What is NFPA 1851?

NFPA 1851 - is the Standard on Selection, Care and Maintenance of PPE (Personal Protective Ensembles) for Structural Fire Fighting.  NFPA 1851 is the industry recognized standard on cleaning, inspecting, and maintaining firefighting gear - which includes the pants, jackets, hoods, boots, gloves and helmets issued to all firefighters - whether they are based in cities, rural communities, industrial settings, factories, or vessels.

Why should you follow NFPA 1851?

NFPA 1851 is the only standard recognized across North America by Fire Departments, Government, Industrial Factories, Bunker Gear Manufacturers, and Insurance Companies.

NFPA 1851 (2014 Edition) states that all PPE that are issued to firefighters must have an Advanced Inspection and an Advanced Cleaning, at a minimum, every 12 months .

Dirty gear can conduct electricity, ignite, absorb heat and affect the health of a firefighter.  Following fires PPE are often covered with a variety of contaminants and toxins known to be carcinogenic.  All PPE, whether it has seen many fires, training sessions and other uses, or has sat in a locker virtually untouched - is held to the same standards, and must have an annual Advanced Cleaning and Inspection.

It is important to note that the fabrics used to construct PPE - especially the moisture barrier liners - are not made to last forever.  That is why it is very important that all PPE have their annual visit to Atlantic Bunker Gear.  Our testing of the moisture barriers is an important part of the Advanced Inspection - and only through testing on our hydrostatic machine can it be confirmed whether the moisture barrier liner is working properly to protect the firefighter from potential water penetration and possible steam burns.

Gear that is not properly maintained can lead to injury and illness.  The liability issues resulting from gear that has not been maintained as per NFPA 1851 may be very difficult to resolve yet are easily avoided with your yearly Advanced Cleaning and Inspection.

The reason NFPA 1851 exists is simple - to help keep firefighters healthy and safe.

The reason you should follow it is simple - to help keep firefighters healthy and safe.

How can you follow NFPA 1851?

NFPA 1851 states that the Advanced Cleaning and Inspection can only be performed by trained and verified organizations.  Atlantic Bunker Gear is a third party Verified Independent Service Provider (ISP).  We are certified and follow all NFPA 1851 Standards.  We are the only company in Atlantic Canada that meets the qualifications to perform NFPA 1851 Advanced Cleaning and Inspections, and perform repairs on Bunker Gear.

NFPA 1851 is the Standard Atlantic Bunker Gear follows.  We train our staff to this Standard, we perform our work to this Standard, and we run every aspect of our business with NFPA 1851 as our guide because this Standard has been developed by Fire Industry leaders, including firefighters with the sole intent to protect firefighters.

Our company has been in business for over 12 years.   Our rates remain very reasonable.  We are now located at a new, larger facility in Hebbville - just outside Bridgewater.  We can help you make arrangements with our courier company to have your gear picked up and delivered to us.  Our turnaround time remains quick and we will work with you to ensure your gear is ready when you need it.