Changes to NFPA 1970 You Need to Know in 2025

Fire PPE compliant with NFPA 1970

Fire departments need to stay current with fire safety PPE regulations. The updated NFPA 1970 standard, which officially took effect in late 2024, brings major changes to how firefighter gear is designed, tested, and labeled. Whether you’re purchasing new turnout gear, replacing gloves, or reviewing your SCBA specs, these updates will shape your department’s decisions for 2025 and beyond. Read on to learn about the key changes for each category of fire gear updated for 2025.

What is NFPA 1970?

NFPA 1970 is a consolidated standard that now covers structural firefighting ensembles, SCBA, and more. It replaces several older standards (NFPA 1971, 1975, 1982, 1999) and groups them under one umbrella with clearer performance and labeling criteria to ensure the utmost safety of today’s firefighters.

Important Compliance Timeline Requirements

  • September 28, 2024: All new products made after this date must comply with NFPA 1970 requirements.
  • September 28, 2025: Existing products formerly compliant with NFPA 1971 must be compliant by this deadline.
  • March 28, 2026: Existing SCBA formerly compliant by NFPA 1981 must meet NFPA 1970 standards by this date.

Key Gear Updates in 2025

Common Ensemble Requirements

Fire gear across the board will now follow new guidelines for safety, labeling, and environmental impact.

  • Gear can now carry a Non-PFAS claim, based on a total fluorine test result of ≤ 100 ppm.
  • Restricted substances in textiles must remain below set thresholds.
  • Integrated electronics must meet new intrinsic safety standards.
  • Machine-readable tags are allowed but must withstand high-heat conditions.

Garments

Breathability, durability, and contamination resistance are front and center in 2025:

  • Evaporative resistance testing has been added to evaluate breathability.
  • New testing for contamination removal, UV exposure, and flame resistance.
  • Outer shell tear strength must hold up under UV exposure and environmental conditioning.
  • Moisture barriers now face modified testing for heat and hydrostatic resistance.
  • Bloodborne pathogen resistance testing offers a less aggressive alternative.
  • DRDs are now subject to a more stringent deployment test.

Fire Helmets

Cleaning and inspecting helmets will now be faster, which is critical for minimizing exposure and downtime.

  • Minimum chin strap width increases to ⅝ inch.
  • Key identification must now appear on a separate internal label.
  • Soft goods must be removable and reinstallable within 20 minutes.
  • Relaxed requirements for face shields.
  • Optional testing now available for contamination removal.

Firefighter Gloves

Expect more consistency across brands, better-fitting gloves, and better clarity in 2025.

  • An alternative glove sizing system is now allowed, but manufacturers must provide detailed hand dimension charts.
  • Liquid penetration resistance tests have been updated for improved consistency.
  • New heat resistance testing clarifications made concerning measurement of shrinkage.

Footwear

Updated testing methods ensure your boots hold up under stress.

  • Clarified flame resistance criteria.
  • More accurate instructions for assessing heat and flexing damage.
  • Changes to liquid penetration resistance testing fluid types.

Looking for quality fire boots that meet NFPA 1970 requirements? Ask us about Globe boots, proudly manufactured in the USA.

Hoods

Structural firefighting hoods will now offer broader and more reliable particulate protection:

  • Particulate-blocking layers must now extend throughout the entire hood.
  • Hoods must be available in multiple sizes, covering 5th to 95th percentile.
  • Updated testing for both composite material and seams.
  • Optional reports for contamination removal and stored thermal energy are available.

SCBA

SCBA systems now face stricter requirements for safety and connectivity:

  • Electronics must meet higher intrinsic safety and electrical arcing resistance.
  • Improved device integration, including connectivity notifications.
  • End-of-Service-Time Indicator (EOSTI) and Heads-Up-Display (HUD) volume indicators now reflect updated cylinder pressure guidelines.
  • Soft goods must be easily removable for cleaning.

Stay Compliant, Stay Ahead

The changes to NFPA 1970 reflect a broader push toward safer, more effective gear and cleaner, easier maintenance. Whether you’re evaluating turnout gear, SCBA systems, or gloves, understanding these changes is key to making the right choices in 2025.

Stay ahead of the latest fire safety regulations with FSS. Consult with the team at Fire Safety Services to ensure your department stays compliant. As a trusted fire supply store, we specialize in fire safety regulations, gear standards, and system testing, and we’re here to help you navigate the latest NFPA 1970 updates with confidence.