Packing Specification

Emerging/Chemical/ Fire Suit Service:

1. Routine Inspection and Cleaning (After Each Use)

This is the most frequent level of service and is typically performed by the wearer or the on-site team after every use.

Visual Inspection:

-Check for physical damage such as rips, tears, cuts, or abrasions on the outer shell and inner layers.

-Inspect zippers, closures, and fasteners (e.g., Velcro) for proper function.

-Look for signs of thermal damage, such as charring, discoloration, or melting.

-Examine the integrity of retro-reflective trim and other high-visibility features.

-Check all interfaces, including gloves, boots, and the helmet/hood interface, for a secure fit and any damage.

Cleaning and Decontamination:

-Decontamination is crucial to remove hazardous substances, including carcinogens, soot, and chemical residues.

-The suit should be cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Crucially, home washing is not permitted for professional protective gear to avoid cross-contamination. Cleaning should be done by a specialized service provider or in a dedicated fire station facility.

-Use of non-abrasive, approved detergents is mandatory to avoid damaging the flame-resistant or chemical-protective properties of the fabric.

2. Advanced Inspection and Cleaning (Annual)

This level of service is performed by a certified professional or an authorized Independent Service Provider (ISP). NFPA 1851 requires this service at least every 12 months.

Hydrostatic Pressure Testing: For gas-tight chemical suits, a hydrostatic or pressure test is required to check for leaks and ensure the suit remains fully sealed. This involves inflating the suit to a specific pressure and checking for a drop over a set period.

Separation and Inspection of Layers: For multi-layered suits, such as firefighting turnouts, the outer shell, moisture barrier, and thermal liner are separated and inspected individually for damage, loss of integrity, or contamination.

Moisture Barrier Integrity Test: The moisture barrier is a critical layer that prevents steam and liquid from reaching the wearer. It is tested using a hydrostatic tester to confirm its ability to resist liquid penetration.

Repair: All repairs must be performed by a certified professional using the same materials and threads as the original manufacturer. Unauthorized repairs can compromise the suit's protective qualities and render it non-compliant with safety standards.

Documentation: Detailed records of the inspection, including "as-found" and "as-left" conditions, repairs performed, and cleaning logs, are maintained for each piece of gear. This documentation is essential for audits and for tracking the history of the suit.

3. Retirement of the Suit

All protective suits have a limited-service life.

Time-Based Retirement: Most protective gear, particularly firefighting turnouts, must be retired no more than 10 years from the date of manufacture. Some components, like the reflective outer shell, may have an even shorter service life (e.g., 5 years).

Condition-Based Retirement: A suit must be retired immediately if it is damaged beyond repair, has been exposed to a catastrophic event (e.g., a flashover), or cannot be properly decontaminated.