ISSUES & TRENDS REGARDING STRUCTURAL PPE AND HOW IT RELATES TO NFPA 1851

ISSUES & TRENDS REGARDING STRUCTURAL

PPE AND HOW IT RELATES TO NFPA 1851

Patricia A. FreemanTechnical Services Manager

Globe Manufacturing Co., LLC

June 6, 2014

LAB GIRLS AT WORK!

NFPA = National Fire Protection Assn. – Standards Writing Body– Instituted in 1896– Headquartered in Quincy, MA, USA– Over 200 Balanced Committees

•Voluntary Compliance– No Enforcement Authority

•5 Year Revision Cycle

THE VIEWS PRESENTED….……

ARE NOT NECESSARILY MY OWN

NFPA STANDARDS PROCESS • ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

•Correlating Committee

• Technical Committee

• Balanced membership

User Labor

Insurer Research

Special Expert Enforcer

Consumer ManufacturerInstallation/maintenance

NFPA STANDARDS PROCESS

•INPUT STAGE

•FIRST DRAFT

•COMMENT STAGE

•SECOND DRAFT

•NITMAM

•ISSUE DATE

•EFFECTIVE DATE

•APPROVAL DATE

NFPA 1971 - Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting

and Proximity Fire Fighting, 2013 edition

NFPA 1851 – Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Protective

Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting, 2014 edition

NFPA 1971 - Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting

and Proximity Fire Fighting, 2013 edition

-Strictly a new product standard and as such does not deal with aftermarket

issues

-Parent standard for NFPA 1851

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

AS DEFINED BY NFPA 1971, PROTECTIVE CLOTHING INCLUDES: COATS

PANTS HELMETS HOODS GLOVES FOOTWEAR INTERFACE

ELEMENTS

Protective Garments are Comprised of a Three Layer

System……………..• Outer Shell

– Provides tough, durable first line of defense against heat & flame and physical damage

• Thermal Liner– Protection from thermal exposure

• Moisture Barrier– Prevents moisture from entering

the system

Ou

ter

Sh

ell

Mois

ture

Barr

ier

Th

erm

al B

arr

ier

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTSSingle layers and components

– Trapezoidal Tear Strength: 22 lb./5lb. minimum– Cleaning Shrinkage: 5% maximum (W & F)– Heat & Thermal Resistance:

• No melting, dripping, separation or ignition– Vertical Flammability: 4” char & 2 sec. after flame– Seam Strength: 150 lbs./75 lbs./40 lbs. minimum– Garment hardware: Salt spray corrosion– Labels: Durability and legibility– Trim: Reflectivity and fluorescence

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTSSingle layers and components

– Outer shell breaking strength: min 140 lbs.– Outer shell cannot char: 500F/5 mins– Outer shell water absorption: max 30%– Fastener tape requirements: peel, shear, cycle– Heat & Thermal Shrinkage: max 10%– DRD seams and splices: min 1,573 lbs– DRD functionality test: time to deploy & drag– Thread: Heat resistance

ADDITIONAL MOISTURE BARRIER REQUIREMENTS

Resistance to Light: UV exposure

Water Resistance: 25 psi

Liquid Penetration Resistance: • No penetration after 1 hour

– Fuel C– 37 % Sulfuric Acid– FR Hydraulic Fluid– AFFF – Chlorinated Water

Viral Penetration Resistance: • No penetration after 1 hour

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTSGarment Composite Layers

– Thermal Protective Performance• Minimum TPP of 35

– Total Heat Loss• Minimum THL of 205 w/m²

– Conductive, compressive heat resistance• Time to burn not less than 25 seconds

– Stored Energy Test• 130 seconds until 2nd degree burn

– Overall Liquid Penetration• Whole mannequin shower test – no water entry

THERMAL PROTECTIVE PERFORMANCE

OVERVIEWTest measures the ability of the garment composite to prevent heat from passing through the layers

METHODThe composite is subjected to

radiant heat & flame, simulating flashover conditions. The rating is determined on the Stoll curve

and represents the point at which human skin would reach 2nd degree burn.

TOTAL HEAT LOSSGUARDED SWEATING HOT PLATE

– This test measures the ability of the garment composite to dissipateheat through the layers

INVERSE RELATIONSHIP WITH TPP

CCHRCONDUCTIVE, COMPRESSIVE, HEAT RESISTANCE

The CCHR rating is the time in seconds to 2nd degree burn in compressed areas of the garments

– Shoulder area is tested under a pressure of 2 psi;– Knee area is tested under a pressure of 8 psi.

The 2013 requirement is that it must take at least 25 seconds in tested compressed areas,

before a 2nd degree burn occurs

STORED THERMAL ENERGY• New test added to the 2013 edition of the

standard.

• Fire fighters can receive burns in ordinary fire ground operations, with no apparent or obvious damage to the protective clothing.

• Burns can be referred to as stored energy burns, steam burns, and/or compression burns.

• Commonality seems to be arms and shoulders

STORED ENERGY TEST

► PERFORMED ON SLEEVE SHELL ATTACHMENTS

►TEST PARAMETERS:120 second exposure 5 second delay60 second compression5 second delay

►REQUIREMENT: 130 seconds until 2nd degree burn

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

• Overall Liquid

Integrity Test

Performed on coats

and pants as an

ensemble

–Every style

–Every closure

–20 minute exposure

DESIGN REQUIREMENTS• Liner system

– Means to secure liner to shell; mechanism used to attach liner to shell maximum 1” and not expandable

– Extend to neckline of coats, waist of pants– Extend to 1” at coat cuffs and 3” on coat hem and pant cuffs

• Closure systems– Continuous thermal & moisture protection– Secured with positive fasteners

• Collar– Minimum 3” in height with closure system– TPP Performance of all three layers

• Cargo Pockets– Must have means of drainage

DESIGN REQUIREMENTS• Wristlets

– Close fitting knit; minimum TPP of 20

• Sizing– Must be available in both male & female patterns– Chest, waist, inseams in 2” increments; sleeve lengths in 1”– Chest & waist size 28” to 60”; inseams 24” to 36”; sleeves 28” to 38”

• Trim – Must have both retroreflective and fluorescent properties

Solid trim must be a minimum of 2” wide and triple trim must be 3” wide to attain min. requirements

NFPA 1851 – Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Protective

Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting,

2014 edition

- Strictly a user document, intendedfor organizations as a standard for

maintaining their gear safely

Chapter 1: Administration

Chapter 2: Referenced Publications

Chapter 3: Definitions

Verified Independent Service Provider –

an independent service provider verified by a third

party certification organization to conduct any one or

a combination of advanced inspection, advanced

cleaning, basic repair, or advanced repair service.

NFPA 1851 – 2014 EDITION

Chapter 4: Program

-Record Keeping

-Manufacturers Instructions

Chapter 5: Selection

-Risk Assessment

-Interface

-Wear Test


The organization is responsible for establishing guidelines for when an element is found to be in need of cleaning, decontamination, or repair, and determining the appropriate action

Routine Inspection is performed by user, upon issue and after each use

• Soiling• Contamination• Physical damage• Thermal damage• Reflective trim• Seam integrity• Assembly & size compatibility of shell, liner & DRD

Chapter 6 – INSPECTION


SCORCHING SIGNS OF WEAR

UV DEGRADATION

Performed by element manufacturer, a manufacturer trained organization, a verified ISP, or verified organization, at a minimum 12 months, or when routine inspections indicate a problem could exist.

Findings of advanced inspections must be documented

The element manufacturer or a verified ISP and the organization determines the level of training to perform advanced inspections and shall provide written verification of training.

-Verified organizations making this determination do not need written verification

ADVANCED INSPECTION


In addition to all of the items in a routine inspection, the following are also inspected:

• System fit/overlap• Material integrity, including wristlets• Loss of moisture barrier integrity • Label integrity • Hook & loop functionality• Liner attachment systems• Closure system functionality• Accessories for compliance• Light Evaluation of Liners• Leakage Evaluation• Complete Liner Inspection


COMPLETE LINER INSPECTION

Required after 3 years in service; results documented

Performed by manufacturer, a manufacturer trained organization, a verified organization, or a verified ISP

The manufacturer or a verified ISP and the organization will determine the level of training necessary to perform Complete Liner Inspections. Training must be documented


Complete Liner Inspection – Garment Elements

The Complete Liner Inspection includes a Water Penetration Barrier Evaluation Test for the moisture barrier, which requires a hydrostatic test apparatus.

The moisture barrier and thermal barrier shall be inspected for the following:

• Physical damage• Loss of seam strength• Material physical integrity• Delamination


HYDROSTATIC TESTINGGore Hydrostatic Tester

Clamp

Liquid tank

Test plate

Pressuregauge

Hose

EXAMPLES OF WEAR TO THERMAL BATT

HYDROSTATIC TESTING

When testing the sealed barrier seam, the substrate side is down such that the film side with the seam tapeis visible.

HYDROSTATIC TESTINGJacket high abrasion areas

Pant high abrasion areasHYDROSTATIC TESTING

Organizations shall provide a means for having ensemble elements cleaned and decontaminated

Wearer is to determine appropriate cleaning level

Elements contaminated by CBRN terrorism agents immediately retired; elements suspected to have been contaminated by hazardous materials evaluated at the scene

Contaminated elements isolated and removed from service until contaminant is identified and elements receive necessary specialized cleaning

Trained member shall be responsible for specialized cleaning

Chapter 7 - CLEANING & DECONTAMINATION

General


General

Organizations must have written procedures detailing decontamination and cleaning processes for elements contaminated with body fluids.

Universal precautions shall be observed by members handling elements known or suspected of contamination by body fluids.

Soiled or contaminated elements shall not be brought home or washed in public laundries.

Commercial dry cleaning shall not be used, unless approved by garment manufacturer.

Verified ISP shall demonstrate to organization that procedures do not compromise performance.

Chapter 7 - CLEANING & DECONTAMINATION


Ch. 7 – CLEANING & DECONTAMINATION

Routine Cleaning is the responsibility of user

• Performed at the emergency scene if possible• Elements isolated to avoid cross contamination• Brush off dry debris; gently rinse off other debris as necessary• A soft bristle brush may be used • Garments thoroughly rinsed following any cleaning• If necessary, a utility sink may be used• If necessary, spot cleaning is allowed

Routine cleaning does not need to be documented


Ch7: ADVANCED CLEANING & DECON

Advanced cleaning is conducted by machine unless specifically prohibited, and is performed by a verified ISP, the garment manufacturer, a manufacturer trained organization, or a verified organization.

Members of organization who have received training shall be responsible for performing, managing, or co-ordinating advanced cleaning.

Element manufacturer or verified ISP and the organization will determine necessary training, with written documentation.

Verified organizations are permitted to determine level of training necessary to perform advanced cleaning without any further written verification.


Ch 7 - ADVANCED CLEANING & DECON

Elements that are issued and used shall receive advanced cleaning at the time of advanced inspection if not subjected to advanced cleaning in the previous 12 months.

Elements that are soiled shall receive advanced cleaning prior to reuse.

Training shall be by the element manufacturer or verified ISP who will provide written verification of training.

Organization shall refer to the manufacturer’s label information and User Guides.


Chapter 7 – ADVANCED CLEANING & DECON

Procedure

• Front loading washing machines are preferable• Machine shall not be overloaded• Pre-treat heavily soiled or spotted areas• Separate outer shells from liners and wash

independently, turning liners inside out • Remove DRD from coats and wash separately• All closures shall be fastened


Ch 7 – ADVANCED CLEANING AND DECON

Procedure• Water temperature shall not exceed 105°F• Mild detergent, pH factor of 6.0 up to10.5 as indicated

on MSDS or original product container• Machine adjusted so g-force doesn’t exceed 100g• Follow machine manufacturer’s instructions for proper

setting or program selection • Inspect after cleaning and rewash if necessary• Elements shall be dried in accordance with the

standard


Air Drying• Dry in area with good ventilation• Do NOT dry in direct sunlight

Machine Drying • Do not overload capacity of machine• Fasten all closures• Use “no heat” or “air dry only” option• If heat must be used, basket temperature not to exceed 105°F

NFPA 1851 – 2014 EDITIONCh 7 – ADVANCED CLEANING & DECON

DRYING: Follow Manufacturers instructions

Chapter 8: Repairs

Chapter 9: Storage-Store in clean, dry & well ventilated area’s

-Do not dry in direct sunlight or airtight containers

-Avoid harsh temperatures, above 180°F or below minus 40°F

-Do not store or transport with sharp objects or in contact with contaminants, Hydraulic fluids, solvents, etc.


Chapter 10 – RETIREMENT Structural fire fighting elements shall be retired no more than 10 years from the date of manufacture

Retired elements shall be destroyed or disposed of in a manner ensuring they will not be used in live fire fighting activities

Retired elements shall be permitted to be used for training that does not include live fire, provided they are marked as being for non-live fire training only, as determined by the organization


Chapter 11: Verification

Chapter 12: Testing

ANNEX


So what’s the buzz?

– NFPA 1971 has just begun work on 2018 edition– TCC has mandated extensive vetting of new tests– Task group appointed to work on gloves– Annex task group to compile explanation of intent

and history of test methods– Task group appointed to research hoods

• Sizing• Add moisture barrier layer to hoods

NFPA 1971 – 2018 Edition


– NFPA 1851 will be about one year behind 1971– Aluminized gear v. structural; risk assessment– Focus on decontamination of turnout gear

• Garment soiling and more effective cleaning– Mandatory retirement

• Questionnaire by NFPA

NFPA 1851- 2019 edition


– Non-Destructive Chemical/Biological Analysis Techniques Enabling Effective PPE Decontamination Strategies• Goal is to identify techniques for nondestructive

evaluation of clothing for specific contaminants.

• Develop detailed guidelines for applying analytical results to determine disposition of contaminated gear and appropriate decontamination techniques.

A new research project

New Research project (continued)• International Personnel Protection, Inc. (IPP) will

be lead• Technical Support Working Group (TSWG) a

branch of the Office of Combating Terrorism Technical Support Office (CTTSO) is funding the project

• Fire Protection Research Foundation is a project partner for managing external reviews

New Research project (continued)• Timing:

– Start date of early February, 2014 with an overall duration of 18 months, ending in July of 2015

– Project is expected to have guidance information available to NFPA committees in mid – 2015

• Disclosure:– All information generated will be shared with industry

through project summaries and meeting minutes. Final project report will be available to public following review by CTTSO/TSWG


• BECOME INVOLVED – YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

• Visit http://www.NFPA.org

QUESTIONS?

COMMENTS?

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

NFPA 1971 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS – Structural Clothing

Requirement Applicable to DescriptionTrapezoidal Tear Strength

Outer shell – 22 lbs.Thermal & moisture barrier – 5 lbs.

Tested as received and after laundering

Laundry Shrinkage All three layers Max 5% after 5 W/D cycles

Heat & Thermal Resistance

All three layers, components 10% maximum shrinkageNo melt, drip or ignition

Vertical Flame All three layers, all components excepting hook & pile, elastic when covered, and labels on interior

maximum 4 in. char length & 2 sec. afterflame

Seam Strength Outer shell - 150 lbs.Thermal & moisture barrier - 75 lbs. Minor – 40 lbs.

Tested as received and after laundering

Corrosion Resistance All metal Hardware 20 hour salt spray

Durability All labels legibility after laundering & abrasion

Conspicuity Reflectivity & Fluorescence All trim on garments

NFPA 1971 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS – structural clothing

Requirement Applicable to DescriptionCleaning Shrinkage All garment layers Max 5% after launderingThread heat resistance

All thread used in garment No melting, dripping or igniting after 500/5 min.

Breaking Strength Outer Shell; min. 140 lbs. New and after 10 launderings

Water Absorption Outer Shell; 30% max absorption New and after 5 launderings

Water Resistance Moisture Barrier hydrostatic test Max 25 psi- no leakage

Resistance to Light Moisture Barrier No leakage after UV exposure

Liquid Penetration Moisture Barrier – no leakage after exposure

1 hr exposure to Fuel C; AFFF;37 % Sulfuric Acid; FR Hydraulic Fluid; andChlorinated Water

Viral Penetration Moisture Barrier 1 hr exposure to surrogate viruses

NFPA 1971 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS(continued)

Requirement Applicable to DescriptionThermal Protective Performance

Three layer composite; minimum TPP value of 35

Simulated flashover with heat and flame; new and after 5 launderings

Total Heat Loss Three layer composite; minimum THL value of 205 w/m²

Ability of thee layer system to dissapate heat as received

Conductive, compressive heat resistance

Shoulder tested at 2 psi;Knees tested at 8 psi

25 seconds to 2nd degree burn under compression; new and after laundering

Stored Thermal Energy

Anything affixed to outer shell coat sleeve

130 seconds to 2nd degree burn under low heat flux

Whole Garment Liquid Penetration

Coat and Pant 20 minute exposure to shower test; no leakage

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTSPROXIMITY OUTER SHELL FABRIC

– Wet Flex: no cracking or delamination– Adhesion after wet flex: no separation of coating– Flex at low temperature: no breaking or cracking– Resistance to high temperatures blocking:

• No sign of blocking– Radiant Protective Performance (RPP)

• Minimum of 20 seconds

MFG V ISP

V ORG MT ORG USER

Routine inspection XAdvanced inspection X X X X

Complete liner inspection X X X X

Routine cleaning XAdvanced cleaning & decontamination X X X X Basic repair X X X X

Advanced repair X X X

Training provider X X

Responsibilities for Garment Inspection, Cleaning & Repair


MFG = manufacturer MT ORG = manufacturerV ISP = verified ISP trained organizationV ORG = verified organization USER = the end user

Sample Calculator For Turnout Gear Repair Limits

Amount of Original AmountYear of Year-of-Service Cost ($1,000.00) Allowed Service End Date for Repair per Set

1st year 01/11/05 70% $700.00 2nd year 01/11/04 50% $500.00 3rd year 01/11/03 40% $400.00 4th year 01/11/02 25% $250.00 5th year 01/11/01 20% $200.00 6th year 01/11/00 15% $150.00 7th year 01/11/99 10% $100.00 8th year 01/11/98 5% $ 50.00 9th year 01/11/97 5% $ 50.0010th year 01/11/96 0% $ 0.00

(excerpt from NFPA 1851, 2014 edition)

ISSUES & TRENDS REGARDING STRUCTURAL PPE AND HOW IT RELATES TO NFPA 1851

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