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Care and Use

Proper care and use of protective garments is essential, as any defects or improper maintenance practices could be harmful to the user. Ricochet provides an official FEMSA User Information Guide for Structural and Proximity Fire Fighting, Urban Search and Rescue Operations, and Emergency Medical Operations to help departments properly inspect, clean, store, and maintain protective garments throughout their service life. These resources are intended to support ongoing protection and performance as garments age. If you do not have a copy of the FEMSA User Information Guide, please contact Ricochet and one will be provided to you.

For Structural Firefighting
This garment should be washed separately from other garments and all zippers or hooks & loops should be closed. For coats, the DRD should be removed. Machine wash in temperatures of 40° C or 140° F using the “Permanent Press” setting and using liquid detergent. Hang to dry. Do not machine dry. Do not use chlorine bleach. Discoloration of any component could possibly be an indication that protective qualities have been compromised. Clothing must be inspected after each use to ensure continued performance. Detailed instructions can be found on our care and use guide here.

For EMS and Technical Rescue Garments
This garment should be washed separately from other garments. All zippers should be closed and the garment turned inside out. The washing machine should be filled to the highest level with warm water (120° to 130° F.) and one cup (8oz) of liquid detergent should be added. The washing machine should be set for normal cycle and programmed for a double rinse. The garment should be dried by hanging with good cross ventilation or placed in a dryer using the delicate cycle.

Ricochet NFPA 1850 (1851) Training & Exam 

NFPA 1850 (NFPA 1851) 2025 Edition sets the standard for protective ensemble care, inspection, cleaning, repair, and retirement. Complying with it isn’t optional—it’s about protecting firefighters, reducing liability, and extending gear life. 

Ricochet’s NFPA 1850 (NFPA 1851) 2025 Edition Instructional Guide & Online Exam equips your members with both the knowledge and written verification needed to perform advanced cleaning and inspection in-house. 

Download Study Guide

Take the Exam

Benefits for Your Department:

  • Improved Safety: Detect hidden damage early and ensure contaminants don’t compromise turnout gear. 

  • Compliance & Liability Protection: Maintain NFPA 1850 (1851) 2025 Edition-compliant records with official Certificates of Completion. 

  • Cost Savings: Avoid costly outsourcing by training personnel to perform inspections and cleaning internally. 

  • Operational Readiness: Certified members help guarantee gear is always clean, safe, and ready for service. 

  • Extended Gear Life: Proper care reduces premature replacement costs—protecting your budget. 

What You'll Learn:

  • Advanced cleaning and decontamination procedures 
  • Inspection protocols to spot early damage and contamination 
  • Recordkeeping requirements every department must maintain 
  • Retirement and repair guidelines to reduce risk and cost 

Certification Process:

  1. Review this Ricochet NFPA 1850 (1851) Instructional Guide.  
  2. Take the online exam to verify understanding. 
  3. Pass with 85% or higher to earn a Certificate of Completion. 
  4. File your certificate as proof of training and compliance. 

NFPA 1850 (1851) compliance is more than a standard—it’s a commitment to firefighter health, department safety, and responsible resource management.