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Update to the latest NFPA 1994 to provide fire and emergency service personnel with vital PPE for haz-mat emergencies and CBRN terrorism incidents.

Newly renamed, NFPA 1994: Standard on Protective Ensembles for First Responders to Hazardous Materials Emergencies and CBRN Terrorism Incidents establishes the minimum requirements for the design, performance, testing, documentation, and certification of protective ensembles and ensemble elements for protection of emergency first responder personnel from chemicals, biological agents, and radiological particulate (CBRN) terrorism agents.

Major changes and a modified scope make the 2018 edition essential.

The scope and title of the Standard are revised to include hazardous materials and CBRN, to clarify that NFPA 1994 is also applicable to incidents that are not terrorism in nature, such as outbreaks in Ebola and cholera. In addition:

• Class 1 ensemble requirements are re-established, with provisions that parallel the 2016 edition of NFPA 1991 plus add practical criteria for both material barrier performance and overall design.
• Ruggedized categories of certification (Type R) are added for Classes 2, 3, and 4 to address the increasing use of the garments in harsher environments, such as urban search and rescue and law enforcement applications.
• Broadened footwear options allow for more flexibility when a chemical protective sock is used in coordination with the boot.
• New specific criteria address separate hoods and elastomeric gasket materials.
• Optional criteria are added for flash fire protection for all ensemble levels with a minimum level of flame resistance established for Class 1 ensembles.
• New stealth optional indicators for audible signatures and color address tactical operator concerns.
• Modified test methods following interlaboratory and intralaboratory validation efforts help ensure consistency.