NFPA 1994-2018 PDF Download

The NFPA 1994-2018 standard has been updated to provide fire and emergency service personnel with essential personal protective equipment (PPE) for hazardous materials (haz-mat) emergencies and incidents involving chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) terrorism agents.

Some major changes have been made to the 2018 edition of the standard. The scope and title have been revised to include hazardous materials and CBRN, emphasizing that the standard is applicable to incidents that are not necessarily terrorism-related, such as outbreaks of diseases like Ebola and cholera. Class 1 ensemble requirements have been re-established, aligning with the provisions of the 2016 edition of NFPA 1991 and introducing practical criteria for material barrier performance and overall design.

For Classes 2, 3, and 4 ensembles, new ruggedized categories of certification (Type R) have been added to address the increasing use of these garments in harsher environments like urban search and rescue and law enforcement applications. The standard now allows for greater flexibility in footwear options when using chemical protective socks in coordination with boots. Specific criteria have been introduced for separate hoods and elastomeric gasket materials. Optional criteria for flash fire protection have been added, with a minimum level of flame resistance required for Class 1 ensembles. Additional optional indicators, including audible signatures and color, address tactical operator concerns. Modified test methods, validated through interlaboratory and intralaboratory efforts, ensure consistency in testing procedures.