Understanding NFPA 1851 Guidelines For Fire Gear Rentals

If a department is already contracted with a PPE cleaning and inspection service, this is the place to start as many providers offer rental packages for different needs and budgets. If users are evaluating services, be sure to choose an experienced equipment care specialist who understands the latest NFPA 1851 requirements.

Whether users are renting head-to-toe ensembles or individual items, the following guidelines can help ensure a seamless experience. The 2020 NFPA 1851 standard calls for advanced cleanings of ensembles every six months at a minimum. The NFPA also recommends at least one advanced inspection a year.

When to Rent

Rental PPE is typically needed when the primarily used gear is sent to be cleaned, inspected, and/or repaired.

Other times, a rental program can support operational services and opportunities, including:

• Cadet programs, where PPE rentals can be put to the test during academy drills instead of wasting resources on new turnout gear. Many schools and career departments use rental PPE for their training needs. A PPE services vendor can take care of sizing changes, replacements, and the annual NFPA 1851 requirements. Typically, rental prices are set by semester and in some cases, special rates can apply that help to make gear more accessible to recruits. 
• In industrial buildings, where protective equipment must be present in case of emergency. A chemical process plant or manufacturing center may contract a rental service to help safeguard its workers. Employees who don’t wear protective gear every day can also benefit from vendor-provided training that addresses proper equipment use about common job site dangers such as electrical, heat, chemical, and biohazards as well as airborne particulates.
• When users want to try before buying. PPE rentals allow departments to experiment with equipment in the short term (typically a three- to six-month trial period) before making a long-term investment. Likewise, if users are considering a lease agreement for their PPE needs, this will allow them to better evaluate the benefits that leasing might have over purchasing gear.
• When users are waiting for new turnout gear to arrive. Rental PPE can supplement the needs between placing an order for brand-new equipment and receiving it. The garment supplier or manufacturer is likely to offer a rental package per the terms of the sales agreement or in other cases, the user might lobby for a low-cost option for temporary gear as part of good faith negotiations.

What to Ask

As users evaluate prospective vendors, keep a checklist of considerations in mind for selecting the best partner for the department, including:

• Compliance expertise: All turnout and equipment rentals should be NFPA 1971-compliant (meet minimum levels of protection from thermal, physical, environmental, and bloodborne pathogen hazards) and maintain current NFPA 1851 safety guidelines. A reliable and knowledgeable vendor takes extra care to stay informed about the latest cleaning requirements (some even play a part in shaping future editions of the 1851 standard).
• Turnaround time: Generally, rental PPE orders should be placed at least two weeks in advance to guarantee gear availability (be advised that ongoing supply chain issues resulting from the pandemic still have the potential to impact the planning). While average lead times vary, the chosen vendor should have the capacity to respond in days or even hours in an emergency. Many vendors even offer free door-to-door delivery and pickup.
• Contract terms: Be aware of late fees that can arise when rental PPE is damaged or not returned. This includes any cancellation fees that might apply if the user terminates the service prematurely. These terms are standard for most service agreements but shouldn’t come as a surprise if something goes wrong. Also, be sure to ask if the department will have the option to purchase its rental garments and at what price.

How to Properly Measure PPE

Turnout gear sizes differ compared to ordinary apparel. The following guidance can help ensure that the rental gear fits right the first time.

In all cases, do not take the measurements and consult the vendor for specific instructions.

• Chest: Measure loosely over clothing around the fullest part of the chest and below the arms with arms at rest. For broad shoulders or muscled arms and/or back, an over-the-T-shirt arm/chest measurement is helpful. As a common practice, add 4 inches to the measurement.
• Bust: (women only): Measure over clothing, around the fullest part of the bust, and below the arms with arms at rest.
• Sleeve: Measure from the center of the back of the neck, around a bent arm, to the wrist at the base of the hand.
• Waist: Measure around the outside of the pants and add 4 inches to the measurement.
• Inseam: Measure from the crotch seam (inside leg) to the top of the ankle. For baggy pants, be sure to pull the crotch uptight before taking the measurement.
• Gloves: The NFPA quick reference chart is a helpful guide for sizing structural fire gloves. It breaks down how NFPA sizes compare to most standard glove sizes:

1) Standard Sizing- XS, SM, MD, LG, XL, 2XL

2) NFPA SIZING: 70N,   70W,   76N, 76W,  82N,   82W

Equipment rentals

The rental PPE provider should be a reliable resource for any equipment needs or education that will help the department run smoothly. Whether as part of a cleaning and inspection service or for situations calling for temporary protective gear, equipment rentals are a great way to protect the crew while avoiding the cost of buying new garments.

Be sure to choose a partner that will tailor a PPE rental program to specific needs.