The criteria for determining when to retire or repair FR clothing/garments/accessories MUST provide measurable or easily identifiable damage. The following are some means to DEFINE and QUANTIFY these deficiencies:
- Missing components (e.g., pockets, linings, reflective striping)
- Areas of fabric that show a significant reduction of fabric thickness (>25%) as compared to new garment fabric material when measured using an appropriate fabric thickness gauge
- Discoloration of fabric over MORE THAN 10% of the garment that cannot be accounted for
- Holes in the outer fabric layer that are GREATER THAN 1 square inch
- Rips, tears, or punctures in the garment fabric that are LONGER THAN 1 inch
- Seams showing separation or thread loss for a distance GREATER THAN 1 inch
- Missing, corroded, or nonfunctional hardware (e.g., buttons, snaps, closures, etc.)
Source: NFPA 2113