chemicals that can be encountered during fire fighting operations and information that the effects of chemical exposure on the moisture barrier are to be eval­uated per the inspection procedures in NFPA 1851
• For the DRD only, the manufacturer shall provide specific information on the use, inspection, maintenance, cleaning, and retirement of the DRD. Additional instructions shall be provided on the removal and reinstallation of the DRD into the garment.
• For footwear only, the manufacturer shall establish and provide, upon request, a size conversion chart for each model or style footwear element based on toe length, arch length, and foot width as measured on a Brannock Scientific Foot Measur­ing Device.
• For helmets only, the manufacturer shall provide a list of items that are installed on, attached to, or packaged with the compliant helmet that meet the requirements of 6.4.8.
• For protective ensembles certified to the optional liquid and particulate contaminant protection requirements, the manufacturer shall provide the following additional instruction and information with the ensemble:
  • A statement that only the ensemble and the specific elements with which the ensemble has been certified must be worn together to ensure that the optional liquid and particulate contaminant protection is provided
  • A list of the specific elements and interface components that must be worn as part of the liquid and particulate contaminant protective ensemble, including each type of CBRN SCBA that the ensemble has been certified with
  • A list of specific limitations associated with the use of the ensemble for a response involving liquid and particulate contaminant hazards, including but not limited to a state­ment that the ensemble is not a hazardous materials protective ensemble and that protection will not be provi­ded from vapors or all liquids and particulates

(4) Specific care and maintenance provisions associated with properly maintaining the unique performance properties of the ensemble, its elements, or interface components

5.4.9 When the optional requirements for liquid and particu­late contaminant protection necessitate a specific action to engage interface areas, the manufacturer shall provide details explaining those procedures.

Chapter 6 Design Requirements

6.1* Protective Garment Element Design Requirements for Both Ensembles.

6.1.1 Protective garment elements shall have at least the appli­cable design requirements specified in this section where inspected and evaluated by the certification organization as specified in Section 4.3, Inspection and Testing.

• For coveralls, the portion of the coverall that corre­sponds to the coat shall meet all garment requirements and all requirements specified for coat elements of this section.
• For coveralls, the portion of the coverall that corre­sponds to the trouser shall meet all garment requirements and all requirements specified for trouser elements of this section.

6.1.2* Garments shall consist of a composite of an outer shell, moisture barrier, and thermal barrier.

• The composite specified in 6.1.2 shall be permitted to be configured as a single layer or multiple layers.
• Supplemental garments that are provided to meet the performance requirements of this standard but are not inten­ded to be worn continuously with the wearing of the garment element shall not be permitted.

6.1.3* Garments shall have a means of securing the moisture barrier and thermal barrier to the outer shell.

• Garment moisture barriers and thermal barriers, or materials meeting the performance requirements of these components, shall extend at least to the neckline seam of coats, at least to the waistline seam of trousers, and shall extend at least to within 75 mm (3 in.) of the bottom outer shell hems of both coats and trousers.
• For coats, the moisture barriers and thermal barriers, or materials meeting the performance requirements of these components, 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, unless those barrier layers terminate in a garment-glove interface.
• For trousers, moisture barriers and thermal barriers, or materials meeting the performance requirements of these components, shall be attached to the trouser legs, unless those barrier layers terminate in booties.
• Any mechanism used to attach the liner system 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 moisture and thermal protection.
• Such closure systems shall be secured with positive locking fasteners including, but not limited to, hooks and dees or zippers.
• 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.
• All garment hardware finishes shall be free of rough spots, burrs, or sharp edges.
• All sewing thread utilized in the construction of garments and the drag rescue devices (DRDs) shall be made of an inherendy flame-resistant fiber.

6.1.8* Garment cargo pockets, where provided, shall have a means to drain water and shall have a means of fastening in the closed position.

6.1.9 Coats shall be designed to provide protection to the upper torso, neck, arms, and wrists, excluding the hands and head.

6.1.9.1 Each coat element shall have a DRD installed in the upper torso portion of the element.

• The DRD shall be accessible from the exterior of the garment.
• The DRD shall be easily accessible for deployment, shall be designed to minimize the risk of accidental deploy­ment, and shall allow for visual inspection.
• The DRD shall be fully functional and shall not require any subsequent actions in order to be used, other than deploying the DRD, when the garment is donned in accord­ance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• The DRD shall be designed to allow deployment and operation of the DRD while the incapacitated fire fighter is wearing an SCBA.
• The DRD shall be designed so that when deployed, the DRD secures the fire fighter by the upper torso or should­ers so that the DRD pulls directly on the body and shall not pull only the garment.

6.1.9.2* Each coat sleeve shall have a protective wristlet or other interface component permanently attached to the coat sleeve.

• The wristlet or other garment sleeve interface component shall be designed so that it will not permit a gap in thermal protection.
• The wristlet or other garment sleeve interface component shall meet the requirements specified in Section 6.16, Protective Wristlet Interface Component Design Requirements for Both Ensembles.
• Coats shall have a composite collar at least 75 mm (3 in.) in height at any point when measured from the top of the collar down.
• The collar shall incorporate a closure system.
• The collar and closure system shall consist of an outer shell, a moisture barrier, and a thermal barrier, or of a composite that meets all applicable performance requirements specified in Section 7.1, Protective Garment Performance Requirements for Both Ensembles.
• Where a hood is permanently attached to the coat, a collar shall not be required.
• Where a hood is permanently attached to the coat, it shall meet the requirement of 6.1.9.3.1 and at least the bottom 75 mm (3 in.) of the hood shall meet the requirement of 6.1.9.3.2.

6.1.9.4 Coat hardware shall not penetrate through the outer shell, moisture barrier, and thermal barrier to contact the wear­er’s body when the coat is worn with the closures fastened, unless the hardware is completely covered by external closure flaps.

6.1.10 Trousers shall be designed to provide protection to the lower torso and legs, excluding the ankles and feet.

• Trousers shall be permitted to include integrated booties to protect the wearer’s feet in conjunction with outer footwear.
• Where trousers incorporate booties, the booties shall be designed as an extension of the trouser leg and shall cover the entire foot and ankle.
• Trouser hardware shall not penetrate through the outer shell, moisture barrier, and thermal barrier to come into contact with the wearer’s body when the trouser is worn with the closures fastened, unless the hardware is located on or above the waistline or hardware is completely covered by exter­nal closure flaps.

6.1.11* In order to label a coat, trouser, or coverall as compli­ant with this standard, the manufacturer shall provide coats, trousers, or coveralls in the size ranges specified in Table 6.1.11.

• The sizing increments for the ranges specified in Table 6.1.11 for men’s and women’s chest sizes shall be in incre­ments no greater than 50 mm (2 in.), sleeve lengths shall be in increments no greater than 25 mm (1 in.), men’s and women’s waist sizes shall be in increments no greater than 50 mm (2 in.), and inseam lengths shall be in increments no greater than 50 mm (2 in.).
• Men’s and women’s sizing shall be accomplished by men’s and women’s individual patterns.

Table 6.1.11 Available Coat/Trouser Size Ranges

6.1.12* When life safety harnesses, escape belts, and ladder belts penetrate the outer shell, are incorporated as part of a garment closure system, or are temporarily or permanently attached to the garment, the harness or belt components shall meet the applicable requirements of NFPA 1983, and the optional requirements for flame resistant life safety harnesses or optional requirements for flame resistant belts.

6.1.13 Liners that consist of a thermal barrier sewn to a mois­ture barrier shall include an inspection opening that permits the examination of the lining interior, including all moisture barrier seams.

6.2 Additional Design Requirements for Structural Fire Fight­ing Protective Garment Elements Only.

6.2.1 Structural fire fighting protective garment elements shall also have at least the applicable design requirements specified in this section in addition to the design requirements specified in Section 6.1, Protective Garment Element Design Require­ments for Both Ensembles, where inspected and evaluated by the certification organization as specified in Section 4.3, Inspection and Testing.

6.2.2* Garments shall have fluorescent and retroreflective trim permanendy attached to the outer shells of garments to meet visibility requirements.

• Trim shall be at least 50 mm (2 in.) wide and shall have both retroreflective and fluorescent surfaces.
• The retroreflective surface of trim shall be at least 16 mm (% in.) wide.
• Trim used to meet the minimum trim pattern require­ments shall have a minimum fluorescent surface of 50 mm²/ linear mm (2 in.²/linear in.) of trim.
• The fluorescent and retroreflective areas of trim speci­fied in 6.2.2.2 and 6.2.2.3 shall appear to be continuous at a distance of 30.5 m (100 ft) for the length of the trim, with gaps of not more than 3 mm (V_K).
• Trim used in excess of that required by the minimum trim pattern requirements specified and illustrated in Figure 6.2.3 shall be permitted to not meet the minimum fluo­rescent surface of 50 mnr/linear mm (2 in.²/linear in.) of trim and shall be permitted to be obscured by components includ­ing but not limited to pockets, storm flaps, and reinforcing patches as long as the minimum trim pattern is not obscured.

6.2.3* Coat trim configuration shall be in accordance with Figure 6.2.3. No vertical stripes of trim shall be permitted on the front of the coat.

• The coat minimum trim pattern shall have one circum­ferential band of trim or a staggered 360-degree visibility pattern meeting or exceeding the surface area of a continuous circumferential band around the bottom of the coat. The front of the coat shall also have at least one band of horizontal trim at the chest level located within 75 mm (3 in.) above or below the sleeve-to-body underarm garment seam.
• The lower edge of the circumferential band on the lower part of the coat shall be within 25 mm (1 in.) of the coat hem’s highest point.
• The helmet faceshield or the faceshield/goggle compo­nent, when deployed, shall provide at least the following field of vision:
  • Dihedral angle of at least 85 degrees
  • Upper dihedral angle of at least 10 degrees
  • Lower dihedral angle of at least 40 degrees
• The field of vision shall be measured from the center of the eye.
• The helmet with the faceshield or the faceshield/ goggle component deployed shall be positioned in accordance with the HPI as described in 8.1.13 on a facial feature head- form as defined in 3.3.43. Where the crown clearance of the helmet is adjustable, the helmet shall be mounted with the least amount of clearance.
• The helmet faceshield or the faceshield/goggle compo­nent in the stowed position as described in 8.1.16 shall provide peripheral vision clearance of at least 94 degrees to each side.

6.4.6.1 The peripheral vision clearance shall be measured from the center of the eye, with the helmet positioned in accordance with the HPI as described in 8.1.13 on a facial feature headform as defined in 3.3.43. Where the crown clear­ance of the helmet is adjustable, the helmet shall be mounted with the least amount of clearance.

• Where helmets are provided with an SCBA facepiece that is attached or integrated with the helmet, the helmet with the SCBA facepiece installed shall meet all applicable design and performance requirements of this standard.

6.4.8* For helmets with items installed or attached, the helmet with the items installed/attached shall meet the affec­ted design and performance requirements of this standard.

6.5 Additional Design Requirements for Structural Fire Fight­ing Protective Helmet Elements Only.

6.5.1 Structural fire fighting protective helmet elements shall also have at least the applicable design requirements specified in this section in addition to the design requirements specified in Section 6.4, Protective Helmet Element Design Require­ments for Both Ensembles, where inspected and evaluated by the certification organization as specified in Section 4.3, Inspection and Testing.

6.5.2* Helmets shall consist of at least all of the following assembled components:

• Shell
• Energy absorbing system
• Retention system
• Fluorescent and retroreflective trim
• Ear covers
• A faceshield or goggles, or both

• Where a faceshield is selected in accordance with 6.5.2(6), the faceshield component shall be attached to the helmet.
• Where the goggle component is selected in accord­ance with 6.5.2(6), the goggles shall be permitted to be unat­tached, not assembled, to the helmet.
• Where the manufacturer provides or intends to provide both a faceshield and goggles with the helmet, whether the faceshield is or is not provided installed or attached to the helmet, both the faceshield and the goggles shall be consid­ered components of the helmet.
• Helmets shall have fluorescent and retroreflective trim on the shell exterior.
• A minimum of 2580 mm² (4 in.²) of the retroreflective and fluorescent trim shall be visible above the reference plane when the helmet, with the faceshield/goggle component in the stowed position as described in 8.1.16, is viewed at the follow­ing positions:
  • Left intersection of the coronal and reference planes at a distance of 2.4 m (8 ft)
  • Right intersection of the coronal and reference planes at a distance of 2.4 m (8 ft)
  • Rear intersection of the midsagittal and reference planes at a distance of 2.4 m (8 ft)
• A minimum of 2580 mm² (4 in.²) of the retroreflective and fluorescent trim shall be visible when the helmet, with the faceshield/goggle component in the stowed position as descri­bed in 8.1.16, is viewed at the intersection of the midsagittal plane and the coronal plane at a distance of 2.4 m (8 ft).
• The entire surface of the trim shall be permitted to be both fluorescent and retroreflective.
• Helmet ear covers or the portion of the helmet provid­ing the coverage of the ears, when deployed, shall provide at least the following coverage:
  • 95 mm (3% in.) measured 50 mm (2 in.) forward of the coronal plane
  • 120 mm {4%) measured 25 mm (1 in.) forward of the coronal plane
  • 130 mm (5V_H) measured at the coronal plane
  • 130 mm (5’/s in.) measured at the midsagittal plane at the rear of the headform
• The helmet, with the ear covers or the portion of the helmet providing the ear coverage deployed, shall be posi­tioned according to the HPI as described in 8.1.13 on an ISO size J headform as specified in Figure 8.16.4.1. Where the crown clearance of the helmet is adjustable, the helmet shall be mounted with the most amount of clearance.
• In this position, the ear coverage shall be measured downward from the reference plane to the lower edge of the ear coverage at the specified points to determine the coverage specified in 6.5.4.
• Where the helmet incorporates a ratchet-style head­band, an opening in the covering surrounding the ratchet knob shall be permitted. The opening shall not extend more than 13 mm (‘/₂) in any direction around the perimeter of the adjustment device.
• Faceshield/goggle components shall meet the respective requirements for goggles or faceshields and be marked “Z87+” in accordance with ANSI/ISEA Z87.1, Occupational and Educa­tional Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices.

6.6 Additional Design Requirements for Proximity Fire Fight­ing Helmet Elements Only.

6.6.1 Proximity fire fighting protective helmet elements shall also have at least the applicable design requirements specified in this section in addition to the design requirements specified in Section 6.4, Protective Helmet Element Design Require­ments for Both Ensembles, where inspected and evaluated by the certification organization as specified in Section 4.3, Inspection and Testing.

• Helmet elements shall consist of at least the following assembled components:
  • Shell
  • Energy absorbing system
  • Retention system
  • Faceshield
  • Shroud
  • Cover (where separate from the shroud)
• Helmet faceshields shall be attached to the helmet.
• Helmets shall be permitted to have an outer cover to provide the radiant reflective protection for the exterior of the helmet shell, including the upper surface of the brim, and the brim edge.
• The helmet outer cover shall be permitted to be removable.
• The helmet, and helmet outer cover where provided, shall be permitted to have fluorescent and retroreflecdve trim on the helmet exterior and on the helmet outer cover.
• Identification markings or material including, but not limited to, trim, lettering, patches, name or number stencils, emblems, and paint shall be permitted only on the helmet outer cover, provided such materials are located above the corresponding helmet test line.
• The shroud shall be attached to the helmet and shall be designed to cover and provide continuous radiant reflective protection for the head, face, and neck areas that do not receive primary protection from the helmet or faceshield.
• Shrouds shall provide at least the following coverage:
  • 230 mm (9!^ in.) on each side measured downward from the reference plane at the coronal plane
  • 330 mm (13 in.) in the back measured downward from the reference plane at the rear midsagittal plane
  • 295 mm (11% in.) in the front measured downward from the reference plane at the front midsagittal plane, includ­ing the gap of material where the face opening is located
• The helmet, with the shroud deployed, shall be posi­tioned according to the HPA as described in 8.1.13 on an ISO size J headform as specified in Figure 8.16.4.1. Where the crown clearance of the helmet is adjustable, the helmet shall be mounted with the most amount of clearance.
• With the helmet positioned as required by 6.6.5.1.1, the shroud coverage shall be measured downward from the reference plane to the lower edge of the shroud coverage at the specified points to determine the coverage specified in 6.6.5.1.
• The shroud shall be permitted to be a part of a helmet outer cover, where provided.
• The shroud shall be designed to interface with a specific helmet.
• The helmet shroud, when deployed, shall provide at least the following field of vision:
  • Dihederal angle of at least 85 degrees
  • Upper dihedral angle of at least 7 degrees (3) Lower dihederal angle of at least 40 degrees
• The field of vision shall be measured from the center of the eye.
• The helmet with the shroud attached shall be posi­tioned according to the HPI as described in 8.1.13 on a facial feature headform as defined in 3.3.43. Where the crown clear­ance of the helmet is adjustable, the helmet shall be mounted with the least amount of clearance.
• No openings shall be permitted in the helmet shroud other than to meet the requirements of 6.6.5.
• When the hood interface component is integrated with the protective garment, the shroud shall be permitted to consist of only the outer reflective layer and those other layers necessary to meet the requirements in 7.13.2 for thermal protective performance (TPP).

6.7 Protective Glove Elements Design Requirements for Both Ensembles.

• Protective glove elements shall have at least the applica­ble design requirements specified in this section when inspec­ted and evaluated by the certification organization as specified in Section 4.3, Inspection and Testing.
• Gloves shall consist of a composite meeting the perform­ance requirements of Section 7.7, Protective Glove Element Performance Requirements for Both Ensembles.
• The composite shall be permitted to be configured as a continuous or joined single layer or as continuous or joined multiple layers.
• Supplemental gloves that are provided to meet the performance requirements of this standard but are not inten­ded to be worn continuously with the wearing of the gloves shall not be permitted.
• Where a glove is made up of multiple layers, all layers of the glove shall be individually graded per size.
• Where the coat sleeve end terminates in a garment- glove interface and the interface demonstrates liquid integrity and continuous thermal protection in accordance with Section 7.16, Protective Wristlet Interface Component Performance Requirements for Both Ensembles, gloves shall not be required to meet the requirements in 6.7.3 through 6.7.3.4.
• The glove shall consist of a glove body.
• The glove shall extend from the tip of the fingers to at least 50 mm (2 in.) beyond the wrist crease.
• The portion of the glove that extends from the tip of the fingers to 50 mm (2 in.) beyond the wrist crease shall be considered to be the glove body and shall meet the glove body requirements in Sections 7.7, Protective Glove Elements Performance Requirements for Both Ensembles; 7.8, Addi­tional Performance Requirements for Structural Fire Fighting Protective Glove Elements Only; and 7.9, Additional Perform­ance Requirements for Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Glove Elements Only, as applicable.
• The portion of the glove that extends greater than 50 mm (2 in.) beyond the wrist crease but less than or equal to 125 mm (5 in.) beyond the wrist crease, where present, shall be considered to be the glove interface component and shall meet for laundering or replacement only, the booties component shall meet the performance requirements of 7.1.12, 7.1.13, 7.1.14, 7.1.15, 7.1.16, and 7.1.17.
• Where booties are incorporated as a component of the footwear, the combination of the bootie component incor­porated in the footwear shall meet the performance require­ments of 7.10 with the exception of 7.10.4 and 7.10.5.
• Where booties are used, the outer footwear shall not be required to have a liner in the upper.
• Supplemental footwear that is provided to meet the performance requirements of this standard but is not intended to be worn continuously with the wearing of the footwear element shall not be permitted.
• Footwear height shall be a minimum of 250 mm (9.84 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 foot­wear at the lowest point of the top line, excluding the tongue and gusset.
• Removable insoles shall not be removed prior to measurement.
• Thermal, physical, and moisture protection shall be continuous circumferentially to within 50 mm (2 in.) of the footwear top line at all locations, with the exception of the area inside of and within 13 mm (14 in.) around pull-up holes that fully penetrate the footwear from outside to inside. The height of thermal, physical, and moisture protection at all locations of the boot shall be no less than 250 mm (9.84 in.) when meas­ured as described in 6.10.3.1.
• The footwear heel breast shall not be less than 13 mm Q/i in.) nor more than 25 mm (1 in.).
• The heel breasting angle shall not be less than 90 degrees nor more than 135 degrees.
• The heel edges shall not extend more than 13 mm (V₂) laterally from the upper at any point.
• The width of the footwear heel shall be equal to or greater than the width of the sole at the intersection of the heel breast and the sole bottom, excluding any calendar roll where present.
• The puncture-resistant device shall cover the maximum area of the insole as specified in Section 3.3 of CSA Z195, Protec­tive Footwear.
• All hardware and external fittings shall be free of rough spots, burrs, or sharp edges that could tear primary materials.
• Metal parts shall not penetrate from the outside into the lining or insole at any point.
• 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.
• All sewing thread utilized in the construction of foot­wear shall be made of an inherendy flame-resistant fiber.
• In order to label or otherwise represent footwear as compliant with the requirements of this standard, the manufac­turer shall have footwear available in all of the following sizes:
  • Men’s 5-16, 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 men’s and women’s lasts to provide proper fit. Dual sizing of the same pair of boots to cover men’s and women’s boot styles shall not be acceptable.
• Footwear shall meet the performance requirements as specified in ASTM F2413, Performance Requirements for Protective (Safety) Toe Cap Footwear, for impact, compression, and puncture-resistance, with the exception that flex resistance to cracking shall be evaluated at 1,000,000 cycles.
• Additional Design Requirements for Structural Fire light­ing Protective Footwear Only. (Reserved)
• Additional Design Requirements for Proximity Fire light­ing Protective Footwear Only. (Reserved)
• Protective Hood Interface Component Design Require­ments for Both Ensembles.
• Hood interface components shall have at least the applicable design requirements specified in this section where inspected and evaluated by the certification organization as specified in Section 4.3, Inspection and Testing.
• Hoods shall be permitted to be integrated with the protective coat.
• The hood shall be designed to cover and provide the limited protection, as specified within this section, to the head, face, and neck areas but not including the face opening speci­fied in 6.13.6.

6.13.3.1 Where the hood is integrated with the protective coat, the hood shall not be required to meet the design requirement specified in 6.13.5.

• All sewing thread utilized in the construction of hoods shall be made of an inherently flame-resistant fiber.
• The hood shall be donned properly, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions for wearing, on the ISO size J headform specified in Figure 8.16.4.1.

6.13.5.1 In this position, the hood shall provide a full cover­age above the reference plane on each side measured down­ward from the reference plane at the coronal plane of 225 mm (9 in.), shall provide a minimum coverage in the back meas­ured downward from the reference plane at the rear midsagit­tal plane of 330 mm (13 in.), and shall provide a minimum coverage in the front measured downward from the reference plane at the front midsagittal plane, including the face open­ing, of 305 mm (12 in.).

• Hoods shall be designed with a face opening.
• Other than where the hood face opening is designed to interface with a specific SCBA facepiece, or where the hood face opening is designed to be adjustable, the hood face open­ing shall be able to be stretched to a circumference of at least 800 mm (31 in.).
• Where the hood face opening is designed to interface with a specific SCBA facepiece, the hood face opening shall overlap the outer edge of the specific SCBA facepiece-to-face seal perimeter by not less than 13 mm {% in.). It shall be permitted to use the test equipment and approach specified in 8.47.4.2 and 8.47.4.5.

6.13.6.3* The interface and integration of the selected respi­rator with the protective ensemble shall not invalidate the NIOSH certification of the respective respirator.

• Optional Protective Barrier Hood Interface Component Design Requirements.
• Barrier hoods shall meet all design criteria specified in Section 6.13.
• The portions of the particulate blocking hood interface component that include a particulate blocking material specifi­cally for meeting the requirements of 7.14.1 shall include all areas of the hood to at least 37 mm (1.5 in.) above the refer­ence plane when measured at the coronal plane and all areas of the hood to at least 200 mm (8 in.) at the sides when meas­ured at the coronal plane and 225 mm (9 in.) at the front and rear when measured at the midsagittal plane below the refer­ence plane as measured when the hood is placed on an ISO Size J headform.
• Bindingincluding the elastic and stitching around the particulate blocking hood face opening shall be permitted to exclude particulate blocking material specifically for meeting the requirements of 7.14.1 for a distance of 50 mm (2 in.) from the leading edge of the hood face opening. The distance shall be measured in eight separate locations with the hood lying on a flat surface with the face opening facing upwards and meas­ured from the innermost row of stitching to the face opening leading edge.
• Additional Design Requirements for Proximity Fire Fight­ing Protecdve Hood Interface Components Only. (Reserved)
• Protecdve Wristlets Interface Component Design Requirements for Both Ensembles.

6.16.1 Wristlet interface components shall have at least the applicable design requirements specified in this section where inspected and evaluated by the certification organization as specified in Section 4.3, Inspection and Testing.

6.16.2* Wristlets shall be designed to cover and provide limi­ted protection to the wrist areas.

• Wristlets shall be permanendy attached to the protec­tive coat sleeve in a manner that will not permit a gap in the thermal protection.
• All sewing thread utilized in the construction of wrist­lets shall be made of an inherendy flame-resistant fiber.
• Additional Design Requirements for Structural Fire Fight­ing Protective Wristlet Interface Components Only. (Reserved)
• Additional Design Requirements for Proximity Fire Fight­ing Protective Wrisdet Interface Components Only. (Reserved)
• Optional Design Requirements for Protection from Liquid and Particulate Contaminants.
• Liquid and Particulate Contaminants Protective Ensem­ble Design Requirements for Both Ensembles.
• Liquid and particulate contaminant protective ensembles shall have at least the applicable design require­ments specified in this section where inspected and evaluated by the certification organization as specified in Section 4.3, Inspection and Testing.
• Liquid and particulate contaminant protective ensembles, including SCBA, shall be designed to protect the wearer’s upper and lower torso, head, arms, legs, hands, and feet.
• Liquid and particulate contaminant protective ensemble elements shall include garments, helmet, gloves, footwear, interface components, and hood when the hood is not already part of the protective garment.
• The manufacturer shall specify each SCBA that is part of the liquid and particulate contaminant protective ensemble. All SCBA specified by the ensemble manufacturer for inclusion in the ensemble shall be certified to NFPA 1981.
• Liquid and particulate contaminant ensembles shall be designed to accommodate the SCBA specified by the manu­facturer for the specific ensemble.
• Additional Liquid and Particulate Contaminant Protec­tion Design Requirements for Structural Fire Fighting Protec­tive Ensembles Only. (Reserved)
• Additional Liquid and Particulate Contaminant Protec­tion Design Requirements for Proximity Fire Fighting Protec­tive Ensembles Only. (Reserved)
• Liquid and Particulate Contaminant Protective Garment Element Design Requirements for Both Ensembles.
• Liquid and particulate contaminant protective garments shall have at least the applicable design requirements specified in this subsection where inspected and evaluated by the certification organization as specified in Section 4.3, Inspection and Testing.
• Liquid and particulate contaminant protective garments shall be designed and configured to protect at least the wearer’s upper and lower torso, arms and legs, but exclud­ing the hands, feet, and head.

6.19.4.2.1 Liquid and particulate contaminant protective garments shall be permitted to include integrated hoods to protect the wearer’s head in conjunction with the SCBA speci­fied by the ensemble manufacturer.

• All hardware and external fittings shall be free of rough spots, burrs, or sharp edges that could tear primary materials.
• Additional Liquid and Particulate Contaminant Protec­tion Design Requirements for Structural Fire Fighting Protec­tive Garment Elements Only. (Reserved)
• Additional Liquid and Particulate Contaminant Protec­tion Design Requirements for Proximity Fire Fighting Protec­tive Garment Elements Only. (Reserved)
• Liquid and Particulate Contaminant Protective Helmet Elements Design Requirements for Both Ensembles.
• Helmets shall have at least the applicable design requirements specified in this subsection where inspected by the certification organization as specified in Section 4.3, Inspection and Testing.
• Where the liquid and particulate protection is provi­ded by the protective hood and provides an interface with the SCBA specified by the ensemble manufacturer, the manufac­turer shall not be required to specify a specific helmet as part of the liquid and particulate contaminant protective ensemble.
• Additional Liquid and Particulate Contaminant Protec­tion Design Requirements for Structural Fire Fighting Protec­tive Helmet Elements Only. (Reserved)
• Additional Liquid and Particulate Contaminant Protec­tion Design Requirements for Proximity Fire Fighting Protec­tive Helmet Elements Only. (Reserved)
• Liquid and Particulate Contaminant Protective Glove Elements Design Requirements for Both Ensembles.
• Additional Liquid and Particulate Contaminant Protec­tion Design Requirements for Structural Fire Fighting Protec­tive Glove Elements Only. (Reserved)
• Additional Liquid and Particulate Contaminant Protec­tion Design Requirements for Proximity Fire Fighting Protec­tive Glove Elements Only. (Reserved)
• Liquid and Particulate Contaminant Protective Foot­wear Elements Design Requirements for Both Ensembles.
• Additional Liquid and Particulate Contaminant Protec­tion Design Requirements for Structural Fire Fighting Protec­tive Footwear Elements Only. (Reserved)
• Additional Liquid and Particulate Contaminant Protec­tion Design Requirements for Proximity Fire Fighting Protec­tive Footwear Elements Only. (Reserved)
• Liquid and Particulate Contaminant Protective Hood Interface Component Design Requirements for Both Ensem­bles.
• Liquid and particulate contaminant protective hood interface components shall have at least the applicable design requirements specified in this subsection where inspected by the certification organization as specified in Section 4.3, Inspection and Testing.
• Liquid and particulate contaminant protective hood interface components shall be designed and configured to protect the wearer’s head, neck, and face areas, excluding the portion of the face covered by the facepiece of the SCBA speci­fied by the ensemble manufacturer.
• Liquid and particulate contaminant protective hood interface components shall be permitted to be integrated with the protective garment.
• Liquid and Particulate Contaminant Protective Hood Interface Component Design Requirements for Structural Fire Fighting Ensembles. (Reserved)
• Liquid and Particulate Contaminant Protective Shroud Interface Component Design Requirements for Proximity Fire Fighting Ensembles. (Reserved)

Chapter 7 Performance Requirements

7.1 Protective Garment Elements Performance Requirements for Both Ensembles.

7.1.1* Protective garment elements composite consisting of outer shell, moisture barrier, and thermal barrier shall be tested for thermal insulation as specified in Section 8.10, Ther­mal Protective Performance (TPP) Test, and shall have an aver­age TPP of not less than 35.0.

• Garments shall be tested for overall liquid penetration resistance as specified in Section48, Whole Garment and Ensemble Liquid Penetration Test, and shall allow no liquid penetration except as permitted in 8.48.8.2.
• Garment outer shells, moisture barriers, thermal barri­ers, collar linings, winter liners where provided, drag rescue devices (DRDs), trim, lettering, and other materials used in garment construction including, but not limited to, padding, reinforcement, interfacing, binding, hanger loops, emblems, and patches shall be individually tested for resistance to flame as specified in Section2, Flame Resistance Test 1, and shall not have a char length of more than 100 mm (4 in.) average, shall not have an afterflame of more than 2.0 seconds average, and shall not melt.
• Labels shall meet the performance requirements speci­fied in1.3 only where placed on the exterior of the garment.
• Zippers and seam-sealing materials shall meet the performance requirements specified in 7.1.3 only where loca­ted on the exterior of the garment or located where they will directly contact the wearer’s body.
• Elastic and hook and pile fasteners shall meet the performance requirements specified in 7.1.3 only where loca­ted where they will directly contact the wearer’s body.
• Small specimens such as hanger loops and emblems or patches that are not large enough to meet the specimen size requirements in 8.2.2.1 shall be tested for resistance to flame as specified in Section2, Flame Resistance Test 1, and shall not be totally consumed, shall not have an afterflame of more than 2.0 seconds average, and shall not melt.
• Life safety harnesses, escape belts, and ladder belts shall meet the performance requirements specified in1.3 only when they penetrate the outer shell, are incorporated as part of a garment closure system, or are attached to the garment.
• Garment outer shells, moisture barriers, thermal barri­ers, winter liners where provided, and collar linings shall be individually tested for resistance to heat as specified in Section 8.6, Heat and Thermal Shrinkage Resistance Test, and shall not shrink more than 10.0 percent in any direction.
• Garment outer shells, moisture barriers, thermal barri­ers, collar linings, winter liners where provided, DRDs, trim, lettering, and other materials used in garment construction, including, but not limited to, padding, reinforcement, labels, interfacing, binding, hanger loops, emblems, or patches, but excluding elastic and hook and pile fasteners where these items are placed so that they will not directly contact the wearer’s body, shall be individually tested for resistance to heat as speci­fied in Section 8.6, Heat and Thermal Shrinkage Resistance Test, and shall not melt, separate, or ignite.
• Garment moisture barrier seams shall be individually tested for resistance to heat as specified in Section 8.6, Heat and Thermal Shrinkage Resistance Test, and shall not drip or ignite.
• Garment outer shells and collar linings shall be individu­ally tested for resistance to heat as specified in Section 8.6, Heat and Thermal Shrinkage Resistance Test, and shall not char.
• All garment hardware, excluding hook and pile fasten­ers, where placed so that they will not direcdy contact the wear­er’s body, shall be individually tested for resistance to heat as specified in Section 8.6, Heat and Thermal Shrinkage Resist­ance Test, and shall not ignite and shall remain functional.
• The garment composite from the shoulder areas and the knee areas shall be tested for resistance to heat transfer as specified in Section 8.51, Conductive and Compressive Heat Resistance (CCHR) Test, and shall demonstrate passing performance.
• All sewing thread utilized in the construction of garments and DRDs shall be tested for resistance to melting as specified in Section 8.11, Thread Melting Test, and shall not melt at or below 260°C (500°F).
• Garment outer shells and collar linings shall be individ­ually tested for resistance to tearing as specified in Section 8.12, Tear Resistance Test, and shall have a tear strength of not less than 100 N (22 lbf).
• Garment moisture barriers, thermal barriers, and winter liners, where provided, shall be tested for resistance to tearing as specified in Section 8.12, Tear Resistance Test, and shall have a tear strength of not less than 22 N (5 lbf).
• All garment seam assemblies shall be tested for strength as specified in Section 8.14, Seam-Breaking Strength Test.
• Woven garment seam assemblies and specimens of seam assemblies that contain at least one woven material shall demonstrate a sewn seam strength equal to or greater than 667 N (150 lbf) force for Major A seams, 334 N (75 lbf) force for Major B seams, and 180 N (40 lbf) force for Minor seams when tested using the method specified in 8.14.3.2.1.
• Seam breaking strength shall be considered accepta­ble where the fabric strength is less than the required seam strength specified in 7.1.13.1, providing the fabric fails without failure of the seam below the applicable forces specified in 7.1.13.1.
• All knit or stretch woven garment seam assemblies shall demonstrate a sewn seam strength equal to or greater than 180 N (40 lbf) when tested using the method specified in 8.14.3.2.2.
• All combination woven and knit or stretch knit seam specimens shall meet the requirements specified in 7.1.13.1.

7.1.14 Garment moisture barriers shall be tested for resistance to water penetration as specified in Section 8.26, Water Pene­tration Resistance Test, and shall have a minimum water pene­tration resistance of 172 kPa (25 psi).

7.1.15* Garment moisture barrier materials and seams shall be tested for resistance to liquid penetration as specified in Section 8.27, Liquid Penetration Resistance Test, and shall show no penetration of the test liquids for at least 1 hour.

• Garment moisture barriers and moisture barrier seams shall be tested for resistance to liquid or bloodborne pathogens as specified in Section 8.28, Viral Penetration Resistance Test, and shall allow no penetration of the Phi-X-174 bacteriophage for at least 1 hour.
• Garment moisture barriers, thermal barriers, winter liners where provided, and collar linings shall be individually tested for resistance to shrinkage as specified in Section 8.24, Cleaning Shrinkage Resistance Test, and shall not shrink more than 5 percent in any direction.
• Garment outer shells and collar linings shall be individ­ually tested for resistance to water absorption as specified in Section 8.25, Water Absorption Resistance Test, and shall not have more than 15 percent water absorption.
• All garment metal hardware and specimens of all garment hardware that include metal parts shall be individually tested for resistance to corrosion as specified in Section 8.29, Corrosion Resistance Test, and shall have metals that are inher- endy 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 all hardware remain functional.
• Labels shall be tested for durability and legibility as specified in Section 8.41, Label Durability and Legibility Test 1, shall remain in place, and shall be legible.
• DRD materials, seams, splices, and joints shall be tested for material strength as specified in Section 8.58, Drag Rescue Device (DRD) Materials Strength Test, and shall have a mini­mum tensile strength of 7 kN (1573 lbf).
• Garments with the DRD installed shall be tested for functionality as specified in Section 8.59, Drag Rescue Device (DRD) Function Test, and shall allow for the mannequin to be dragged for a minimum of 2.5 m (98 in.), the DRD shall be deployed within 10 seconds, the SCBA shall not move higher on the torso from the donned position, and the SCBA shall not separate from the mannequin.
• Garment moisture barrier materials shall be tested for resistance to light degradation as specified in Section 8.62, Light Degradation Resistance Test, and water shall not appear on the surface of the specimen.
• Garment zippers shall be tested for crosswise breaking strength of chain; crosswise breaking strength of separating unit; holding strength of stops, retainers, and separating units; operating force; and slider lock strength requirements of A-A-55634A, Commercial Item Description, Zippers (Fasteners, Slide, Interlocking).
• Fastener tape shall be tested for breaking strength as specified in Section 8.69, Fastener Tape Strength Test, and shall meet or exceed the minimum breaking strength require­ments as established in Table 1 of A-A 55126B, Commercial Item Description, Fastener Tapes, Hook and Loop, Synthetic.
• Fastener tape shall be tested for shear strength as speci­fied in Section 8.69, Fastener Tape Strength Test, and shall meet or exceed the minimum shear strength requirements as established in Table 1 of A-A 55126B, Commercial Item Descrip­tion, Fastener Tapes, Hook and Loop, Synthetic.
• Fastener tape shall be tested for peel strength as speci­fied in Section 8.69, Fastener Tape Strength Test, and shall meet or exceed the minimum peel strength requirements as established in Table 1 of A-A 55126B, Commercial Item Descrip­tion, Fastener Tapes, Hook and Loop, Synthetic.
• Additional Performance Requirements for Structural Fire Fighting Protective Garment Elements Only.

7.2.1 Structural fire fighting protective garment elements shall also meet the performance requirements specified in this section in addition to the performance requirements specified in Section 7.1, Protective Garment Elements Performance Requirements for Both Ensembles.

7.2.2* Garment composite consisting of the outer shell, mois­ture barrier, and thermal barrier shall be tested for evaporative heat transfer as specified in Section 8.33, Total Heat Loss (THL) Test, and shall have a THL of not less than 205 W/m².

• Garment trim shall be tested for retro re declivity and fluorescence as specified in Section 8.45, Retroreflectivity and Fluorescence Test, and shall have a coefficient of retroreflec- tion (R„) of not less than 100 cd/lux/m² (100 cd/fc/ft²), and shall have the color be fluorescent yellow-green, fluorescent orange-red, or fluorescent red.
• Garment outer shells shall be individually tested for resistance to shrinkage as specified in Section 8.24, Cleaning Shrinkage Resistance Test, and shall not shrink more than 5 percent in any direction.
• Garment outer shells and collar linings shall be individu­ally tested for strength after washing as specified in Section 8.50, Breaking Strength Test, and shall have a breaking strength of not less than 623 N (140 lbf).
• Garment element sleeves that include enhancements exterior to the outer shell shall be considered enhanced composites. Enhancements shall include items such as visibility markings and other materials used in construction, including, but not limited to, padding, reinforcements, emblems, patches, and logos, but excluding reinforcement materials that do not extend more than 25 mm (1 in.) when measured from the edge of the cuff along the sleeve. The enhanced composite shall be tested for transmitted and stored thermal energy as specified in Section 8.67, Transmitted and Stored Thermal Energy Test, and shall have an average predicted time to second-degree burn of 130 seconds or greater.
• Additional Performance Requirements for Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Garment Elements Only.

7.3.1 Proximity fire fighting protective garment elements shall also meet the performance requirements specified in this section, in addition to the performance requirements specified in Section 7.1, Protective Garment Elements Design Require­ments for Both Ensembles.

• Garment outer shells shall be tested for radiant reflective capability as specified in Section 8.52, Radiant Protective Performance Test, and shall have an intersect time of not less than 20 seconds.
• Garment outer shells shall be tested for resistance to delamination as specified in Section 8.54, Wet Flex Test, and shall show no signs of cracking on the face or delamination.
• Garment outer shells shall be tested for adhesion dura­bility as specified in Section 8.55, Adhesion After Wet Flex- Tape Method, and shall show no evidence of separation or removal of the surface coating.
• Garment outer shells shall be tested for flex durability as specified in Section 8.56, Flex at Low Temperature Test, and shall show no evidence of breaking, shattering, or cracking of the coating, laminate, or fabric.
• Garment outer shells shall be tested for blocking dura­bility as specified in Section 8.57, Resistance to High- Temperature Blocking, and shall show no blocking.

7.4 Protective Helmet Elements Performance Requirements for Both Ensembles.

• Protective helmet elements shall be tested for resistance to impact as specified in Section 8.15, Top Impact Resistance Test (Force), and shall have no sample transmit a force of more than 3780 N (850 lbf).
• Helmets shall be tested for resistance to impact as speci­fied in Section 8.16, Impact Resistance Test (Acceleration), and shall have no specimen exceed the maximum acceleration specified in Table 7.4.2. Any acceleration above 200 Gn shall not exceed a duration of 3 milliseconds, and an acceleration above 150 Gn shall not exceed a duration of 6 milliseconds. Helmets shall maintain sufficient structural integrity to with­stand impacts in all five locations.
• Helmets shall be tested for resistance to penetration as specified in Section 8.19, Physical Penetration Resistance Test, and shall exhibit no electrical or physical contact between the penetration test striker and the headform.
• Helmets shall be tested for resistance to heat as specified in Section 8.6, Heat and Thermal Shrinkage Resistance Test. The following results shall be considered unacceptable:
  • Parts of the complete helmet assembly that do not contact the headform before this test come in contact with the headform as a result of this test
  • Distortion of the back of the helmet shell extending more than 40 mm (1 % in.) below the original position of the helmet shell

Table 7.4.2 Impact Acceleration

Note: (in denotes gravitational acceleration, which is defined as 9.81 m

• sec/sec (32.2 ft • sec/sec).
• Distortion of the front and sides of the helmet shell extending more than 30 mm (1 ^:Mb in.) below the original position of the helmet shell
• Separation, melting, or dripping of the retention system, energy absorption system, or ear covers
• Dysfunctional chin strap closure device
• Ignition of any part of the helmet assembly
• Ignition or melting of the product labels
• * Any component of the helmet assembly, including but not limited to supplemental faceshields, extending more than 30 mm (1 ^:Mb in.) below the initial lowest point of the helmet shell in the front area, both before and after oven exposure
• Dripping of the faceshield/goggle component

• Helmets shall be tested for resistance to flame as speci­fied in Section 8.3, Flame Resistance Test 2, Procedures A and C, and shall not show any visible afterflame or glow 5.0 seconds after removal from the test flame in each test.
• Helmet ear covers and helmet shrouds shall be tested for thermal insulation as specified in Section 8.10, Thermal Protec­tive Performance (TPP) Test, and shall have an average TPP rating of at least 20.0.
• Helmets shall be tested for retention ability as specified in Section 8.34, Retention System Test, without any break occurring and without any resulting slip or stretch of more than 20 mm (% in.).
• Helmet suspension systems shall be tested for retention ability as specified in Section 8.35, Suspension System Reten­tion Test, and shall not separate from the helmet.
• Helmets shall be tested for shell retention ability as specified in Section 8.43, Shell Retention Test, and shall not have the helmet shell separate from the helmet suspension and retention systems.
• All materials utilized in the construction of helmet chin straps, excluding elastic and hook and pile fasteners where these items are placed so that they will not directly contact the wearer’s body or hood, shall be individually tested for resist­ance to flame as specified in Section 8.2, Flame Resistance Test 1, and shall not have a char length greater than 100 mm (4 in.), shall not show any visible afterflame 2.0 seconds after removal from the test flame, and shall not melt or drip.
• All materials utilized in the construction of helmet chin straps, excluding elastic and hook and pile fasteners where these items are placed so that they will not directly contact the wearer’s body or hood, shall be individually tested for resist­ance to heat as specified in Section 8.6, Heat and Thermal Shrinkage Resistance Test, and shall not shrink more than 10 percent in any direction, and shall not melt, separate, or ignite. Helmet chin strap material shall meet the thermal shrinkage requirement for the length dimension only.
• All sewing thread used in the construction of helmets shall be tested for melting resistance as specified in Section 8.11, Thread Melting Test, and shall not melt below 260°C (500°F).
• All helmet metal hardware and specimens of all helmet hardware that include metal parts shall be individually tested for resistance to corrosion as specified in Section 8.29, 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 all hardware remain functional.
• Labels shall be tested for durability and legibility as specified in Section 8.42, Label Durability and Legibility Test 2, shall remain in place, and shall be legible.
• Faceshield/goggle components shall be tested for resistance to impact as specified in Section 8.17, Faceshield/ Goggle Component Lens Impact Resistance Test, Tests One and Two, and shall not have any faceshield/goggle component contact an “eye” of the headform, and shall not have any parts or fragments be ejected from the component that could contact the eye of the headform.
• Faceshield/goggle components shall be tested for flame resistance as specified in Section 8.3, Flame Resistance Test 2, Procedure B, and shall not show any visible afterflame 5.0 seconds after removal of the test flame.

7.5 Additional Performance Requirements for Structural Fire Fighting Protective Helmet Elements Only.

• Structural fire fighting protective helmet elements shall also meet the performance requirements specified in this section in addition to the performance requirements specified in Section 7.4, Protective Helmet Elements Performance Requirements for Both Ensembles.
• All fabrics utilized in construction of faceshield/goggle components shall be tested for flame resistance as specified in Section 8.2, Flame Resistance Test 1, and all fabrics shall not have a char length of more than 100 mm (4 in.) average, and shall not have an afterflame of more than 5.0 seconds average after removal of the test flame.
• Faceshield/goggle component lenses shall be tested for resistance to scratching as specified in Section 8.22, Face- shield/Goggle Component Lens Scratch Resistance Test, and shall not exhibit a delta haze of greater than 25 percent.
• Faceshield/goggle component lenses shall be tested for transmittance of light as specified in Section 8.44, Luminous (Visible) Transmittance Test, and shall have clear lenses trans­mit a minimum of 85 percent of the incident visible radiation, and shall have colored lenses transmit a minimum of 43 percent of the incident visible radiation.
• Where provided, the faceshield/goggle component attachment hardware shall be tested for flame resistance as specified in Section 8.3, Flame Resistance Test 2, Procedure D, and shall not show any visible afterflame 5.0 seconds after removal of the test flame.
• Helmets shall be tested for resistance to electricity as specified in both Procedure A and Procedure B of Section 8.30, Electrical Insulation Test 1, and shall not have leakage current exceeding 3.0 mA in each test.
• All materials utilized in the construction of helmet ear covers, excluding elastic and hook and pile fasteners where these items are placed so that they will not directly contact the wearer’s body or hood, shall be individually tested for resist­ance to flame as specified in Section 8.2, Flame Resistance Test 1, shall not have a char length greater than 100 mm (4 in.), shall not show any visible afterflame 2.0 seconds after removal from the test flame, and shall not melt or drip.
• All materials utilized in the construction of helmet ear covers, excluding elastic and hook and pile fasteners where these items are placed so that they will not directly contact the wearer’s body or hood, shall be individually tested for resist­ance to heat as specified in Section 8.6, Heat and Thermal Shrinkage Resistance Test, and shall not shrink more than 10 percent in any direction, and shall not melt, separate, or ignite.
• Helmet visibility markings shall be tested for retroreflec- tivity and fluorescence as specified in Section 8.45, Retroreflec- tivity and Fluorescence Test, and shall have a coefficient of retroreflection (Ra) of not less than 100 cd/lux/m² (100 cd/fc/ft²), and shall have the color be fluorescent yellow- green, fluorescent orange-red, or fluorescent red.
• Helmet ear covers shall be capable of being detached from and reinstalled on the helmet per the manufacturer’s instructions within a period of 20 minutes.

7.6 Additional Performance Requirements for Proximity Fire Fighting Helmet Elements Only.

• Proximity fire fighting protective helmet elements shall also meet the performance requirements specified in this section in addition to the performance requirements specified in Section 7.4, Protective Helmet Elements Performance Requirements for Both Ensembles.
• Helmets shall be tested for radiant heat resistance as specified in Section 8.53, Radiant Heat Resistance Test 3, and shall not have a temperature rise of more than 25°C (45°F).
• Helmet shrouds shall be tested for radiant reflective capability as specified in Section 8.52, Radiant Protective Performance Test, and shall have an intersect time of not less than 20 seconds.
• Helmet shrouds with a laminate base fabric shall be tested for resistance to delamination as specified in Section 8.54, Wet Flex Test, and shall show no signs of cracking on the face or delamination.
• Helmet shrouds shall be tested for adhesion durability as specified in Section 8.55, Adhesion After Wet Flex-Tape Test, and shall show no evidence of separation or removal of the surface coating.
• Helmet shrouds shall be tested for flex durability as specified in Section 8.56, Flex at Low Temperature Test, and shall show no evidence of breaking, shattering, or cracking of the coating, laminate, or fabric.
• Helmet shrouds shall be tested for blocking durability as specified in Section 8.57, Resistance to High-Temperature Blocking Test, and shall show no blocking.
• All materials utilized in the construction of proximity helmet covers and shrouds, excluding elastic and hook and pile fasteners where these items are placed so that they will not direcdy contact the wearer’s body or hood, shall be individually tested for resistance to heat as specified in Section 8.6, Heat and Thermal Shrinkage Resistance Test, and shall not shrink more than 10 percent in any direction, and shall not melt, separate, or ignite.
• Helmet shroud outer shell material shall be individually tested for resistance to tearing as specified in Section 8.12, Tear

Resistance Test, and shall have a tear strength of not less than 100 N (22 lbf).

• Helmet faceshield component lenses shall be tested for transmittance of light as specified in Section 8.44, Luminous (Visible) Transmittance Test, and shall transmit not less than 30 percent of the incident visible radiation.
• Helmet faceshields shall be tested for radiant reflective capability as specified in Section 8.52, Radiant Protective Performance Test, and shall have an intersect time of not less than 30 seconds.
• Helmet outer covers, where provided, shall be tested for radiant reflective capability as specified in Section 8.52, Radiant Protective Performance Test, and shall have an inter­sect time of not less than 20 seconds.
• Helmet outer covers, where provided, shall be tested for resistance to delamination as specified in Section 8.54, Wet Flex Test, and shall show no signs of cracking on the face or delamination.
• Helmet outer covers, where provided, shall be tested for adhesion durability as specified in Section 8.55, Adhesion After Wet Flex-Tape Method Test, and shall show no evidence of separation or removal of the surface coating.
• Helmet outer covers, where provided, shall be tested for flex durability as specified in Section 8.56, Flex at Low Temperature Test, and shall show no evidence of breaking, shattering, or cracking of the coating, laminate, or fabric.
• Helmet outer covers, where provided, shall be tested for blocking durability as specified in Section 8.57, Resistance to High-Temperature Blocking Test, and shall show no block­ing.
• Helmet outer covers, where provided, shall be tested for resistance to tearing as specified in Section 8.12, Tear Resistance Test, and shall have a tear strength of not less than 22 N (5 lbf).
• All materials utilized in the construction of proximity helmet covers and shrouds, excluding elastic and hook and pile fasteners where these items are placed so that they will not directly contact the wearer’s body or hood, shall be individually tested for resistance to flame as specified in Section 8.2, Flame Resistance Test 1, and shall not have a char length greater than 100 mm (4 in.), shall not show any visible afterflame 2.0 seconds after removal from the test flame, and shall not melt or drip.
• Helmet faceshield component lenses shall be tested for resistance to scratching as specified in Section 8.22, Face- shield/Goggle Component Lens Scratch Resistance Test, and shall not exhibit a delta haze of greater than 5 percent.
• Proximity faceshields shall be tested for adhesion of reflective coating as specified in Section 8.46, Adhesion of Reflective Coating on Proximity Faceshield — Tape Method, and shall show evidence of removal not to exceed 2B classifica­tion (i.e., 15 percent to 35 percent removal).

7.7 Protective Glove Elements Performance Requirements for Both Ensembles.

7.7.1 The glove body composite shall be tested for thermal insulation as specified in Section 8.10, Thermal Protective

Performance (TPP) Test, and shall have an average TPP rating of at least 35.0.

• The glove interface component composite shall be tested for thermal insulation as specified in Section 8.10, Ther­mal Protective Performance (TPP) Test, and shall have an aver­age TPP rating of at least 20.0.
• Gloves shall be tested for resistance to heat as specified in Section 8.6, Heat and Thermal Shrinkage Resistance Test, and shall not melt, separate, or ignite; shall not shrink more than 8 percent in length or width; shall be donnable; and shall be flexible.
• Hook and pile fasteners on gloves shall be excluded from these requirements where these items are placed such that they will not direcdy contact the wearer’s body.
• Where hook and pile fasteners are placed on the gloves such that they will directly contact the wearer’s body, they shall not melt, separate, or ignite when tested as part of the whole glove.
• The glove lining materials of the glove body shall be individually tested for resistance to heat as specified in Section 8.6, Heat and Thermal Shrinkage Resistance Test, and shall not melt, separate, or ignite.
• Portions of the glove body composite representative of the palm of the glove shall be tested for conductive heat resist­ance as specified in Section 8.7, Conductive Heat Resistance Test 1, and shall have a second-degree burn time of not less than 10.0 seconds and shall have a pain time of not less than 6.0 seconds.
• The glove body composite, including, but not limited to, trim, external labels, and external tags, but excluding hard­ware, and excluding hook and pile fasteners that do not direcdy contact the wearer’s body, shall be tested for resistance to flame as specified in Section 8.4, Flame Resistance Test 3, and shall not have an average char length of more than 100 mm (4 in.), shall not have an average afterflame of more than 2.0 seconds, shall not melt or drip, and shall not have the amount of consumed materials exceed 5 percent.
• The glove interface component composite, including but not limited to trim, external labels, and external tags, but excluding hardware and hook and pile fasteners that do not direcdy contact the wearer’s body, shall be tested for resistance to flame as specified in Section 8.4, Flame Resistance Test 3, and shall not have an average char length of more than 100 mm (4 in.), shall not have an average afterflame of more than 2.0 seconds, shall not melt or drip, and shall not have the amount of consumed materials exceed 5 percent.
• The glove extension composite, including but not limi­ted to trim, external labels, and external tags, but excluding hardware and hook and pile fasteners that do not directly contact the wearer’s body, shall be tested for resistance to flame as specified in Section 8.4, Flame Resistance Test 3, and shall not have an average char length of more than 100 mm (4 in.), shall not have an average afterflame of more than 2.0 seconds, shall not melt or drip, and shall not have the amount of consumed materials exceed 5 percent.

7.7.9* All sewing thread utilized in the construction of gloves shall be tested for melting resistance as specified in Section 8.11, Thread Melting Test, and shall not melt at or below 260°C (500°F).

7.7.10 The glove body seams shall be tested for resistance to liquid-borne or blood-borne pathogens as specified in Section 8.28, Viral Penetration Resistance Test, and shall allow no penetration of the Phi-X-174 bacteriophage for at least 1 hour.

7.7.11* Glove body seams shall be tested for resistance to liquid penetration as specified in Section 8.27, Liquid Penetra­tion Resistance Test, and shall allow no penetration of test liquids for at least 1 hour.

• The glove body composite shall be tested for resistance to cut as specified in Section 8.21, Cut Resistance Test, and shall have a distance of blade travel of more than 20 mm (0.8 in.).
• The glove interface component shall be tested for resistance to cut as specified in Section 8.21, Cut Resistance Test, and shall have a distance of blade travel of more than 20 mm (0.8 in.).
• The glove body composite shall be tested for resistance to puncture as specified in Section 8.20, Puncture Resistance Test, and shall not be punctured under an average applied force of 40 N (8.8 lbf).

7.7.15* Gloves shall be tested for hand function as specified in Section 8.37, Glove Hand Function Test, and shall have an aver­age percent of bare-handed control not exceeding 220 percent.

• Knit glove wristlet material(s) shall be tested for mate­rial strength as specified in Section 8.13, Burst Strength Test, and shall have a burst strength of not less than 225 N (51 lbf).
• Glove body to glove interface component major seams shall be tested for seam strength as specified in Section 8.14, Seam-Breaking Strength Test, and shall have a burst strength of not less than 182 N (41 lbf).

7.7.18* Gloves shall be tested for resistance to leakage as specified in Section 8.32, Overall Liquid Integrity Test 1, and shall show no leakage.

7.7.19* Gloves shall be tested for ease of donning as specified in Section 8.36, Glove Donning Test, and shall have the dry hand donning time not exceed 10 seconds, shall have the wet hand donning time not exceed 30 seconds, shall have no detachment of the inner liner, shall have no detachment of the moisture barrier, and shall allow full insertion of all digits.

• Gloves shall be tested for retention of the glove liner as specified in Section 8.63, Liner Retention Test, and shall have no detachment of the inner liner or moisture barrier.
• Labels shall be tested for durability and legibility as specified in Section 8.41, Label Durability and Legibility Test 1, shall remain in place, and shall be legible.
• Gloves shall be tested for grip as specified in Section 8.38, 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 using the torque test as specified in Section 8.68, Torque Test, and shall have an average percent of bare-handed control not less than 80 percent.
• Gloves shall be tested for hand function as specified in Section 8.70, Glove Tool Test, and shall have an average percent of bare-handed control not exceeding 175 percent.

7.7.25 The glove body composite at the back of the glove shall be tested for radiant heat resistance as specified in Section 8.67, Transmitted and Stored Thermal Energy Test, and shall have a second-degree burn time of not less than 130 seconds.

• Additional Performance Requirements for Structural Fire Fighting Protective Glove Elements Only.
• Structural fire fighting protective glove elements shall also meet the performance requirements specified in this section in addition to the performance requirements specified in Section 7.7, Protective Glove Elements Performance Requirements for Both Ensembles.
• All glove metal hardware and all glove hardware that include metal parts shall be individually tested for resistance to corrosion as specified in Section 8.29, Corrosion Resistance Test, and shall have metals that are inherendy 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 all hardware remain functional.
• Additional Performance Requirements for Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Glove Elements Only.
• Proximity fire fighting protective glove elements shall also meet the performance requirements specified in this section in addition to the performance requirements specified in Section 7.7, Protective Glove Elements Performance Requirements for Both Ensembles.
• The radiant reflective protective areas as required in Section 6.9, Additional Design Requirements for Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Glove Elements Only, of the glove body, glove interface component, and glove extension shall be tested for radiant reflective capability as specified in Section 8.53, Radiant Protective Performance Test, and shall have an inter­sect time of not less than 20 seconds.
• The radiant reflective protective areas as required in Section 6.9, Additional Design Requirements for Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Glove Elements Only, of the glove body, glove interface component, and glove extension shall be tested for resistance to delamination as specified in Section 8.55, Wet Flex Test, and shall show no signs of cracking on the face or delamination.
• The radiant reflective protective areas as required in Section 6.9, Additional Design Requirements for Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Glove Elements Only, of the glove body, glove interface component, and glove extension shall be tested for adhesion durability as specified in Section 8.55, Adhesion After Wet Flex-Tape Method Test, and shall show no evidence of separation or removal of the surface coating.
• The radiant reflective protective areas as required in Section 6.9, Additional Design Requirements for Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Glove Elements Only, of the glove body, glove interface component, and glove extension shall be tested for flex durability as specified in Section 8.56, Flex at Low Temperature, and shall show no evidence of breaking, shatter­ing, or cracking of the coating, laminate, or fabric.
• The radiant reflective protective areas as required in Section 6.9, Additional Design Requirements for Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Glove Elements Only, of the glove body, glove interface component, and glove extension shall be tested for blocking durability as specified in Section 8.57, Resistance to High-Temperature Blocking Test, and shall show no block­ing.

7.10 Protective Footwear Elements Performance Require­ments for Both Ensembles.

• Protective footwear elements shall be tested for thermal insulation as specified in Section 8.8, Conductive Heat Resist­ance Test 2, and the temperature of the insole surface in contact with the foot shall not exceed 44°C (111 °F).
• Footwear, with components in place, shall be tested for resistance to flame as specified in Section 8.5, Flame Resistance Test 4, shall not have an afterflame of more than 5.0 seconds, shall not melt or drip, and shall not exhibit any burn-through.
• All sewing thread utilized in the construction of foot­wear shall be tested for melt resistance as specified in Section 8.11, Thread Melting Test, and shall not melt below 260°C (500°F).
• The footwear upper material composite and footwear seams shall be tested for resistance to liquid penetration as specified in Section 8.27, Liquid Penetration Resistance Test, and shall allow no penetration of the test liquids for at least 1 hour.
• The footwear upper material composite and footwear seams shall be tested for resistance to liquid- or blood-borne pathogens as specified in Section 8.28, Viral Penetration Resist­ance Test, and shall allow no penetration of the Phi-X-174 bacteriophage for at least 1 hour.
• Footwear shall be tested for resistance to puncture as specified in Section 8.20, Puncture Resistance Test, and shall not puncture the footwear upper under an average applied force of 60 N (13 lbf).
• Footwear uppers shall be tested for resistance to cut as specified in Section 8.21, Cut Resistance Test, and shall have a cut distance resistance of more than 20 mm (0.8 in.).
• Footwear shall be tested for slip resistance as specified in Section 8.40, Slip Resistance Test, and shall have a coeffi­cient of friction of 0.40 or greater.
• Footwear soles and heels shall be tested for resistance to abrasion as specified in Section 8.23, Abrasion Resistance Test, and the relative volume loss shall not be greater than 250 mm³ (0.015 in.³).

7.10.10* Footwear shall be tested for resistance to electricity as specified in Section 8.31, Electrical Insulation Test 2, and shall have no current leakage in excess of 3.0 mA.

• Footwear ladder shanks or whole sole equivalents shall be tested for resistance to bending as specified in Section 8.39, Ladder Shank Bend Resistance Test, and shall not deflect more than 6 mm (‘/₍).
• Footwear stud posts and eyelets shall be tested for attachment strength as specified in Section 8.49, Eyelet and Stud Post Attachment Test, and shall have a minimum detach­ment strength of 294 N (66 lbf).
• All footwear metal hardware and specimens of all foot­wear hardware that include metal parts, including but not limi­ted to toe cap, ladder shank, and components, shall be individually tested for resistance to corrosion as specified in Section 8.29, Corrosion Resistance Test, and shall have metals that are inherendy 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 all hardware remain functional.
• Labels shall be tested for durability and legibility as specified in Section 8.41, Label Durability and Legibility Test 1, shall remain in place, and shall be legible.
• Footwear shall be tested for resistance to heat as speci­fied in Section 8.6, Heat and Thermal Shrinkage Resistance Test, and shall not have any part of the footwear melt, separate, or ignite; shall show no water penetration; and shall have all components remain functional.
• Additional Performance Requirements for Structural Fire Fighting Protective Footwear Elements Only.
• Structural fire fighting protective footwear elements shall also meet the performance requirements specified in this section in addition to the performance requirements specified in Section 7.10, Protective Footwear Elements Performance Requirements for Both Ensembles.
• Footwear shall be tested for thermal insulation as speci­fied in Section 8.9, Radiant Heat Resistance Test 1, and the temperature of the upper surface in contact with the skin shall not exceed 44°C (111°F).
• Footwear shall be tested for thermal insulation as speci­fied in Section 8.7, Conductive Heat Resistance Test 1, and the temperature of the upper lining surface in contact with skin shall have a second-degree burn time of not less than 10.0 seconds, and shall have a pain time of not less than 6.0 seconds.
• Additional Performance Requirements for Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Footwear Elements Only.
• Proximity fire fighting protective footwear elements shall also meet the performance requirements specified in this section in addition to the performance requirements specified in Section 7.10, Protective Footwear Elements Performance Requirements for Both Ensembles.
• Footwear shall be tested for thermal insulation as speci­fied in Section 8.60, Conductive Heat Resistance Test 3, and the temperature of the upper lining surface in contact with skin shall not reach 44°C (111 °F) in 10 minutes or less.
• Footwear shall be tested for thermal insulation as speci­fied in Section 8.61, Radiant Heat Resistance Test 2, and the temperature of the upper lining surface in contact with the skin shall not exceed 44°C (111 °F).
• Protective Hood Interface Component Performance Requirements for Both Ensembles.

7.13.1 Fire fighting protective hood face openings that are not designed for interface with a specific SCBA facepiece shall be tested for shape retention as specified in Section 8.47, Hood Opening Size Retention Test, and shall slide freely over the top half of the hood measuring device while in the relaxed state and shall not show any gaps when placed on the lower half of the hood measuring device.

7.13.1.1 Where hood face openings are designed to interface with a specific SCBA facepiece, specimens of such hood face openings shall be tested for shape retention as specified in Section 8.47, Hood Opening Size Retention Test, and shall overlap the outer edge of the specific SCBA face piece-to-face seal perimeter by not less than 13 mm (‘/«in.).

• Hoods shall be tested for thermal insulation as speci­fied in Section 8.10, Thermal Protective Performance (TPP) Test, and shall have an average TPP rating of not less than 20.0.
• Hood material(s), including labels but excluding hook and pile fasteners and elastic when not placed in direct contact with the body, shall be individually tested for resistance to flame as specified in Section 8.2, Flame Resistance Test 1, and shall not have a char length of more than 100 mm (4 in.) aver­age, shall not have an afterflame of more than 2.0 seconds aver­age, and shall not melt or drip.
• Hoods, excluding labels, hook and pile fasteners, and elastic, shall be individually tested for resistance to heat as specified in Section 8.6, Heat and Thermal Shrinkage Resist­ance Test, and shall slide freely over the top half of the hood measuring device while in the relaxed state, shall not show any gaps when placed on the lower half of the hood measuring device, and shall not shrink more than 10 percent.
• Hoods, including labels but excluding hook and pile fasteners and elastic when these items are placed where they will not directly contact the wearer’s body, shall be individually tested for resistance to heat as specified in Section 8.6, Heat and Thermal Shrinkage Resistance Test, and shall not melt, separate, or ignite.
• Hoods with elastic or manually adjustable face open­ings shall be individually tested for resistance to shrinkage as specified in Section 8.24, Cleaning Shrinkage Resistance Test, and shall slide freely over the top half of the hood measuring device while in the relaxed state, shall not show any gaps when placed on the lower half of the hood measuring device, and shall not have the measurements made from the top of the hood to the marks at the back and both sides of the hood exhibit shrinkage of more than 5 percent.

7.13.6.1 Hoods designed to interface with a specific SCBA facepiece shall be individually tested for resistance to shrinkage as specified in Section 8.24, Cleaning Shrinkage Resistance Test, and the overlap of the outer edge of the hood and the specific SCBA facepiece shall not shrink more than 5 percent. The measurements from the top of the hood to the marks at the back and both sides of the hood shall not exhibit shrinkage of more than 5 percent.

• All sewing thread utilized in the construction of hoods shall be tested for melting resistance as specified in Section 8.11, Thread Melting Test, and shall not melt below 260 °C (500°F).
• The outermost hood material shall be tested for mate­rial strength as specified in Section 8.13, Burst Strength Test, and shall have a burst strength of not less than 225 N (51 lbf). All additional hood material layers shall be tested for material strength as specified in Section 8.13, Burst Strength Test, and shall have a burst strength of not less than 225 N (51 lbf).
• Hood seams shall be tested for seam strength as speci­fied in Section 8.14, Seam-Breaking Strength Test, and shall have a burst strength of not less than 181 N (41 lbf).

7.13.10 Labels shall be tested for durability and legibility as specified in Section 8.41, Label Durability and Legibility Test 1, shall remain attached to the hood, and shall be legible.

7.14* Additional Performance Requirements for Optional Structural Fire Fighting Protective Hood Interface Compo­nents Providing Particulate Protection.

• Hood composite materials shall meet all performance criteria specified in Section 7.13, Protective Hood Interface Component Performance Requirements for Both Ensembles.
• Hood composite materials that incorporate a particu­late blocking layer shall be tested for particulate blocking as specified in Section 8.71, Particulate Blocking Test, and shall have a particulate filtration efficiency of 90 percent or greater for each particle size from 0.1 pm to 1.0 |xm.

7.14.3* Hood compositesincluding a particulate blocking layer shall be tested for evaporative heat transfer as specified in Section 8.33, Total Heat Loss (THL) Test, and shall have a THL of not less than 325 W/m².

• Additional Performance Requirements for Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Hood Interface Components Only. (Reserved)
• Protective Wristlet and Garment-Glove Interface Compo­nent Performance Requirements for Both Ensembles.
• Protective wristlet interface components shall be tested for thermal insulation as specified in Section 8.10, Thermal Protective Performance (TPP) Test, and shall have an average TPP rating of not less than 20.0.

7.16.1.1 Where the coat sleeve end terminates in a garment- glove interface, the interface composite shall be tested for ther­mal insulation as specified in Section 8.10, Thermal Protective Performance (TPP) Test, and shall have an average TPP rating of not less than 35.0.

• Wristlet material (s) shall be individually tested for resistance to flame as specified in Section 8.2, Flame Resistance Test 1, and shall not have a char length of more than 100 mm (4 in.) average, shall not have an afterflame of more than 2.0 seconds average, and shall not melt or drip.
• Wristlet material (s) shall be individually tested for resistance to heat as specified in Section 8.6, Heat and Thermal Shrinkage Resistance Test, and shall not shrink more than 10 percent in any direction.
• Wristlet material (s) shall be individually tested for resistance to heat as specified in Section 8.6, Heat and Thermal Shrinkage Resistance Test, and shall not melt, separate, or ignite.
• Wristlet material (s) shall be individually tested for resistance to shrinkage as specified in Section 8.24, Cleaning Shrinkage Resistance Test, and shall not shrink more than 5 percent in any direction.
• All sewing thread utilized in the construction of wrist­lets shall be tested for melting resistance as specified in Section 8.11, Thread Melting Test, and shall not melt at or below 260°C (500°F).
• Knit wristlet material(s) shall be tested for material strength as specified in Section 8.13, Burst Strength Test, and shall have a burst strength of not less than 225 N (51 lbf).
• Knit wristlet seams shall be tested for seam strength as specified in Section14, Seam-Breaking Strength Test, and shall have a breaking strength of not less than 181 N (41 lbf).
• Where the coat sleeve end terminates in a garment- glove interface, the interface area shall be tested in accordance with Section 8.48, Whole Garment and Ensemble Liquid Pene­tration Test, and shall allow no liquid penetration.
• Additional Performance Requirements for Structural Fire Fighting Protective Wristlet Interface Components Only. (Reserved)
• Additional Performance Requirements for Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Wristlet Interface Components Only. (Reserved)
•  
• Optional Performance Requirements for Protection from Liquid and Particulate Contaminants.
• Liquid and Particulate Contaminant Protective Ensem­ble Performance Requirements for Both Ensembles.
• The entire protective ensemble shall be tested for overall particulate inward leakage as specified in Section 8.66, Particle Inward Leakage Test, and shall allow no visual particu­late inward leakage.
• The entire CBRN ensemble shall be tested as speci­fied in Section 8.48, Whole Garment and Ensemble Liquid Penetration Test, and shall show no liquid penetration.
• Additional Liquid and Particulate Contaminant Protec­tion Performance Requirements for Structural Fire Fighting Protective Ensembles Only. (Reserved)
• Additional Liquid and Particulate Contaminant Protec­tion Performance Requirements for Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Ensembles Only. (Reserved)
• Liquid and Particulate Contaminant Protective Garment Element Performance Requirements for Both Ensembles. (Reserved)
• Additional Liquid and Particulate Contaminant Protec­tion Performance Requirements for Structural Fire Fighting Protective Garment Elements Only. (Reserved)
• Additional Liquid and Particulate Contaminant Protec­tion Performance Requirements for Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Garment Elements Only. (Reserved)
• Protective Helmet Element Liquid and Particulate Contaminant Protection Performance Requirements for Both Ensembles. (Reserved)
• Additional Liquid and Particulate Contaminant Protec­tion Performance Requirements for Structural Fire Fighting Protective Helmet Elements Only. (Reserved)
• Additional Liquid and Particulate Contaminant Protec­tion Performance Requirements for Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Helmet Elements Only. (Reserved)
• Protective Glove Elements Liquid and Particulate Contaminant Protection Performance Requirements for Both Ensembles. (Reserved)
• Additional Liquid and Particulate Contaminant Protec­tion Performance Requirements for Structural Fire Fighting Protective Glove Elements Only. (Reserved)
• Additional Liquid and Particulate Contaminant Protec­tion Performance Requirements for Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Glove Elements Only. (Reserved)
• Protective Footwear Elements Liquid and Particulate Contaminant Protection Performance Requirements for Both Ensembles. (Reserved)
• Additional Liquid and Particulate Contaminant Protec­tion Performance Requirements for Structural Fire Fighting Protective Footwear Elements Only. (Reserved)
• Additional Liquid and Particulate Contaminant Protec­tion Performance Requirements for Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Footwear Elements Only. (Reserved)
• Protective Hood Interface Component Liquid and Particulate Contaminant Protection Performance Require­ments for Both Ensembles. (Reserved)
• Additional Liquid and Particulate Contaminant Protec­tion Performance Requirements for Structural Fire Fighting Protective Hood Interface Components Only. (Reserved)
• Additional Liquid and Particulate Contaminant Protec­tion Performance Requirements for Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Hood Interface Components Only. (Reserved)

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.
• Washing and Drying Procedure for Garments, Gloves, Hoods, and Wristlets. Specimens shall be subjected to five 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 of Fabrics after Home Laundering . A 1.82 kg ± 0.1 kg (4.0 lb ± 0.2 lb) load shall be used. A laundry bag shall not be used. Gloves shall be tumble dried 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 direct dried on a forced-air non-tumble-drying mechanism operated at 10°C ± 5°C (18°F ± 9°F) above current room temperature until dry but for not less than 8 hours.
• Room Temperature Conditioning Procedure for Garments, Trim, Helmets, Gloves, Footwear, and Faceshield/ Goggle Components.

8.1.3.1 Garment, glove, trim, 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 until equilibrium is reached, as determined in accordance with ASTM D1776/

D1776M, Standard Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles, or for at least 24 hours. Specimens shall be tested within 5 minutes after removal from conditioning.

8.1.3.2 Helmet and faceshield/goggle component samples shall be conditioned at a temperature of 21°C ± 3°C (70°F ± 5°F) and a relative humidity of 25 percent to 50 percent for at least 4 hours. Specimens shall be tested within 5 minutes after removal from conditioning.

• Low Temperature Environmental Conditioning Proce­dure for Helmets and Faceshield/Goggle Components.

Samples shall be conditioned by exposing them to a tempera­ture of -32°C ± 1°C (-25°F ± 2°F) for at least 4 hours. The impact/penetration test shall be completed within 15 seconds ± 5 seconds after removal from the cold temperature environ­ment, or the specimens shall be reconditioned before testing.

• Convective Heat Conditioning Procedure for Helmets, Faceshield/Goggle Components, Gloves, Footwear, Moisture Barriers, Moisture Barrier Seams, Labels, Particulate Blocking Layer(s), and Trim. Samples shall be conditioned by exposing them to the procedures specified in 8.6.4 and in 8.6.5.2 through 8.6.5.3, with the following modifications:
  • The oven temperature shall be stabilized at 140°C, +6/-0°C (285°F, +10°/-0°F), for helmets, footwear, mois­ture barriers, moisture barrier seams, labels, particulate blocking layer(s), and trim, and the test exposure time shall be 10 minutes, +15/-0 seconds.
  • The oven temperature shall be stabilized at 177°C, +6/-0°C (350°F, +10V-0°F), for gloves only; the expo­sure time shall be 10 minutes, +15/-0 seconds; and the procedures specified in 8.6.13.4 shall be followed.
  • The exposure time shall begin when the test thermocou­ple reading has stabilized at the required exposure temperature.
  • The requirements of 8.6.5.4 and 8.6.5.5 shall be disregar­ded.
  • Helmet specimens shall be placed on a room tempera­ture nonconductive headform conforming to the dimen­sions in Figure 8.6.12.3 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 this subsection. Only one helmet shall be conditioned at a time.
  • For gloves, footwear, trim, labels, moisture barriers, and moisture barrier seam specimens, the required condition­ing shall be performed no sooner than 24 hours after removal from conditioning. Samples shall be suspended in the oven such that there is a distance of at least 150 mm (6 in.) between items.
  • For faceshield/goggle components, these components, attached to the helmet, shall be conditioned by placing them on a room temperature, solid, nonmetallic head- form conforming to the dimensions in Figure 8.6.12.3 and by exposing them to a temperature of 108°C, +2/-0°C (225°F, +3/-0°F), for 20 minutes, +15/-0 seconds. Goggles shall be permitted to be placed directly on the headform without being attached to the helmet. The impact test shall be completed within 15 seconds ± 5 seconds, after removal from the environ­mental chamber, or the faceshield/goggle components shall be reconditioned and retested.
• Specific Requirements for Testing Protective Glove Interface Components Other Than Wristlet Composites.
• Samples for conditioning shall be glove interface component composite swatches as specified in 8.10.12.3.
• Specimens shall be representative of the glove inter­face component composite construction. All variations in composite construction, including number of layers and the order of layering 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).
• For glove interface component composites, samples for conditioning shall be in the form of a pouch as described in 8.1.14.
• Specimens shall be tested both before and after conditioning as specified in 8.1.12 and then conditioned as specified in1.3.
• After conditioning, the stitching shall be cut to form 175 mm x 175 mm (7 in. x 7 in.) specimens for testing. Speci­mens shall not include seams where multiple layers are involved, except in the following cases:
  • Where a ridged area or similar stitching is used to create specific performance characteristics rather than for glove assembly
  • Where size constraints of a material make 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.
• Specimens shall not be stitched to hold individual layers together during testing.
• Testing shall be performed as described in 8.10.2 through 8.10.7.
• The requirements of 8.10.7.2 shall not apply.
• Specific Requirements for Testing Helmet Ear Covers and Shrouds.
• Specimens shall consist of materials from the portion of the ear covers that cover the ear and neck area or from the portion of the shroud that covers the head, face, and neck area. Specimens shall not include seams. Specimens shall not be stitched to hold individual layers together during test­ing
• Samples for conditioning shall include ear cover material that is a minimum of 175 mm (7 in.) square.
• Testing shall be performed as described in 8.10.2 through 8.10.7.

8.11 Thread Melting Test.

• This test method shall apply to each type of sewing thread used in the construction of protective garments, hoods, wristlets, gloves, helmets, helmet covers, shrouds, and footwear.
• Samples for conditioning shall be lengths of thread 150 mm (6 in.) or greater.

8.11.3 Specimens.

• A total of three different specimens of each thread type shall be tested.
• All specimens shall be conditioned as specified in 8.1.3 prior to testing.

8.11.4* Procedure.

8.11.4.1 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 for the thread type.

8.12 Tear Resistance Test.

•  
• This test shall apply to woven materials used in protective garments, hoods, helmet covers, shrouds, and wrist­lets.
• This test shall also apply to bootie materials where a bootie is used as part of the garment construction.
•  
• Samples for conditioning shall be at least 1 m (1 yd) square of material.
• Samples shall be tested both before and after being conditioned as specified in 8.1.2.
•  
• A minimum of five specimens in each of the warp, machine or course, direction and the filling, cross-machine or wales, direction shall be tested.
• Where the material is isotropic, then 10 specimens shall be tested.
•  
• Specimens shall be tested in accordance with ASTM D5587, Standard Test Method for the Tearing Strength of Fabrics by Trapezoid Procedure.
• Slippage of the specimen shall not be permitted.
•  
• The tear resistance of an individual specimen shall be the average of the five highest peak loads of resistance regis­tered.
• The tear strength of each specimen shall be recorded and reported to the nearest 0.5 N (0.1 lbf) of force.
• An average tear strength shall be calculated, recor­ded, and reported for warp and filling directions.
•  
• 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.
• Specific Requirements for Testing Protective Garments.
• Where configured as individual barrier layers, speci­mens of garment moisture barriers, thermal barriers, and winter liners, where provided, shall be tested.
• Where one or more of these barriers are configured as a single barrier layer by bonding or laminating individual barriers together so that the individual layers do not retain their individuality and are not separable, they shall be tested as a composite.
• Burst Strength Test.
• This test shall apply to knit materials used in protective garments, hoods, and wristlets.
•  
• Samples shall be conditioned as specified in 8.1.3.
• Samples for conditioning shall be 1 m (1 yd) square of knit material for materials provided in roll form, and 1 m (1 yd) in length for knit materials provided in tubular form.
• A total of 10 specimens shall be tested.
• Specimens shall be tested as specified in ASTM D6797, Standard Test Method for Bursting Strength of Fabrics Constant-Rate-of Extension (CRE) Ball Burst Test.
• The burst strength of each specimen shall be recorded and 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.
• Seam-Breaking Strength Test.
•  
• This test method shall apply to seams used in protec­tive clothing items, including booties where present, clothing item wristlets, glove interface components, and hoods.
• Modifications to this test method for testing clothing item wristlets and glove interface components shall be as speci­fied in 8.14.7.
•  
• Samples for conditioning shall be 1 m (1 yd) length of seam.
• Samples shall be submitted for testing after being subjected to the procedure specified in 8.1.2.
•  
• A minimum of five seam specimens representative of the clothing item shall be tested for each seam type.
• The five seam specimens shall be straight seams. Seam specimens shall be permitted to be cut from the finished clothing item or shall be permitted to be prepared by joining two pieces of the clothing item fabric. Where specimens are cut from finished clothing items, such specimens shall be condi­tioned after being cut from the finished clothing item.
• Where two pieces of woven clothing item fabric are joined, the woven fabric seam specimen shall be prepared as specified in 8.2.1.2 of ASTM D1683, Standard Test Method for Failure in Sewn Seams of Woven Fabrics, and shall use the same thread, seam type, and stitch type as used in the finished cloth­ing item.
• Where two pieces of knit or stretch woven clothing item fabric are joined, the knit fabric seam specimen shall be prepared as specified in 7.2.2 of ASTM D3940, Standard Test Method for Bursting Strength (Load) and Elongation of Sewn Seams of Knit or Woven Stretch Textile Fabrics, using the same thread, seam type, and stitch type as used in the finished clothing item.
• Specimens of clothing item seam assemblies constructed from other than woven or knit textiles shall be tested as specified in 8.14.3.2.1.
• Where a piece of woven clothing item fabric and a knit or stretch woven fabric are joined, the seam specimen shall be prepared as specified in 8.2.1.2 of ASTM D1683, Standard Test Method for Failure in Sewn Seams of Woven Fabrics, and shall use the same thread, seam type, and stitch type as used in the finished clothing item.
•  
• All woven seam assemblies shall be tested in accord­ance with ASTM D1683, 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 and all stretch woven seam assemblies shall be tested in accordance with ASTM D6797, Standard Test Method for Bursting Strength of Fabrics Constant-Rater- of-Extension (CRE) Ball Burst Test.
• Combination woven and knit or stretch woven seam assemblies shall be tested in accordance with ASTM D1683, Standard Test Method for Failure in Seum Seams of Woven Fabrics. The test machine shall be operated at a rate of 304.8 mm/min (12 in./min).
•  
• 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 recorded and reported.
• The type of seams tested shall be recorded and repor­ted as to whether the specimens were cut from the finished clothing item or prepared from fabric samples.
• The average seam-breaking strength for each seam type shall be used to determine pass or fail perform­ance.
• Specific Requirements for Testing Protective Clothing Item Wristlets and Glove Interface Components.

8.14.7.1 Specimens for conditioning and testing shall consist of seams taken from the wristlet/clothing item sleeveor the glove interface/glove bodyjunction.

moving portion of the headform guidance assembly. The drop assembly shall have a total mass of 5.17 kg ± 0.18 kg (11.4 lb ±0.4 lb).

• The guidance assembly shall comprise not more than 20 percent of the total mass of the drop assembly.
• The center of mass of the drop assembly shall lie within a cone of 10 degrees included angle about the vertical, with the apex at the point of the targeted impact over the center of the test anvil.
• A steel test anvil shall be used and shall have a smooth, flat striking surface 125 mm ±15 mm (5 in. ± ‘Ac,) in diameter. The anvil shall be mounted securely on a steel plate at least 305 mm (1 ft) square and 25 mm (1 in.) thick. The steel plate shall be rigidly attached to and in intimate contact with a backup mass of at least 540 kg (1200 lb). The backup mass shall be of concrete or a rigid material of equal or greater density at least 0.185 nr (2 ft²).
• An electronic acceleration measurement system with the following minimum specifications shall be used:
  • Range —500 Gn
  • Peak acceleration measurement — ±2.5 percent accuracy
  • Resonant frequency — 5000 Hz
  • Accelerometer shock limit — 2000 Gn
  • Resolution — 5 Gn
• The system frequency response shall comply with SAEJ211, Instrumentation for Impact Test, Channel Frequency Class 1000, specifications. The time duration of acceleration levels shall be measured to within ±0.2 millisecond.

8.16.4.8* The instrumentation shall be calibrated. The equip­ment shall be checked for repeatability before and after each test series by impacting a standardized elastomeric shock pad. A minimum of three such impacts shall be recorded before and after testing. If the post-test average readings of the three impacts differ from the pre-test average by more than 5 percent, the entire test series shall be discarded.

• For calibration, the center of the reference anvil shall be aligned within 3 mm (V_s) of the impact point on the headform. The sensitive axis of the accelerometer shall be aligned within 1 degree of vertical and shall be colinear within 3 mm (Vh in.), with the center of the reference anvil and the impact point on the headform. The guide or guides shall be vertical and, in the case of a double guide system, parallel to within 6 mm per 3 m (!/₍ in. per 10 ft) of length.
• The test system shall be analyzed dynamically to ensure that any mechanical resonance does not distort the output data.
• Prior to testing, the instrumentation shall be allowed to warm up until stability is achieved.
• Throughout calibration, verification, and testing, the ambient temperature shall be 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F), and the relative humidity shall be 30 percent to 70 percent.

8.16.5 Procedure.

8.16.5.1 A conditioned specimen shall be positioned accord­ing to the HPI as described in 8.1.13 on a headform and shall be secured to the drop assembly by its retention system so as to maintain this position during the test. Where the crown clear­ance of the helmet is adjustable, the helmet shall be mounted with the least amount of clearance. No part of the helmet shell shall be cut away to accommodate the test system, and no part of the test system other than the anvil shall contact the helmet shell either as mounted or during an impact test. Where the internal faceshield is an integral part of the structural integrity of the helmet, the faceshield shall be deployed as far as possi­ble without interfering with the test equipment.

• The drop assembly with a helmet attached shall be dropped from a height that yields an impact velocity within 2 percent of 6.0 m/sec (19.7 ft/sec). A means of verifying the impact velocity within 2 percent for each impact shall be incor­porated in the test system. The acceleration time duration values, peak acceleration, and impact velocity shall be recorded for each test. Each helmet shall be environmentally condi­tioned prior to each impact in each of the five impact areas specified in Figure 8.1.6.1. Test series number 1 shall require helmet specimens 5, 6, 8, and 10 to be impacted at the top, front, rear, and side impact areas. Helmet front, rear, and side targeted impact areas shall be at a distance of 63 mm, +13/-0 mm (2’/₂, +0.5/-0 in.), above the test line as shown in Figure 8.1.6.1. The headform with mounted helmet shall be rotated such that the targeted helmet impact area is over the center of the anvil.
• The impact areas shall be as specified in Figure 8.1.6.1. The top, front, left, right, and rear of the helmet shall be tested in this order. Each helmet test specimen shall be impacted in all five test areas. All five impacts shall occur on the same helmet.

8.16.5.3.1 Reattachment of components is allowed between impacts, but no broken components shall be replaced. The helmet test specimen shall continue to be tested as long as the specimen can be held on the test headform using existing components as originally received.

• The top impact area shall consist of a 30 mm (1.2 in.) radius measured from a point located on the headform at the junction of the coronal plane and midsagittal plane.
• The front impact test area shall consist of an area defined as extending forward on the headform from the front vertical transverse plane to the test line.
• The rear impact test area shall consist of an area defined as extending backward on the headform from the rear vertical transverse plane extending down to the test line.
• The side test areas shall consist of the areas between the top test area and test line extending from the rear vertical transverse plane and the front vertical transverse plane.
• Each conditioned specimen in a series shall be impac­ted one on the top, front, left, right, and rear test areas of the helmets as defined in Figure 8.1.6.1. Helmets shall be tested in this order. At least one impact shall occur in each test area.

8.16.5.9* The initial point of contact of the helmet with the anvil shall not occur on the brim of the helmet.

8.16.6 Report.

• The results of each system verification shall be made part of the test results for the specimens being tested.
• The maximum acceleration, duration of acceleration above 200 Gn, and duration of acceleration above 150 Gn shall be recorded for each test.

8.16.7 Interpretation.

• Pass or fail performance shall be determined for each specimen. If the helmet test specimen cannot be held on the test headform and impacted in all five locations, then this shall be considered failing performance.
• One or more helmet specimens failing this test shall constitute failing performance.

8.17 Faceshield/Goggle Component Lens Impact Resistance Test.

• This test shall apply to complete helmets.
• Samples for conditioning shall be complete helmets with faceshield component or goggle component. Goggle samples shall be permitted to be complete goggle components not attached to the helmet.
•  
• Where the manufacturer produces helmets with face- shield components, a minimum of three complete faceshield components shall be tested for each of the conditions specified in 8.17.3.3.
• Where the manufacturer produces helmets with goggle components, a minimum of three complete goggle components shall be tested for each of the conditions specified in 8.17.3.3.
• Samples shall be conditioned for each of the environ­mental conditions specified in 8.1.3, 8.1.4, 8.1.5, and 8.1.7.
• When testing for the conditions specified in 8.1.3, 8.1.4, and 8.1.7 and when the faceshield/goggle component is returned to the conditioning environment before the time out of that conditioning environment exceeds 4 minutes, the face- shield/goggle shall be kept in the conditioning environment for a minimum of 3 minutes before resumption of testing with that helmet. When the time out of the conditioning environ­ment exceeds 4 minutes, the faceshield/goggle shall be returned to the conditioning environment for a minimum of 3 minutes for each minute or portion of a minute that the face- shield/goggle remained out of the conditioning environment in excess of 4 minutes or for a maximum of 24 hours, which­ever is less.
• Test One, High Mass Impact. 8.17.4.1 Apparatus.
• A facial feature headform as defined in 3.3.43 shall be used to hold the protective device. It shall be rigidly moun­ted in the horizontal position, face up, on a base that has a mass of 30 kg (66 lb) or greater. The static stiffness of the head- form shall be such that, when a vertical downward force of 20 kg (44 lb) is applied to the forehead of the headform, the back of the headform shall not deflect more than 2 mm (‘/is in.).
• The missile shall have a 30 degree conical tip with a 1 mm (‘/₂₅) radius, shall weigh 500 g (17.6 oz), and shall have a diameter of 25 mm (1 in.). The missile shall be held in position over the headform, tip down, at the designated test height. The missile shall have a heat-treated steel tip.

8.17.4.1.3* The missile shall be dropped through a loose- fitting guide tube having a smooth internal diameter.

•  
• Only one faceshield/goggle component shall be tested at a time.
• The helmet with faceshield/goggle component deployed shall be positioned according to the HPI as described in 8.1.13 on a headform. Where the crown clearance of the helmet is adjustable, the helmet shall be mounted with the most amount of clearance. Goggles shall be permitted to be placed directly on the headform without being attached to the helmet. The alignment shall be such that with the faceshield/ goggle component deployed, when the missile is dropped, it points in line with one of the eyes of the headform.
• The missile shall be dropped from a height of 1300 mm (5lMe in.). At least four specimens shall be tested.
• The pass or fail result for each device shall be recorded and reported.

8.17.5 Test Two, High Velocity Impact.

8.17.5.1.1* The test apparatus shall consist of a device capable of propelling a steel ball reproducible at the velocity designa­ted at 76 m/sec (250 ft/sec). The device shall show a sample standard deviation of not greater than 2 percent of 76 m/sec (250 ft/sec) based on a test series of 30 shots. The velocity of the steel ball shall be determined at a distance not greater than 250 mm (10 in.) from point of impact. The projectiles used in this test shall be 6 mm (% in.) diameter steel balls weighing approximately 1.06 g (0.04 oz). These balls are damaged during impact and shall be changed frequently to avoid impacts at unexpected locations and large variations in velocity.

8.17.5.1.2 A facial feature headform as defined in 3.3.43 shall be used for mounting the helmet with faceshield/goggle component. The headform shall be capable of being rotated on a vertical axis through each corneal vertex in 15 degree increments, from a first position 15 degrees to the nasal side of straight-ahead viewing out to 90 degrees temporally, given that the headform is vertical such that the two eyes lie in a horizon­tal reference plane. The headform shall be capable of being raised 10 mm (0.394 in.) and lowered 10 mm (0.394 in.) with respect to the horizontal plane to carry out testing at the 90 degree angular position.

•  
• Only one faceshield/goggle component shall be tested at a time.
• The helmet with faceshield/goggle component deployed shall be mounted to a facial feature headform as defined in 3.3.43 in accordance with the HPI as described in 8.1.13. Where the crown clearance of the helmet is adjustable, the helmet shall be mounted with the most amount of clear­ance. Goggles shall be permitted to be placed direcdy on the headform without being attached to the helmet.
• The headform shall be adjusted so that the path of the projectile passes through the center of the left eye. It shall be then rotated to the first test position, which shall be 15 degrees to the nasal side. The faceshield/goggle component shall then be impacted at the test velocity at 0 degrees, 45 degrees, and 90 degrees. The impacts at the 45 degree and 90 degree positions shall be at either 10 mm (‘A in.) above or 10 mm (V3 in.) below the plane of the eyes. A single specimen or multiple specimens shall be permitted to be used for the impact testing. At least one impact shall be conducted on each specimen utilized.

8.17.5.2.4 The headform shall be adjusted so that the path of the projectile passes through the center of the right eye. It shall be then rotated to the first test position, which shall be 15 degrees to the nasal side. The faceshield/goggle component shall then be impacted at the test velocity at 0 degrees, at 45 degrees, and at 90 degrees. The impacts at the 45 degree and 90 degree positions shall be at either 10 mm (V3 in.) above or 10 mm (V3 in.) below the plane of the eyes. A single specimen or multiple specimens shall be permitted to be used for the impact testing. At least one impact shall be conducted on each specimen utilized.

• The pass or fail performance for each helmet shall be recorded and reported.
• One or more helmet specimens failing this test shall constitute failing performance.
• Impact and Compression Tests. (Reserved)
• Physical Penetration Resistance Test.
• This test method shall apply to protective helmets.
• Samples for conditioning shall be complete helmets. Externally mounted faceshield/goggle components shall be removed. Internally mounted faceshield/goggle components shall be removed except where the internal face- shield is an integral part of the structural integrity of the helmet. Front holders, which could interfere with the impact­ing of the helmet shell, shall be removed. Mounting holes shall remain.
•  
• Three helmet specimens shall be tested for each condition as specified.
• Specimens shall be conditioned for each environ­mental condition specified in 8.1.3, 8.1.4, 8.1.5, 8.1.6, and 8.1.7 prior to each physical penetration.
• When testing helmets following the conditioning environments specified in 8.1.3, 8.1.4, and 8.1.7, and the helmet is returned to the conditioning environment before the time the helmet is out of that conditioning environment exceeds 4 minutes, the helmet shall be kept in the condition­ing environment for a minimum of 3 minutes before resump­tion of testing with that helmet. When the time the helmet is out of the conditioning environment exceeds 4 minutes, before resumption of testing with that helmet, the helmet shall be returned to the conditioning 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.
•  

8.19.4.1 The ISO size J headform shall conform to the nomi­nal dimensions in Figure 8.16.4.1. 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/-0.0 kg (2.2 lb, +0.01/-0.0 lb). The point of the striker shall be a cone with an included angle of 60 degrees ± 0.5 degree, a height of 38 mm (IV2 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 ofless 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 8.1.13, 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 anywhere above the test line. Where the internal faceshield is an integral part of the struc­tural integrity of the helmet, the faceshield shall be deployed as far as possible without interfering with the test equipment. The impact site shall be at least 75 mm (3 in.) from the center of a previous penetration or impact site.
• The drop height of the penetration striker shall be adjusted so that the velocity at impact is at 7 m/sec ± 0.1 m/sec (23 ft/sec ± 0.5 ft/sec). A total of two penetration tests for each of the five environmental conditions specified in 8.1.3, 8.1.4, 8.1.5, 8.1.6, and 8.1.7 shall be conducted in such a manner that at least one penetration test shall be performed in each of the test areas defined in Figure 8.1.6.1. The helmet shall be envi­ronmentally conditioned prior to each penetration test. A mini­mum of two penetration test blows shall be applied at different test areas on each helmet.
• 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.

8.20 Puncture Resistance Test.

• This test method shall apply to protective gloves and footwear uppers.
• Samples for conditioning shall be complete gloves, glove composite pouches, or footwear upper sections.
•  
• A minimum of three specimens measuring at least 150 mm (6 in.) square shall be tested.
• Specimens shall be tested after conditioning as speci­fied in 8.1.3.
• Specimens shall be tested in accordance with ASTM F1342/F1342M, Standard Test Method for Protective Clothing Material Resistance to Puncture, Test Method A.
•  
• The puncture force in N (lbf) shall be recorded and reported for each puncture on each specimen.
• The average puncture force in N (lbf) shall be recor­ded and reported for all specimens tested.
• The average puncture force shall be used to determine pass or fail performance.
• Specific Requirements for Testing Gloves.
• Specimens shall be representative of each glove body composite construction. All variations in composite construc­tion and the order of layering 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 where stitching is used to create specific performance characteristics rather than for glove assembly
  • When there are size constraints of a material, making it necessary to allow stitching in order to create the sample size required

8.20.7.1.1 Stitching shall be of the same type as is used in the actual glove construction.

• For glove body composites, samples for conditioning shall be in the form of a pouch as described in1.14.
• Glove specimens shall also be tested after wet condi­tioning as specified in 8.1.8, representing a second separate test.
• Testing shall be performed as specified in 8.20.2 through 8.20.6.
• Specific Requirements for Testing Footwear Uppers.
• Specimens shall consist of each composite of the foot­wear upper used in the actual footwear construction, including the tongue but excluding the gusset, with the layers arranged in proper order. Where a composite is identical to another composite except for additional reinforcement layer(s), the composite with no reinforcement layers shall be tested.
• Testing shall be performed as specified in 8.20.2 through 8.20.6.

8.21 Cut Resistance Test.

8.21.1 Application.

• This test method shall apply to glove body, glove interface component, and footwear upper materials.
• Modifications to this test method for evaluation of glove body composites shall be as specified in 8.21.7.
• Modifications to this test method for evaluation of glove interface components other than wristlets shall be         as specified in 8.21.9.
• Modifications to this test method for evaluation of wristlet glove interface components shall be as specified        in 21.10.

8.21.1.5 Modifications to this test method for evaluation of footwear upper materials shall be as specified in 8.21.8.

•  
• Glove body and glove interface component other than wristlet material samples shall be conditioned as specified in 8.1.12.
• Glove wristlet interface components shall be condi­tioned as specified in 8.1.2.
• Footwear upper material samples shall be condi­tioned as specified in 8.1.3.
• A minimum of three specimens, consisting of all layers, 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 cut distance.
•  
• The distance of blade travel shall be recorded and reported to the nearest 1 mm (%t in.) for each sample speci­men.
• The average distance of blade travel in mm (in.) 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 Body Compo­sites.
• Samples for conditioning shall be glove body compo­site pouches as specified in 8.21.7.3.
• Specimens shall be representative of each glove body composite construction. All variations in composite construc­tion and the order of layering 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). Stitching shall be of the same type as is used in the actual glove construction.
• For glove body composites, samples for conditioning shall be in the form of a pouch as described in 8.1.14.
• After conditioning, the pouch and necessary stitching shall be cut to form 50 mm x 100 mm (2 x 4 in.) specimens for testing.
• The swatch shall be permitted to be left stitched, restitched, or otherwise held together at the ends of the swatch for placement on the test apparatus. No stitching or binding mechanism shall be used in the test area except in the follow­ing cases:
  • Ridged areas or similar where stitching is used to create specific performance characteristics rather than for glove assembly
  • When there are size constraints of a material making it necessary to allow stitching in order to create the sample size required

8.21.7.5.1 Stitching shall be of the same type as is used in the actual glove construction.

8.21.7.6 Cut resistance testing shall be performed under a load of 300 g.

• Specific Requirements for Tesdng Footwear Upper Materials.
• Samples for conditioning shall be footwear uppers.
• Specimens shall consist of each composite of foot­wear upper used in the actual footwear construction, including the tongue but excluding the gusset, with the layers arranged in proper order. Where a composite is identical to another composite except for additional reinforcement layer(s), the composite with no reinforcement layers shall be tested.
• Cut resistance testing shall be performed under a load of 800 g.
• Specific Requirements for Tesdng Glove Interface Components Other Than Wrisdet Composites.
• Samples for conditioning shall be glove interface component composite swatches as specified in 8.21.9.3.
• Specimens shall be representative of each glove inter­face composite construction. All variations in composite construction and the order of layering 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). Stitching shall be of the same type as is used in the actual glove construction.
• For glove interface component composites, samples for conditioning shall be in the form of a pouch as described in 8.1.14.
• After conditioning, the stitching shall be cut to form 50 mm x 100 mm (2 in. x 4 in.) specimens for testing.
• The swatch shall be permitted to be left stitched, restitched, or otherwise held together at the ends of the swatch for placement on the test apparatus.
• No stitching or binding mechanism shall be used in the test area except in the following cases:
  • Ridged areas or similar where stitching is used to create specific performance characteristics rather than for glove assembly
  • When there are size constraints of a material making it necessary to allow stitching in order to create the sample size required.

8.21.9.6.1 Stitching shall be of the same type as is used in the actual glove construction.

• Cut resistance testing shall be performed under a load of 300 g.
• Specific Requirements for Testing W’ristlet Glove Inter­face Components.

8.21.10.1 Samples for conditioning shall be wristlet glove interface component composite swatches as specified in 8.21.10.3.

• Specimens shall be representative of the wristlet glove interface component composite construction.
• For wristlet glove interface component composites, samples for conditioning shall include wristlet material.
• After conditioning, the material shall be cut to form 50 mm x 100 mm (2 in. x 4 in.) specimens for testing. Speci­mens shall not include seams where multiple layers are involved.
• The swatch shall be permitted to stitched, or other­wise held together at the ends of the swatch for placement on the test apparatus.
• No stitching or binding mechanism shall be used in the test area.
• Cut resistance testing shall be performed under a load of 300 g.

8.22 Faceshield/Goggle Component Lens Scratch Resistance Test.

•  
• This test method shall apply to faceshield/goggle component lenses.
• Modifications to this test method for testing proxim­ity fire fighting helmet faceshield component lenses shall be as specified in 8.22.8.
•  
• Samples for conditioning shall be faceshield/goggle component lenses.
• Samples shall be conditioned as specified in 8.1.3.
•  
• A minimum of four faceshield/goggle component lenses shall be selected.
• Seven specimens shall be chosen from a minimum of four lenses. Four specimens shall be taken from the left viewing area and three specimens shall be taken from the right viewing area. One of the four specimens taken from the left viewing area shall be the setup sample.
• The left viewing area test specimens shall include all of the following criteria:
  • The specimen shall be a square measuring 50 mm x 50 mm (2 in. x 2 in.).
  • Two edges of the square section shall be parallel within ±2 degrees of the axis of the cylinder or cone in the center of the specimen.
  • The specimen shall be taken from the left side of the faceshield/goggle component lens and shall, as a mini­mum, contain that portion of the lens that is direcdy in front of the pupil of the left eye as defined by positioning the helmet with a faceshield/goggle component deployed according to the HPI as described in 8.1.13 on a facial feature headform as defined in 3.3.43. Goggle samples shall be permitted to be complete goggle compo­nents not attached to the helmet.

8.22.8 Specific Requirements for Testing Proximity Fire Fight­ing Helmet Faceshield Component Lenses. The abrasive disc pad shall be made from 3M Part #7445 Hand Pad or equiva­lent.

• Abrasion Resistance Test.
• This test method shall apply to protective footwear soles with heels.
•  
• Samples for conditioning shall be uniform cylinders of footwear sole and heel materials as specified in ISO 4649, Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic — Determination of abrasion resistance using a rotating cylindrical drum device.
• Samples shall be conditioned as specified in1.3.
• A minimum of three specimens of the foot­wear soles and heel materials shall be tested.
• Abrasion resistance tests shall be performed in accordance with ISO 4649, Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic — Determination of abrasion resistance using a rotating cylindrical drum device, Method A, with a vertical force of ION over an abrasion distance of 40 m.
• The relative volume loss of each specimen shall be recorded and reported.
• One or more footwear specimens fail­ing this test shall constitute failing performance.
• Cleaning Shrinkage Resistance Test.
•  
• This test method shall apply to the protective garment outer shell, moisture barrier, thermal barrier, winter liner, wristlet, bootie material where present, and protective hoods.
• Modifications to this test method for testing woven textile materials shall be as specified in 8.24.7.
• Modifications to this test method for testing knit and stretch woven materials shall be as specified in 8.24.8.
• Modifications to this test method for testing hoods shall be as specified in 8.24.9.
• Samples shall be conditioned as specified in 8.1.3.
• Cleaning shrinkage resistance testing shall be conducted on three specimens of each material, and each separable layer of a composite 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.
• A8 kg ± 0.1 kg (4.0 lb ± 0.2 lb), load shall be used. A laundry bag shall not be used.
• Laundry water hardness shall not exceed 25 ppm.
• Specimen marking and measurements shall be conducted in accordance with the procedure specified in AATCC 135, Dimensional Changes in Automatic Home Laundering of Woven and Knit Fabrics.
• Knit specimens shall be pulled to original dimensions and shall be allowed to relax for 1 minute prior to measure­ment.
•  
• The percent change in the width and length dimen­sions of each specimen shall be calculated.
• Results shall be recorded and reported as the average of all three specimens in each dimension.
•  
• The average percent change in both dimensions shall be used to determine pass or fail performance.
• Failure of either dimension 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. ± 14 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 specified in 8.24.2 through 8.24.6.
• Specific Requirements for Testing Knit and Stretch Woven Textile Materials.
• Other than for wristlets, the dimensions of each speci­men shall be 380 mm x 380 mm ±13 mm (15 in. x 15 in. ± V₂), and shall be cut from the fabric to be utilized in the construction of the clothing item.
• The dimensions of wristlet specimens shall be 113 mm x 113 mm ± 13 mm (4’A x 4’/₂ in. ± V₂ in.), and shall be cut from the wristlet fabric.
• Samples for conditioning shall include material that is at least 50 mm (2) larger in each of the two required specimen dimensions.
• Testing shall be performed as specified in 8.24.2 through 8.24.6.
• Specific Requirements for Testing Hoods.
• Samples for conditioning shall include complete hoods with labels.
• Specimens for testing shall be complete hoods with labels. A total of three specimens shall be tested.
• Specimens shall be donned on a nonconductive test headform specified in Figure 8.6.12.3. Measurements shall be made at the back and both sides of the hood from the top of the hood to the basic plane. The location of the basic plane on the hood shall be marked at each location.
• Specimen face openings with elastic or manually adjustable face openings shall be placed over a hood measur­ing device as shown in Figure 8.6.16.4. Specimen face openings in the relaxed state shall slide freely over the top half of the device where the circumference measures 45.6 cm ± 0.6 cm (18.0 in. ± 0.25 in.). Specimen face openings shall then be placed around the lower half of the device where the circum­ference measures 54.5 cm ± 0.6 cm (21.5 in. ± 0.25 in.). Speci­mens shall then be visually inspected for gaps between the hood and the measuring device surface.

8.24.9.4.1 Specimen hoods with SCBA facepiece interface openings shall be measured as specified in 8.47.5.3.

• After washing, each elastic or manually adjustable face opening shall be placed over a hood measuring device as shown in Figure 8.6.16.4. Specimen face openings in the relaxed state shall slide freely over the top half of the device where the circumference measures 45.6 cm ± 0.6 cm (18.0 in. ± 0.25 in.). Specimen face openings shall then be placed around the lower half of the device where the circumference measures 54.5 cm ± 0.6 cm (21.5 in. ± 0.25 in.). Specimens shall then be visually inspected for gaps between the hood and the measuring device surface.
• After washing, each hood with SCBA facepiece interface openings shall be measured as specified in 8.47.5.3.
• After washing, all specimens shall then be donned on a nonconductive test headform specified in Figure 8.6.12.3. Knit specimens shall be pulled to original dimensions and shall be allowed to relax for 1 minute prior to measurement. Meas­urements shall be made from the top of the hood to the marks at the back and both sides of the hood.
• Observations shall be recorded and reported of the ability of the elastic and manually adjustable face openings to slide freely over the top half of the hood measuring device as well as gaps between the hood face opening and the bottom half of the hood measuring device before and after laundering. The average percent shrinkage of the SCBA facepiece openings for each hood shall be recorded and reported.
• Each of the three dimensions from the top of the hood to the marks along the basic plane before and after laun­dering shall be recorded and reported.
• The percentage of shrinkage of each of the three dimensions from the top of the hood to the marks along the basic plane shall be individually calculated, recorded, and reported.

8.24.9.9* The average percentage of shrinkage of the three dimensions from the top of the hood to the marks along the basic plane for all specimens shall be calculated, recorded, and reported.

8.24.9.10* Pass or fail performance shall be based on the aver­age percent shrinkage of the three dimensions from the top of the hood to the marks along the basic plane for each specimen.

• Pass or fail performance shall also be based on the elastic or manually adjustable face opening being able to slide freely in the relaxed state over the top half of the hood measur­ing device and any observations of gaps between the hood face opening and the hood measuring device. One or more hood specimens failing this test shall constitute failing performance.
• Pass or fail performance shall also be based on the average percent shrinkage of the SCBA facepiece openings.

8.25 Water Absorption Resistance Test.

• This test method shall apply to the protec­tive garment outer shell and collar lining materials.
• Samples for conditioning shall be at least 1 m (1 yd) square of each material.
•  
• Three specimens of outer shell material and collar lining material measuring at least 200 mm x 200 mm (8 in. x 8 in.) shall be tested separately for water absorption.
• Specimens shall be tested after being subjected to the procedure specified in 8.1.2.
• The test apparatus shall be as specified in AATCC 42, Test Method for Water Resistance: Impact Penetration Test, with the following modifications:
  • A metal roller approximately 115 mm (4%) long and weighing 1 kg (214 lb) shall be used.
  • Metal 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 metal embroidery hoop with sufficient tension to ensure a uniformly smooth surface.
• The direction of the flow of water down the specimen shall coincide with the warp wise direction of the specimen as placed on the stand.
• The mounted specimen shall be placed on the block with the center of the specimen direcdy 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. For collar lining materials, the exposure surface shall be the surface of the fabric that is next to the skin when the collar is closed in the raised position.
• 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 as 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 6.1.3 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 as the “dry weight.”

8.25.5.6 The percent water absorption (PWA) shall be calcula­ted using the following equation:

[8.25.5.6]

PWA = [(Wet Weight – Dry Weight)/(Dry Weight)] xlOO

•  
• The percent water absorbed for each specimen shall be recorded and reported.
• The average percent water absorption shall be calcu­lated, reported, and recorded.
• The average percent water absorption shall be used for determining pass or fail performance.
• Water Penetration Resistance Test.
• This test method shall apply to moisture barrier materials and booties where present.
•  
• Samples for conditioning shall be at least 1 m (1 yd) square.
• Samples for the conditioning specified in 8.1.5 shall be 150 mm (6 in.) squares cut from a sample subjected to the procedures specified in 8.1.2 and 8.1.3.
•  
• A minimum of five specimens of moisture barrier material shall be tested for each sequence of conditioning.
• Specimens shall be tested after being subjected to the procedure specified in 8.1.3.
• Specimens shall also be tested after conditioning as specified in 8.1.2, followed by 8.1.3, followed by 8.1.5.
•  
• Specimens shall be tested at 172 kPa (25 psi) in accordance with Method 5512, Water Resistance of Coated Cloth; High Range, Hydrostatic Pressure Method, of Federal Test Method Standard 191 A, Textile Test Methods.
• The surface of the material toward the exterior of the garment as worn shall be exposed to the water challenge.
• There shall be no placement of a restraining cloth over the test specimen during the hydrostatic exposure.
• The pass or fail performance for each speci­men shall be recorded and reported.
•  
• The appearance of any water shall constitute failure.
• One or more test failures of any specimen against any liquid shall constitute failure of the material.
• Liquid Penetration Resistance Test. 8.27.1 Application.

8.27.1.1 This test method shall apply to garment moisture barrier materials and moisture barrier seams, shroud moisture barrier materials and moisture barrier seams, footwear mois­ture barrier materials and moisture barrier seams, bootie mois­ture barrier materials and moisture barrier seams where present, and glove moisture barrier materials and moisture barrier seams.

• Modifications to this test method for testing garment moisture barrier materials and moisture barrier seamsand bootie moisture barrier materials and moisture barrier seams where present shall be as specified in 8.27.7.
• Modifications to this test method for testing glove moisture barrier materials and moisture barrier seams shall be as specified in 8.27.8.
• Modifications to this test method for testing footwear shall be as specified in 8.27.9.
• Samples for conditioning shall be as specified in 8.27.7.1 for moisture barriers and moisture barrier seams, 8.27.8.2 for glove materials, and 8.27.9.1 for footwear materials.
•  
• A minimum of three specimens shall be tested for each material type.
• Glove specimens shall be tested after being subjected to the following conditioning:
  • Specimens shall first be subjected to the procedure speci­fied in 8.1.11.
  • Specimens shall then be conditioned as specified in 8.1.3.
  • Specimens shall then be conditioned as specified in 8.1.5.
  • Specimens shall then be conditioned as specified in 8.1.3.
• Footwear specimens to be tested shall be conditioned as specified in1.5 followed by 8.1.3.
• Moisture barrier materials and moisture barrier seam specimens shall be tested after being twice subjected to the following conditioning:
  • Specimens shall first be subjected to the procedure speci­fied in 8.1.2.
  • Specimens shall then be conditioned as specified in 8.1.3.
  • Specimens shall then be conditioned as specified in 8.1.5.
  • Specimens shall then be conditioned at a temperature of 21°C ± 3°C (70°F ± 5°F) and at a relative humidity of 65 percent ± 5 percent for at least 4 hours.
•  

8.27.4.1 Liquid penetration resistance testing shall be conduc­ted in accordance with ASTM F903, Standard Test Method for Resistance of Protective Clothing to Penetration by Liquids, using exposure Procedure C at a test temperature of 21°C, ± 3°C (7()°F, ± 5°F) and relative humidity of 65 percent, ± 5 percent.

8.27.4.2* Each of the following liquids shall be tested sepa­rately against each test 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 to 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% toluene, 42.5% iso-octane, and 15% ethanol, by volume, respectively.
• Swimming pool chlorinating chemical containing at least 65 percent-free chlorine (saturated solution)
• Automobile antifreeze fluid (ethylene glycol, 90 percent by weight or higher concentration)

8.27.4.3 The normal outer surface of the material shall be exposed to the liquid as oriented in the clothing item.

• The pass or fail performance for each speci­men shall be recorded and reported.
• One or more test failures of any speci­men against any liquid shall constitute failure of the material.
• Specific Requirements for Testing Moisture Barrier Materials and Moisture Barrier Seams.
• Samples for conditioning shall be at least 380 mm (15 in.) square and shall consist of a composite constructed using a layer of 7.5 oz/yd² woven 93 percent meta-aramid, 5 percent para-aramid, 2 percent antistat fiber, the moisture barrier, a layer of 3.8 oz/yd² ± 0.3 oz/yd² aramid needle punched nonwoven, quilted to 3.4 oz/yd² ± 0.2 oz/yd² aramic woven plain weave thermal barrier material, and another layer of 7.5 oz/yd² woven 93 percent meta-aramid, 5 percent para- aramid, 2 percent antistat fiber. Where the sample includes the seam, the moisture barrier layer shall be constructed with a center seam that shall extend across the entire 380 mm (15 in.) width of the specimen. The four-layer composite shall be stitched around the entire periphery.

8.27.7.1.1 Where the layer intended to be the moisture barrier is configured of a composite that includes outer shell, moisture barrier, or thermal barrier combinations, the samples to be conditioned shall be constructed using those materials.

• The moisture barrier layer shall be removed from the four-layer composite samples after all conditioning has been completed and shall become the moisture barrier specimen.

8.27.7.2.1 Where the moisture barrier is configured as indica­ted in 8.27.7.1.1, specimens shall be permitted to be a compo­site of layers provided that the layer intended to be the moisture barrier is visible in the test cell, and provided that the specimen was pre-conditioned according to 8.27.7.1.1.

• Testing shall be performed as specified in 8.27.3 through 8.27.6.
• Specific Requirements for Testing Glove Moisture Barrier Materials and Moisture Barrier Seams.
• Specimens shall be representative of the glove mois­ture barrier and moisture barrier seams. Three specimens shall be tested.
• Samples for conditioning shall be in the form of a pouch as described in 8.1.15.
• The glove moisture barrier layers shall be removed from the multilayer composite samples after all conditioning has been completed and shall become the glove barrier test specimen.
• Specimens for testing shall be the barrier layer only.
• Testing shall be performed as specified in 8.27.2 through 8.27.6.
• Where the moisture barrier material is continuous through the glove body, only the barrier seams shall be tested.

The test cell shall include both the moisture barrier material and the moisture barrier seam. The seam shall be located in the approximate center of the test cell.

8.27.9 Specific Requirements for Testing Footwear Materials.

• Samples for conditioning shall be whole footwear or footwear composite swatches. Footwear composite swatches shall be representative of the footwear construction.
• Three specimens shall be representative of the mois­ture barrier, and three specimens shall be representative of each type of moisture barrier seam.
• Testing shall be performed as described in 8.27.2 through 8.27.6.
• Specimens for testing shall be the barrier layer only. 8.28 Viral Penetration Resistance Test.
•  
• This test method shall apply to garment moisture barrier materials and moisture barrier seams, shroud moisture barrier materials and moisture barrier seams, footwear mois­ture barrier materials and moisture barrier seams, bootie mois­ture barrier materials and moisture barrier seams where present, and glove moisture barrier materials and moisture barrier seams.
• Modifications to this test method for testing moisture barrier materials and moisture barrier seams, and bootie mois­ture barrier materials and moisture barrier seams where present shall be as specified in 8.28.7.
• Modifications to this test method for testing glove moisture barrier materials and moisture barrier seams shall be as specified in 8.28.8.
• Modifications to this test method for testing footwear shall be as specified in 8.28.9.
• Samples for conditioning shall be as specified in 8.28.7.1 for moisture barriers and moisture barrier seams, 8.28.8.2 for glove materials, and 8.28.9.2 for footwear materials.
•  
• A minimum of three specimens shall be tested for each material type.
• Glove specimens shall be tested after being subjected to the following conditioning:
  • Specimens shall first be subjected to the procedure speci­fied in 8.1.11.
  • Specimens shall then be conditioned as specified in 8.1.3.
  • Specimens shall then be conditioned as specified in 8.1.5.
  • Specimens shall then be conditioned as specified in 8.1.3.
• Footwear specimens to be tested shall be conditioned as specified in 8.1.5 followed by 8.1.3.
• Moisture barrier material and moisture barrier seam specimens shall be tested after being twice subjected to the following conditioning:
  • Specimens shall first be subjected to the procedure speci­fied in 8.1.2.
  • Specimens shall then be conditioned as specified in 8.1.3.
  • Specimens shall then be conditioned as specified in 8.1.5.

(4) Specimens shall then be conditioned at a temperature of 21°C ± 3°C (70°F ± 5°F) and at a relative humidity of 65 percent ± 5 percent for at least 4 hours.

• Viral penetration 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-Borne Pathogens Using Phi-X-174 Bacteriophage as a Test System.

8.28.4.1 The normal outer surface of the material shall be exposed to the viral challenge as oriented in the clothing item.

• The pass or fail performance for each speci­men shall be recorded and reported.
• A failure of any specimen against any virus constitutes failure of the material.
• Specific Requirements for Testing Moisture Barrier Materials and Moisture Barrier Seams.
• Samples for conditioning shall be at least 380 mm (15 in.) square and shall consist of a composite constructed using a layer of 7.5 oz/yd² woven 93 percent meta-aramid, 5 percent para-aramid, 2 percent antistat fiber, the moisture barrier, a layer of 3.8 oz/yd² ± 0.3 oz/yd², aramid needle punched nonwoven, quilted to 3.4 oz/yd² ± 0.2 oz/yd², aramid woven plain weave thermal barrier material, and another layer of 7.5 oz/yd² woven 93 percent meta-aramid, 5 percent para- aramid, 2 percent antistat fiber.
• The moisture barrier layer shall be removed from the four-layer composite samples after all conditioning has been completed and shall become the moisture barrier test speci­men.
• Testing shall be as specified in 8.28.3 through 8.28.6.
• Specific Requirements for Testing Glove Materials Moisture Barrier Materials and Moisture Barrier Seams.
• Specimens shall be representative of the glove mois­ture barrier and moisture barrier seams. Three specimens shall be tested.
• Samples for conditioning shall be in the form of a pouch as described in 8.1.15.
• The glove moisture barrier layers shall be removed from the multilayer composite samples after all conditioning has been completed and shall become the glove barrier test specimen.
• Specimens for testing shall be the barrier layer only
• Testing shall be performed as specified in 8.28.2 through 8.28.6.
• Where the moisture barrier material is continuous throughout the glove body, only the barrier seams shall be tested. The test cell shall include both the moisture barrier material and the moisture barrier seam. The seam shall be loca­ted in the approximate center of the test cell.
• Specific Requirements for Testing Footwear Materials.

8.28.9.1 Three specimens shall be representative of the mois­ture barrier, and three specimens shall be representative of each type of moisture barrier seam.

• Samples for conditioning shall be whole footwear, or footwear composite swatches. Footwear composite swatches shall be representative of the footwear construction.
• Testing shall be as described in 8.28.2 through 8.28.6.
• Specimens for testing shall be the barrier layer only 8.29 Corrosion Resistance Test.
•  
• This test method shall apply to hardware items on protective garments, helmets, gloves, and footwear.
• Modifications to this test method for testing garment and glove hardware shall be as specified in 8.29.7.
• Modifications to this test method for testing helmet and partial eye/face protective devices shall be as specified in 8.29.8.
• Modifications to this test method for testing footwear shall be as specified in 8.29.9.
• Samples shall be conditioned as specified in 8.1.3.
• A total of three specimens of each hard­ware type shall be tested.
•  
• Specimens shall be tested in accordance with ASTM B117, Standard Method of Salt Spray (Fog) Testing. Hard­ware items shall be exposed to a 5 percent ± 1 percent saline solution for a period of 20 hours.
• Immediately following the storage specified in 8.29.4.1 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 the presence of corrosion.
• The functionality of each specimen shall be evalu­ated.
• The presence of corrosion and the functional­ity for 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.
• A total of three specimens of each hardware type shall be tested.
• Specific Requirements for Testing Helmets.
• Samples for conditioning shall be whole helmets with the faceshield/goggle component attached.
• A total of three different helmets shall be tested.
• Specific Requirements for Testing Footwear.

8.29.9.1 Samples for conditioning shall be whole hardware items.

• The surface tension of the water used in testing shall be 35 dynes/cm ± 5 dynes/cm.
• * The manikin used in testing shall be fully upright and shall have straight arms and legs with the arms positioned at the manikin’s side.

8.48.6 Procedure. Liquid penetration testing of garments shall be conducted in accordance with ASTM F1359/F1359M, Standard Test Method for Liquid Penetration Resistance of Protective Clothing or Protective Ensembles Under a Shower Spray While on a Manikin, with the following modifications:

• Procedure B shall be used with an overall exposure period of 10 minutes with 2.5 minutes in each of the four orientations.
• Blocking of the specimen shall be as specified in 8.48.8, 8.48.9, and 8.48.10, as appropriate, for the type of speci­men being tested.
• The method used for mounting of the manikin in the spray chamber shall not interfere with the water spray.
• The normal outer surface of the material shall be exposed to the liquid as oriented in the clothing item.
• Fluorescent or visible dyes shall not be used in the water for spraying the suited manikin.
• The manikin shall be positioned so that the manikin body is in a full vertical orientation with the manikin head looking forward, manikin legs straight, and manikin arms pointing downward by the sides of the manikin torso. The manikin joints shall be tightened to ensure that the mani­kin maintains this position during testing.

8.48.7* Report. A diagram shall be prepared for each test that identifies the locations of any liquid leakage detected on the liquid-absorptive garment.

•  
• Any evidence of liquid on the liquid-absorptive garment, as determined by visual, tactile, or absorbent towel­ing, shall constitute failure of the specimen.
• In determining the compliance of the specific garments or ensemble being evaluated, one of the three speci­mens shall be permitted to display leakage on the liquid- absorptive garment of an area that is collectively not greater than 20 cm² (3.1 in.²).
• Specific Requirements for Tesdng Coats and Coats with an Integrated Garment-Glove Interface.
• The liquid-absorptive garment shall only cover the upper torso and arms of the manikin from the middle of the manikin’s neck, down to the manikin’s waistline, and down to the manikin’s wrist crease.
• The coat shall be donned on the manikin in accord­ance with the manufacturer’s instructions for proper wearing.
• The coat collar shall be placed in the up position on the manikin with the collar closure system fastened in the closed position. The head of the manikin shall be sealed off with a plastic bag. The plastic bag shall extend downward over the collar a distance of not greater than 25 mm (1 in.) and shall be taped down using duct tape or similar waterproof tape. The tape shall not extend downward more than 75 mm (3 in.) from the top of the collar. The bottom edge of the tape and the plastic bag shall not come closer than 25 mm (1 in.) of the collar seam where a collar seam is present. Where present, the collar neck seam shall not be covered.
• The test shall be conducted with the manikin’s hands removed. The coat sleeve hem shall be taped smoothly to a can or an object of similar cylindrical, rigid shape of the same nominal diameter as the sleeve opening. The can or cylindrical object shall be fitted over the wristlet and under the coat’s outer shell sleeve hem. The tape shall be duct tape or similar waterproof tape.

8.48.9.4.1 Where garments are supplied with an integrated garment-glove interface, the manikin’s hands shall not be removed. The garment-glove combination shall be donned on the manikin in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions for proper wearing.

• The coat shall be tested in conjunction with the protective trousers specified by the manufacturer, even where the trousers are not specifically evaluated in this test.
• Specific Requirements for Testing Trousers.
• The liquid-absorptive garment shall cover only the lower torso and legs of the manikin from the manikin’s waist­line down to the manikin’s ankles.
• The trousers shall be donned on the manikin in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions for proper wearing.
• Trousers shall be tested in conjunction with the protective coat specified by the manufacturer, even where the coat is not specifically evaluated in this test.
• Absorbent toweling or similar material shall be placed underneath the manikin in order to prevent water splashing up inside the trouser leg.
• Where trousers are provided with integrated boot­ies, outer footwear specified to be worn with the booties shall be donned on the manikin in accordance with the manufactur­er’s instructions for proper wearing.
• Specific Requirements for Testing Coveralls.
• The liquid-absorptive garment shall only cover the torso, arms, and legs of the manikin from the middle of the manikin’s neck, down to the manikin’s wrist crease, and down to 200 mm (8 in.) above the bottom of the heel.
• The coverall or set of coat and trousers shall be donned on the manikin in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions for proper wearing.
• The coat collar shall be placed in the up position on the manikin with the collar closure system fastened in the closed position. The head of the manikin shall be sealed off with a plastic bag. The plastic bag shall extend downward over the collar a distance of not greater than 25 mm (1 in.) and shall be taped down using duct tape or similar waterproof tape. The tape shall not extend downward more than 75 mm (3 in.) from the top of the collar. The collar neck seam shall not be covered.
• The test shall be conducted with the manikin’s hands removed. The knit wristlet shall be tucked up inside the sleeve to prevent the water from absorbing into the wristlet.

8.48.11.4.1 Where garments are supplied with an integrated garment-glove interface, the manikin’s hands shall not be removed. The garment-glove combination shall be donned on 8.49.5.6 The test shall then be started.

•  
• The force will 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, since this is the separation point of the material around the eyelet or stud post.
• The average force shall be calculated, recorded, and reported.
• The average force shall be used to determine pass or fail.
• Breaking Strength Test.
• This test shall apply to garment outer shell and collar lining materials used in protective garments.
•  
• Samples for conditioning shall be 1 m (1 yd) square of material.
• Samples shall be conditioned to the procedure speci­fied in 8.1.2 at 10 cycles.
• Five specimens in each of the warp and fill­ing directions shall be tested from each sample.
• Specimens shall be tested for breaking strength in accordance with ASTM D5034, Standard Method for Breaking Strength and Elongation of Textile Fabrics (Grab lest).
•  
• The breaking strength of each specimen shall be recorded and reported.
• The average breaking strength shall be calculated, recorded, and for the warp and filling directions.
•  
• 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.
• Conductive and Compressive Heat Resistance (CCHR) Test.
• This test method shall apply to the shoul­der areas and the knee areas of protective garments.
•  

8.51.2.1 Samples shall consist of composites representative of all layers of the shoulder areas and knee areas used in the actual construction of the protective garment. Different samples shall be made representing each different composite combination used by the garment manufacturer.

8.51.2.1.1 Samples of garment shoulder areas shall be repre­sentative of the area in the actual garment that measures at least 100 mm (4 in.) along the crown of the shoulder and extending down from the crown on both the front and back of the garment at least 50 mm (2 in.). The crown of the shoulder shall be the uppermost line of the shoulder when the garment is laying flat on an inspection surface with all closures fastened.

8.51.2.1.2 Samples of garment knee areas shall be representa­tive of the knee area in the actual garment that measures at least 150 mm x 150 mm (6 in. x 6 in.).

• Samples shall measure 200 mm x 200 mm (8 in. x 8 in.) and shall be prepared of the composite layers. The sample of the composite layers shall be sewn along two adja­cent sides, with the layers arranged in the same order and orientation as intended to be worn.
• All samples shall first be conditioned as specified in 1.2.
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• A minimum of six specimens for testing shall be taken from the samples after the conditioning specified in 8.51.2.3.
• The specimens shall measure 150 mm x 150 mm (6 in. x 6 in.) and shall be cut from the sample excluding the sewn areas so that the composite layers comprising the speci­men are not sewn together at any point.
• Specimens for both wet condition testing and dry condition testing shall then be conditioned as specified in 8.1.3.
• Specimens shall be conditioned for wet condition testing as specified in 8.51.3.5.
• For wet testing, the innermost layer of the composite specimen shall then be further conditioned as follows prior to testing:
  • Blotter paper measuring 225 mm x 225 mm (9 in x 9 in) shall be saturated in distilled water.
  • Two sheets of the saturated blotter paper shall be run together through a wringer that meets the requirements of 10.2 of AATCC 70, Test Method for Water Repellency: Tumble Jar Dynamic Absorption Test.
  • The innermost layer of the composite specimen shall be placed between two sheets of blotting paper.
  • The innermost layer of the composite specimen, between the two sheets of blotting paper, shall be placed into a 4-L (1-gal) size air and liquidtight bag and the bag shall be sealed closed.
  • The innermost layer of the composite specimen between the two sheets of blotting paper shall be conditioned in the air and liquidtight bag at room temperature for at least 24 hours, and shall not be removed from condition­ing more than 5 minutes prior to testing.
  • After removal from conditioning, the innermost layer shall be removed from the blotting paper, and the composite specimen shall be reassembled with all layers arranged in the same order and orientation as intended to be worn.
• A minimum of three specimens shall be tested for shoulder areas in the wet condition. A minimum of three speci­mens shall be tested for knee areas in the wet condition.
• The test apparatus shall be in accordance with ASTM F1060, Standard Test Method for Thermal Protective Performance of Materials for Protective Clothing for Hot Surface Contact, with the following modifications:

(1) For the shoulder area CCHR rating, the sensor assembly shall be modified so that the pressure applied to the test–