NFPA 1991-2016 PDF Download

The NFPA 1991-2016 Standard on Vapor-Protective Ensembles for Hazardous Materials Emergencies is a comprehensive set of requirements for the highest level of protection for emergency responders in hazardous materials incidents. It covers design, performance, testing, documentation, and certification of vapor-protective ensembles and elements used by emergency response personnel. This standard is crucial for protection from chemicals, biological agents, and radiological and nuclear particulates encountered in terrorism incidents.

The 2016 edition of NFPA 1991 brings several important changes to improve personnel protection. Updated references reflect the latest codes and standards, ensuring compliance with the most current requirements. The introduction of new requirements for the technical data package guarantees the minimum threshold of protection for users. Revised glove and footwear requirements ensure that all components, not just the garment, meet specific criteria for protection. Additionally, changes and additions to labeling requirements and test methods are important for quality control.

It is worth noting that non-encapsulating protective clothing has been removed from this standard and will be addressed in a different standard, NFPA 1994: Standard on Protective Ensembles for First Responders to CBRN Terrorism Incidents. The NFPA 1991 standard is widely adopted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and is a critical resource for fire service leaders, purchasers, Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), and manufacturers in the field of hazardous materials response.