UL NFPA 1999 Certified

Previously on the Ask GIA blog series, we have discussed which gloves first responders and emergency medical service (EMS) professionals prefer. EMS professionals encounter high-risk occupational hazards and must use reliable personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect themselves. The topic for this week centers around UL NFPA 1999 and what it means to meet such certifications.

What is UL and What is UL Certification?

UL is a type of product classification that establishes a product has been evaluated by Underwriters Laboratories. Underwriters Laboratories is a neutral, third party non-profit testing facility in Illinois. It has been established since 1894 and works to set benchmarks for safety standards of PPE. Products with UL classification are considered the highest quality in their respective industries.
The laboratory has customers in over 100 countries and is regarded as the industry leader in quality assurance. Having passed UL inspections and achieved UL certification is synonymous with the product having passed every test and standard in the industry that it is applicable for.

What is NFPA and What does it mean to be NFPA 1999 Certified?

NFPA stands for the National Fire Protection Association. It is a global, self-funded non-profit organization that was established in 1896. The purpose of the organization is to protect against death, injury, and financial loss due to fire or electrical hazards. NFPA has published over 300 codes that are used globally to minimize such risks.
These codes have been accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and are formed under peer review from knowledgeable industry professionals. The codes are also open to the public and anyone can submit feedback. While the NFPA certifications are voluntary, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and federal government have codified many of their codes into regulatory standards.

NFPA 1999 is the specific NFPA code that oversees the specifications of protective clothing for EMS operations and professionals. It is known as the Standard on Protective Clothing and Ensembles for Emergency Medical Operations. This standard was first proposed for PPE against exposure to liquid borne pathogens. NFPA 1999 specifies the requirements for EMS protective clothing to protect the user when performing patient care during emergency medical operations, where they can come into contact with blood and body fluid-borne pathogens.

The standard has been codified into OSHA’s Final Rule (29 CFR 1910.1030), Protecting Health Care Workers from Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens. To pass the standard, gloves must undergo puncture testing, fluid borne pathogen resistance testing, dexterity testing, tensile strength testing, ultimate elongation testing, abrasion testing, cut resistance testing, tear resistance and tactility testing. Many of these tests and terms have been previously discussed across Ask GIA blog posts.

Which SW gloves are UL NFPA 1999 Certified?

Our MegaMan (MM-11BK), TrueForm Nitrile Exam Gloves with EnerGel (TF-95LG), TrueForm Extended Cuff Nitrile Exam Gloves (TF-12LG), PowerForm Nitrile Exam Gloves with EnerGel, EcoTek, and Breach Alert (PF-95GW), PowerForm Nitrile Sustainable Exam Gloves with EnerGel (PF-95LG), PowerForm Extended Cuff Heavy Duty Nitrile Exam Gloves (PF-12TL), and PowerForm Extended Cuff Nitrile Exam Gloves (PF-12WG) are all UL NFPA 1999 Certified.

SW is committed to delivering high quality products that protect our customers. We cooperate with neutral third party investigators to verify our credibility in manufacturing the highest quality of hand protection. EMS professionals can comfortably rely on SW technology for the best hand protection while they are busy saving lives.