National Fire Protection Association 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471 Phone: 617-770-3000 • Fax: 617-770-0700 • www.nfpa.org

MEMORANDUM

To: NFPA Technical Correlating Committee on Fire and Emergency Services Protective Clothing and Equipment From: Dave Trebisacci, Staff Liaison Date: September 18, 2012 Subject: NFPA 1983 Proposed Tentative Interim Amendment (TIA) No.1076

______________________________________________________________________________ The Technical Committee on Special Operations Protective Clothing and Equipment has been balloted on proposed TIA 1076, submitted by Dean Cox. A copy of the proposed TIA and the final results of the TC balloting are attached. This proposed TIA is now being submitted to you for letter ballot. In addition to being balloted on the correlating issues of the proposed TIA, the Committee is also being balloted on whether or not this matter is of an emergency nature. Disagreeing votes are limited to subjects within the purview of the TCC. Opposition on a strictly technical basis is not sufficient grounds for substantiating a disagreement vote. If you do have correlation issues please identify and describe your concerns. Please see Section 5 (copy enclosed) regarding the processing of TIAs from the NFPA Regulations Governing Committee Projects. Please complete and return the attached letter ballot to Yvonne Smith either via email to ysmith@nfpa.org or via fax to 617-984-7056. Ballots are due on Monday, September 24, 2012. This proposed TIA 1076 has been published for public comment in the September issue of NFPA News with a Public Comment Closing Date of October 4, 2012. Any public comments received will be circulated to the committee. The Standards Council will consider the issuance of this TIA at their October 29-30, 2012 meeting. Note: Please remember that the return of ballots and attendance at committee meetings are required in accordance with the NFPA Regulations Governing Committee Projects. Attachments

Section 5 Tentative Interim Amendments. 5.1 Preliminary Determination of Compliance. A Tentative Interim Amendment (TIA) to any Document may be processed if the Council Secretary determines, after a preliminary review, and consultation with the appropriate Chair, that the Amendment appears to be of an emergency nature requiring prompt action and has the endorsement of at least two Members of the involved TC or TCC. If processed, the question of emergency nature shall be considered by the TC and TCC. The text of a proposed Tentative Interim Amendment may be processed as submitted or may be changed, but only with the approval of the submitter. 5.2 Evaluation of Emergency Nature. Determination of an emergency nature shall include but not be limited to one or more of the following factors:

(a) The document contains an error or an omission that was overlooked during a regular revision process.

(b) The document contains a conflict within the document or with another NFPA document.

(c) The proposed TIA intends to correct a previously unknown existing hazard.

(d) The proposed TIA intends to offer to the public a benefit that would lessen a recognized (known) hazard or ameliorate a continuing dangerous condition or situation.

(e) The proposed TIA intends to accomplish a recognition of an advance in the art of safeguarding property or life where an alternative method is not in current use or is unavailable to the public.

(f ) The proposed TIA intends to correct a circumstance in which the revised document has resulted in an adverse impact on a product or method that was inadvertently overlooked in the total revision process, or was without adequate technical (safety) justification for the action. 5.3 Publication of Proposed Tentative Interim Amendment. A proposed Tentative Interim Amendment that meets the provisions of 5.1 shall be published by the Association in appropriate media with a notice that the proposed Tentative Interim Amendment has been forwarded to the responsible TC and TCC for processing and that anyone interested may comment on the proposed Tentative Interim Amendment within the time period established and published. 5.4 Technical Committee and Technical Correlating Committee Action.

(a) The proposed Tentative Interim Amendment shall be submitted for ballot and comment of the TC in accordance with 3.3.4. The TC shall be separately balloted on both the technical merits of the amendment and whether the amendment involves an issue of an emergency nature. Such balloting shall be completed concurrently with the public review period. Any public comments inconsistent with the vote of any TC Member shall be circulated to the TC to allow votes to be changed. A recommendation for approval shall be established if three-fourths of the voting Members calculated in accordance with 3.3.4.5 have voted in favor of the Tentative Interim Amendment.

(b) The proposed Tentative Interim Amendment shall be submitted for ballot and comment of the TCC, if any, which shall make a recommendation to the Council with respect to the disposition of the Tentative Interim Amendment. The TCC shall be separately balloted on both the merits of the amendment (as it relates to the TCC authority and

responsibilities in accordance with 3.4.2 and 3.4.3) and whether the amendment involves an issue of an emergency nature. Any public comments inconsistent with the vote of any TC or TCC Member shall be circulated to the 28 TCC to allow votes to be changed. A recommendation for approval shall be established if three-fourths of the voting Members calculated in accordance with 3.3.4.5 have voted in favor of the Tentative Interim Amendment.

(c) All public comments, ballots, and comments on ballot on the proposed Tentative Interim Amendment shall be summarized in a staff report and forwarded to the Council for action in accordance with 5.5. 5.5 Action of the Council. The Council shall review the material submitted in accordance with 5.4(c), together with the record on any Appeals (see 1.6, 1.6.1), and shall take one of the following actions:

(a) Issue the proposed Tentative Interim Amendment (b) Issue the proposed Tentative Interim Amendment as

amended by the Council (c) Where acted on concurrently with the issuance of a

new edition of the Document to which it relates, issue the Tentative Interim Amendment as part of the new edition;

(d) Reject the proposed Tentative Interim Amendment (e) Return the proposed Tentative Interim Amendment to

the TC with appropriate instruction (f ) Direct a different action

5.6 Effective Date of Amendment. Tentative Interim Amendments shall become effective 20 days after Council issuance unless the President determines, within his or her discretion, that the effective date shall be delayed pending the consideration of a Petition to the Board of Directors (see 1.7). The President may also, within his or her discretion, refer the matter of a delay in the effective date of the TIA to the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors or to the Board of Directors. 5.7 Publication of Amendment. The Association shall publish in one of its publications sent or accessible to all Members notice of the issuance of each Tentative Interim Amendment and may, as appropriate, issue a news release to applicable and interested technical journals. The notice and any news release shall indicate the tentative character of the Tentative Interim Amendment. In any subsequent distribution of the Document to which the Tentative Interim Amendment applies, the text of the Tentative Interim Amendment shall be included in a manner judged most feasible to accomplish the desired objectives. 5.8 Applicability. Tentative Interim Amendments shall apply to the document existing at the time of issuance. Tentative Interim Amendments issued after the proposal closing date shall also apply, where the text of the existing document remains unchanged, to the next edition of the Document. Tentative Interim Amendments issued concurrently with the issuance of a new edition shall apply to both the existing and new edition. 5.9 Subsequent Processing. TC responsible for the Document or part of the Document affected shall process the subject matter of any Tentative Interim Amendment as a proposal for the next edition of the Document (see 3.3). 5.10 Exception. When the Council authorizes other procedures for the processing and/or issuance of Tentative Interim Amendments, the provisions of this Section shall not apply.

NFPA 1983-2012 Standard on Life Safety Rope and Equipment for Emergency Services TIA Log No. 1076 Reference: Table 4.4.1, 5.1.5.12, 5.2.10.6, 7.4.6.1, 7.5.6.1, 7.5.7.10, 7.6.3.9, 8.13.1.1, 7.6.3.12, 7.11.6, 7.11.6.2, 7.11.6.3 (New), 7.15.1, 7.15.2, 7.17, 7.6.3.1.1, 7.11.7 (New), 8.15.5, and 8.15.6.1 Comment Closing Date: October 4, 2012 Submitter: Dean Cox, Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department 1. Revise Table 4.4.1 to read as follows:

Product Test Time All component product Corrosion testing Initial cert only All component product Product label durability testing Initial cert only Life safety rope Rope breaking and elongation Every year Escape rope Rope breaking and elongation Every year Water rescue throwlines Rope breaking and elongation Every year Water rescue throwlines Floatability Every year Life safety harness Static Alternating years with drop test Life safety harness Drop Alternating years with static test Belt Static Alternating years with drop test Belt Drop Alternating years with static test Auxiliary equipment cCarabiners and snap link

All Every 2 years

Auxiliary equipment rRope grab devices

All Every 2 years

Auxiliary equipment system dDescent control devices – auto stop

Passive brake hHolding Every year

Auxiliary equipment system dDescent control devices – auto stop

Manner of function Every year

Auxiliary equipment system dDescent control devices – non-auto stop

All Every 2 years

Auxiliary equipment pPortable anchor All Initial cert only Auxiliary equipment pPulley All Every 2 years Auxiliary equipment pick-off, anchor and rigging Multiple configuration and end to end straps

Breaking Strength Every year

Auxiliary equipment manufactured systems

All Every year

Escape Systems All Every year Life safety rope Diameter, rope breaking, and elongation Every year Life safety rope fibers Melting and crystallization temperatures

by thermal analysis Every year

Escape rope Diameter, rope breaking, and elongation Every year Fire escape rope Elevated rope temperature test Every year Escape rope fibers Melting and crystallization temperatures

by thermal analysis Every year

Escape webbing Perimeter, rope breaking, and elongation Every year Fire escape webbing Elevated rope temperature test Every year Escape webbing fibers Melting and crystallization temperatures

by thermal analysis Every year

Moderate elongation laid life saving rope

Diameter, rope breaking, and elongation Every year

Moderate elongation laid life saving rope fibers

Melting and crystallization temperatures by thermal analysis

Every year

Fire escape webbing Elevated rope temperature test Every year Escape webbing fibers Melting and crystallization temperatures

by thermal analysis Every year

Victim extrication devices Static Every 2 years

Litters Litter strength test – vertical Litter Strength test – horizontal

Initial onlyAlternating years with horizontal Initial onlyAlternating years with vertical

Load-bearing textiles used in victim extrication devices

Melting and crystallization temperatures by thermal analysis

Every year

Thread used in victim extrication devices

Melting and crystallization temperatures by thermal analysis

Every year

Webbing components Melting and crystallization temperatures by thermal analysis

Every year

Thread components Melting and crystallization temperatures by thermal analysis

Every year

Escape webbing fibers Melting and crystallization temperatures by thermal analysis

Every year

Load-bearing textiles used in belts with optional flame resistance

Flame resistance Every year

Load-bearing textiles used in belts with optional flame resistance

Heat resistance Every year

Hardware used in belts with optional flame resistance

Heat Resistance Every year

Thread used in belts with optional flame resistance

Thread heat resistance Every year

Load-bearing textiles used in life safety harnesses with optional flame resistance

Flame resistance Every year

Load-bearing textiles used in life safety harnesses with optional flame resistance

Flame resistance Every year

Load-bearing textiles used in life safety harnesses with optional flame resistance

Heat resistance Every year

Hardware used in life safety harnesses with optional flame resistance

Heat Resistance Every year

Thread used in life safety harnesses with optional flame resistance

Thread heat resistance Every year

Manufacturer-supplied eye termination Breaking strength Every year Manufacture-supplied eye termination Thread melting Every year

2. Revise 5.1.5.12 to read as follows: 5.1.5.12 In addition to the compliance specified in 5.1.5.9, rigging and anchor multiple configuration and end to end straps shall include the following additional statement on the product label: For multiple configuration straps:

“MINIMUM BREAKING STRENGTH AND RATING ARE DETERMINED USING A BASKET (U) CONFIGURATION. IN ADDITION, THIS STRAP

HAS A MINIMUM BREAKING STRENGTH OF: ___ kN IN A CHOKER CONFIGURATION

___ kN WHEN PULLED END TO END.” For end to end straps:

“MINIMUM BREAKING STRENGTH OF ___ kN WHEN PULLED END TO END”

3. Add a new paragraph 5.2.10.6 as follows:

5.2.10.6 The manufacturer of moderate elongation laid life saving ropes that are certified as being compliant with this standard shall furnish the purchaser with a sample of suggested records to be maintained by the purchaser or user of moderate elongation laid life saving rope and a list of items that the records need to contain. 4. Revise 7.4.6.1 and 7.5.6.1 to read as follows: 7.4.6.1 Where harnesses are represented as being flame-resistant, materials and hardware shall be tested individually for flame resistance as specified in Section 8.16, Flame Resistance Test, and shall have an average char length of not more than 100 mm (4 in.), shall have an average afterflame of not more than 2.0 seconds, and shall not melt or drip. 7.5.6.1 Where belts are represented as being flame-resistant, materials and hardware shall be tested individually for flame resistance as specified in Section 8.16, Flame Resistance Test, and shall have an average char length of not more than 100 mm (4 in.), shall have an average afterflame of not more than 2.0 seconds, and shall not melt or drip. 5. Delete paragraph 7.5.7.10 and 7.6.3.9 and renumber subsequent paragraphs; revise paragraph 8.13.1.1 as follows: 7.5.7.10 Where the manufactured system incorporates an escape descent control device that incorporates a passive or active breaking feature that creates friction between the device and the rope, the system shall be tested for maximum payout force as specified in Section 8.13, Payout Test, shall not release the test torso, and shall not exceed 90 N (20 lb). 7.6.3.9 Where the escape descent control device incorporates a passive or active breaking feature that creates friction between the device and the rope, the maximum force required to pay a specific type of rope through the descent control device shall be tested as specified in Section 8.13, Payout Test, and shall not exceed 90 N (20 lb). 8.13.1.1 This test shall apply to descent control systems with passive and active braking systems, and escape manufactured systems. 6. Add a new paragraph 7.6.3.12 as follows: 7.6.3.12 Technical use descent control devices shall be tested for deformation as specified in Section 8.6, Manner of Function Tensile Test, Procedure B, and shall have a minimum breaking strength of at least 13.5 kN (3034 lbf). 7. Revise 7.11.6, 7.11.6.2 and add new 7.11.6.3 to read as follows: 7.11.6 Where an escape system is designated as a fire escape system, additional tests as specified in 7.11.6.1, and 7.11.6.2, and 7.11.6.3 shall be conducted. 7.11.6.2 Where Fire escape system anchors are represented as being flame resistant, materials, labels, and hardware shall be tested individually for heat resistance as specified in Section 8.17, Heat Resistance Test, and shall not melt, drip, separate, or ignite; hardware items shall remain functional. 7.11.6.3 Sewing thread utilized in the construction of fire escape systems shall be tested for heat resistance as specified in Section 8.18, Thread Heat Resistance Test, and shall not melt at or below a temperature of 260ºC (500ºF). 8. Revise paragraph 7.15.1 and 7.15.2 as follows: 7.15.1 Technical use belay devices shall be tested for breaking strength manner of function as specified in Section 8.6, Manner of Function Tensile Test, Procedure C, without failure of the device or failure of the rope, with a belay system extension of less than 1 m with an impact force of less than 15 kN (3372 lbf), and shall release the load in a controlled manner. 7.15.2 General-use belay devices shall be tested for breaking strength manner of function as specified in Section 8.6, Manner of Function Tensile Test, Procedure C, without failure of the device or failure of the rope, with a belay system extension of less than 1 m, and with an impact force of less than 15 kN (3372 lbf), and shall release the load in a controlled manner. 9. Delete Section 7.17, and add new paragraphs 7.6.3.11 and 7.11.7 as follows: 7.17 Escape Descent Control Device Performance Requirements. Escape descent control devices shall be tested for maximum impact force as specified in Section 8.14, Escape Descent Control Device and Systems Drop Test, and shall have the maximum impact force not exceed 8 kN (1798.5 lbf), shall not damage the rope or device, and shall remain functional. 7.6.3.11 Escape descent control devices shall be tested for maximum impact force as specified in Section 8.14, Escape Descent Control Device and Systems Drop Test, and shall have the maximum impact force not exceed 8 kN (1798.5 lbf), shall not damage the rope or webbing or device, and shall remain functional.

7.11.7 Escape systems shall be tested for maximum impact force as specified in Section 8.14, Escape Descent Control Device and Systems Drop Test, and shall have the maximum impact force not exceed 8 kN (1798.5 lbf), shall not damage the rope or webbing or device, and shall remain functional. 10. Revise 8.15.5 to read as follows: 8.15.5 Report. The time to failure shall be recorded from each test and the average and standard deviation calculated. 11. Delete 8.15.6.1 as follows: 8.15.6.1 Pass/fail performance shall be based on the average time to failure. Submitter’s Substantiation: 1. Table 4.4.1 - The table is missing recertification for Moderate Elongation Life Saving Rope and includes several duplications and terminology errors. 2. 5.1.5.12 - The terminology in 5.1.5.12 is not consistent with the document. The terms “rigging and anchor” straps have been replaced with “multiple configuration and end to end” straps. The current required statement is incorrect for end to end straps in that they are not required to be tested in a U or choker configuration. 3. 5.2.10.6 - This added text is a requirement for other products covered by NFPA 1983 and provides users with valuable information on maintaining records for this life saving equipment. 4. 7.4.6.1 and 7.5.6.1 - The term “and hardware” was inadvertently added to these paragraphs. Additionally, the char length requirement does not apply to hardware items, and there are no specific requirements for the testing of hardware items in the test method. The requirement as written in the current edition is inappropriate for hardware items, would be impossible to determine and could inhibit product certification. 5. 7.5.7.10, 7.6.3.9, and 8.13.1.1 - Requirement 7.5.7.10 is redundant in that a manufactured system that includes an escape descent device would be classified as an Escape System – and therefore must meet all of the requirements of NFPA 1983 Section 7.11. Additionally, the requirement is incorrectly worded in that there is no torso used in the conduct of the test - thus the statement “shall not release the test torso” has no relevance. Requirement 7.6.3.9 applies to all escape descent control devices (those that are sold separately – not as part of a system). As the test is to be conducted with “each type of rope for its intended use” (NFPA 1983, Section 8.13.2.3) it follows that all escape descent control devices may have to be tested with all escape ropes – or the device would be limited to the type of rope with which it was tested. This would present an undue hardship on the manufacturers, and contribute to confusion on the part of the users in determining what ropes are suitable with each device. Requirement 8.13.1.1 is changed so the application of the test method is consistent with the performance requirements. 6. 7.6.3.12 - This performance requirement mandates the minimum breaking strength for these particular devices and is therefore a critical safety issue. 7. 7.11.6, 7.11.6.2, and 7.11.6.3 (New) - The change in 7.11.6 adds the requirement of thread heat resistance to fire escape systems. The change in 7.11.6.2 corrects the terminology from “escape anchors” to “fire escape system” as section 7.11.6 contains the requirements for fire escape systems and this requirement applies to the system not just the anchor. The addition of 7.11.6.3 adds the thread heat resistance test to threads used in the construction of fire escape systems. This was inadvertently omitted in the 2012 edition. Testing of thread in a fire escape system evaluates a critical safety property of the fire escape system. Using a thread that will not withstand heat can cause the system to fail under high heat conditions. 8. 7.15.1 and 7.15.2 - These requirements are currently located in NFPA 1983-2012 Section 8.6.4.5.6. As these parameters are utilized to determine pass/fail of the device they should be relocated to the Performance Requirements. Additionally, this is a manner of function requirement – not a breaking strength requirement. It is impossible to determine breaking strength without failure of the device or rope. 9. 7.17, 7.6.3.1.1 and 7.11.7 (New) - This added text is part of the requirements that apply to escape descent control devices and escape systems. As such, this language should appear with the group of performance requirements for descent control devices (Section 7.6.3) and escape systems (Section 7.11). Having this requirement separate and distinct from the other performance requirements for these devices/systems can lead to confusion and the possibility of neglect of the remainder of the requirements. 10. and 11. 8.15.5 and 8.15.6.1 -This change resolves a conflict with the requirements in 7.10.3 and 7.12.5. Emergency Nature: This TIA seeks to correct errors and omissions that were overlooked during the Fall 2011 revision cycle process of NFPA 1983. Additionally, some parts of this TIA intend to offer to the public a benefit that would lessen a known hazard, and correct circumstances in which the standard could adversely affect impact on a product or method that was inadvertently overlooked in the total revision process.

National Fire Protection Association 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471 Phone: 617-770-3000 • Fax: 617-770-0700 • www.nfpa.org

MEMORANDUM

TO: NFPA Technical Committee on Special Operations Protective Clothing and Equipment FROM: David Trebisacci, Staff Liaison DATE: September 17, 2012 SUBJ: NFPA 1983 Proposed TIA No. 1076 FINAL TC BALLOT RESULTS __________________________________________________________________________________ According to 5.4 in the NFPA Regs, the final results show this TIA HAS achieved the ¾ majority vote needed on both Question 1 (Technical Merit) and Question 2 (Emergency Nature). 23 Eligible to Vote 11 Not Returned (Allen, Byrne, Davis, Gohlke, Hock, Horn, Howard, Metz, Nelson, Paderick,

Reall) Technical Merit: Emergency Nature: 0 Abstentions 0 Abstentions 12 Agree ( 1 w/comment: Stephenson) 12 Agree (1 w/comment: Stephenson) 0 Disagree 0 Disagree (names, if any) There are two criteria necessary to pass ballot [(1) affirmative ¾vote and (2) simple majority] with both questions needed to pass ballot in order to recommend that the Standards Council issues this TIA. (1) The number of affirmative votes needed for the report to be published is 9.

(23 eligible to vote - 11 not returned - 0 abstentions = 12 × 0.75 = 9)

(2) In all cases, an affirmative vote of at least a simple majority of the total membership eligible to vote is required. This is the calculation for simple majority:

[23 eligible ÷ 2 = 11.5 = (12)] Final ballot comments are attached for your review. Ballots received from alternate members are not included, unless the ballot from the principal member was not received. Attachments