- Firefighters Urged To Consider Impact of New Science On Regulatory Requirements -
A new study, concluding that the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1971 turnout gear can be as effective at creating conspicuity as American National Standards Institute (ANSI) 107 Class 2 or 207 garments, has been released. The study, completed in April 2008 by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI), has shown that “in terms of pedestrian conspicuity, there is no apparent difference between ANSI/ISEA 107-2004-compliant Class 2 vests, and a turnout gear coat that is compliant with NFPA 1971-2007.”
3M supports high-visibility options for firefighters to wear the right garment in the right environment, including turnout gear and vests. Pending U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) regulations will require the use of ANSI/ISEA 107 Class 2 or 3 compliant high-visibility garments for all workers when operating within the right-of-way Federal-aid highways and eventually all public access roads. The regulations take effect November 24, 2008. The pending regulations are a concern for firefighters, because ANSI vests are not NFPA 1971 heat and flame resistant and are not compatible with some of the risks in their work environment.
“After reviewing the study I feel comfortable in asking the FHWA to allow NFPA compliant rig gear to be included in the 2009 MUTCD Ch. 6 as a viable option to the ANSI Class 2 vests currently required on Federal Highways,” said Mike Koskey, Springfield Illinois Fire Department. “Some of the issues we have with the vests are that they will create one more piece of material for the fire fighter to have to work around at extrication scenes; the fact that they are not fire proof and on top of our rig gear, and at a vehicle fire, it would appear they should be worn over an SCBA in order to be compliant with the law, creating sizing issues and a fire hazard.”
The UMTRI study compared the distance at which a garment wearer could be detected by a driver in a visual test during the day and at night. Four different types of garments were examined in simulated emergency scenes: an ANSI 107-2004 Class 2 vest, an ANSI 207-2006 vest, and two types of NFPA 1971-2007 turnout coats. The study found that the three categories of garments provided indistinguishable levels of conspicuity under the conditions examined. Based on these findings, the researchers concluded that NFPA 1971-2007 turnout gear and ANSI-ISEA 207-2006 vests should be considered performance-equivalent relative to compliance with the FHWA rule, 23 CFR part 634.
“The UMTRI report provides compelling scientific insight into the effectiveness of three different types of high-visibility garment options for first responders,” said Jean Waller, Market Development Manager, 3M Visibility and Insulation Solutions. “3M has always been a proponent of offering a variety of effective choices to fit job needs. We believe it is important that the 2009 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) incorporate turnout gear as a viable primary apparel option.”
NFPA 1971-2007 turnout gear can only become an option for compliance, if the FHWA adds it to the 2009 MUTCD. Fire service members interested in bringing this need to the FHWA’s attention need to submit comments by July 31, 2008. To enter a comment, log onto www.regulations.gov (docket number FHWA-2007-28977).
Commenting on the upcoming revision to worker pedestrian visibility regulations in the 2009 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
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3MColleen Harris, 651-733-1566http://www.3m.com/PressContactorCohn & WolfeKen Zanet, 212-798-9755Ken_Zanet@cohnwolfe.com
