TECHNICAL NOTES Evaluation of the Performance of Station Wear W orn under a NFPA 1971 Structural Fire Fighter Protective Ensemble FINAL REPORT BY: Meredith McQuerry, Ph.D Reannan Riedy Brooke Garringer Florida State University © 2018 Fire Protection Research Foundation 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7417, USA Email:
[email protected] | Web: nfpa.org/foundation ---page intentionally left blank--- —— Page ii —— FOREWORD There has not been robust validated research conducted on the effects of station wear while worn under a NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting protective ensemble (aka “bunker gear”) in a fire and heat environment. The fire service is generally unaware of the risk that is associated with the use of non-certified NFPA garments, including synthetic fabrics, while worn as station wear garments under bunker gear. The second leading cause of fire fighter injuries in the United States is exposure to heat and smoke. The scope of NFPA 1975, Standard on Emergency Services Work Clothing Elements specifies the requirements for the design, performance, testing, and certification of non-primary protective work apparel and the individual garments comprising work apparel. The standard also specifies the requirements for the thermal stability of textiles used in the construction of work apparel. The project goal is to establish a baseline understanding of burn protection provided by garments worn under bunker gear based on their thermal stability. This project is comprised of the following tasks: • Review the requirements of NFPA 1975 for thermal stability. • Identify available reports, articles, or other documents related to the risks associated with garments while worn as station wear under bunker gear.