The wildland firefighters' work apparel is bound to follow the NFPA 1977 standards. It is created to serve as a guideline in manufacturing the firefighters' personal protective equipment (PPE) that will protect them from possible major injuries in the field. In worse cases, it could only be the PPE that can save their lives.
What Is The Standard PPE For Wildland Firefighters?
According to the NFPA 1977 - Standard on Emergency Services Work Apparel Scope, Article 1.1.4 states that "This standard shall also specify optional requirements for flame resistance, odor resistance, water resistance, and insect repellency where such options are specified or claimed to be used in the construction of work apparel."
Fire-retardant apparel for firefighters consists of a long-sleeved shirt, loose pants, a jacket, gloves, and footwear. This is the basic fire protection equipment for all firefighters.
Wildland firefighters use long-sleeved fire-retardant shirts. Long-sleeved fire-retardant shirts can protect against heat and chemical vapors. They are also available with buttons or zippers on the back, making them easier to put on. Long sleeves also allow the firefighter to move about freely and perform tasks, such as making calls. Long-sleeved shirts can provide the most protection against smoke inhalation because they provide adequate coverage if a fire breaks out. Short-sleeved firefighter uniforms are usually only used for station wear or official fire department business that do not involve fire emergencies.
Check out our firefighter station wear uniforms here!
Wildland firefighter fire-retardant pants have long pockets for gear storage. Firefighters need to carry a complete set of fire equipment to perform their field protocols and ensure their safety.
The gloves are also necessary for total protection on the hands, where a majority of the firefighters' movements are involved. Heat and fire-retardant gloves allow them to touch hot surfaces without burning their skin. It shall also seal the entryway where the heat can creep from the wrist and into the arms.
Lastly, fire-retardant boots are also a necessity for wildland firefighters. They are designed with fire-retardant materials and heavy-duty construction, making it more comfortable for them to use in any terrain. The sole of the boot should be lined with rubber for traction. A protective layer is typically incorporated into the boots to reduce further heat exposure. Fire-retardant shoes are usually made of leather, but some may have unique features to keep chemicals from dripping in during fire scenes.
The Nomex Wildland Firefighter PPE
Nomex is a fire protection clothing designed for use in various fire situations. Its unique design features are not only fire-retardant, but the nylon material and polyester fabric layer make it heat and flame-resistant. It also features a D-Ring for easy attaching and detaching, as well as a quick-dry feature.
The Nomex wildland firefighter PPE is ultimately built to help firefighters combat harsh environments. Its material is very durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. It can tolerate heat, rain, and snow, among other things, making it an excellent choice to use extreme conditions.
Nomex also has an added advantage of being cleaned with conventional washing methods. This means that you do not have to worry about the product getting dirty or spilled, which is another benefit over the other fire fighting equipment available. The material is machine washable and does not require special detergent or bleach to clean it. Therefore, you can wash Nomex water and mild detergent.
Overall, Nomex is an incredible choice of material for wildland firefighters as it provides durable and versatile fire protection clothing that is both versatile and easy to maintain.
FAQ on Wildland PPE: Why do hotshots wear yellow?
Firefighters used to wear orange apparel. However, as orange is identically comparable to fire, the firefighters can easily be mistaken as part of the fire when viewed from afar. So, the color yellow serves as a distinction of the firefighter from the fire.
It was stated in the NFPA 1977 that the considerations of visibility hazards are crucial in manufacturing wildland firefighter PPE. Particularly in Article A.1.1.6, it says that "The authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) should conduct a risk assessment and determine the level of visibility required for work apparel based on the anticipated use of such garments during these incidents. Where the AHJ anticipates visibility hazards, such as darkness, obscuration (smoke, fog, dust), and proximity to traffic, moving machinery, or heavy equipment operation, the AHJ should be aware of various types of visibility markings."
Moreover, "An additional option within Section 6D.03 specifies that firefighters and other emergency responders working within the right-of-way and engaged in emergency operations that directly expose them to flame, fire, heat, or hazardous materials may wear retroreflective turn-out gear that is specified and regulated by other organizations, such as NFPA. Users are encouraged to conduct a wear trial and develop user findings and recommendations when dealing with work clothing elements that make claims to provide moisture management. Moisture management clothing can also be described as wicking, active transport, or similar descriptive terms that imply the comfort to the wearer and moving sweat away from the body. The authority having jurisdiction should be aware that it can be difficult to objectively quantify findings or such claims. User perception of comfort should be considered over such claims of moisture management."
The Goal of NFPA 1977 Standards
To understand the purpose of NFPA guidelines, it was written in article 1.1.7 that "This standard shall not be construed as addressing all of the safety concerns associated with the use of compliant work apparel garments for their personnel. It shall be the responsibility of the persons and organizations that use compliant work apparel garments to establish safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use."
Certified NFPA 1977 Standards For Wildland PPE
Standard Fire-Retardant Apparel for Wildland Firefighters can save lives! Firefighters are regularly exposed to situations where they combat hazards. NFPA 1977 standards ensure that they wear protective clothing made from materials specifically designed to protect them from fire, smoke, and heat and perform their duties safely.
Check out our selection of advanced wildland PPE certified with NFPA 1977 standards!
