NFPA 1992 Standard on Liquid Splash-Protective Ensembles and Clothing for Hazardous Materials Emergencies

Chapter 1 Administration
1.1 Scope.
1.1.1* This standard shall specify minimum requirements for the design, performance, testing, documentation, and certifica¬tion for liquid splash-protective ensembles, ensemble elements, and protective clothing used by emergency response personnel during hazardous materials incidents.
1.1.2* This standard shall also specify additional optional crite¬ria for liquid splash-protective ensembles only for escape protec¬tion from chemical flash fires encountered during hazardous materials incidents.
1.1.3 This standard shall specify requirements for new liquid splash-protective ensembles, new ensemble elements, and new protective clothing.
1.1.3.1 Ensemble elements shall include garments, gloves, footwear, and hoods.
1.1.4* This standard alone shall not specify requirements for protective ensembles or clothing for hazardous materials emer¬gencies where the hazardous material is present as a gas or a vapor-producing liquid at vapor concentrations known to be toxic to the skin.
1.1.5* This standard alone shall not specify requirements for protection from chemical or biological terrorism agents or from chemical or biological terrorism incidents. Requirements for such protection shall be provided by protective ensembles that are certified as compliant with NFPA 1994 or ensembles that are certified as compliant with NFPA 1991.
1.1.6* This standard alone shall not specify requirements for protective clothing for any fire-fighting applications.
1.1.7* This standard alone shall not specify requirements for protection from ionizing radiation; biological, liquefied gas, or cryogenic liquid hazards; or explosive atmospheres caused by vapors, dust, or particulates.
1.1.8* This standard shall not specify requirements for the respiratory protection that is necessary for proper protection with the protective ensemble.
1.1.9 This standard shall not specify requirements for any accessories that could be attached to the product but are not necessary for the product to meet the requirements of this standard.
1.1.10 Certification of compliant liquid splash-protective ensembles, ensemble elements, and protective clothing to the requirements of this standard shall not preclude certification to additional appropriate standards where the ensemble, ensemble elements, or protective clothing meet all the applica¬ble requirements of each standard.
1.1.11 This standard shall not be construed as addressing all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use for the designing, manufacturing, testing, or certifying of product to meet the requirements of this standard. It shall be the responsi¬bility of the persons and organizations that use this standard to establish safety and health practices and determine the applica¬bility of regulatory limitations prior to use of this standard.
1.1.12 Nothing herein shall restrict any jurisdiction or manu¬facturer from exceeding these minimum requirements.
1.2 Purpose.
1.2.1* The purpose of this standard shall be to establish a minimum level of protection for emergency response person¬nel against adverse liquid-splash environments during hazard¬ous materials emergency incidents.
1.2.1.1 The purpose of this standard shall also be to establish a minimum level of limited chemical flash fire protection, for escape only in the event of a chemical flash fire, as an option for compliant liquid splash-protective ensembles, ensemble elements, and protective clothing.
1.2.1.2 The purpose of this standard shall be to provide emer¬gency response organizations the flexibility to specify the option in 1.2.1.1 in their purchase specifications according to the anticipated exposure and expected needs of the emergency response organization.
1.2.2* Controlled laboratory tests used to determine compli¬ance with the performance requirements of this standard shall not be deemed as establishing performance levels for all situa¬tions to which personnel can be exposed.
1.2.3 This standard is not intended to be utilized as a detailed manufacturing or purchase specification, but shall be permit¬ted 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 liquid splash-protective ensem¬bles, new ensemble elements, and new protective clothing.
1.3.2 This standard alone shall not specify requirements for protective ensembles or clothing for hazardous materials emer¬gencies where the hazardous material is present as a gas or a vapor-producing liquid at vapor concentrations known to be toxic to the skin.
1.3.3 This edition of NFPA 1992 shall not apply to liquid splash-protective ensembles, ensemble elements, and protec¬tive clothing manufactured to previous editions of this stand¬ard.
1.3.4 This standard alone shall not apply to protective cloth¬ing for any fire-fighting applications.
1.3.5 This standard alone shall not apply to protective cloth¬ing for protection from ionizing radiation, cryogenic liquid hazards, or explosive atmospheres caused by vapor, dust, or particulates.
1.3.6* This standard shall not apply to the respiratory protec¬tion that is necessary for proper protection with the liquid splash-protective ensemble or protective clothing.
1.3.7 This standard shall not apply to use requirements for liquid splash-protective ensembles or protective clothing; such requirements are specified in NFPA 1500.
1.3.8* The requirements of this standard shall not apply to any accessories that could be attached to the product but are not necessary for the product to meet the requirements of this standard.
1.4* Units.
1.4.1 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.
1.4.2 Equivalent values in parentheses shall not be considered as the requirement, as these values are approximate.
Chapter 2 Referenced Publications
2.1 General. The documents or portions thereof listed in this chapter are referenced within this standard and shall be considered part of the requirements of this document.
2.2 NFPA Publications. National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471.
NFPA 704, Standard System for the Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response, 2017 edition.
NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety, Health, and Wellness Program, 2018 edition.
NFPA 1951, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Technical Rescue Incidents, 2018 edition.
NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting, 2018 edition.
NFPA 1981, Standard on Open-Circuit Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for Emergency Services, 2013 edition.
NFPA 1986, Standard on Respiratory Protection Equipment for Tactical and Technical Operations, 2017 edition.
NFPA 1991, Standard on Vapor-Protective Ensembles for Hazard¬ous Materials Emergencies and CBRN Terrorism Incidents, 2016 edition.
NFPA 1994, Standard on Protective Ensembles for First Responders to Hazardous Materials and CBRN Terrorism Incidents, 2018 edition.
2.3 Other Publications.
2.3.1 AAFA Publications. American Apparel and Footwear Association, 1601 North Kent Street, Suite 1200, Arlington, VA 22209.
FIA Standard 1209, Whole Shoe Flex, 1984.
2.3.2 ANSI Publications. American National Standards Insti¬tute, Inc., 25 West 43rd Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036.
ANSI/ISEA Z87.1, American National Standard for Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices, 2015.
ANSI/ISEA Z89.1, American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection, 2014.
2.3.3 ASTM Publications. ASTM International, 100 Ban- Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.
ASTM D412, Standard Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers—Tension, 2015a.
ASTM D471, Standard Test Method for Rubber Property-Effect of Liquids, 2016.
ASTM D747, Standard Test Method for Apparent Bending Modu¬lus of Plastics by Means of a Cantilever Beam, 2010.
ASTM D751, Standard Test Methods for Coated Fabrics, 2011.
ASTM D2582, Standard Test Method for Puncture Propagation Tear Resistance of Plastic Film and Thin Sheeting, 2009.
ASTM D4157, Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics (Oscillatory Cylinder Method), 2013.
ASTM D5151, Standard Test Method for Detection of Holes in Medical Cloves, 2015.
ASTM F392/F392M, Standard Practice for Conditioning of Rexi- ble Barrier Materials for Flex Durability, 2015.
ASTM F903, Standard Test Method for Resistance of Protective Clothing Materials to Penetration by Liquids, 2010.
ASTM F1154, Standard Practices for Qualitatively Evaluating the Comfort, Fit, Function, and Durability of Protective Ensembles and Ensemble Components, 2011.
ASTM F1301, Standard Practice for Labeling Chemical Protective Clothing, 2011, el.
ASTM F1342/F1342M, Standard Test Method for Resistance of Protective Clothing Materials to Puncture, 2013 el.
ASTM F1358, Standard Test Method for Effects of Flame Impinge¬ment on Materials Used in Protective Clothing Not Designated Primar¬ily for Flame Resistance, 2016.
ASTM F1359/F1359M, Standard Test Method for Liquid Penetra¬tion Resistance of Protective Clothing or Protective Ensembles Under a Shower Spray While on a Manikin, 2016.
ASTM F1790, Test Methods for Measuring Cut Resistance of Mate¬rials 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 F2010/F2010M, Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Clove Effects on Wearer Hand Dexterity Using a Modified Pegboard Test, 2010.
ASTM F2412, Standard Test Methods for Foot Protection, 2011.
ASTM F2413, Standard Sf)ecification for Performance Require¬ments for Protective (Safety) Toe Cap Footwear, 2011.
ASTM F2700, Standard Test Method for Unsteady-State Heat Transfer Evaluation of Flame Resistant Materials for Clothing with Continuous Heating, 2013.
ASTM F2913, Standard Test Method for Measuring the Coefficient of Friction for Evaluation of Slip Performance of Footwear and Test Surfaces/Homing Using a Whole Shoe Tester, 2011.
2.3.4 CDC Publications. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30329.
Statement of Standard for NIOSH CBRN APR Testing, 2004.
Statement of Standard for NIOSH CBRN PAPR Testing, 2004.
Statement of Standard for NIOSH CBRN SCBA Testing 2004.
2.3.5 ISO Publications. International Organization for Stand¬ardization, 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 11092, Textiles — Physiological effects — Measurement of thermal and water-vapour resistance under steady-state conditions (sweatingguarded-hotplate test), 2014.
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, 2011.
ISO/IEC 17025, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, 2005.
ISO/IEC 17065, Conformity assessment — Requirements for bodies certifying products, processes, and services, 2012.
2.3.6 U.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, Subpart I, “Personal Protective Equipment.”
2.3.7 Other Publications.
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physi¬cal Agents and Biological Exposure Indices, 2014.
Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th edition, Merriam- Webster, Inc., Springfield, MA, 2003.
2.4 References for Extracts in Mandatory Sections. (Reserved)
Chapter 3 Definitions
3.1 General. 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.
3.2 NFPA Official Definitions.
3.2.1* Approved. Acceptable to the authority having jurisdic¬tion.
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 organ¬ization that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and concerned with product evaluation, that maintains peri¬odic inspection of production of labeled equipment or materi¬als, and by whose labeling the manufacturer indicates compliance with appropriate standards or performance in a specified manner.
3.2.4* Listed. Equipment, materials, or services included in a list published by an organization that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and concerned with evaluation of products or services, that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or materials or periodic evalua¬tion of services, and whose listing states that either the equip¬ment, material, or service meets appropriate designated standards or has been tested and found suitable for a specified purpose.
3.2.5 Shall. Indicates a mandatory requirement.
3.2.6 Should. Indicates a recommendation or that which is advised but not required.
3.2.7 Standard. An NFPA Standard, the main text of which contains only mandatory provisions using the word “shall” to indicate requirements and that is in a form generally suitable for mandatory reference by another standard or code or for adoption into law. Nonmandatory provisions are not to be considered a part of the requirements of a standard and shall be located in an appendix, annex, footnote, informational note, or other means as permitted in the NFPA Manuals of Style. When used in a generic sense, such as in the phrase “standards development process” or “standards development activities,” the term “standards” includes all NFPA Standards, including Codes, Standards, Recommended Practices, and Guides.
3.3 General Definitions.
3.3.1 Afterflame Time. The length of time for which a mate¬rial, component, or chemical protective suit continues to burn after the simulated chemical flash fire has ended.
3.3.2 Biological Agents. Biological materials that are capable of causing disease or long-term damage to the human body.
3.3.3 Boot. See 3.3.42, Liquid Splash-Protective Footwear.
3.3.4 Care. Procedures for cleaning, decontamination, and storage of protective clothing and equipment.
3.3.5 Certification/Certified. A system whereby a certification organization determines that a manufacturer has demonstrated the ability to produce a product that complies with the require¬ments 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 stand¬ard.
3.3.6 Certification Organization. An independent, third party organization that determines product compliance with the requirements of this standard with a labeling/listing/follow-up program.
3.3.7 Chemical and Biological Terrorism Incidents. Situations involving the release of chemical or biological warfare agents in civilian areas by terrorists.
3.3.8* Chemical Flash Fire. The ignition of a flammable and ignitible vapor or gas that produces an outward expanding flame front as those vapors or gases burn. This burning and expanding flame front, a fireball, will release both thermal and kinetic energy to the environment.
3.3.9* Chemical-Protection Layer. The material or composite used in an ensemble or clothing for the purpose of providing protection from chemical hazards.
3.3.10 Chemical-Protective Material. Any material or compo¬site used in liquid splash-protective ensemble or clothing for the purpose of providing protection from chemical hazards; can be a part of the “primary suit material.”
3.3.11 Clothing Items. See 3.3.40, Liquid Splash-Protective Clothing.
3.3.12 Compliance/Compliant. Meeting or exceeding all applicable requirements of this standard.
3.3.13* Component(s). Any material, part, or subassembly used in the construction of the compliant product.
3.3.14 Composite. The layer or layers of materials or compo¬nents.
3.3.15* Cryogenic Liquid. A refrigerated liquefied gas having a boiling point below -130°F (-90°C) at atmospheric pressure.
3.3.16 Elastomer. A polymeric material that returns to its orig¬inal length and shape after stretching.
3.3.17* Elastomeric Interface Material. An exposed elasto- meric material that is not otherwise used as a garment material, which provides an interface between components of the ensemble or ensemble elements, other than seams, and if applicable, the interface between the respirator facepiece and the ensemble or ensemble elements.
3.3.18 Element(s). See 3.3.22, Ensemble Elements.
3.3.19 Emergency Response Personnel. Personnel assigned to organizations that have the responsibility for responding to hazardous materials emergencies.
3.3.20 Encapsulating. A type of ensemble that covers the wearer and the wearer’s respirator.
3.3.21 Ensemble. See 3.3.41, Liquid Splash-Protective Ensem¬ble.
3.3.22 Ensemble Elements. Ensemble elements including garments, gloves, footwear, and hoods.
3.3.22.1 Hazardous Materials and Emergencies Protective Foot¬wear. The element of the protective ensemble that provides protection to the foot, ankle, and lower leg.
3.3.22.2 Hazardous Materials and Emergencies Protective Foot¬wear Cover. The item of the protective ensemble to be worn over standard footwear that provides a barrier and physical protection to the wearer’s feet.
3.3.22.3 Hazardous Materials and Emergencies Protective Garment(s). The element of the protective ensemble that provides protection to the upper and lower torso, head, arms, and legs; excluding the hands and feet.
3.3.22.4 Hazardous Materials and Emergencies Protective Glove(s). The element of the protective ensemble that provides protection to the wearer’s hands and wrists.
3.3.22.5 Hazardous Materials and Emergencies Protective Hood. The element of the protective ensemble that provides protection to the wearer’s head and neck.
3.3.23 Exhaust Valve. One-way vent that releases exhaust to the outside environment and prevents entry of outside environ¬ment.
3.3.24* External Fittings. Any component that allows the passage of gases, liquids, or electrical current from the outside to the inside of the element or item as well as any fitting exter¬nally located on, and part of, the ensemble that is not part of the garment material, visor material, gloves, footwear, seams, or closure assembly.
3.3.25 Flammable or Explosive Atmospheres. Atmospheres containing solids, liquids, vapors, or gases at concentrations that will burn or explode if ignited.
3.3.26 Follow-Up Program. The sampling, inspections, tests, or other measures conducted by the certification organization on a periodic basis to determine the continued compliance of labeled or listed products that are being produced by the manufacturer to the requirements of this standard.
3.3.27 Footwear. See 3.3.42, Liquid Splash-Protective Foot¬wear.
3.3.28 Footwear Upper. That portion of the footwear above the sole, heel, or insole.
3.3.29 Garment. See 3.3.43, Liquid Splash-Protective Garment.
3.3.30 Garment Closure. The garment component designed and configured to allow the wearer to don (put-on) and doff (take-off) the garment.
3.3.31 Garment Closure Assembly. The combination of the garment closure and the seam attaching the garment closure to the garment, including any protective flap or cover.
3.3.32 Garment Material. The principal chemical-protective material used in the construction of the liquid splash-protec¬tive suit.
3.3.33 Glove. See 3.3.44, Liquid Splash-Protective Glove.
3.3.34* Hazardous Materials. A substance (solid, liquid, or gas) that when released is capable of creating harm to people, the environment, and property.
3.3.35 Hazardous Materials Emergencies. Incidents involving the release or potential release of hazardous materials.
3.3.36 Hood. See 3.3.45, Liquid-Splash Protective Hood.
3.3.37* Ionizing Radiation. Extremely short-wavelength, high energy penetrating rays of alpha, beta, gamma and x-rays emit¬ted from radioactive elements and isotopes (radionuclides).
3.3.38 Ladder Shank. Reinforcement to the shank area of protective footwear designed to provide additional support to the instep when standing on a ladder rung.
3.3.39* Liquefied Gas. A gas that, under its charged pressure, is partially liquid at 21 °C (70°F).
3.3.40* Liquid Splash-Protective Clothing. Multiple items of compliant protective clothing and equipment products that provide protection from some risks, but not all risks, of hazard¬ous materials emergency incident operations involving liquids.
3.3.41* Liquid Splash-Protective Ensemble. Multiple elements of compliant protective clothing and equipment products that when worn together provide protection from some risks, but not all risks, of hazardous materials emergency incident operations involving liquids to the torso, legs, arms, head, hands, and feet.
3.3.42* Liquid Splash-Protective Footwear. The element of the protective ensemble, or the item of protective clothing that provides liquid chemical protection and physical protection to the feet, ankles, and lower legs.
3.3.43* Liquid Splash-Protective Garment. The element of the protective ensemble or the item of protective clothing that provides liquid chemical protection to the upper and lower torso, arms and legs, excluding the head, hands, and feet.
3.3.44 Liquid Splash-Protective Glove. The element of the protective ensemble, or the item of protective clothing that provides liquid chemical protection to the hands and wrists.
3.3.45* Liquid-Splash Protective Hood. The element of the protective ensemble or an item of protective clothing that provides liquid chemical protection and physical protection to the head and neck.
3.3.46 Maintenance. Procedures for inspection, repair, and removal from service of liquid splash-protective ensembles or clothing.
3.3.47 Manufacturer. The entity that directs and controls compliant product design, compliant product manufacturing, or compliant product quality assurance; or the entity that assumes the liability or provides the warranty for the compliant product.
3.3.48 Melt. A response to heat by a material resulting in evidence of flowing and dripping.
3.3.49 Model. The collective term used to identify a group of individual liquid splash-protective ensembles or protective clothing 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.
3.3.50* Nonencapsulating Ensemble. A type of ensemble that does not fully cover the wearer’s respirator and relies on the facepiece of the respirator to have an interface with the garment to complete the enclosure of the wearer.
3.3.51 Outer Boot. A secondary boot worn over another foot¬wear item that provides physical protection for the chemical- protective material in order for liquid splash-protective footwear to meet certain requirements of this standard.
3.3.52 Outer Garment. A secondary garment worn over another garment that provides physical protection for the chemical-protective material in order for liquid splash-protec¬tive garment to meet certain requirements of this standard.
3.3.53 Outer Glove. A secondary glove worn over another glove that provides physical protection for the chemical- protective material in order for the liquid splash-protective glove to meet certain requirements of this standard.
3.3.54* Particulates. Finely divided solid matter that is dispersed in air.
3.3.55 Primary Suit Materials. Liquid splash-protective ensemble and clothing materials limited to the garment mate¬rial, hood material, visor material, glove material, and footwear material that provide protection from chemical and physical hazards.
3.3.56* Product Label. A label or marking affixed by the manufacturer to each compliant product, or product package. Such labels contain compliance statements, certification state¬ments, general information, care, maintenance, or similar data.
3.3.57 Protective Clothing. See 3.3.40, Liquid Splash-Protec¬tive Clothing.
3.3.58 Protective Ensemble. See 3.3.41, Liquid Splash-Protec¬tive Ensemble.
3.3.59 Protective Footwear. See 3.3.42, Liquid Splash-Protec¬tive Footwear.
3.3.60 Protective Garment. See 3.3.43, Liquid Splash-Protec¬tive Garment.
3.3.61 Protective Gloves. See 3.3.44, Liquid Splash-Protective Glove.
3.3.62 Puncture-Resistant Device. A reinforcement to the bottom of protective footwear that is designed to provide punc¬ture resistance.
3.3.63 Radionuclide. An isotope form of an element or radio¬active element that emits radiation in excess of normal hack- ground radiation levels.
3.3.64 Recall System. The action hy which a manufacturer identifies an element, provides notice to the users, withdraws an element from the marketplace and distribution sites, and returns the element to the manufacturer or other acceptable location for corrective action.
3.3.65 Respirator. A certified device that provides respiratory protection for the wearer within the limits of the certification.
3.3.66 Seam. Any permanent attachment of two or more chemical-protective clothing materials, excluding external fittings, gaskets, and suit closure assemblies, in a line formed by joining the separate material pieces.
3.3.67* Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). An
atmosphere-supplying respirator that supplies a respirable air atmosphere to the user from a breathing air source that is inde¬pendent of the ambient environment and designed to be carried by the user.
3.3.68* Sock. An extension of the garment or suit leg or a separate item that covers the entire foot and is intended to be worn inside a protective outer boot.
3.3.69 Storage Life. The date to remove from service a liquid splash-protective ensemble, element, or clothing item that has undergone proper care and maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions but has not been used either in training or at actual incidents.
3.3.70 Suit Closure. The component that allows the wearer to enter (don) and exit (doff) the liquid splash-protective ensem¬ble.
3.3.71* Vapor-Protective Ensemble. Multiple elements of compliant protective clothing and equipment products that when worn together provide protection from some risks, but not all risks, of hazardous materials emergency incident opera¬tions involving vapors.
3.3.72 Visor Material. The transparent chemical-protective material that allows the wearer to see outside the protective ensemble hood.
Chapter 4 Certification
4.1 General.
4.1.1 The process of certification for protective ensembles and ensemble elements as being compliant with NFPA 1992 shall meet the requirements of Section 4.1, General; Section 4.2, Certification Program; Section 4.3, Inspection and Testing; Section 4.4, Annual Verification of Product Compliance; Section 4.5, Manufacturers’ Quality Assurance Program; Section 4.6, Hazards Involving Compliant Product; Section 4.7, Manufacturers’ Investigation of Complaints and Returns; and Section 4.8, Manufacturers’ Safety Alert and Product Recall Systems.
4.1.2 All compliant ensembles and ensemble elements that are labeled as being compliant with this standard shall meet or exceed all applicable requirements specified in this standard and shall be certified.
4.1.3 All certification shall be performed by a certification organization that meets at least the requirements specified in Section 4.2, Certification Program, and that is accredited for personal protective equipment in accordance with ISO/IEC 17065, Conformity assessment — Requirements for bodies certifying products, processes, and services. The accreditation shall be issued by an accreditation body operating in accordance with ISO 17011, Conformity assessment — General requirements for accredita¬tion 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 1992, in any statements about their respec¬tive product(s) unless the product(s) is certified as compliant to this standard.
4.1.5 All compliant protective ensembles and ensemble elements shall be labeled and listed.
4.1.6 All compliant ensembles and ensemble elements shall also have a product label that meets the requirements specified in Section 5.1, Product Label Requirements.
4.1.7* The certification organization’s label, symbol, or identi¬fying mark shall be attached to the product label, or shall be part of the product label, or shall be immediately adjacent to the product label.
4.1.8 The certification organization shall not issue any new certifications to the 2012 edition of this standard on or after the NFPA effective date for the 2018 edition, which is August 21, 2017.
4.1.9 The certification organization shall not permit any manufacturer to continue to label any ensembles or ensemble elements that are certified as compliant with the 2012 edition of this standard on or after August 21, 2018.
4.1.10 The certification organization shall require manufac¬turers to remove all certification labels and product labels indi¬cating compliance with the 2012 edition of this standard from all ensembles and ensemble elements that are under the control of the manufacturer on August 21, 2018, and the certif¬ication organization shall verify this action is taken.
4.1.11 Liquid splash-protective ensembles or liquid splash- protective clothing items shall not be certified for chemical or specific chemical mixtures with skin notations as indicated by American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physi¬cal Agents and Biological Exposure Indices, and that have a vapor pressure greater than 5 mm Hg at 25°C (77°F).
4.2 Certification Program.
4.2.1* The certification organization shall not be owned or controlled by manufacturers or vendors of the product being certified.
4.2.2 The certification organization shall be primarily engaged in certification work and shall not have a monetary interest in the product’s ultimate profitability.
4.2.3 The certification organization shall be accredited for personal protective equipment in accordance with ISO/IEC 17065, Confonnity assessment — Requirements for bodies certifying products, processes, and services. The accreditation shall be is¬sued by an accreditation body operating in accordance with
4.3.3.2 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.
4.3.3.3 The accreditation of a manufacturer’s testing labora¬tory shall be issued by an accreditation body operating in accordance with ISO 17011, Conformity assessment — General requirements for accreditation bodies accrediting conformity assessment bodies.
4.3.3.4 The certification organization shall approve the manu¬facturer’s testing laboratory.
4.3.3.5 The certification organization shall determine the level of supervision and witnessing of the conditioning and test¬ing for certification or recertification conducted at the manu¬facturer’s testing laboratory.
4.3.4 Sampling levels for testing and inspection shall be estab¬lished by the certification organization and the manufacturer to ensure a reasonable and acceptable reliability at a reasona¬ble and acceptable confidence level that products certified to this standard are compliant, unless such sampling levels are specified herein. This information shall be included in the manufacturer’s technical data package.
4.3.5 Inspection by the certification organization shall include a review of all product labels to ensure that all required label attachments, compliance statements, certification statements, and other product information are at least as specified for the ensemble and ensemble elements in Section 5.1, Product Label Requirements.
4.3.6 Inspection by the certification organization shall include an evaluation of any symbols and pictorial graphic representa¬tions used on product labels or in user information, as permit¬ted by in 5.1.1.7, to ensure that the symbols are clearly explained in the product’s user information package.
4.3.7 Inspection by the certification organization shall include a review of the user information required by Section 5.2, User Information, to ensure that the information has been devel¬oped and is available.
4.3.8 Inspection by the certification organization shall include a review of the technical data package to determine compli¬ance with the requirements of Section 5.3, Technical Data Package.
4.3.9 Inspection and evaluation by the certification organiza¬tion for determining compliance with the design requirements specified in Chapter 6 shall be performed on whole or complete products.
4.3.10 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.
4.3.10.1 Testing shall be performed on specimens representa¬tive of materials and components used in the actual construc¬tion of the protective ensemble and ensemble element.
4.3.10.2 The certification organization also shall be permitted to use sample materials cut from a representative product.
4.3.11 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.
4.3.12 The certification organization shall not allow any modi¬fications, 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.
4.3.13 The certification organization shall not allow the substi¬tution, repair, or modification, other than as specifically permitted herein, of any product or any product component during testing.
4.3.14 The certification organization shall not allow test speci¬mens 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.
4.3.15 The certification organization shall test ensemble elements with the specific ensemble(s) with which they are to be certified.
4.3.16* Any change in the design, construction, or material of a compliant product shall necessitate new inspection and test¬ing 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 conduc¬ted before labeling the modified product as being compliant with this standard.
4.3.17 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 (AHj).
4.4 Annual Verification of Product Compliance.
4.4.1 All ensembles and ensemble elements that are labeled as being compliant with this standard shall undergo recertifica¬tion on an annual basis. This recertification shall include inspection and evaluation to all design requirements and test¬ing to all performance requirements as required by this stand¬ard on all manufacturer models and components as specified in 4.4.3.
4.4.1.1 Any change that affects the element’s performance under design or performance requirements of this standard shall constitute a different model.
4.4.1.2 For the purpose of this standard, models shall include each unique pattern, style, or design of the element.
4.4.2 Samples of manufacturer’s models and components for recertification shall be acquired from the manufacturer or component supplier during random and unannounced visits as part of the follow-up inspection program. For recertification, the certification organization shall acquire at least one liquid splash-protective garment, one pair of liquid splash-protective gloves, one pair of liquid splash-protective footwear, and one complete liquid splash-protective nonencapsulating or encap¬sulating ensemble outfitted with all manufacturer-provided external fittings. The certification organization shall also acquire a sufficient quantity of component samples to be tested for recertification as required by 4.4.3.
application was provided by the manufacturer in written mate¬rial accompanying the compliant product at the point of sale.
4.6.8 The certification organization shall require the manufac¬turer of the compliant product, or the manufacturer of the compliant product component if applicable, to assist the certifi¬cation organization in the investigation and to conduct its own investigation as specified in Section 4.7, Manufacturers’ Investi¬gation of Complaints and Returns.
4.6.9 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 certifi¬cation 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 manu¬facturer is bankrupt, the certification organization shall imme¬diately notify relevant governmental and regulatory agencies and issue a notice to the user community about the hazard.
4.6.11* Where the facts are conclusive and corrective action is indicated, the certification organization shall take one or more of the following corrective actions:
(1) Notification of parties authorized and responsible for issuing a safety alert when, in the opinion of the certifica¬tion organization, such a notification is necessary to inform the users
(2) Notification of parties authorized and responsible for issuing a product recall when, in the opinion of the certif¬ication organization, such a recall is necessary to protect the users
(3) Removing the mark of certification from the product
(4) Where a hazardous condition exists and it is not practical to implement (1), (2), or (3), or the responsible parties refuse to take corrective action, the certification organiza¬tion 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 hazard¬ous condition and notify them of the corrective action indica¬ted, or that no corrective action is indicated.
4.6.13* Where a change to an NFPA standard(s) is felt to be necessary, the certification organization shall also provide a copy of the report and corrective actions indicated to the NFPA, and shall also submit either a public proposal for a proposed change to the next revision of the applicable stand¬ard, or a proposed Temporary Interim Amendment (TIA) to the current edition of the applicable standard.
4.7 Manufacturers’ Investigation of Complaints and Returns.
4.7.1 Manufacturers shall provide corrective action in accord¬ance with ISO 9001, Quality Management Systems — Requirements, for investigating written complaints and returned products.
4.7.2 Manufacturers’ records of returns and complaints rela¬ted to safety issues shall be retained for at least 5 years.
4.7.3 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 prod¬uct recall, the manufacturer shall immediately contact the certification organization and provide all information about their review to assist the certification organization with their investigation.
4.8 Manufacturers’ Safety Alert and Product Recall Systems.
4.8.1 Manufacturers shall establish a written safety alert system and a written product recall system that describes the proce¬dures 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.
4.8.2 The manufacturers’ safety alert and product recall system shall provide the following:
(1) The establishment of a coordinator and responsibilities by the manufacturer for the handling of safety alerts and product recalls
(2) A method of notifying all dealers, distributors, purchas¬ers, users, and the NFPA about the safety alert or product recall that can be initiated within a 1-week period follow¬ing the manufacturer’s decision to issue a safety alert or to conduct a product recall, or after the manufacturer has been directed by the certification organization to issue a safety alert or conduct a product recall
(3) Techniques for communicating accurately and under¬standably the nature of the safety alert or product recall and in particular the specific hazard or safety issue found to exist
(4) Procedures for removing product that is recalled and for documenting the effectiveness of the product recall
(5) A plan for either repairing or replacing the product or compensating purchasers for a returned product
Chapter 5 Labeling and Information
5.1 Product Label Requirements. 5.1.1 General.
5.1.1.1* Each liquid splash-protective garment element and item shall have a product label permanendy and conspicuously attached to or printed on each garment when the garment is properly assembled with all layers, components, and compo¬nent parts in place.
5.1.1.2 Each liquid splash-protective glove element and item shall have a product label permanently and conspicuously attached to or printed on the top outside of the gauntlet of each glove piece when the glove is properly assembled with all layers, components, and component parts in place. In addition, each package containing one or more pairs of liquid splash- protective gloves shall have a product label attached to, printed on, or inserted in the glove package.
5.1.1.3 All liquid splash-protective footwear elements and items shall have a product label permanently and conspicu¬ously attached to or printed on the inside of each footwear piece when the footwear is properly assembled with all layers, components, and component parts in place. In addition, each package containing one or more pairs of liquid splash-protec¬tive footwear shall have a product label attached to, printed on, or inserted in the footwear package.
5.1.1.4 Each liquid splash-protective ensemble shall have a product label permanently and conspicuously attached to or ensemble as specified by the manufacturer, the hood portion of the PAPR shall be considered a hood under this standard.
6.7.2.1 The hood portion of the PAPR shall be subject to the performance criteria specified in Section 7.7.
6.7.2.2 The PAPR shall be certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) as compliant with the Statement of Standard for NIOSH CBRNPAPR Testing.
6.7.3 All external fittings shall be free of rough spots, burrs, or sharp edges that could tear primary materials.
Chapter 7 Performance Requirements
7.1 Protective Garment Elements and Items Performance Requirements.
7.1.1 Garments shall be tested for overall function and integ¬rity as specified in Section 8.3, Overall Garment Function and Integrity Test, and shall allow the test subject to complete all tasks within 15 minutes, and shall allow no liquid penetration in subsequent liquidtight integrity testing as specified in Section 8.2, Liquidtight Integrity Test 1, and the garment closure shall remain engaged during the entire garment func¬tion testing.
7.1.1.1 Where hoods are provided, garments shall accommo¬date head protection devices meeting the dimensional require¬ments for Type I, Class G helmets of ANSI/ISEA Z89.1,
American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection.
7.1.1.2 Where hoods with visors are provided, garments shall permit the test subject to see with a visual acuity of 20/35 or better through the combination of both the hood visor and the respirator face piece lens.
7.1.1.3 Where a protective flap is used over the closure system, it shall remain closed for the duration of the overall garment function test.
7.1.1.4 Where an encapsulated design is used, it shall permit the test subject to remove and reinsert his or her hand into the glove system 5 times sequentially within 2.5 minutes or less.
7.1.1.5 Where the garment includes a hood with a visor that covers the respirator facepiece, the garment shall permit the test subject to properly identify 3 out of 4 numbers on an NFPA 704-based placard at each of the following angles: upward 36°, downward 30°, and right and left 60°.
7.1.2 Garment materials shall be tested for penetration resist¬ance as specified in Section 8.4, Chemical Penetration Resist¬ance Test, and shall exhibit no penetration for at least 1 hour for each of the chemicals and each additional chemical or specific chemical mixture for which the manufacturer is certify¬ing the garment.
7.1.3 Garment materials shall be tested for bursting strength as specified in Section 8.5, Burst Strength Test, and shall have a bursting strength of not less than 135 N (30 lbf).
7.1.4 Garment materials shall be tested for puncture propaga¬tion tear resistance as specified in Section 8.6, Puncture Propa¬gation Tear Resistance Test, and shall have a puncture propagation tear resistance of not less than 25 N (5.6 lbf).
7.1.5 Garment materials shall be tested for cold weather performance as specified in Section 8.7, Cold Temperature
Performance Test 1, and shall have a bending moment of not greater than 0.057 N-m (0.50 in.-lbf) at an angular deflection of 60 degrees and -25°C (-13°F).
7.1.6 Garment Visor Requirements.
7.1.6.1 Where provided, visor materials shall be tested for penetration resistance as specified in Section 8.4, Chemical Penetration Resistance Test, and shall exhibit no penetration for at least 1 hour for each of the specified chemicals and for each additional chemical or specific chemical mixture for which the manufacturer is certifying the garment.
7.1.6.2 Where provided, visor materials shall be tested for high-mass impact resistance as specified in Section 8.9, Visor High-Mass Impact Resistance Test, and shall not have full- thickness cracks, holes, or fractures.
7.1.7 Garment Seam Requirements.
7.1.7.1 Garment seams, and other seams to the garment where present, shall be tested for penetration resistance as specified in Section 8.4, Chemical Penetration Resistance Test, and shall exhibit no penetration for at least 1 hour for each of the specified chemicals and each additional chemical or specific chemical mixture for which the manufacturer is certify¬ing the garment.
7.1.7.2 Garment seams, and other seams to the garment where present, shall be tested for seam strength as specified in Section 8.8, Seam/Closure Breaking Strength Test, and shall have a breaking strength of not less than 33 N/25 mm (7.5 lbf/ 1 in.).
7.1.8 Garment Closure Assembly Requirements.
7.1.8.1 Where garment closures are not fully covered by a protective flap that is constructed of the same material as the garment, garment closure assemblies shall be tested for pene¬tration resistance as specified in Section 8.4, Chemical Penetra¬tion Resistance Test, and shall exhibit no penetration for at least 1 hour for each of the specified chemicals and each addi¬tional chemical or specific chemical mixture for which the manufacturer is certifying the garment.
7.1.8.2 Garment closure assemblies shall be tested for closure strength as specified in Section 8.8, Seam/Closure Breaking Strength Test, and shall have a breaking strength of not less than 33 N/25 mm (7.5 lbf/1 in.).
7.1.9 Elastomeric Interface Material Requirements.
7.1.9.1* Elastomeric interface materials shall have an elonga¬tion at rupture of not less than 125 percent when tested accord¬ing to Section 8.21, Ultimate Tensile Strength Test.
7.1.9.2 Where the garment includes elastomeric interface materials, each elastomeric interface material shall be tested for penetration resistance as specified in Section 8.4, Chemical Penetration Resistance Test, and shall exhibit no penetration for at least 1 hour for each of the specified chemicals and each additional chemical or specific chemical mixture for which the manufacturer is certifying the garment.
7.1.9.3 Where the garment includes elastomeric interface materials, each elastomeric interface material shall be tested for cut resistance as specified in Section 8.11, Cut Resistance Test, and shall have a blade travel distance of not less than 20 mm (0.8 in.)
7.1.9.4 Where the garment includes elastomeric interface materials, each elastomeric interface material shall be tested for puncture resistance as specified in Section 8.12, Puncture Resistance Test 1, and shall have a puncture resistance of not less than 7 N (1.6 lbf).
7.1.9.5 Where the garment includes elastomeric interface materials, each exposed elastomeric interface material shall be tested for ultimate tensile strength as specified in Section 8.21, Ultimate Tensile Strength Test, and shall have an ultimate tensile strength of not less than 4 MPa (580 psi).
7.1.9.6 Where the garment includes elastomeric interface materials, each elastomeric interface material shall be tested for cold weather performance as specified in Section 8.7, Cold Temperature Performance Test 1, and shall have a bending moment of not greater than 0.057 N-m (0.50 in.*lbf) at an angular deflection of 60 degrees and -25°C (-13°F).
7.2 Protective Glove Elements and Items Performance Requirements.
7.2.1 Gloves shall be tested for liquidtight integrity as speci¬fied in Section 8.10, Liquidtight Integrity Test 2, and shall show no leakage.
7.2.2 Glove materials shall be tested for penetration resistance as specified in Section 8.4, Chemical Penetration Resistance Test, and shall exhibit no penetration for at least 1 hour for each of the specified chemicals and each additional chemical or specific chemical mixture for which the manufacturer is certifying the glove.
7.2.3 Glove materials shall be tested for cut resistance as speci¬fied in Section 8.11, Cut Resistance Test, and shall have a blade travel distance of not less than 20 mm (0.8 in.).
7.2.4 Glove materials shall be tested for puncture resistance as specified in Section 8.12, Puncture Resistance Test 1, and shall have a puncture resistance of not less than 11N (2.5 lbf).
7.2.5 Glove materials shall be tested for cold weather perform¬ance as specified in Section 8.7, Cold Temperature Perform¬ance Test 1, and shall have a bending moment of not greater than 0.057 N-m (0.50 in.-lbf) at an angular deflection of 60 degrees and -25°C (-13°F).
7.2.6 Glove specimens shall be tested for hand function as specified in Section 8.13, Gloved Hand Dexterity Test, and shall have an average percent increase over barehanded control less than 200 percent.
7.2.7 Glove seams, if present, shall be tested for penetration resistance as specified in Section 8.4, Chemical Penetration Resistance Test, and shall exhibit no penetration for at least 1 hour for each of the specified chemicals and each additional chemical or specific chemical mixture for which the manufac¬turer is certifying the garment.
7.3 Protective Footwear Elements and Items Performance Requirements.
7.3.1 Footwear shall be tested for liquidtight integrity as speci¬fied in Section 8.10, Liquidtight Integrity Test 2, and shall show no leakage.
7.3.2 Footwear upper materials shall be tested for penetration resistance as specified in Section 8.4, Chemical Penetration Resistance Test, and shall exhibit no penetration for at least 1 hour for each of the specified chemicals and shall exhibit no penetration for at least 1 hour for each additional chemical or specific chemical mixture for which the manufacturer is certify¬ing the footwear.
7.3.3 Footwear upper materials shall be tested for cut resist¬ance as specified in Section 8.11, Cut Resistance Test, and shall have a blade travel distance of not less than 20 mm (0.8 in.).
7.3.4 Footwear upper materials shall be tested for puncture resistance as specified in Section 8.12, Puncture Resistance Test 1, and shall have a puncture resistance of not less than 36 N (8 lbf).
7.3.5 Footwear sole and heels shall be tested for abrasion resistance as specified in Section 8.14, Abrasion Resistance Test, and the relative volume loss shall not be greater than 250 mm3.
7.3.6 Footwear ladder shanks shall be tested for bending resistance as specified in Section 8.15, Ladder Shank Bend Resistance Test, and shall not deflect more than 6 mm (‘/, in.).
7.3.7 Footwear shall be tested for slip resistance as specified in Section 8.16, Slip Resistance Test, and shall have a coefficient of friction of 0.40 or greater.
7.3.8 Footwear upper seams, if present, shall be tested for penetration resistance as specified in Section 8.4, Chemical Penetration Resistance Test, and shall exhibit no penetration for at least 1 hour for each of the specified chemicals and each additional chemical or specific chemical mixture for which the manufacturer is certifying the footwear.
7.3.9 Footwear shall meet the performance requirements specified in ASTM F2413, Standard Specification for Performance Requirements for Protective (Safety) Toe Cap Footwear, for impact-, compression-, and puncture-resistant footwear with the excep¬tion that flex resistance to cracking shall not be evaluated. Test¬ing shall be performed as specified in ASTM F2412, Standard lest Methods for Foot Protection.
7.4 Nonencapsulating Protective Ensemble Performance Requirements.
7.4.1 Liquid splash-protective ensembles shall be tested for liquidtight integrity as specified by Section 8.2, Liquidtight Integrity Test 1, and shall allow no liquid penetration.
7.4.2 Garment elements of nonencapsulating ensembles shall meet the performance requirements specified in Section 7.1, Protective Garment Elements and Items Performance Require¬ments.
7.4.3 Glove elements of nonencapsulating ensembles shall meet the performance requirements specified in Section 7.2, Protective Glove Elements and Items Performance Require¬ments.
7.4.4 Footwear elements of nonencapsulating ensembles shall meet the performance requirements specified in Section 7.3, Protective Footwear Elements and Items Performance Require¬ments.
7.4.4.1 Where socks are used as part of a nonencapsulating protective ensemble and the manufacturer permits the use of any outer boot of the footwear element that is certified to NFPA 1951, NFPA 1971, NFPA 1991, or NFPA 1994, the outer boot of the footwear element shall meet the minimum height requirement specified in 6.3.2.
and perpendicular to the field of view or line of sight being measured.
8.3.5.4 Where encapsulating ensembles are evaluated, at the end of testing the test subject shall be instructed to remove his or her hands from each of the gloves while still wearing the ensemble, touch the bypass value of the SCBA, and then rein¬sert his or her hands into the gloves.
8.3.5.4.1 The test subject shall perform this action in accord¬ance with the manufacturer’s instructions. This action shall be sequentially repeated a total of five times.
8.3.5.4.2 The time for completing this action shall be timed using a stopwatch or other suitable timing device.
8.3.5.5 Where a protective flap is used over the closure system, the flap shall be observed to determine whether the flap remains over the closure during Exercise Procedures A and B.
8.3.5.5.1 Where closures are covered by a protective flap, the flap shall be inspected upon completion of the exercise proce¬dures and before the specimen is doffed to determine if any portion of the flap has become disengaged.
8.3.5.5.2 The closures shall be inspected upon completion of the exercise procedures and before the specimen is doffed to determine if any portion of the closures has become disen¬gaged.
8.3.6 Report.
8.3.6.1 A diagram shall be prepared for each test that records and reports the locations of any liquid leakage detected on the liquid-absorptive garment or on the inside of the specimens.
8.3.6.2 The length of time it takes for the test subjects to satis¬factorily complete both exercise procedures shall be recorded and reported.
8.3.6.3 Where garments include hoods or separate hoods are evaluated, the ability of the test subject to wear head protection meeting the dimensional requirements of Type 1, Class G helmets of ANSI Z89.1, Standard for Industrial Protection, shall be recorded and reported.
8.3.6.4 Where garments or hoods with visors are provided, the visual acuity of the test subject when in and out of the suit shall be recorded and reported.
8.3.6.5 Where garments or hoods with visors are provided, the angular degree for the up, down, left, and right defining the field of vision shall be measured and reported. The average angular degree for each direction for all test subjects shall be calculated and reported.
8.3.6.6 Where encapsulating ensembles are evaluated, the time for each test subject to repeatedly remove and reinsert his or her hands completely in the gloves five times sequentially shall be recorded and reported. The average time for all test subjects shall be calculated and reported.
8.3.6.7 Where closures are covered by a protective flap, any disengagement of the protective flap observed during the exer¬cise procedures shall be recorded and reported.
8.3.6.8 Any disengagement of the closures observed after the exercise procedures shall be recorded and reported.
8.3.7 Interpretation.
8.3.7.1 Evidence of liquid on the absorbent manikin garment or inside the specimen as determined by visual, tactile, or absorbent toweling shall constitute failure.
8.3.7.1.1 Where encapsulating and nonencapsulating ensem¬bles are tested, all areas of the manikin body shall be evaluated for liquidtight integrity.
8.3.7.1.2 Where garments or nonencapsulating ensembles are tested, those portions of the body not covered by the specimen shall not be evaluated for liquidtight integrity.
8.3.7.2 The inability of the test subjects to satisfactorily complete both exercise procedures within 15 minutes shall constitute failure.
8.3.7.3 Where garments include hoods or separate hoods are evaluated, the inability of the test subject to wear head protec¬tion meeting the dimensional requirements of Type 1, Class G helmets of ANSI Z89.1, Standard for Industrial Protection, shall constitute failure.
8.3.7.4 Where hoods with visors are provided, the test subjects’ inability to demonstrate visual acuity of 20/35 or better through the combination of both the hood visor and the respirator facepiece lens shall constitute failure.
8.3.7.5 Where garments or hoods with visors are provided, the average angular field of vision shall be used to determine pass or fail performance.
8.3.7.6 Where encapsulating ensembles are evaluated, the average time for all test subjects to repeatedly remove and rein¬sert their hands completely in the gloves five times sequentially shall be used to determine pass or fail performance.
8.3.7.7 Where closures are covered by a protective flap, any disengagement of the closure of the protective flap after the exercise sequences shall constitute failure.
8.3.7.8 Any disengagement of the closures after the exercise sequences shall constitute failure.
8.3.8 Specific Requirements for Testing Hoods.
8.3.8.1 Where hoods are evaluated as separate items and do not include a visor, the hoods shall only be evaluated for liquid- tight integrity and their accommodation of head protection meeting the dimensional requirements of Type 1, Class G helmets of ANSI Z89.1, Standard for Industrial Protection, without being worn as part of the Exercise Procedures A and B, speci¬fied in 8.3.5.1.
8.3.8.2 Where hoods are evaluated as separate items and include a visor, the hoods shall be evaluated for the following assessments without being worn as part of the Exercise Proce¬dures A and B, as specified in 8.3.5:
(1) Liquidtight integrity
(2) Accommodation of head protection meeting the dimen¬sional requirements of Type 1, Class G helmets of ANSI Z89.1, Standard for Industrial Protection
(3) Visual acuity
(4) Field of vision
A. 1.1.8 Separate standards are established for the certification of suitable respirators that include 42 CFR 84, NFPA 1981, and NFPA 1986. The choice of appropriate respiratory protective equipment for use with NFPA 1992 protective garments and ensembles should be based on an assessment of the anticipated respiratory hazards encountered during hazardous materials emergencies. The certification of nonencapsulating ensembles where there is an interface between the respirator facepiece and the protective garment requires that the manufacturer specify each type of respirator that is worn with the ensemble and the evaluation of each combination of respirator and garment to the requirements of this standard.
A. 1.2.1 This standard does not include any specific design or performance requirement or test method that demonstrates protection from particulates such as radiological particulates or particulate toxins.
A. 1.2.2 The testing requirements in Chapter 7 of this standard are not intended to establish the limitations of the working environment for hazardous materials emergencies but are intended to establish material performance.
Users should be advised that if unusual conditions prevail, or if there are signs of abuse or mutilation of the protective ensemble or any element or component thereof, or if modifica¬tions or replacements are made or accessories are added with¬out authorization of the protective ensemble element manufacturer, the margin of protection might be reduced.
Users should be advised that the protective properties in new liquid splash-protective ensembles, as required by this stand¬ard, can diminish as the product is worn and ages.
It is strongly recommended that purchasers of liquid splash- protective ensembles consider the following:
(1) Emergency response personnel must wear many items of protective clothing and equipment. Any interference by one item with another item’s use might result in ineffi¬cient operations or unsafe situations.
(2) Different breathing apparatus, communications systems, cooling devices, and other protective equipment might not be equally accommodated by each liquid splash- protective suit.
(3) Specification of additional reinforcement in high-wear or load-bearing areas, such as the knees, elbows, shoulders, and back, can be necessary. Reinforcing materials should be the same as the garment material. Purchasers are cautioned that additional weight caused by excessive rein-forcement could lead to fatigue or injury to the wearer and change or shorten the life of the garment.
A.l.3.6 See A. 1.1.8.
A. 1.3.8 Emergency response organizations are cautioned that accessories are not part of the certified product but could be attached to a certified product by a means not engineered, manufactured, or authorized by the certified product manufac¬turer.
Emergency response organizations are cautioned that if an accessory or its means of attachment causes the structural integrity of the certified product to be compromised, the certi¬fied product might not be compliant with the standard to which it was originally certified as compliant. Additionally, if an accessory or the accessory’s means of attachment are not designed and manufactured from suitable materials for the hazardous environments of emergency incidents, the failure of the accessory, or its means of attachment, could cause injury to the emergency responder.
Because the aftermarket for accessories for certified product is so broad, emergency response organizations are advised to contact both the accessory manufacturer and the manufacturer of the certified product and verify that the accessory and its means of attachment are suitable for use in the intended emer¬gency response environment. Emergency response organiza¬tions should seek and receive written documentation to validate the following information from the accessory manufac¬turer:
(1) Accessories for certified product, and the means of attachment, will not degrade the designed protection or performance of the certified product below the require¬ments of this standard to which it was designed, manufac¬tured, tested, and certified.
(2) The accessory, when properly attached to the certified product, will not interfere with form, fit, or function of any of the certified product or with the form, fit, and function of any of the certified product’s component parts.
Users are also cautioned that the means of attachment for accessories that fail to safely and securely attach the accessory to a certified product can allow the accessory to become inad¬vertently dislodged from the certified product and could cause a risk to emergency response personnel in the vicinity.
A. 1.4 Metric units are used throughout this document with approximate U.S. units provided in parentheses. The metric units are the requirements.
A3.2.1 Approved. The National Fire Protection Association does not approve, inspect, or certify any installations, proce¬dures, equipment, or materials; nor does it approve or evaluate testing laboratories. In determining the acceptability of installa¬tions, procedures, equipment, or materials, the authority having jurisdiction may base acceptance on compliance with NFPA or other appropriate standards. In the absence of such standards, said authority may require evidence of proper instal¬lation, procedure, or use. The authority having jurisdiction may also refer to the listings or labeling practices of an organi¬zation that is concerned with product evaluations and is thus in a position to determine compliance with appropriate standards for the current production of listed items.
A3.2.2 Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). The phrase “authority having jurisdiction,” or its acronym AHJ, is used in NFPA documents in a broad manner, since jurisdictions and approval agencies vary, as do their responsibilities. Where public safety is primary, the authority having jurisdiction may be a federal, state, local, or other regional department or indi¬vidual such as a fire chief; fire marshal; chief of a fire preven¬tion bureau, labor department, or health department; building official; electrical inspector; or others having statutory author¬ity. For insurance purposes, an insurance inspection depart¬ment, rating bureau, or other insurance company representative may be the authority having jurisdiction. In many circumstances, the property owner or his or her designa¬ted agent assumes the role of the authority having jurisdiction; at government installations, the commanding officer or depart¬mental official may be the authority having jurisdiction.