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NFPA 1851
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has established the NFPA 1851 standard to guide the selection, care, and maintenance of structural and proximity firefighting PPE. This standard is crucial for ensuring that gear is maintained in prime condition, enhancing performance and reducing health and safety risks from contaminants and wear.
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At Turnout Gear Specialists, we emphasize the importance of adhering to NFPA 1851 guidelines to protect firefighters. We provide in-station education and up-to-date video tutorials on the latest standard revisions, as well as proper cleaning and inspection techniques, to help departments maintain their gear effectively.
Records
The standard requires documentation and maintenance of records on firefighting PPE elements, including rental and loaner gear. Record information should include:
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Whom gear is issued to
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Manufacturer details
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Inspections, cleanings, and repairs to the gear
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When gear is retired and its disposal method
Record keeping is aimed at reducing safety risks related to poorly maintained, contaminated, or damaged PPE. Learn more about our free record keeping system.
Selection
Prior to starting the selection process, a risk assessment should be performed in order to evaluate the comparative strengths and weaknesses of the elements under consideration, ensure the proper interface between ensemble elements, and confirm the PPE is suitable for the hazards your fire department will encounter.
A field evaluation may be conducted in order to compare the performance of the products.
Routine Inspection
Before and after wearing your gear, check for wear and tear! If you see something say something, as soon as possible. You want to keep up on minor repairs before they become irreparable. Individual members of your department should conduct a Routine Inspection of their PPE at the beginning of each shift and after each use to inspect for soiling, contamination, or physical damage. If the gear fails any part of this inspection, an Advanced Inspection should be performed.
Advanced Inspection
An Advanced Inspection should be performed by a verified ISP, a manufacturer-trained organization, or the product manufacturer annually or whenever a Routine Inspection determines potential damage. The standard outlines the inspection points for each product.
Prelim Exposure Reduction
End users should perform Preliminary Exposure Reduction immediately after exiting the emergency scene at any incident where their gear has become soiled or contaminated. Dry or wet mitigation techniques must be conducted prior to the removal of PPE and then elements must be isolated and bagged. Where possible, bagged elements shall not be transported in the passenger areas of the apparatus or personal vehicles.
Following Preliminary Exposure Reduction, an Advanced Cleaning should be performed.
Advanced Cleaning
Departments must conduct two Advanced Cleanings annually and anytime protective clothing is exposed to combustible materials like smoke particulates. The previously valorized "salty" look is now considered a serious health risk.
Soot and other residues on turnout gear can compromise its protective functions. These cleaning standards ensure that toxic substances are effectively removed from PPE. It's crucial that helmets, boots, gloves, and hoods are thoroughly inspected and cleaned for optimal performance.
Advanced Cleanings should be carried out by the equipment manufacturer, a trained organization, or a verified ISP. Contaminated gear must be professionally cleaned before reuse.
Discover our approach to Advanced Cleaning and how we ensure your gear's safety and longevity.
Repair
It’s important to send your gear to an ISP when repairs are needed. It’s much more cost effective to repair turnout gear than to replace it. All repairs must be performed by:
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The original manufacturer
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A verified and trained ISP or
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A member of the organization who has received training
Keep in mind, an Advanced Cleaning should be performed prior to repair. All repairs and alterations must use materials and components that are compliant with NFPA 1971.
Storage
Prolonged exposure to UV rays and fluorescent lighting can damage your turnout gear. Keeping your gear tucked away from harsh lighting will help protect it. Before storing firefighting PPE, your garments should be clean and dry, avoiding contact with contaminants, such as oils, solvents, acids or alkalis.
The storage areas must be well ventilated, with no exposure to harshful lighting; fluorescent lighting, direct sunlight, and indirect sunlight. PPE should not be stored at temperatures below -32C (-25F) or above 82C (180F).
When transporting, PPE should be placed in an airtight protective case or bag to prevent damage.
Retirement
Eventually, your firefighting PPE will need to be replaced. Structural turnout gear and ensemble elements should be retired no more than 10 years from the manufacturing date. Once the protective properties of the turnout gear have diminished, it is no longer safe to use. It’s important to replace your turnout gear if:
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Contaminated
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Cleaning no longer restores it after being soiled
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Defective
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Worn or damaged beyond reasonable repair
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It’s not compliant with NFPA standards
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The workplace requirements have changed and the gear is no longer usable