Explanation of the new NFPA 1990 consolidated standard.
NFPA 1990 Standard for Protective Ensembles for Hazardous Materials and CBRN Operations was approved and issued by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) on July 4, 2021 with an effective date of January 24, 2023. If you need additional information on NFPA or other technical issues, please contact Customer Service at 1-800-600-4019 or email customer service.
What is the new 1990 consolidated standard?
The 1990 standard consolidated the three hazmat standards currently approved and issued by the NFPA. These are 1991, 1992 and 1994. The scopes of the three standards have been combined and a reference to the new NFPA 1891, Standard on Selection, Care and Maintenance of Hazardous Materials Clothing and Equipment, which was developed in parallel, has been added.
Why do we need it?
An updated and uniform set of definitions has been added to provide consistency in terminology throughout the consolidated standard. Specific efforts have been made to streamline certification, labeling, design and performance requirements using a table format to allow for comparisons and efficient referencing relative to each type and class of ensemble.
What Kappler styles are affected?
Shown below are Kappler’s NFPA-certified products covered by the new NFPA 1990 consolidated standard.
DuraChem 200
- D2H440-9212
- D2H440-9212 CP
- D2H443-9212
- D2H443-9212 CP
- D2H632-9212
- D2H632-9212 CP
- D2H634-9212
- D2H634-9212 CP
DuraChem 500
- D5H458-94
Zytron 300
- Z3H426-92
- Z3H427-92
- Z3H428-92
- Z3H437-92
- Z3H576-92
- Z3H577-92
Zytron 500
- Z5H582-94C2RPBC
Frontline 500
- F5H582-91
- F5H583-91
The new standard addresses these areas:
- Different footwear design and performance criteria are separated to address separate requirements for ensemble socks, full boots and outer boots.
- A new test for flame break open resistance has been put together based on a government-sponsored study demonstrating the need to address materials that can potentially be compromised by prolonged exposure to flame and radiant heat sources.
- The optional overall ensemble flash fire test has been updated to a more consistent test platform based on an ASTM test method with changes to the criteria reflecting first responder protection needs. An additional optional test has been added to measure percent body burn if chosen by the manufacturer.
- NFPA 1994 Class 5 ensembles have been added to provide protection for non-skin toxic chemical threats with flammability hazards building on NFPA 1951, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Technical Rescue Incidents, for its base requirements to allow for ease of dual certification.
- All test methods have been combined into one chapter and modified to address each of the individual standards as needed.
- A new low vapor agent permeation test has been added to address the evaluation of sulfuric acid against Class 1 materials. Liquid chemical runoff testing has been established based on an ISO test method for evaluation of Class 5 materials.
- Updated, consolidated annex information is included that shows the relationship of the different ensemble types and classes to OSHA 1910.120, Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response.
Certification Timeframe
The standard allows manufacturers a one-year grace period from the effective date to certify their products to the new edition. Recent issues related to the shortage of equipment needed by testing organizations to complete testing for all manufacturers has resulted in a request for extension of the grace period for an additional six months. That request is currently being processed by the NFPA.
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