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Firefighter turnout gear, helmet and gloves representing proper PPE care, inspection and use
Firefighter PPE Resources

Protect Your Gear. Protect Your People.

Proper inspection, cleaning, maintenance and documentation help preserve the protective performance of firefighter PPE throughout its service life. Access Ricochet care and use guidance and complete the NFPA 1850 training exam.

Take the NFPA 1850 Training Exam View Care & Use Resources
Online PPE Training

NFPA 1850 Training & Exam

Build a stronger understanding of firefighter PPE inspection, cleaning, maintenance, storage and documentation through Ricochet’s online NFPA 1850 training program.

Complete the exam with a score of 85% or higher to receive verification of completion for your department training records.

Take the Online Exam Review the Training Guide
  1. Review the Guide Learn the inspection, cleaning and maintenance guidance.
  2. Complete the Exam Answer the online assessment at your own pace.
  3. Score 85% or Higher Demonstrate your understanding of the training material.
  4. Receive Verification Document completion for departmental training records.
WHY PPE CARE MATTERS

Proper Care Protects More Than Your Gear

Routine inspection, cleaning and maintenance help preserve the protective performance of firefighter PPE while supporting firefighter safety, department readiness and long-term equipment value.

1

Improve Firefighter Safety

Identify damage, contamination and excessive wear before gear is returned to service, helping ensure firefighters remain protected on every response.

2

Support Department Compliance

Follow consistent inspection, cleaning and documentation practices that align with current NFPA guidance and department procedures.

3

Extend Gear Life

Proper maintenance helps maximize the service life of protective clothing while reducing avoidable damage and unnecessary replacement costs.

4

Maintain Operational Readiness

Help ensure PPE is clean, properly maintained and ready whenever your department responds to the next emergency.

CARE GUIDANCE

Key Care Practices

Following consistent inspection, cleaning and maintenance practices helps preserve the protective performance of firefighter PPE throughout its service life. Always refer to your garment's Care & Use Guide and product-specific User Information Guide for complete instructions.

Structural Firefighting PPE

  • Inspect garments after every use for damage, contamination and excessive wear.
  • Follow manufacturer-approved cleaning procedures and detergents.
  • Separate outer shell and liner components when required by the garment instructions.
  • Close all zippers, snaps and hook-and-loop closures before laundering.
  • Completely dry garments before returning them to service.
  • Document inspections, cleaning, repairs and retirement decisions.

EMS & Technical Rescue PPE

  • Inspect garments regularly for wear, contamination and damaged closures.
  • Wash according to the garment label using approved detergents.
  • Avoid bleach, fabric softeners and unapproved cleaning chemicals.
  • Verify garments are fully dry before storage or reuse.
  • Remove damaged garments from service until properly evaluated or repaired.
  • Follow the product-specific User Information Guide for complete care procedures.
Important: This section summarizes recommended care practices. Always follow the instructions provided with your specific Ricochet garment, applicable department procedures and current NFPA guidance.
Supporting Resources

Continue Learning

Explore additional guidance on turnout gear care, service life, non-PFAS requirements and the factors that influence comfort and performance.

PPE Care & Longevity

PPE Longevity: 5 Proven Methods and 5 Common Pitfalls

Review practical methods for inspection, cleaning, storage and maintenance, along with common practices that can shorten the service life of firefighter PPE.

Read the Article
NFPA 1970

Does NFPA 1970 Require Non-PFAS Turnout Gear?

Understand what NFPA 1970 does and does not require regarding non-PFAS turnout gear, restricted substances and optional verification.

Read the Article
Non-PFAS Gear Care

Do Non-PFAS Turnout Gear Cleaning Requirements Change?

Learn whether the transition to non-PFAS materials changes established turnout gear cleaning, inspection and maintenance procedures.

Read the Article
Fit & Performance

What Actually Makes Turnout Gear Comfortable?

Explore how fit, patterning, mobility, materials and garment construction work together to influence firefighter comfort and operational performance.

Read the Article
Training & Gear Care

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers about the NFPA 1850 Training Exam, certificates, inspection, cleaning, maintenance and department PPE programs.

Frequently Asked Questions
About Training Exam
What is the Ricochet NFPA 1850 (1851) Training & Exam?
The Ricochet NFPA 1850 (1851) Training & Exam is a free educational program designed to help fire departments understand the requirements of NFPA 1850 for PPE care, inspection, cleaning, repair, and retirement. Participants who successfully complete the exam receive a Certificate of Completion.
Who should take the training?
PPE Coordinators, Quartermasters, Company Officers, Training Officers, Safety Officers, personnel responsible for turnout gear inspections and cleaning, and any firefighter responsible for maintaining PPE.
Is this training required by NFPA?
NFPA establishes consensus standards. Adoption and enforcement vary by jurisdiction. Departments should follow applicable local requirements and departmental policies.
Does completion make me a Verified ISP?
No. Successfully completing the training and exam does not make you a Verified Independent Service Provider (ISP) and does not authorize advanced repairs or inspections beyond those permitted by your department, training, and applicable standards.
Can our department use this training for annual education?
Many departments incorporate the training into annual PPE education. Departments should determine how it fits within their own training and compliance program.
Taking the Exam
Is the study guide required?
Reviewing the study guide before taking the exam is strongly recommended.
Where can I download the study guide?
The study guide is available on the Care & Use page.
What score do I need to pass?
Participants must achieve 85% or higher to receive a Certificate of Completion.
How long does the exam take?
Most participants complete the exam in approximately 20–30 minutes after reviewing the study guide.
Can I retake the exam?
Yes. Participants may review the material and retake the exam until a passing score is achieved.
Do I receive a certificate?
Yes. Participants who pass the exam receive a Certificate of Completion.
NFPA 1850 Care & Maintenance
What changed from NFPA 1851 to NFPA 1850?
NFPA 1850 consolidates requirements for selection, care, maintenance, inspection, retirement, and documentation of protective ensembles.
How often should turnout gear be inspected?
Inspect PPE after every use and perform comprehensive inspections as required by NFPA, the manufacturer, and departmental policy.
Why is routine cleaning important?
Routine cleaning removes contaminants, helps maintain protective performance, and may extend service life.
Can improper cleaning damage turnout gear?
Yes. Improper detergents, bleach, excessive heat, or incorrect washing procedures can damage PPE.
Can departments perform advanced cleaning in-house?
Departments may perform advanced cleaning when personnel, equipment, and procedures comply with NFPA requirements and manufacturer instructions.
How do I know when turnout gear should be repaired or retired?
Gear should be evaluated according to manufacturer instructions, inspection findings, and applicable NFPA requirements. When PPE can no longer provide adequate protection, it should be repaired by qualified personnel or retired from service. Cost studies and age of gear can help determine if PPE should be repaired or replaced.

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