Are suspenders required?

[TAE312]

Just trying to find out if suspernders are required as part of the NFPA complaint turn out gear for firefighting. Got a couple guys that don't wear them and just looking out for their safety. If anyone knows and can find the literature let me know

[MG3610]

Just trying to find out if suspernders are required as part of the NFPA complaint turn out gear for firefighting. Got a couple guys that don't wear them and just looking out for their safety. If anyone knows and can find the literature let me know

So you're looking for dirt to jamb them up or are you an officer? To each his own, if the Chief's allow it then so be it.

"looking out for their safety". I'm sure they will appreciate your good deed.

[Rescue601]

Check with the manufacture of the gear.

[ffmedcbk1]

the mfg is the best choice for it also get a look at the nfpa on PPE

NFPA 1971: Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting

[TAE312]

So you're looking for dirt to jamb them up or are you an officer? To each his own, if the Chief's allow it then so be it.

"looking out for their safety". I'm sure they will appreciate your good deed.

Not looking to " get dirt " on anyone. Not all people are like that. In fact am just following up on it for them they were not sure. No I am not an officer;

[dmleblanc]

I browsed through the standard but couldn't find any specific reference to suspenders being required. However, it's a pretty safe bet that NFPA will recommend that any protective ensemble not be modified, i.e., must be worn as it was designed by the manufacturer to be worn. In this case, if the pants were designed with suspenders, the manufacturer intended them to be worn with suspenders.

Now whether your department chooses to be fully compliant with NFPA is another question.

[Doorbreaker]

While suspenders are not "required" in the NFPA the NFPA does suggest that modification of the PPE is not allowed.
Disregarding that a simple test will show the reason for suspenders on turnout gear. Have the folks who won't wear them try crawling through an obstacle course. Then snag the cuff of their bunker pants. I would bet the bunkers will pull down enough to expose whatever they are wearing under them.

OR check your dept. SOPs. If your SOP requires gear to be worn without modifications, then they are in violation.