NFPA 1982

NFPA 1982 is a standard that specifies the minimal specifications for PASS systems which assist first responders in signaling for assistance in the event of their incapacitation. It provides information on regulations and guidelines for personal alert safety systems guaranteeing accurate alerts in case of emergencies.

PASS devices are used by emergency responders to alert others if they become incapacitated, lost, disoriented, trapped, or run out of breathing air. The document covered aspects such as labeling, performance, design, certification, and testing.

The standard was combined with other standards into the new consolidated Standard NFPA 1970 as part of the Emergency Response and Responder Safety Document Consolidation Plan. The last published edition of this code as a stand-alone standard is the 2018 edition.

An Important Role of NFPA 1982 in Personal Alert Safety Systems (PASS)

To keep us safe emergency responders and firefighters risk their lives every day. Fire safety operations is a hazardous profession. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health lists fighting fires as one of the ten most unsafe occupations in the US. Fire marshals are at risk from dangerous materials heat smoke and falling debris.

These hazards are directly addressed by NFPA’s code which establishes guidelines for personal alert safety systems that notify teammates and emergency personnel when a firefighter is experiencing distress. This crucial standard guarantees that PASS devices satisfy exacting performance standards deliver dependable emergency alerts and integrate easily with current equipment.

When the city of Chicago Fire Department adopted NFPA 1982-compliant PASS devices firefighter injuries decreased by 30% emergency response times improved and team coordination and communication improved. Fire departments and emergency response teams can drastically lower the risk of mishaps and injuries by adhering to this document’s guidelines.

Basic details of NFPA 1982 Code

Name of the Product – NFPA 1982

Product Category – An Extensive and Indispensable Standard

Date of Publication – 9 August, 2024

Published By – National Fire Protection Association

Binding – Hardcover

Commonly Used In – United States and Canada

Used By – Fire departments, emergency response teams, manufacturers of PASS devices, and industrial emergency response teams.

FAQs

Q1. What does this Standard do?

Ans. PASS systems monitor the motion of emergency responders and automatically sound an alarm if they become incapacitated. Responders can also manually activate the PASS system if they need help

Q2. What are some enhancements to PASS?

Ans. Some enhancements to PASS include electronic personnel accountability, person-to-person local distress notification, and person locator systems.

Q3. Why should I invest in NFPA 1982 for my fire department or emergency response team?

Ans. Invest in NFPA 1982 to:

• Ensure that industry standards are being followed.
• Make firefighters safer
• Increase the efficacy of emergency response
• Decrease the expenses of insurance and liability
• Preserve lives

Q4. What are the requirements for PASS device certification and testing?

Ans. Performance environmental and durability testing as well as certification by recognized third-party organizations are among the stringent certification and testing requirements set forth by this manual for PASS devices.

Q5. How is firefighter safety enhanced by this written document?

Ans. Firefighter safety is improved by these guide-compliant PASS devices which offer real-time alerts in emergency situations speed up response times increase accountability and improve communication and team coordination.