What Is NFPA 1970?

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is an independent nonprofit organization that establishes standards, guidelines and codes for safer and more effective firefighting. In August 2024, it introduced NFPA 1970, which outlines comprehensive requirements for protective firefighter equipment, including its design, testing, certification and performance.

The new code contains critical information for enhancing fire safety standards and regulations, including updates for choosing and testing firefighting equipment and apparel. The NFPA itself does not have the authority to enforce codes. However, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) uses NFPA standards when crafting its own workplace requirements and will penalize organizations that do not comply.

Understanding the New NFPA 1970 Update

The NFPA regularly updates and revises its codes to integrate new information, technologies, product improvements and safety considerations. As part of a recent update, NFPA 1970 consolidated four previous standards into a single document:

NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting
NFPA 1975, Standard on Emergency Services Work Apparel
NFPA 1981, Standard on Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for Emergency Services
NFPA 1982, Standard on Personal Alert Safety Systems (PASS)

This consolidation offers a simpler, more comprehensive point of reference for firefighters, captains, chiefs and safety officers. NFPA 1970 is divided into 24 separate chapters. The first four contain information about the code's administrative details, referenced publications, definitions and certification requirements as they apply to each consolidated standard.

The remaining chapters are code-specific. They detail more in-depth scope and certification protocols, labeling and information guidelines, design and performance requirements, and test methods:

Chapters 5-9 relate to the former NFPA 1971 standard.
Chapters 10-14 relate to the former NFPA 1975 standard.
Chapters 15-19 relate to the former NFPA 1981 standard.
Chapters 20-24 relate to the former NFPA 1982 standard.

Annexes A-H include further explanatory materials and supplemental information for enacting NFPA 1970.

Key Changes and Implications for Firefighters

While firefighters and safety officers should refer to the official NFPA publication for a full breakdown of the code's inclusions and updates, there are a few key changes to note.

New Protective Gear Requirements

NFPA 1970 issued new guidance regarding:

Performance requirements: It lists various testing methods for personal protective equipment (PPE) to enhance thermal protection, heat stress and contamination resistance.
Particulate-blocking hoods: All structural firefighting hoods must have new or improved functioning that protects firefighters from particulates. This was optional before NFPA 1970 but is now mandatory for compliance.
Sizing and fit changes: NFPA 1970 details what constitutes a proper fit for PPE and includes various sizing guidelines for different gear and garment pieces.

For individuals looking to purchase or upgrade protective equipment, the standard also clarifies how to choose durable, long-lasting, high-performance gear.

Enhanced Protection Against Non-Fire Hazards

Keeping firefighters safe means protecting them against more than just the flame — NFPA establishes standards for the following:

Controlling contamination: The code contains new requirements for cleaning and disinfecting gear to reduce the risk of contamination-related health effects that pose long-term threats to individual safety.
Testing for PFAS: With multiple states already enacting bans on gear made with perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), NFPA 1970 issues new testing protocols and insights for detecting hazardous substances in PPE. The U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports numerous potential links between PFAS and severe health risks. Textiles and garments are particularly volatile as they are worn or torn in the line of duty, which increases harmful exposure for firefighters.
Enhancing electrical safety: Criteria for testing electrical equipment components have been revised and expanded, and more direct test procedures have been added.

Next Steps: How to Integrate NFPA 1970 Into the Workplace

Adopting NFPA 1970 requires a long-term strategy — the updated guidance calls for a thorough analysis of current hazard mitigation protocols as well as gear testing and PPE safety standards. With this single standard replacing four previous individual ones, you should also plan to rework labeling and documentation practices. This will help you better manage your goals and provide an easier point of reference when preparing for OSHA workplace inspections.

New guidelines also necessitate new training. Create a safety and compliance team to:

Identify operational areas that will need to be overhauled to remain compliant with NFPA 1970.
Devise a step-by-step action plan for each relevant area — gear purchasing and upgrading, PPE testing, mitigation procedures for non-fire hazards and more, depending on your existing processes.
Create budgetary plans for each category, including immediate expenses and long-term considerations.
Establish key milestones with a completion date goal assigned to each.
Conduct multiple training sessions for relevant officers and chiefs as well as station-wide programs for all firefighters.
Review and assess progress toward each milestone and adjust as needed.
Add signage, physical manuals and other visual aids to critical areas to reinforce changes.

Purchasing NFPA 1970-Compliant Equipment

You will likely need to invest in new equipment to adhere to NFPA 1970's new and revised gear requirements. While the full list of upgrades depends on your current inventory and the plan of action your safety committee will provide, keep the following considerations in mind:

Prioritize quality materials: Partner with a reputable distributor that offers industry-tested gear made from durable, wear-resistant materials that will stand up to the rigors of fire and non-fire hazards. Bunker Gear Specialists offers custom sizing for bunker gear to ensure the best fit for each firefighter.
Look for PFAS-free labeling: With the ruling for PPE made with PFAS still evolving, now is the time to choose equipment from manufacturers with clear labeling practices regarding their use or nonuse of chemicals and other substances.
Consider PPE rental: Renting PPE is one way to supplement firefighter training without a long-term investment — ideal for training institutes, industrial facilities and fire stations without immediate budgetary room to implement changes or those who need gear on short notice.
Outsource testing and cleaning: Professional testing and cleaning services are the best way to ensure your crew's gear performs at its best. It also simplifies your path to NFPA 1970 compliance and eliminates the need to spend more time or money than necessary.

Achieve NFPA 1970 Compliance With Help From BGS

Bunker Gear Specialists has provided high-quality equipment and services for more than 25 years. Our gear cleaning and testing covers all brands and involves a thorough, multistep wet-wash process to help you meet NFPA 1970 standards and beyond. We also provide PPE rental and custom-sized bunker gear so you can equip your crew with reliable equipment when they need it. We'll even deliver it in person, ready to issue, to make things easier for you.