FAQs

Standards & Guidelines

The Berry Amendment pertains to Department of Defense purchases and requires that all textiles used in the specified product are American made. 95% of the materials Ricochet’s uses in manufacturing our turnout gear are sourced right here in the United States. The remaining 5% are materials that are simply not manufactured domestically for fire-service applications and must be imported.

The Thermal Protective Performance (TPP) rating measures the insulating performance of your ensemble. The TPP rating is theoretical in nature, and should not be used as a guarantee. According to the TPP rating, the length of time that an ensemble protects you from likely receiving second degree burn in flashover conditions may be determined by dividing the TPP rating in half. For example, a composite with a TPP rating of 42 provides 21 seconds of protection prior to likely receiving second degree burns in a flashover environment. NFPA 1971 requires a minimum 35 TPP rating, which equates to 17.5 seconds until second degree burns are likely to occur in a flashover situation. Please refer to the Technical Information page of this website for more detailed information.

The Total Heat Loss (THL) rating measures the ability of a garment to allow heat to pass away from the body through the 3 composite layers of your ensemble. Generally, the higher the THL, the more likely the system will be able to dissipate excess body heat. NFPA 1971 requires a minimum total heat loss of 205 w/m2. Please refer to the Technical Information page of this website for more detailed information.

When selecting fabrics for your turnouts, it is important to remember that heavier, thicker materials typically give higher TPP values, and that higher TPP value may also cause you greater heat stress. There are several lighter weight fabrics today which may not provide a higher TPP value but will allow for a greater THL value which equates to breathability. Your material selection process should begin with a risk assessment that is discussed in NFPA 1851. Our TPP and THL testing is supported by our fabric suppliers. The actual TPP and THL values for all of our composites are provided by Underwriters Laboratories. For additional information you may contact your local Ricochet Dealer, give us a call at 866-293-8104, or email us at [email protected].

The Conductive and Compressive Heat Resistance (CCHR) test is to specify minimums in protective insulation required in high compression areas. Please refer to the Technical Information page of this website for more detailed information.

Absolutely! We have worked closely with some of the best Independent Service Providers in this country, writing fire departments SOP’s for implementing their NFPA 1851 program. Our highly qualified Regional Sales Managers can assist you with establishing specifications, implementation, SOP’s, driving routes and pickups and pricing. For more information you may contact your local Ricochet Dealer, give us a call at 866-293-8104, or email us at [email protected].