Turnout boots meet which NFPA standards?

• A. NFPA 1971 only
• B. NFPA 1992 only
• C. NFPA 1971 and NFPA 1992
• D. NFPA 1500

Answer: (C)

Turnout boots are part of the protective turnout ensemble used in structural firefighting, so they must meet the standards that define how that gear performs. NFPA 1971 sets the performance requirements for the entire protective ensemble, including footwear, to withstand heat, abrasion, and other hazards and to work safely with the other gear. NFPA 1992 covers liquid splash protective ensembles, which applies to boots used in contexts where splash protection is needed; many turnout boots are evaluated to meet this standard as well to cover splash hazards. Because boots used with turnout gear are typically expected to satisfy both protection from heat and mechanical hazards (1971) and splash protection (1992), the best answer is that they meet NFPA 1971 and NFPA 1992. NFPA 1500 governs overall safety programs rather than specific boot performance.