NFPA 1977

AMERICAN REQUIREMENTS FOR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT FOR FOREST FIREFIGHTERS

The NFPA 1977 standard specifies the requirements for protective garments and equipment to protect against environmental effects faced by personnel that carry out firefighting operations.

REQUIREMENTS FOR NFPA 1977 STANDARD CERTIFICATION

TEST METHOD

DESCRIPTION

MINIMUM COMPLIANCE VALUES

ASTM D1424

Standard American test method to measure fabric resistance with a falling-pendulum type (elmendorf) apparatus. Each layer of fabric must be subjected to this test if the garment is constructed of several separable layers. Five samples in each direction (warp and weft) are tested.

Tear resistance
≥ 22 N

RPP Classification

Radiant protector performance. Fabrics for garments must be submitted to radiant protective performance tests. Heat flow 21 kw/m². Three samples must be tested after 1 wash cycle.

Radiant protective performance: RPP > 7 cal/cm²

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. Flame exposure time 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 this table:

Tear force for determining charred length
g/m²	Fabric weight oz/yd²	Total tear g	Force oz
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 less than or equal to 100 mm (4 inches) as well as a post-glow of not more than 2 seconds.

ASTM F 1868

Total heat loss. The garment combination must be tested, except for exterior items of clothing for cold climates and winter fleeces. Three samples must be tested after 5 washes.

Test of total heat loss > 450 W/m²

ISO 17493

Test of resistance to thermal contraction (at 260 ºC). Contraction < 10%.

500ºF/260ºC 5 minutes.

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.