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Structural Fire Gear
 

Certified Non-PFAS Structural Turnout Gear

Multiple certified non-PFAS composite options give departments the flexibility to choose the turnout gear configuration that best supports their operational priorities.

Ricochet offers certified non-PFAS composite options across multiple M2 structural turnout gear packages, allowing departments to evaluate different combinations of outer shells, thermal liners and non-fluorinated moisture barriers. Whether selecting a standard package or building a Custom M2 configuration, every certified composite is designed to deliver the protection, mobility and durability firefighters expect.

Firefighters wearing Ricochet non-PFAS structural turnout gear
Understanding the Transition
 

Why Departments Are Evaluating Non-PFAS Turnout Gear

Departments are evaluating certified non-PFAS turnout gear as standards, purchasing priorities and material technologies evolve. Reviewing available options early can help departments prepare for future specifications and replacement cycles.

Standards

NFPA 1970

NFPA 1970 does not require non-PFAS turnout gear. It includes restricted-substance requirements and an optional verification pathway related to total fluorine.

Purchasing

Procurement Planning

State policies, grant requirements and local purchasing preferences may affect future specifications. Early research gives departments time to compare options before the next bid cycle.

Material Technology

More Certified Options

Ricochet offers certified non-PFAS composites featuring different outer shells, thermal liners and non-fluorinated moisture barriers across all M² packages.

Department Priorities

Greater Choice

Weight, mobility, comfort, budget and specifications vary by department. Multiple certified composites allow each department to evaluate the system that best supports its needs.

What This Means

There Is No Single “Best” Non-PFAS Composite

The right configuration depends on your operational priorities, specifications, purchasing requirements and preferred materials.

The next section explains why turnout gear should be evaluated as a complete certified composite rather than as individual layers.

Next: Understanding the Certified Composite
Understanding the System
 

What Is a Certified Non-PFAS Composite?

Structural turnout gear is built as a complete protective system. The outer shell, moisture barrier and thermal liner are tested and certified together as a composite. While each material performs a distinct role, certification applies to the complete combination—not to one layer by itself.

Layer One

Outer Shell

Provides the garment's first layer of protection while contributing to durability, flexibility and overall garment weight.

Layer Two

Moisture Barrier

Helps resist liquid penetration while allowing heat and perspiration vapor to escape.

Layer Three

Thermal Liner

Provides thermal insulation while contributing to comfort, mobility and overall composite performance.

Complete Protective System

One Certified Composite

When combined, the outer shell, moisture barrier and thermal liner create the complete certified turnout gear composite. The materials must be evaluated as a system because changing any one layer creates a different composite configuration.

Compare complete certified composites—not isolated materials.

A moisture barrier, outer shell or thermal liner may offer important individual characteristics, but overall turnout gear performance is determined by how all three layers work together within the certified composite.

Compare Your Options
 

Certified Non-PFAS Composite Options

Ricochet offers certified non-PFAS composite options across multiple M² structural turnout gear packages. Compare the material technologies available within each package and identify the certified composite configuration that best supports your department's operational priorities. Every option shown is also available through a Custom M² configuration.

Outer Shell

Provides abrasion resistance, durability and the garment's first layer of protection.

Moisture Barrier

Helps resist liquid penetration while allowing heat and perspiration vapor to escape.

Thermal Liner

Provides thermal insulation while contributing to garment comfort and mobility.

Custom M²

Build Around Your Department's Priorities

Every Certified Option Available

Every certified non-PFAS composite option currently available from Ricochet can be incorporated into a Custom M² structural turnout gear configuration. Our team can help develop a specification around your preferred materials, purchasing requirements and operational needs.

Select an available composite
Customize garment features
Address department specifications
Evaluate fit and mobility
Build Your Custom M²
Multiple Packages. Multiple Certified Options.

Rather than limiting departments to a single non-PFAS package, Ricochet provides certified composite options across multiple structural turnout gear platforms and Custom M² configurations.

Moisture Barrier Technologies
 

Two Non-Fluorinated Moisture Barrier Technologies

Ricochet’s certified non-PFAS composite options feature two advanced non-fluorinated moisture barrier technologies: Milliken Assure™ and GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® Innovate. Each is available within select certified composite configurations, giving departments additional flexibility when evaluating turnout gear materials and specifications.

Assure™

Milliken Non-Fluorinated Moisture Barrier

Assure™ is a lightweight, non-fluorinated moisture barrier designed to support liquid and pathogen protection, breathability and durability as part of a certified structural turnout gear composite.

✓ Non-fluorinated technology
✓ Lightweight construction
✓ Liquid and pathogen protection
✓ Designed for breathability
✓ Abrasion and wash durability
✓ Used in certified composites
Used In
M² Maverick™ M² Prime™ M² Response™ Custom M²

CROSSTECH® Innovate

GORE-TEX Non-Fluorinated Moisture Barrier

CROSSTECH® Innovate is made without intentionally added PFAS and is engineered to support liquid, chemical and pathogen protection, breathability and durability as part of a certified structural turnout gear composite.

✓ No intentionally added PFAS
✓ High breathability
✓ Liquid and pathogen protection
✓ Chemical penetration protection
✓ Wash and heat durability
✓ Used in certified composites
Used In
M² Prime™ M² Response™ M² USAF  M² Custom
✓

Choosing Between Moisture Barrier Technologies

There is no single "best" non-fluorinated moisture barrier for every department. Both technologies are available within certified non-PFAS turnout gear composites and should be evaluated as part of the complete turnout gear system—not as individual materials. The right choice depends on your department's specifications, operational priorities and preferred material technologies.

  • Evaluate complete certified composites rather than individual layers.
  • Consider the entire turnout gear system when comparing options.
  • Work with your Ricochet representative to identify the certified composite that best aligns with your department's needs.

Want to Compare the Technologies in More Detail?

Our technical resource provides a deeper comparison of Milliken Assure™ and GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® Innovate, including terminology, certification considerations, breathability, durability and protective performance.

Protection Breathability Durability Certification Terminology
Compare Moisture Barrier Technologies
Department-Specific Guidance

Need Help Choosing the Right Certified non-PFAS Composite?

Ricochet offers multiple certified non-PFAS composite options across standard M² packages and Custom M² configurations. Our team can help your department compare materials, understand the differences and identify the certified composite that best aligns with your operational priorities, specifications and purchasing requirements.

Talk with a PPE Specialist Explore Structural Fire Gear
Frequently Asked Questions
 

Common Questions About non-PFAS Turnout Gear

Looking for additional information? Browse answers to common questions about non-PFAS turnout gear, certification, terminology, cleaning requirements, purchasing considerations and Ricochet material options.

Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Non-PFAS
What does non-PFAS mean?
Non-PFAS refers to materials that are intentionally manufactured without added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). In structural firefighting PPE, this typically applies to components such as the outer shell, moisture barrier, thermal liner, or other materials used in the protective ensemble. Some manufacturers now offer turnout gear that meets NFPA 1970 performance requirements while also qualifying for optional non-PFAS verification.
Does NFPA 1970 require non-PFAS turnout gear?
No. NFPA 1970 does not require turnout gear to be non-PFAS. Instead, the standard establishes minimum performance and certification requirements for structural firefighting PPE. It also includes an optional verification pathway for products that meet the standard's non-PFAS criteria.
Can PFAS turnout gear still comply with NFPA 1970?
Yes. Turnout gear containing PFAS can still comply with NFPA 1970 provided it meets all applicable certification and performance requirements. The standard allows both traditional and qualifying non-PFAS products to be certified.
Why are manufacturers offering non-PFAS turnout gear?
Many manufacturers are developing non-PFAS turnout gear in response to evolving customer preferences, regulatory activity, environmental considerations, and advancements in material technology. Offering non-PFAS options gives departments additional choices while maintaining compliance with applicable NFPA performance standards.
Does non-PFAS mean better protection?
Not necessarily. Whether turnout gear contains PFAS or qualifies as non-PFAS, it must still meet the performance requirements established by NFPA 1970. Departments should evaluate the complete protective ensemble—including protection, mobility, comfort, durability, service support, and operational fit—rather than focusing on a single material attribute.
How should departments evaluate non-PFAS turnout gear?
Departments should evaluate non-PFAS turnout gear the same way they evaluate any certified PPE: by reviewing protection, mobility, fit, durability, repairability, manufacturer support, warranty, long-term value, and how well the gear meets operational needs. A live wear trial or product demonstration can also provide valuable real-world feedback.
Will non-PFAS turnout gear last as long as traditional turnout gear?
Based on current testing and available field experience, properly designed, constructed, and maintained non-PFAS turnout gear is expected to provide durability and service life comparable to traditional turnout gear. Service life depends on the complete gear system, how it is used, what it is exposed to, and how it is cared for—not simply whether PFAS is present.
 
What determines how long turnout gear lasts?
Turnout gear service life is influenced by several factors, including material quality, garment construction, frequency and severity of use, contamination and exposure history, cleaning and decontamination, inspection, repair, and storage. Two sets of gear placed into service at the same time can have very different conditions and service lives depending on how they are used and maintained.
  
 
Does a non-PFAS outer shell make turnout gear less durable?
Not necessarily. Repellency and durability are not the same thing. A non-PFAS outer-shell finish may interact differently with certain contaminants than a traditional PFAS-based finish, but that does not automatically mean the fabric is less durable. Timely decontamination, proper cleaning, and following the manufacturer’s care instructions remain important for protecting the materials over time.
 
Care & Maintenance
Does NFPA require different washing procedures for non-PFAS turnout gear?
No. Current editions of NFPA 1850 do not establish separate cleaning procedures specifically for non-PFAS structural turnout gear. Departments should continue following the cleaning instructions provided by the PPE manufacturer and the applicable NFPA care and maintenance requirements.
Should non-PFAS turnout gear be washed more often?
No. Cleaning frequency should be based on contamination, routine maintenance schedules, and manufacturer recommendations—not whether the gear contains PFAS. Proper cleaning remains an essential part of maintaining firefighter protection regardless of material composition.
 
Can departments use the same PPE washer-extractors?
Yes. In most cases, departments can continue using approved PPE washer-extractors and follow the manufacturer's recommended wash cycles, detergents, water temperatures, and drying methods. Always refer to the gear manufacturer's care instructions before cleaning.
 
Does switching to non-PFAS change PPE maintenance programs?
No. Existing inspection, cleaning, repair, documentation, and retirement programs established under NFPA 1850 continue to apply. Departments should continue following their established PPE maintenance program along with the manufacturer's care instructions.
 
Do non-PFAS turnout gear require different detergents?
Generally, no. Departments should continue using detergents approved or recommended by their PPE manufacturer. Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, and other products that are not approved for structural firefighting PPE, regardless of whether the gear contains PFAS.
 
Can non-PFAS turnout gear be machine dried?
Drying procedures should always follow the PPE manufacturer's instructions. Many turnout gear systems may be machine dried using approved settings, while others may recommend air drying or specific temperature limits. Always consult the manufacturer's care guidance before drying PPE.
 

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