What was TIA 1594 for NFPA 1971 and why does it matter?

  • Tentative Interim Amendment (TIA) 1594 for NFPA 1971 would have removed the last barrier for manufacturers to begin making fully PFAS-free PPE/gear.

  • TIA 1594 for NFPA 1971 called for the removal of section 8.62 of NFPA Standard 1971 that requires a UV light degradation resistance test for “moisture barrier materials.” The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) President, Ed Kelly, submitted the Tentative Interim Amendment (TIA).  

    • Note: At the 55th IAFF Convention, Resolutions 28 and 31, both dealing with PFAS in turnout gear, passed with 99% approval. This means that firefighters themselves want PFAS out of their gear.

    • The IAFF sent out a Call to Action on 7/11/21 urging members to support TIA 1594 and to submit public comment. Read the Call to Action HERE.

    • On 7/14/21, IAFF President, Ed Kelly, closed out the EWG PFAS Conference with a powerful speech about PFAS in the fire service. See Ed Kelly's full keynote HERE.

  • The light degradation resistance test is not necessary and does not accomplish what it was intended to do: prevent the breakdown of the moisture barrier under UV light. 

  • UV light does not penetrate into the moisture barrier unless there is a tear in the turnout gear. 

  • The test was based on a dissertation done more than 20 years ago. Scientists agree that there are better – and safer – materials that we can use. 

    • Read the dissertation that the UV light test is based on HERE.

    • Note Page 8, where the author/researcher thanks Lion Gear for their support. This indicates a major bias towards industry priorities and marks a conflict of interest for maintaining a standard that is outdated, unnecessary, and does not properly take into consideration firefighter health and safety.

  • PFAS in turnout gear is not necessary to protect firefighters. Currently, companies are working on developing PFAS-free gear, and they already have two PFAS-free outer layers available for purchase.

  • An important note: Removing the light degradation resistance test from NFPA 1971 will not prohibit the use of PFAS in turnout gear – it will simply allow for PFAS-free gear to be an option for fire departments.

  • Firefighters evaluate risk all day and can have the freedom to choose what turnout gear would fit their fire department needs.