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Equip responders to guard against haz-mat dangers.

The 2005 NFPA 1991 provides requirements for the highest level of protection for emergency responders to hazardous materials incidents where an unknown threat, a vapor threat, or a chemical or biological terrorism WMD threat is present or expected. Criteria address design, performance, certification, and documentation requirements.

This latest Standard edition contains the following changes that optimize protection for emergency responder personnel:

• Former optional requirements for chemical and biological agent threats are now mandatory for all vapor-protective ensembles compliant with NFPA 1991 .
• Optional requirements for limited protection for escape only in the event of chemical flash fire, and optional requirements for protection from liquefied gas are provided.
• Test methods have been refined to improve clarity, consistency, and repeatability.
• Text refinement provides clearer criteria.

NFPA 1991 has been adopted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).