Breaking Down NFPA 1850: Key Updates for Fire Departments

Background and Purpose
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is undertaking a major update to its safety standards by creating NFPA 1850, scheduled for release between April and September 2025. This new standard combines existing regulations for protective clothing and breathing equipment into one comprehensive document. The change reflects our growing understanding of firefighter safety needs and modern firefighting challenges, particularly those posed by new technologies and materials.

The Need for Change
Firefighting equipment has become increasingly complex in recent years, and our understanding of contamination risks has grown significantly. Modern firefighters face new challenges, such as fires involving electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries, which create unique hazards. Additionally, research has shown that traditional cleaning methods may not adequately protect firefighters from long-term exposure to harmful substances. The new standard addresses these evolving challenges while providing clearer guidance to fire departments of all sizes.

New Department Structure
One of the most significant changes in the standard is the creation of specialized roles within fire departments. Each department will need a Personal Protective Clothing (PPC) Manager who oversees all protective gear and a PPC Technician who handles detailed maintenance and repairs. Understanding that departments vary greatly in size and resources, the standard allows flexibility in how these positions are implemented. Smaller departments might combine roles or share resources with neighboring departments, while larger ones might create entire teams dedicated to equipment maintenance.

Equipment Cleaning and Maintenance
The standard introduces major changes to how firefighting equipment is cleaned and maintained. The maximum washing temperature has been increased from 105°F to 120°F, a change that significantly improves the removal of harmful substances from gear. This temperature increase came after extensive testing showed that modern protective equipment can withstand higher temperatures without damage, and that these temperatures are more effective at removing dangerous contaminants.

The standard also introduces comprehensive requirements for water quality and cleaning equipment maintenance. Departments must now regularly monitor water hardness levels and maintain their cleaning equipment to ensure consistent results. New cleaning methods have been approved, including machine cleaning for more types of equipment, which previously could only be cleaned by hand.

Equipment Lifespan and Replacement
While protective clothing must still be replaced after ten years of service, the standard introduces new guidelines for breathing equipment. Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) can now remain in service for up to 15 years, with the possibility of extending to 20 years if properly upgraded and maintained. This change reflects improvements in equipment durability and manufacturing, while still ensuring firefighter safety.

Protection for Equipment Handlers
The standard significantly strengthens safety requirements for personnel who handle and clean contaminated equipment. Only specially trained individuals can perform advanced cleaning and inspection procedures, and they must wear appropriate protective gear while doing so. The standard provides detailed guidance on what protection is needed for different types of contamination, ensuring the safety of both firefighters and support personnel.

Quality Control and Verification
A crucial aspect of the new standard is its emphasis on verifying cleaning effectiveness. Cleaning facilities must demonstrate they can remove at least 50% of contaminants from gear, with ongoing discussion about raising this requirement to 70% in future updates. The standard includes detailed procedures for testing cleaning effectiveness, particularly for dangerous substances like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and PFAS chemicals.

Storage and Transportation
The standard introduces comprehensive requirements for storing and transporting firefighting equipment. Clean gear must be stored separately from contaminated items, and specific procedures must be followed when transporting contaminated equipment. These requirements aim to prevent cross-contamination and minimize firefighters' exposure to harmful substances.

Implementation and Timeline
The rollout of NFPA 1850 will occur in phases. The final draft will be completed in early 2025, followed by a public review period in the spring. After the standard's release, departments will have one year to implement the required changes and complete necessary training. This timeline allows departments to adjust their procedures and budget for any required equipment or facility updates.

Impact on Firefighter Safety
These changes represent a significant advancement in protecting firefighter health and safety. The new standard creates more consistent practices across departments, addresses modern firefighting challenges, and provides clear guidelines for maintaining essential equipment. Perhaps most importantly, it reflects our growing understanding of the long-term health risks firefighters face and implements practical measures to minimize these risks.

The standard is designed to evolve as new research emerges and new challenges arise, ensuring that firefighter protection continues to improve over time. While implementing these changes will require significant effort from fire departments, the improvements in firefighter safety and health protection make these changes essential for the future of firefighting.