Why Clean and Repair?

NFPA 1851

NFPA 1851 is a standard created in 2008 by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) which specifies the minimum standards for selection, care and maintenance of personal protective ensembles for structural firefighters. These standards are established to help ensure both the longevity of the equipment, as well as the safety of those individuals who rely on the successful performance of this equipment.

The NFPA 1851 standard is re-evaluated and necessary changes are made approximately every five years. The most current revision is the 2020 edition. The next revision is scheduled for 2025.

As we become increasingly aware of the wide variety of hazards that modern firefighters face, it only makes sense to implement NFPA 1851. Firefighters rely on the proper function of their equipment in order to remain safe in a very hostile environment. Additionally, there are important short and long-term safety considerations from inevitable exposure to biological pathogens, caustic and toxic chemicals, and carcinogens. These chemical and biological hazards can be inadvertently released into the firehouse by improper handling of PPE.

Southwest PPE

Hazard Categories

NFPA 1851 recognizes nine categories of hazards that firefighters potentially encounter:

  • Physical -including projectiles, sharp objects, abrasive surfaces, and slippery surfaces.
  • Environmental -including ambient heat, cold, water, wind, and low lights.
  • Thermal -including high convective and radiant heat, steam, hot liquids, and molten metals..
  • Chemical -including inhalation, absorption, injection and chemical explosions.
  • Biological -including blood borne and airborne pathogens, and biological allergies.
  • Electrical -including high voltage, arc flashover and static charges.
  • Radiation -including ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.
  • Operational -including drowning and falling.
  • Ergonomic -including range of motion, comfort, visibility, communication ease, and back support.

Firefighter PPE

Firefighter PPE is specifically designed to reduce as many of these hazards as possible. PPE, which is well-maintained, is able to retain the integrity of its protective features for the ten-year lifetime of the equipment. On the other hand, poorly maintained equipment can present a direct hazard to the user. For instance, prolonged exposure to smoke residue can weaken garment integrity. Broken stitches, charring, and burn holes in the outer garment increase the danger of physical, chemical, electrical and biological hazards. Shifting or loose thermal and moisture barriers can sharply reduce their ability to withstand heat, electrical and environmental hazards.

Improperly cleaned garments that have been exposed to biological, chemical and radiation hazards can expose other firefighters, family members and the surrounding community to toxic chemicals and pathogens.

There is an economic benefit to properly maintaining equipment as well. Investing in the proper maintenance of equipment will reduce the overall PPE budget. Additionally, PPE which is at the end of operational life can still fulfill useful roles in training and public education events.

Our Process

i

GEAR CHECK-IN

During Gear Check-In, we verify that the gear information provided on the incoming paperwork is accurate (serial numbers, name of firefighter, item count, etc.) and correct any deficiencies. We check all pockets to ensure there are no misplaced items. We assume all incoming gear is potentially biologically or chemically contaminated.

i

GEAR SEPARATION & TAGGING

We separate the liners, moisture barriers and thermal barriers and tag all gear. The tagging helps us ensure that the gear is properly tracked during the cleaning, testing and inspection process. It also helps us ensure that the gear will be ready to return by our promised date.

i

CHEM/BIO HAZARD SOAK

The gear (outer shell jackets, pants, gloves, etc.) is given a pre-cleaning soak to remove potential hazards. This soak lasts from 10 minutes to 12 hours depending on the initial state of cleanliness.

i

EXTRACTOR CLEANING

Once the gear is free of potential chemical or biological hazards, it is cleaned in our extractors using environmentally friendly cleaning products.

i

AIR DRYING

Once the gear is cleaned it is placed on hangers and allowed to air dry to the point where we can conduct necessary tests and inspections. We take care to ensure the gear is not exposed to direct or indirect UV light which might damage the integrity of the fabrics.

i

HYDROSTATIC TEST

We begin our hydrostatic test with an evaluation of transmission light looking for obvious defects or blemishes. We then hydrostatically test jacket moisture barriers at a minimum of eight common wear locations and pants moisture barriers at a minimum of five locations to verify the integrity of the fabric. We document the results and, if the gear fails, evaluate the cost of repairs.

i

LIGHT TEST

We conduct a light test of gear shells and thermal barriers to find spots of excessive wear, seam failures, and weak spots. As with Hydrostatic Testing, we document the results, evaluate any gear deficiencies, and evaluate the cost of repairs.

i

PHYSICAL INSPECTION

Once the hydrostatic and light tests are complete, we conduct an advanced physical inspection of all gear. This inspection is a 14 to 23-point inspection (depending on the type of gear) that evaluates such things as seam integrity, trim integrity and reflectiveness, closure system integrity, flame or heat damage, missing hardware or fasteners, etc. As with our other tests, the results are thoroughly documented.

i

IS GEAR UNDER WARRANTY?

If gear fails a test or inspection, we will help determine if the repair is covered under warranty. If it is, we will assist you with the warranty process.

i

IS REPAIR COST EFFECTIVE?

If the gear is not under warranty, we will help you evaluate the cost effectiveness of repairing the gear using NFPA 1851 Guidelines. The cost of repairs is compared to the projected lifetime and previous history of the gear to help you determine the best solution.

i

REPAIR & FINISH INSPECTIONS

Once it is determined that the gear can be cost effectively repaired, those repairs are made and documented.

i

WORK WITH YOU TO DETERMINE NEXT ACTION

If gear repairs are not deemed not cost effective, we will help you determine the next course of action both in terms of replacing the failed gear and possible uses for the failed gear.

i

REASSEMBLY & DOCUMENT CHECK

Upon completion of cleaning, testing and inspection, the gear is reassembled. We double check serial numbers to ensure the proper subassembly components are used. The gear is given a final inspection to make sure that all gear and corresponding paperwork is complete.

i

PACKAGE GEAR & DOCUMENTATION

The gear is wrapped and packaged for shipment in plastic drums along with the corresponding paper documentation. We also record the documents electronically.

i

RETURN CLEANED & INSPECTED GEAR

We are committed to returning your gear in a prompt and professional manner and making sure that you have everything you need to document NFPA 1851 compliance.
Contact Us