PFAS, Turnout Gear, and NFPA

In this episode, AFSO21 Radio, The Weekend Wrap-up host Kevin Ferrara provides his own opinion about PFAS, firefighter turnout gear, and the NFPA, in particular, the certification process for firefighter turnout gear and what he and many others believe needs to be changed.

Before the episode begins, host Kevin Ferrara shares the exciting news that Fire Dept. Coffee is now a sponsor of The Weekend Wrap-up podcast.  Listeners who use promo code AFSO21 at checkout will receive a 10% discount.  Even better, 10% of net proceeds from every single sale benefits wounded, ill, or injured firefighters and other first responders through the Fire Dept. Coffee Foundation.

Kevin talks about what previous guests of the show, firefighters Sean Mitchell and Larissa Conroy had to say about their thoughts on the issue of PFAS found in firefighter turnout gear and how there was a common concern between the two of them, that being what the NFPA is doing and what more they can do.

Kevin stresses the importance that emergency responders become intimately familiar with NFPA 1971, NFPA 1500, and NFPA 1851, three standards that deal with firefighter turnout gear.  Furthermore, Kevin encourages individuals with questions, concerns, and comments MUST utilize the public comment opportunity for applicable NFPA codes and standards when it becomes available.

As the episode wraps-up, Kevin circles back to an incident he has been following in Okinawa where 60,000 gallons of firefighting foam was released and spilled into a local community.  Kevin talks about the press release the US Marines provided that in Kevin's eyes, has some discrepancies that warrant further investigation, especially with many US Marines being unnecessarily exposed to the hazardous and toxic firefighting foam.

Links to topics mentioned during the episode
NFPA 1971Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting

NFPA 1971 Next Edition News

NFPA 1500 Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety, Health, and Wellness Program

NFPA 1851 Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting

Blood Testing for DoD Firefighters, Military.com Story (July 2020)

Sponsor Information
Fire Dept. Coffee
Fire Dept. Coffee Foundation

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As always, keep supporting your local fire and emergency services, stay safe, and keep on listening!