NFPA 1970 (2024) ed. Summary
|
The new NFPA 1970 standard consolidates four individual NFPA standards into one:
• NFPA 1971 (2018) – Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting
• NFPA 1975 (2019) – Standard on Emergency Services Work Apparel
• NFPA 1981 (2019) – Standard on Open- Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for Emergency Services
• NFPA 1982 (2018) – Standard on Personal Alert Safety Systems (PASS)
|
 |
The new NFPA 1970 Standard will have the title: Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural and Proximity Firefighting, Work Apparel and Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for Emergency Services, and Personal Alert Safety Systems (PASS).
NFPA 1970 Timeline:
• Issue Date: August 29, 2024
• Effective Date: September 18, 2024
Implementation Timeline:
• Structural and proximity ensembles and station work uniforms: 12-month implementation period.
• SCBA and PASS products: 18-month grace period.
Consequences of the new NFPA 1970:
Manufacturers can maintain the certifications of existing products to the older standards for a period of up to 18 months (March 18, 2026) following the effective date of the standard. This grace period allows manufacturers to have products available for the new standard by going through certification to ensure product(s) meets the new standard.
|
Key PPE Changes:
• Particulate blocking capabilities for structural firefighting hoods, including full coverage of particulate barrier inside the hood.
• Testing on textiles, moisture barriers, and thermal layers to include:
o Measuring total per and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) that are present.
o Testing be performed independently and included as part of garment certification.
o Only materials that are tested and meet restricted substances limits can be used.
o Preconditioning of textiles prior to testing
o Preconditioning includes: repeated washing, heat exposures, UV light exposure, and abrasion to match “real world” use.
o Ensure that turnout gear maintains performance properties over expected service life.
o New test method to characterize the breathability of the composite.
|
|
Key SCBA Changes:
• Update intrinsic safety criteria - Reduce the available energy to a level where it is too low to cause ignition (preventing sparks) in an explosive environment.
• Integration of other electronic devices - SCBA that include a wired connection to portable radio must include radio frequency device connectors that are specified in NFPA 1802 - Standard on Two-Way, Portable RF Voice Communications Devices for Use by Emergency Services.
• Wireless Connectivity - SCBA that include a wireless connection to a portable radio complying with NFPA 1802 must include a wireless status connection indication in the Heads-Up-Display (HUD). The indicator must indicate when the device is paired with the SCBA and when the connection is lost.
• End-of-Service Time Indicator (Low air Alarm) - Modify End-of-Service-Time Indicator (EOSTI) and Heads-Up Display (HUD) indications based on cylinder pressure.
o The EOSTI and HUD indicated air levels are related to SCAB cylinder volume.
o EOSTI and HUD activation will occur at a unique pressure based on rated cylinder pressure (see table below).
| Heads Up Display (HUD) Indication / End of Service Time Indication (EOSTI) Activation Pressure |  |
|||||
| Indication | 2216 PSI Cylinder | 3000 PSI Cylinder | 4500 PSI Cylinder | 5500 PSI Cylinder | ||
|
HUD Indication |
100% Remaing Volume | 100% Service Pressure | 100% Service Pressure | 100% Service Pressure | 100% Service Pressure | |
| 75% Remaing Volume | 74% Service Pressure | 73% Service Pressure | 70% Service Pressure | 67% Service Pressure | ||
| 50% Remaing Volume | 49% Service Pressure | 48% Service Pressure | 45% Service Pressure | 42% Service Pressure | ||
| 35% Remaing Volume | 34% Service Pressure | 35% Service Pressure | 31% Service Pressure | 29% Service Pressure | ||
| EOSTI Indication | 34% Service Pressure | 33% Service Pressure | 31% Service Pressure | 29% Service Pressure | ||
Air consumption rate is still dependent on working conditions, firefighter physical condition, and the level of physical activity being performed. Fire Departments will need to conduct training for firefighters to understand the new EOSTI and HUD indications.
Soft Goods Cleaning & Decon - Mandate ease of removal of SCBA soft goods (harness, straps, padding) to allow for more effective cleaning and decontamination after fireground use/exposure to reduce cancer risk. Soft goods can be easily replaced if damaged or worn.
Conclusion - NFPA 1970 includes significant changes that will affect product offerings on new purchases. Understanding these changes will allow agencies to plan for new PPE and SCBA purchases. The new standard does not affect current already-certified gear. Manufacturers have 12 months to comply with PPE requirements and 18 months to comply with SCBA requirements.
Please Contact First Out Rescue Equipment to discuss how NFPA 1970 may impact your agency and how we can assist you with becoming NFPA 1970 compliant.