Understanding the NFPA 1850 Standard for Firefighter PPE

This document is a technical report that outlines the new NFPA 1850 standard, which consolidates the NFPA 1851 and NFPA 1852 standards related to the selection, care, and maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE) for structural firefighting. The NFPA 1850 standard is primarily applicable to fire departments and aims to enhance firefighter safety and accountability in PPE management. It introduces common definitions, program responsibilities, and cleaning standards for turnout gear and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Key changes include the establishment of new roles such as the Personal Protective Clothing (PPC) Manager and Technician, updated cleaning protocols, and enhanced risk assessment requirements for gear selection. The report details the structure of the standard, significant modifications from previous editions, and the implementation timeline, which requires training for fire department members and verification for service providers. The NFPA 1850 standard is set to become effective on September 9, 2025.