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14 RETIRING YOUR HAIX
®
NFPA
COMPLIANT FOOTWEAR
14.1 USEFUL LIFE
Generally, useful life is the period of time that Footwear, which has
been properly used and cared for, may provide reasonable limited
protection. Useful life is highly unlikely to be more than 5 years and,
in fact, could be much shorter, based on the factors set forth below.
NFPA performance requirements are based on new, unworn
Footwear. Thus, even if Footwear is not used, it should be retired
as discussed in Section 14.2, pursuant to NFPA standards.
The following factors affect the useful life of your Footwear:
A. Age and frequency of use - Footwear used at the busiest
stations will not last as long as at less busy stations.
B. Number and type of previous repairs - Footwear repaired
many times in the same places will generally wear out sooner
than less frequently damaged or repaired Footwear.
C. Type of work the wearer performed - For example, toe
areas of the Footwear that are used in crawling operations
generally will wear out more quickly than other areas.
D. The length of exposure to extreme heat and the intensity of
the heat - Exposure to extreme heat can cause the leather
outer layer and the inner lining to become brittle. Repeated
cycles of low level, long-term exposure to heat can also
damage moisture barrier materials.
E. The length of exposure to hazardous chemicals – If there is exposure to hazardous
chemicals, and decontamination is not fully effective, the Footwear may not be safe
for further use.
F. The length of exposure to direct or indirect sunlight, or other light sources such as
fluorescent light - Tests and fire department surveys show that exposure to direct/
indirect sunlight or fluorescent light causes the moisture barrier, and any Footwear
component made with aramid fibers such as thread and laces, to become brittle, weak
or degraded.
G. Footwear more than 5 years old are highly likely to have exceeded their useful life
and should be retired. In fact, as noted above, useful life could be much less than 5
years.
H. Damage caused by use of non-authorized replacement parts such as insoles, zipper
inserts, laces.
I. Replacement of zippers worn improperly, incompletely zipped or damaged.
J. Damage or wear to inner or outer heel area by zipper-style Footwear worn without
proper sealing of zippers.
K. Damage to inner liner by donning or doffing zipper Footwear without first properly
unzipping.
L. Footwear not properly cleaned and polished.
• NFPA performance
requirements are
based on new,
unworn Footwear
and Composites.
Useful life varies
depending on
conditions of wear,
maintenance, and
storage.
• As a result, useful
life is highly unlikely
to be more than 5
years and, in fact,
could be much
shorter based on
conditions of wear,
maintenance,
storage, and other
factors.
