Consultation & Training

Ensuring Firefighter Safety & Compliance

At Hook & Ladder Supply, we provide expert consultation and training services to help fire departments comply with NFPA 1851: Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting. Our programs are designed to ensure firefighter safety, operational readiness, and regulatory compliance through proper PPE maintenance.

Consultation Services

Purpose of the Visit

Each consultation visit is tailored to the fire department’s needs and focuses on evaluating and improving PPE care procedures in line with NFPA 1851 standards. Our evaluations include:

PPE selection, care, maintenance, and retirement processes.
Compliance with regulatory requirements.
Implementation of tracking and reporting tools.
Training personnel on advanced cleaning and inspection procedures.

Background: NFPA 1851 Standards and Their Importance

NFPA 1851 was developed to provide standardized practices for managing the lifecycle of firefighter PPE, including:

Helmets
Coats & Pants
Gloves
Hoods
Boots

Key Benefits of NFPA 1851 Compliance

1 Firefighter Safety

Protecting Against Contaminants: Reduces exposure to hazardous substances, lowering health risks such as cancer.
Ensuring Gear Integrity: Regular maintenance keeps PPE functional and protective against heat, flames, and toxins.

2 Compliance and Liability

Meeting Industry Standards: Ensures adherence to local, state, and federal regulations.
Insurance Requirements: Many insurance policies require NFPA compliance, affecting coverage and rates.

3 PPE Longevity and Cost Efficiency

Extending Gear Life: Proper care delays costly replacements.
Reducing Repair Costs: Routine inspections catch minor issues before they require expensive fixes.

4 Operational Readiness

Ensuring Availability of Safe Gear: A structured NFPA 1851 program guarantees clean, functional, and reliable PPE for every emergency.

NFPA 1851 Training Program

Course Title: Reporting, Advanced Cleaning, and Advanced Inspections

Duration: 6 Hours (4 Hours Theory + 2 Hours Practical)
Location: YOUR LOCATION
Target Audience: Firefighters, Officers, PPE Maintenance Staff

Instructor: Rick Johnson
Rick Johnson is a distinguished fire service veteran with over 30 years of experience in firefighting, PPE maintenance, and compliance. Retiring as a Captain from the Addison Fire Department in Addison, TX, Rick has dedicated his career to advancing firefighter safety through proper PPE care and maintenance.

As an active member of the NFPA 1851 and NFPA 1971 Technical Committees, he plays a key role in shaping the national standards that govern the selection, care, and maintenance of firefighter protective equipment. His expertise extends beyond standard compliance, encompassing real-world applications that enhance firefighter safety and PPE longevity.

Rick has successfully owned and operated multiple Independent Service Providers (ISPs) specializing in PPE cleaning, inspection, and repair, which have since been sold. These include:

Gear Cleaning Solutions (Dallas & San Antonio, TX)
Advanced PPE Company (Ventura, CA)
Hawaii PPE (Honolulu, HI)

With a deep understanding of firefighter gear maintenance and industry best practices, Rick is committed to providing top-tier training and consultation services, ensuring fire departments nationwide stay compliant and well-equipped for duty.

Course Schedule

Part 1: Theoretical Framework (4 Hours)

Introduction to NFPA 1851 (30 Minutes)
- Overview of NFPA 1851 standards.
- Importance of compliance for firefighter safety and PPE longevity.
Reporting Requirements (1 Hour)
- Understanding documentation processes.
- Best practices for maintaining records.
- Using digital tools for tracking and reporting.
Advanced Cleaning Procedures (1 Hour 15 Minutes)
- Preliminary exposure reduction, advanced, and specialized cleaning.
- Approved cleaning chemicals and equipment.
- Step-by-step advanced cleaning methods.

Break: 15 Minutes

Advanced Inspection Techniques (1 Hour 15 Minutes)
- Detailed inspection guidelines.
- Required equipment for proper inspections.
- Identifying signs of wear and damage.
- Repair vs. replace decision-making.

Lunch: 30 Minutes

Part 2: Hands-On Practical Application (2 Hours)

Advanced Cleaning Practice (45 Minutes)
- Participants perform advanced cleaning on sample gear.
- Application of techniques learned in the theoretical session.
Advanced Inspection Practice (45 Minutes)
- Hands-on PPE inspection using tools and checklists.
- Identifying issues and making repair recommendations.
Practical Reporting Exercise (30 Minutes)
- Hands-on practice with reporting tools.
- Simulating report entries for cleaning and inspection activities.

Materials Provided

Reporting & Inspection Forms
Approved Cleaning Chemical & Equipment List
Sample PPE for Hands-On Training

Certification

Participants receive a Certificate of Completion upon successfully completing the course.

About the Instructor

Tim Tomlinson

Firefighter / Paramedic

Tim Tomlinson is a veteran Engineer and Paramedic with the Town of Addison Fire Department. With a distinguished 23-year career, he serves as the Chairman of multiple committees with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), including the NFPA 1850 and NFPA 1970 committees, which focus on firefighter protective clothing and equipment.

Throughout his career, Tim has spearheaded research projects, driven advances in protective equipment standards, and co-founded businesses that specialize in firefighter PPE care and maintenance. His work has led to continued advancements in the implementation of fire department PPE programs, improvements in PPE cleaning efficiencies, and advancements in the performance of protective clothing. He also remains at the forefront of initiatives related to contamination control, fire ground hazardous substances, and ongoing efforts to address the impacts of PFAS and PFOA.

Tim’s expertise and leadership in the fire service and safety standards have earned him a prominent role in shaping industry standards for firefighter safety.