Rebecca Spayne, Managing Editor of Fire Buyer explores how NFPA 1970 is redefining firefighter PPE, driving modular innovation, material compliance, and inclusive ensemble design.
The evolution of personal protective equipment (PPE) for firefighters is not just a story of technological advancement—it is a strategic response to increasingly complex and hazardous operating environments. As the profile of fire risks has shifted from traditional structural threats to include wildland-urban interface (WUI) fires, lithium-ion battery incidents, and prolonged exposure to toxic environments, the demand for performance-driven and standardised PPE has intensified.
In recent years, a growing international consensus has emerged around the need for harmonisation of PPE standards. Yet, this effort is anything but straightforward. National and regional frameworks such as NFPA 1970 in North America, EN469 in Europe, and AS/NZS 4967 in Australasia differ in scope, testing methodology, and compliance thresholds. While these standards have each played a critical role in advancing firefighter safety, their divergence has presented significant challenges to manufacturers, procurement teams, and fire service leaders seeking both innovation and interoperability.
“Fire safety is a shared responsibility,” said Olga Caledonia, Director of Global Business Development at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). “Each stakeholder—from the government to the private sector—must work together to ensure that standards are not only developed, but implemented and enforced.”
The recent consolidation of five individual National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards into NFPA 1970 marks one of the most significant regulatory shifts in firefighter PPE in recent years. By integrating NFPA 1971 (turnout gear), 1975 (station/work uniforms), 1981 (SCBA), 1982 (PASS), and 1999 (emergency medical garments), the NFPA has moved decisively toward a system-level approach to PPE regulation—one where ensemble performance takes precedence over individual component certification.
Doug Dafler, Director of Sales – Fire (US) and Lee Glanville Rothman, Business Development Manager, Global – Pacific Helmets at Lakeland explained: “NFPA 1970:2025 is not the beginning of standard consolidation, but rather a continuation of a trend initiated with NFPA 1971:1997, which merged turnout gear, helmets, gloves, and footwear into a single standard. The latest edition now integrates NFPA 1975 (Station Wear), NFPA 1981 (SCBA), and NFPA 1982 (PASS), marking a significant step toward unified PPE regulation for structural firefighting.”
They continued: “NFPA 1970 aims to deliver consistency in testing methodologies and reinforce ensemble-level performance expectations. We view this as a holistic, approach, which aligns with how firefighters operate, where protective garments and equipment must function together, not in isolation.”
However, the implications for manufacturers are complex, particularly regarding material compliance.
“The introduction of ‘restricted substance testing’ to NFPA 1970 has been a considerable challenge for manufacturers, including both raw material suppliers and end-product manufacturers. Lakeland Fire + Safety is responding as time-efficiently as possible by remaining closely engaged with its suppliers, collaborating to understand and integrate new material innovations that address restricted substances testing and the ongoing shift to fluorine-free moisture barrier solutions.
“The collaboration between Lakeland and our suppliers is complex, as both parties navigate the same compliance timelines to bring certified materials and finished products to market. Achieving synchronisation across the supply chain is critical to ensuring readiness without compromising product integrity.”
