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G1 NFPA 2018 Edition Standards

NFPA 1981 & 1982 Update Summary

The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), with the help of manufacturers and users alike, works to provide standards aimed at increasing the protection and safety of the men and women who serve this nation as our first responders. We at MSA work diligently in the quest for that very same thing.

Since 1986 the NFPA has released updates to these standards every five years, intended to minimize the potential dangers of fire and other risks. This site is intended to provide detail on the 2018 updates to NFPA standards; MSA has now gained approval for both the 1981 and 1982 standard, 2018 edition.

Listed below are the changes associated with the 1981 & 1982 NFPA 2018 edition standard that are likely to have the most impact on SCBA design and performance

1981

Design requirements will be added to require two distinct actions for disconnection prior to withdrawal of the regulator from the facepiece. Where a double-release mechanism is utilized, actuation of a single-release mechanism shall not cause disconnection of the regulator.

Performance requirements will be added to evaluate the strength of interface between the facepiece and regulator. The regulator must withstand a 250 N (56 lbf) load, applied in 5 directions, without disconnection or partial disconnection of the regulator interface from the facepiece.

**

Design requirements will be added to specify SCBA data logging for the following events: Initial activation pressure, pressure when HUD deactivates, cylinder pressure during use, and transmission of visual information signals (HUD). SCBA pressure data logging intervals will not exceed 30 seconds. SCBA shall retain a minimum of 36 hours of data before data points are overwritten. The SCBA wearer's breathing rate in liters per minute shall be reported at least every 30 seconds (this information is post processed after use, not available real time since cylinder duration must be entered by user to produce this data).

*

Design requirements will be added to require interoperability between different SCBA manufacturers' EBSS systems. The design requirements will specify a common operating pressure range. Furthermore, the design requirements will specify common male and female couplings. It should be noted that this coupling design does not match MSA's current EBSS coupling and accordingly this will not be backwardly compatible with existing MSA EBSS systems without conversion and associated approval efforts.

If you currently have EBSS installed on your 2013 edition MSA G1 SCBA and would like to upgrade to the 2018 standard modifications will be needed to your buddy breathing system.

1982

The 2013 edition of NFPA 1982 instituted a standard PASS alarm sound for all PASS devices. This was aimed a improving firefighter safety and interoperability on the fire ground. Following the release of this new sound pattern the NFPA Committee began hearing comments from firefighters that the new standard alarm sound was harder to hear than older versions.

To answer the demands of the fire service a more effective sound pattern has since been identified and incorporated into a Tentative Interim Agreement.

The 2018 Edition standard will add the following tests for PASS systems that include radio functionality (telemetry):

Multipath Test: Determines whether the RF PASS system will operate in an RF environment having multipath reflections as characterized in a reverberation chamber.

Multi-Hop RF Test: Determines whether the RF PASS system will operate in an RF environment having mulitpath reflections as characterized in a reverberation chamber.

1971

***

Helmet ear covers shall be capable of being detached from and reinstalled on the helmet per the manufacturer's instructions within a period of 20 minutes

Added performance test criteria for scratch and adhesion for the reflective-coated face shield

Added optional performance test for hoods with a particulate barrier

Employing a new hood measuring device

Updated method for sizing/measuring gloves

Changes to various test methods

No changes to design or performance requirements

Changes to various test methods

No changes to design or performance requirements

1951

NFPA-1951:2018 has been delayed, joining the 2019 cycle. Until then, NFPA-1951:2013 will prevail.

1851

FULL DETAILS

Visit the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for full details regarding these updates.

* Ongoing testing has shown the MSA G1 to meet or exceed this requirement. Until testing is final this is subject to change.

** The MSA G1 SCBA currently logs data every 15 seconds and retains a minimum of 25 hours of data before data points are overwritten. A simple software update will be needed to adjust the data retention methods of the G1.

*** N6A will require slight redesign to accommodate replaceable ear flaps.