Gear built to this standard is primarily designed to protect emergency medical staff from liquid-borne pathogens/bloodborne pathogens (BBP), and bodily fluids. This NFPA standard also includes that the garment must meet the performance requirements outlined in the OSHA Final Rule, Protecting Health Care Workers from Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens.

As with other NFPA standards for PPE, 1999 also has performance requirements related to the strength and durability of the garment, physical hazard resistance and liquid-tight integrity, however unlike the other, 1999 does not require any flame protection. Expand the chart below to learn more about the required performance measures for NFPA 1999-certified PPE.