• Fire Gear Inspection-Check Your Moisture Barrier

  Filed under Fire Gear INspection, Fire Gear Repair, NFPA 1851
  Feb 11

  CHECK YOUR MOISTURE BARRIERS

  The Moisture Barrier Component in a 3 Layer system is an integral part of keeping the user safe. If not in top shape, this component can fail, allowing water in. This failure can result in injuries such as scalds, steam burns, chemical burns, viral penetration, and even death. Each element in the ensemble is only as strong as it’s weakest part. Water passage through the moisture barrier definitely weakens the whole protective ensemble to the point it should be repaired, condemned, and/or replaced.

  How can you tell if your fire gear moisture barrier is meeting the standard?

  NFPA 1851 Appendix 4.3.2.1 describes testing the fire gear moisture barrier and how to tell if it passes. The “Puddle Test” or “Cup Test” is recommended for end user field test. A solution of tap water and Isopropyl Alcohol is used and placed on the garment to test the water shedding ability of the turnout gear moisture barrier. This test can be done in multiple areas of the fire gear garment in a short amount of time to ensure it’s protective properties.

  At Shamrock, we use a Suter Hydrostatic tester. This equipment pressurizes water against the fire gear moisture barrier to test protective ability. Each testing area is complete in 15-20 seconds.

   

  What happens if the fire gear moisture barrier leaks through?

  If a turnout gear moisture barrier leaks through- it is out of service until it can be deemed repairable or condemned and need replaced. This item needs to be evaluated by a Care and Repair Center. All turnout gear moisture barriers are not the same. Different manufacturers use different seam seal tape at different temperatures and times. This does not mean your fire gear can’t be repaired, but don’t take matters into your own hands. Let a trained facility help you make a decision.

  NEOPRENE & POLYURETHANE MOISTURE BARRIERS

  Neoprene and polyurethane do a good job of keeping water out when they are new. The life span of these two materials in fire gear is very short. Some studies have shown less than 2 years to 100% of these items failing. Be careful. This is not to say you need to replace all of your ensembles, there may be other options. Contact your manufacturer rep or a repair facility.

  If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at 330-313-1220.  Our staff will be happy to answer any questions you have.

  Tagged as: Fire Gear, Fire Gear INspection, NFPA 1851, Turnout Gear
  
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