NFPA 1851 – Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting, 2014 Edition; Reference: 8.1.4, F.I. No. 1851-14-01
Background: I’ve been recently made aware of a situation where structural fire fighting PPE were repaired with materials that were previously used and not in new condition.
As a fire chief and member of the technical committee I question whether the intent of the committee was to allow for previously used materials to be used in the repair of structural PPE. However in reading the standard it does not clearly identify that repairs should not be made with such materials. If this is occurring, and is permitted by the current language in the standard, the technical committee should make it known so that fire service organizations can specify that such repairs be made using new materials and components.
Question: Was it the intent of the committee that materials and components used in the repair of protective clothing for structural fire fighting be new and unused?
Answer: YES