NFPA 1851- Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting 2008 Edition, was issued by the Standards Council on June 4, 2007 and became effective on June 24th. The first edition of this document was effective in 2001. NFPA 1851 is to be companioned with NFPA 1971- Standard on Protective Ensemble for Structural Fire Fighting. NFPA 1971 is a manufacturer standard regarding the components and construction of the ensembles. NFPA 1851 goes one step farther.
LAYMAN’S TERMS
Focusing on the maintenance of the fire fighting ensembles, NFPA 1851, aides in keeping your fire gear safe and in service. The standard, if you have hours to give, reads like dry rye toast. From the title page to the end of the index the standard is approximately 50 pages. The “meat and potatoes” of this document comes in chapters 5-10. These chapters highlight selection, inspection, cleaning (decon), repair, storage, and retirement. If you are a member of a department looking to establish procedures for your gear then Chapter 4 Program is for you. If you are looking to become an ISP ( Independent Service Provider) your focus should be Chapters 11, 12 & the Annex. But, if you are looking to become an ISP. Every word in this document is relevant- you will become the interpreter of the document.
NFPA 1851 should become a common practice document in your department. This document will not only help to keep your fire fighters safe with clean, well-maintained gear, but could save your department money by getting the most use out of the ensembles in you department. With 1 set of fire gear costing $2000 on average, why wouldn’t you want to get every day of use that you can?
I strongly urge you and/or your department to purchase a copy of the 2008 Edition of NFPA 1851, read it, study it, inquire about it, and call Shamrock Gear when you have questions.
Most every fire department test their fire pumps, test their fire hose, test their ladders-
but how many test the fire gear that protects their most expensive resource- THEIR PEOPLE?
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