Fire Suits... Is there a date restriction?

[nperkins]

I dont see any mention in the RA book about age of fire suits, so i'm just curious if RA, NASA, or USRC have regulations regarding dates of the fire suits... Just curious if i can use the ol' circle track suit..

Also, is there any reason why the rules RECOMMEND a 1 piece vs 2 piece? isn't it more of personal preference?

[bentmettle]

My brother's 2 piece has a top which can sometimes ride up when he sits down, leaving a gap of exposed skin. Since he's a co-driver, he's in and out of the car frequently.

So there are situations where the top could be pulled away from the pants.

Seams are also a prospective problem. Nothing like a waistline seam rubbing on your back for a good 12 hours...

[nperkins]

I guess I can see that point...

And about dates?

[bentmettle]

No checking of dates at any event I've been to, either NRS or RA.

Follow the manufacturers guidelines, especially with regards to washing. An overwashed suit with fresh oil stains in it is more apt to turn into a roman candle than a clean, new suit.

IF you are buying used, be sure your comfortable with the pedigree.

[nperkins]

My main thing is we are trying to make RNY, and I dont have my fire suit yet, and I have access to a 3 layer 2 piece suit to use that is a few years old, in good condition...

[bentmettle]

As long as the rating is correct, the age won't be an issue- the number of layers doesn't strictly correlate to the rating.

Have fun in New York!

[Jeff Hagan]

I guess I can see that point...

And about dates?

As long as your suit is in good condition and is certified as adhering to one of the standards in the rulebook (probably SFI I'm guessing, if you're coming from circle track racing), then you can use it for NRS, RA or CARS (if you come north of the border).

The only time I know of where suit age can be an issue is with FIA events: there are still some FIA 1986 standard suits floating around out there (as opposed to the newer 8856-2000 standard), so if you're entering an event where you MUST have FIA certified safety gear, your suit would likely need to be new enough that it was certified under the 2000 standard.

For CARS, RA and NRS, I'm fairly certain that an FIA 1986 suit is still allowed (I know it is for NRS and CARS, but if someone can confirm for RA, that would be helpful). SFI suit ratings don't expire, so if the suit's still in good shape and has the rating that your series rules require, then you're fine.

[nperkins]

Its SFI 3.2/5... so I should be good to go. :)

[Miotch]

As long as the rating is correct, the age won't be an issue- the number of layers doesn't strictly correlate to the rating.

Have fun in New York!


"Second!"