State-of-the-art PPE is essential to the health, safety, and success of wildland fire fighters. That's why fire service leaders and purchasers need NFPA 1977.

In addition to improving safety and enabling the performance of wildland fire fighters on the line, correct sizing and care help extend the service life of costly clothing and equipment. Get the latest guidance in NFPA 1977: Standard on Protective Clothing and Equipment for Wildland Fire Fighting.

This Standard specifies the minimum product labeling and instructions for the purchaser; design criteria; performance requirements; testing methods to determine pass or fail; and certification requirements for protective clothing, helmets, gloves, and footwear that are designed to protect fire fighters against adverse environmental effects during wildland fire fighting operations. It is encouraged that NFPA 1977 be used in conjunction with the respiratory protection requirements for wildland fire fighters in NFPA 1984: Standard on Respirators for Wildland Fire-Fighting Operations.

Manufacturers, fire service leaders, and purchasers should look to the 2016 edition of NFPA 1977 for:

• The latest referenced publications and product labels
• Changes to protective work glove sizing
• Changes to sewing thread testing requirements
• Performance requirements for fastener tape and garment zippers
• Changes to laundering preconditioning requirements

Advances in PPE are ongoing, and NFPA 1977 provides the latest PPE guidance for garment design, purchasing, and care.