NFPA 1970-2025 vs. NFPA 1971-2018: What Firefighters and PPE Safety Committees Need to Know

Up until the 1970s, firefighters faced dangers with gear that often fell short. Recognizing the need for change, a team of experts, firefighters, and engineers at the NFPA united to create the first standard for firefighter PPE: NFPA 1971. This set a new benchmark for turnout gear, providing firefighters with equipment designed and tested to protect them from the extreme conditions and dangers they face in the line of duty. Over the decades, the NFPA has continuously refined these standards, always asking the question: how can we better protect our firefighters?

In September 2024, the NFPA introduced NFPA 1970-2025, replacing NFPA 1971-2018 as part of a consolidation effort. This new standard not only combines multiple PPE regulations but also brings changes that could impact your gear. Some performance criteria have been modified to reflect current industry practices and standards.

Let's explore these changes.

What is NFPA 1970-2025?

The new NFPA 1970-2025 standard combines multiple previous standards into a single, comprehensive document. Prior to this, there were separate standards for different pieces of firefighter protective equipment, which created complexity and confusion for manufacturers, testing organizations, and end users. The NFPA aimed to provide a more cohesive and user-friendly framework by consolidating the following standards:

• NFPA 1971: Sets the requirements for protective ensembles for structural and proximity firefighting, including coats, pants, helmets, hoods, gloves, and footwear.
• NFPA 1975: Specifies the standards for flame-resistant station/work uniforms for firefighters.
• NFPA 1981: Establishes the performance criteria for open-circuit self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) used in emergency services.
• NFPA 1982: Defines the standards for personal alert safety systems (PASS) used by firefighters.
• NFPA 1983: Covers the requirements for life safety rope and equipment for emergency services.

The new standard ensures all firefighting equipment works together seamlessly and meets the latest safety protocols, making it easier to understand and follow PPE requirements.

However, this update also introduces changes in performance criteria that could impact the effectiveness of your gear. In the next section, we'll go over the key differences between the new NFPA 1970-2025 standard and the previous NFPA 1971-2018 standard, and what these changes mean for turnout gear.

What are the key differences between NFPA 1970-2025 and NFPA 1971-2018?

Here is an overview of the key differences, including lower performance requirements in certain areas and adding new testing methods and material restrictions.

Lower performance requirements in key areas:

• Moisture barrier resistance to liquid penetration
• Moisture barrier durability and breathability
• Glove and footwear performance metrics
• Helmet disassembly requirements for cleaning

New testing methods and materials restrictions:

• PFAS restrictions and their impact on gear durability
• Addition of the Restricted Substances List (RSL)
• Changes to particulate protection testing (particulate blocking hoods now mandatory)

Why are some performance requirements less stringent in the new standard?

It’s no coincidence that as the NFPA standard changed to include PFAS restrictions, the performance requirements for liquid penetration, durability, and breathability were reduced. As emerging PFAS regulations continue to impact the Fire Service market and demand for non-PFAS alternatives grows, challenges with developing non-PFAS alternatives that perform as well, or better, remain. The new NFPA 1970-2025 standard allows for lower performing textiles to be certified, in an effort to bring non-PFAS options to market.

What does this mean for fire departments?

While lowering performance requirements can offer benefits like cost reduction and improved comfort for firefighters, it also comes with potential risks, such as:

Moisture Barrier Resistance to Liquid Penetration

• Reduced Protection: Leads to increased risk of liquid penetration, potentially exposing firefighters to hazardous substances.

Moisture Barrier Durability and Breathability

• Decreased Durability: Compromises the gear's ability to protect against extreme conditions.
• Decreased Breathability: Negatively affects the core temperature and skin temperature of the firefighter, potentially leading to cardiac related injuries.

Glove and Footwear Performance Metrics

• Lower Protection: Reduced performance metrics can compromise the protective qualities of gloves and footwear, increasing the risk of injuries.

Overall Impact on Gear Lifespan

• Shorter Lifespan: Across various gear components, reduced durability and performance can lead to more frequent replacements and higher long-term costs.

Given these potential risks, safety managers must evaluate gear carefully to ensure the highest level of protection. This allows firefighters to enter dangerous situations with confidence that their gear will protect them.

• Confirm Compliance: Ensure that all gear meets NFPA standards. Consider asking if the gear is certified to the new NFPA 1970-2025 standard or the previous NFPA 1971-2018 standard.
• Ensure Quality: Make sure the gear is of proven high quality.
• View Gear as an Investment: Treat gear as an investment, not something to overlook. This includes the cleaning, care, and maintenance of the gear as suggested in NFPA 1851, which outlines best practices to ensure the longevity and safety of your equipment.
• Ask for Performance Data: NFPA certification sets the minimum performance requires for the industry. Many options exceed these thresholds and you'll find a range of performance options on the market.

By following these steps, you enhance the safety and performance of your personnel, help your department comply with legal standards, and reduce liability risks. Prioritizing high-quality, certified gear ensures firefighters are well-protected and can perform their duties effectively.

What standard are Milliken products certified to?

Raising the standard for protection, without sacrificing performance.

Demonstrating our dedication to excellence, our products not only meet but exceed the more stringent NFPA 1971-2018 standard, surpassing the new criteria set by NFPA 1970-2025. At Milliken, we pride ourselves on a rich legacy of developing innovative fire service fabrics. With decades of experience, we have become a trusted partner for firefighters and first responders worldwide. Our mission is to create a better world for future generations, which drives us to develop solutions that enhance the lives of our heroes.

Our team is dedicated to staying current with the latest industry standards. A prime example of our commitment is our new moisture barrier, Assure™. This groundbreaking product is the industry's first non-halogenated FR, non-PFAS moisture barrier. With this advancement, we are now the only textile manufacturer offering all three layers of turnout gear with non-PFAS materials: Horizon™ (outer shell), Assure™ (moisture barrier), and Equinox™ (thermal liner).

Are you using the best materials for your turnout gear?

It's crucial to ensure your gear meets the highest safety standards to protect your team. Ask your gear manufacturer which standard their turnout gear is certified to and urge them to choose materials that provide the utmost protection and performance.

If you have any questions or need more information, connect with the Milliken team today. We're here to help you understand the importance of using materials that meet the necessary safety requirements for your department’s needs.