NFPA 1971
STANDARD REGARDING PROTECTIVE OUTFITS OR SUITS FOR STRUCTURAL FIREFIGHTING AND FIRE PROXIMITY
The NFPA 1971 standard specifies the basic minimum requirements and test methods for protective clothing and processes related to structural firefighting and fire proximity.
REQUIREMENTS FOR NFPA 1971 STANDARD CERTIFICATION
TEST METHOD
DESCRIPTION
MINIMUM COMPLIANCE VALUES
ASTM D6413
Each individual layer of the outfit must be tested separately. Fabrics with tags that specify that they must be washed must be tested before and after 100 wash and dry cycles. The time of exposure to flame is 12 seconds. After exposing the garment to flame and allowing the fabric to cool, the appropriate weight must be hung in order to give the tearing enough force in accordance with the Table:
| Tear force for determining charred length | ||||
| g/m² | Fabric weight oz/yd² | Total tear | Force | |
| 68 to 203 | 2.0 to 6.0 | 100 | 4.0 | |
| 203 to 508 | 6.0 to 15.0 | 200 | 8.0 | |
| 508 to 780 | 15.0 to 23.0 | 300 | 12.0 | |
| More than 780 | More than 23.0 | 475 | 16.0 |
Both the fabric and the reflective tapes used in flame resistant garments must have a charred length of less than or equal to 100 mm (4 inches) as well as a post-glow of no more than 2 seconds. The fabric cannot drip or melt. The gas used must be methane.
ISO 17493
Heat resistance 260 ºC.
Fabric and accessories used in producing the garment must not burn nor melt and must not shrink more than 10%. Each layer is tested separately before and after the washing process.
ASTM D5587
American standard that describes the test method for tear resistance.
Tear resistance of external material and collar lining material must be > 100 N. For the thermal barrier, moisture barriers and winter linings, the tear resistance must be > 22 N. These are tested before and after the washing process.
ASTM D5034
American standard that describes the test method for traction resistance.
Traction resistance of exterior material and collar lining material must be > 623 N.
ASTM F1939
American standard to test the radiant heat resistance of fire resistant protective clothing materials using continuous heat.
Exterior layer > 20 seconds.
AATCC 42
Resistance to water penetration.
The moisture barrier must have a resistance of > 172 KPa.
AATCC 135
American standard for testing dimensional stability.
< 5% in any direction.
ASTM F1868
Standard American test method for thermal resistance and evaporation for clothing materials by using a hot place to simulate perspiration.
ISO 17492
Thermal protection/TPP value. The test is performed with a heat flow of 84 kW/m² ± 2 kW/m².
TPP Value > 35 (group of materials in exterior fabric + moisture barrier + thermal barrier).
Sectors where the NFPA 1971 standard is applicable
FIREFIGHTERS
INDUSTRIAL LAUNDRIES
