IAFF ends firefighter protective gear lawsuit against NFPA after two-year dispute

IAFF moves to dismiss firefighter protective gear lawsuit

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has asked the Superior Court in Boston to dismiss all remaining claims against the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in its lawsuit concerning firefighter protective gear standards.

The IAFF filed the original complaint in March 2023, challenging aspects of the NFPA’s standards development process.

In March 2024, the court dismissed the portion of the case relating to an alleged conspiracy.

The latest motion seeks dismissal with prejudice, meaning the IAFF cannot refile the same claims.

NFPA President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Pauley said the organisation welcomed the outcome.

IAFF says primary objective has been achieved

Edward Kelly, General President of the IAFF, said: “Our objective was to remove PFAS and other toxins from fire fighter protective gear.

“Ultimately, the IAFF and NFPA have worked together toward this outcome, and we value their shared commitment to ensuring the highest standards of protection for the fire service and for our communities across North America.

“The primary objective of the lawsuit has been realized, and the IAFF Executive Board has directed our lawyers to end the litigation.”

NFPA says dismissal confirms standards integrity

Jim Pauley, President and Chief Executive Officer at NFPA, said: “As NFPA stated from the very beginning, the IAFF’s legal strategy was misguided and not supported by the facts.

“It was clear from the discovery process that remaining claims had no basis.

“We are pleased that they have asked the court to dismiss all claims.”

He added that the dismissal supports the transparency and inclusivity of the NFPA’s standards process.

Pauley said: “This outcome underscores that NFPA’s consensus-based process is the right forum for discussions about standards – one where all voices can be heard and all material is carefully considered by technical committee members in a transparent, inclusive manner.”

He explained that the lawsuit had no impact on the NFPA standards process.

Pauley said: “NFPA is a neutral facilitator. We don’t create or dictate the provisions of a standard. That’s the job of our technical committees, which are comprised entirely of expert volunteers representing a balance of interests of groups from the firefighting community, government, industry and consumers.”

Standards committee process outlined

According to the NFPA, its technical committees evaluate every recommendation submitted for new or updated standards.

The organisation stated that all aspects of the process are public, including committee membership, voting records and actions taken.

Each committee includes no more than one-third of members from the same interest category.

NFPA confirmed it does not have any special agreements or relationships with companies or organisations involved in standards development.

It added that anyone in the world may propose changes to any NFPA standard.

Background on firefighter gear standard

NFPA said the first standard for firefighter protective clothing was issued in 1975 to improve safety for frontline responders.

There have since been ten editions, each developed through new research, testing and field experience.

The current standard, NFPA 1970, came into effect in September 2024 and combines four previous standards into a single document.

The NFPA said the 1970 edition includes new measures on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), ultraviolet light testing and chemical content labelling.

Among these are a Restricted Substances list, updated light resistance tests for full garment composites, and an optional test for low total fluorine content.

NFPA clarified that the preceding standard, NFPA 1971, never required the use of any particular chemicals or materials, leaving compliance methods to manufacturers.

Commitment to firefighter health and safety

Pauley said: “The full dismissal of the lawsuit affirms the hard work our organisation and our valued volunteers do every day to make the world a safer place and to help protect first responders.

“The IAFF has long been an important and diligent participant in the NFPA code development process bringing the essential voice of the fire service.

“We look forward to remaining focused on the mutual goal that matters most: protecting firefighter health and safety through strong, evidence-based standards.”

He added that NFPA remains committed to addressing occupational health risks in the fire service.

Pauley said: “NFPA understands the complex health risks that come with firefighting, and we’re deeply sympathetic to the terrible toll that cancer takes on firefighters and their families.

“We’re proud of our efforts to educate the fire service about occupational cancer risks, to advance research through the NFPA Fire Protection Research Foundation, and to advocate for federal legislation around this important public health issue.

“For more than a century, we’ve worked with the fire service to protect life and property in our communities, and that important work will continue.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The IAFF’s decision to end its lawsuit against the NFPA confirms that firefighter protective gear standards will continue to be governed by NFPA’s established consensus-based process.

For fire chiefs, safety officers and procurement managers, this maintains stability and clarity in the specification of turnout gear under NFPA 1970.

The statement from the IAFF clarifies that the primary goal of removing PFAS and other toxic substances from firefighter protective clothing has now been achieved, signalling progress for occupational health protection.

Manufacturers, testing laboratories and certification bodies can continue working within a transparent system that balances environmental, health and performance requirements.

The outcome also reinforces that NFPA standards remain a trusted reference point for both regulatory compliance and product design.