NFPA 1981-2019 PDF

Full title and description

NFPA 1981: Standard on Open‑Circuit Self‑Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for Emergency Services — 2019 edition. Establishes minimum requirements for the design, performance, testing and certification of new open‑circuit SCBA and combination SCBA/supplied‑air respirators, plus requirements for replacement parts, components and accessories for emergency‑service respiratory protection.

Abstract

This standard sets minimum performance, construction and testing criteria intended to ensure that SCBA used by firefighters, rescue teams, hazardous‑materials responders and similar emergency personnel provide reliable respiratory protection in IDLH, oxygen‑deficient or otherwise hazardous atmospheres. The 2019 edition includes updates for EBSS fittings, data logging allowances, NIOSH pressure‑demand certification, non‑electronic minimum voice‑communications transmission, and strengthened facepiece‑regulator connections.

General information

• Status: Published standard (2019 edition).
• Publication date: 2019 edition (document published/issued for the 2019 edition; some jurisdictional effective dates for adoption noted as early as September 3, 2018).
• Publisher: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
• ICS / categories: Protective equipment; respiratory protection (example ICS code reference: 13.340).
• Edition / version: 2019 edition (supersedes NFPA 1981‑2013).
• Number of pages: Approximately 80 pages (sources list 80–81 pages depending on format/print).

Scope

Specifies minimum requirements for new compressed‑breathing‑air open‑circuit SCBA and compressed‑breathing‑air combination SCBA/SARs used by emergency services personnel, and for replacement parts, components and add‑on accessories certified to earlier editions. The standard does not set requirements for other types of SCBA (e.g., underwater/SCUBA), accessories not NIOSH‑certified, or protection from ionizing radiation. Controlled laboratory test results used to show compliance are not intended to represent all real‑world respiratory situations.

Key topics and requirements

• Minimum design and performance criteria for open‑circuit SCBA and combination SCBA/SARs (breathing regulators, facepieces, cylinders, harnesses and assemblies).
• Certification and testing protocols to demonstrate compliance with performance requirements (including strength, sealing, and endurance tests).
• NIOSH pressure‑demand certification requirement and minimum non‑electronic voice‑communications transmission capability.
• Updated requirements for Emergency Breathing Safety Systems (EBSS) fittings (male/female) and the definition/requirements for universal EBSS (UEBSS).
• New performance requirement and associated test for the strength of the connection between facepiece and second‑stage regulator.
• Allowance for use of data‑logging software (for example to report breathing rate) as part of performance verification.
• Requirements and performance expectations for in‑mask or HUD displays and PASS/alarm functions as applicable to certified ensembles.

Typical use and users

Primary users are fire departments, emergency medical/rescue teams, hazardous‑materials response units, industrial emergency responders, procurement officers, SCBA manufacturers, testing and certification laboratories, and regulatory/compliance personnel who specify or verify emergency SCBA equipment. Departments use the standard for procurement minimums, and manufacturers use it for product design and certification.

Related standards

Commonly referenced and related documents include NFPA 1500 (Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program), NFPA 1851 (Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Protective Ensembles), NFPA 1852 (Selection, Care, and Maintenance of SCBA), NFPA 1982 (Personal Alert Safety Systems), and applicable NIOSH/OSHA standards (NIOSH certification requirements and 42 CFR Part 84 references used for respiratory certification). Jurisdictions frequently incorporate specific NFPA editions by reference in regulations and procurement specifications.

Keywords

NFPA 1981; SCBA; self‑contained breathing apparatus; emergency services respirator; EBSS; UEBSS; NIOSH pressure demand; HUD; PASS; respiratory protection; IDLH; facepiece‑regulator connection.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: NFPA 1981:2019 is the NFPA standard that defines minimum requirements for open‑circuit self‑contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) used by emergency services personnel, covering design, performance, testing and certification.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers new compressed‑breathing‑air open‑circuit SCBA and combination SCBA/SARs, plus replacement parts and certified accessories; it sets performance tests, certification criteria, and specific component requirements (regulators, facepieces, fittings, alarms, displays). It excludes underwater SCBA and accessories that are not NIOSH‑certified.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Firefighters, rescue and hazmat teams, procurement/specification writers, SCBA manufacturers, test laboratories and safety/regulatory staff responsible for emergency‑response respiratory protection.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: This entry describes the 2019 edition (current as the 2019 edition); users should verify whether a more recent edition has been published or adopted by their jurisdiction before purchase or procurement. Some jurisdictions adopted the 2019 edition with effective dates in 2018–2019. Always confirm the applicable edition for contracts or regulatory compliance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — NFPA 1981 is part of NFPA’s family of respiratory and protective equipment standards and is often used alongside NFPA 1500, NFPA 1851, NFPA 1852 and NFPA 1982 for comprehensive respiratory and PPE program requirements.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: SCBA, open‑circuit, emergency services, NIOSH certification, EBSS, HUD, PASS, IDLH, facepiece, regulator, respiratory protection.