U.S. Department of Justice 

Office of Justice Programs 

National Institute of Justice 

StandardS 

March 2012
�

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

nIJ Standard-0117.00 

NIJ.gov
 

 

 

 

U.S. Department of Justice 

Office of Justice Programs 

810 Seventh Street N.W. 

Washington, DC 20531 

Eric H. Holder, Jr. 

Attorney General 

Mary Lou Leary 

Acting Assistant Attorney General 

John H. Laub 

Director, National Institute of Justice 

This and other publications and products of the National Institute 

of Justice can be found at: 

National Institute of Justice 

NIJ.gov 

Office of Justice Programs 

Innovation • Partnerships • Safer Neighborhoods 

www.ojp.usdoj.gov 
U.S. Department of Justice 

Office of Justice Programs 

National Institute of Justice 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

NIJ Standard-0117.00 

March 2012 

NCJ 227357 
 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE 

John H. Laub 

Director 

Kristina Rose 

Deputy Director 

Chris Tillery 

Office Director, Office of Science and Technology 

Davis Hart 

Division Director, Operational Technologies Division 

Debra Stoe 

Physical Scientist, Operational Technologies Division 

Brian Montgomery 

Physical Scientist, Operational Technologies Division 

The National Institute of Justice is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice 

Assistance; the Bureau of Justice Statistics; the Office for Victims of Crime; the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency
 

Prevention; and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking (SMART).
 
 

 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

Panel of Experts 

This standard was developed by a panel of practitioners, technical experts, and others with 

experience in standards development and conformity assessment. Panel members, their 

organizations, and their professional affiliations or expertise are listed in Table 1and Table 2. 

Table 1. Practitioners 

Type Name Organization Affiliation 

Local 

(Retired) 

Martin 

Hutchings, Lead 

Sacramento (Calif.) Sheriff’s 

Department 

National Bomb Squad 

Commanders Advisory 

Board (NBSCAB) 

Local Tom Sharkey Metro Transit (WMATA) Police 

Department 

NBSCAB 

Local Albert Wessel Allegheny County (Pa.) Police 

Department 

NBSCAB 

Local Ursula Wiebusch Hartford (Conn.) Police 

Department 

NBSCAB 

State Christopher 

Ennis 

Delaware State Police Department NBSCAB 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

Table 2. Subject Matter and Technical Experts 

Type Name Organization Expertise 

Federal Rich Campbell U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau 

of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and 

Explosives 

Subject Matter Expert 

Federal Marina Carboni U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, 

Development and Engineering 

(RD&E) Center 

Subject Matter Expert 

Federal Fred Chan U.S. Army Natick Soldier RD&E 

Center 

Subject Matter Expert 

Federal David Colanto U.S. Army Natick Soldier RD&E 

Center 

Subject Matter Expert 

Federal Gordon Gillerman U.S. Department of Commerce, 

National Institute of Standards and 

Technology 

Conformity Assessment 

Federal Jerry Harkleroad U.S. Department of Justice, Federal 

Bureau of Investigation, Hazardous 

Devices School 

Instructor 

Federal Jeffrey Horlick 

(contractor) 

U.S. Department of Commerce, 

National Institute of Standards and 

Technology 

Conformity Assessment 

Federal Everett Johnson 

(contractor) 

U.S. Department of Homeland 

Security, Office of Science and 

Technology 

Subject Matter Expert 

Federal Rich McKee U.S. Department of Homeland 

Security, Office for Bombing 

Prevention 

Subject Matter Expert 

Federal Casandra Robinson 

(contractor) 

U.S. Department of Energy, 

Savannah River National Laboratory 

Standards, Conformity 

Assessment 

Federal Mike Zielinski U.S. Army Natick Soldier RD&E 

Center 

Subject Matter Expert 

Private Pat Gleason Safety Equipment Institute Standards, Conformity 

Assessment 

Private Richard James Lockheed Martin Corporation 

(NLECTC-National) 

Conformity Assessment 

Private Pam Kavalesky Intertek Test Laboratory Testing 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

Advisory Working Group 

The work of the panel was reviewed by an Advisory Working Group (AWG) made up of seniorlevel representatives from stakeholder organizations and individuals with experience in standards 

development and conformity assessment. Organizations represented on the AWG are listed in 

Table 3 below. 

Table 3. AWG Members 

Organization 

Fraternal Order of Police 

International Association of Chiefs of Police 

National Bomb Squad Commanders Advisory Board 

National Sheriffs’ Association 

National Tactical Officers Association 

U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology 

U.S. Department of Defense, Technical Support Working Group 

U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate, Explosives 

Division 

U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate, Office of 

Standards 

U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 

U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Hazardous Devices School 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

Steering Committee 

The Steering Committee generally directed the effort and helped to ensure coordination among 

relevant federal programs. The following were the members of the Steering Committee (shown 

in Table 4 with their respective organizations during the development of this document). 

Table 4. Steering Committee Members 

Member Organization Title 

Ellen Scrivner, Chair U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice 

Programs, National Institute of Justice 

Deputy Director 

Bert Coursey U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 

Science and Technology Directorate, Office of 

Standards 

Director 

Mark Stolorow U.S. Department of Commerce, National 

Institute of Standards and Technology, Office 

of Law Enforcement Standards 

Director 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

FOREWORD
 

This document is a voluntary performance standard for bomb suits for use by certified public 

safety bomb technicians while performing render safe procedures and disposal activities. It 

defines both performance requirements and the methods used to test performance. In order for a 

manufacturer, supplier, or other entity to claim that a particular bomb suit model satisfies this 

National Institute of Justice (NIJ) standard, the model must be in compliance with this standard, 

as determined in accordance with this document and the associated document, Public Safety 

Bomb Suit Certification Program Requirements, NIJ CR-0117.00. Both this standard and the 

associated certification program requirements document are produced as part of the Standards 

and Testing Program of the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, NIJ, as is a 

third associated document, the Public Safety Bomb Suit Selection and Application Guide, NIJ 

Guide–0117.00. 

All requirements stated in this standard, including those that explicitly employ mandatory 

language (e.g., “shall”), are those necessary to satisfy this standard. Nothing in this document is 

intended to require or imply that commercially available bomb suits must satisfy this standard. 

This document is a performance and testing standard and, therefore, provides precise and 

detailed test methods. 

The standard is based on research from the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, 

Development and Engineering (RD&E) Center, which is documented in the report listed below. 

Portions of the report are used within this standard, and references to the report are cited using 

the letter symbol indicated below: 

Symbol Cited Document 

A Recommendations for a Draft Bomb Suit Standard. 2008. Natick, MA: 

Commander, U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, 

Soldier Systems Center, Natick Soldier Research, Development and 

Engineering Center, National Protection Center. 

This standard addresses six key areas: fragmentation, impact, flame, some blast overpressure, 

optics, and ergonomics. Fragmentation, impact, flame, and blast overpressure are hazards against 

which a bomb technician needs to be protected when performing render safe procedures. Optics 

and ergonomics relate to a bomb technician’s ability to perform render safe procedures while 

wearing the bomb suit. The standard balances the protection requirements against the bomb 

technician’s need for mobility, clear vision, and dexterity. 

vii 
 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

This standard addresses blast overpressure only in terms of bomb suit integrity; i.e., only in 

terms of the bomb suit’s remaining intact when subjected to an explosion. At present, research 

and data related to the effects of blast overpressure are limited. The following aspects of blast 

overpressure will not be addressed until the necessary research is complete: blast head trauma, 

blast thoracic injury, blunt thoracic injury, blunt lower neck trauma, other neck injury, and blast 

ear injury. NIJ anticipates publishing addenda or revisions to this standard when the necessary 

data are available and applicable requirements and test methods are defined. 

Additionally, chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) protection is not 

addressed within this standard. Research in this area is ongoing. NIJ anticipates publishing 

addenda or revisions when the necessary data are available and applicable requirements and test 

methods are defined. 

Requirements for manufacturers, suppliers, or other entities seeking to demonstrate 

conformity with this standard are provided in a separate document, Public Safety Bomb Suit 

Certification Program Requirements, NIJ CR-0117.00. Those seeking guidance concerning the 

selection and application of bomb suits for certified public safety bomb technicians should refer 

to the most recent version of the Public Safety Bomb Suit Selection and Application Guide, NIJ 

Guide-0117.00, which explains the standard in nontechnical language and provides guidance into 

selecting, procuring, using, and maintaining bomb suits. 

Although agencies are advised always to require their procurements to meet or exceed the 

most recent and up-to-date version of this standard, this does not necessarily mean that an agency 

should remove bomb suits that they currently have in use from service, as a bomb suit that does 

not meet current standards well may be better than no bomb suit at all. 

NIJ standards are subject to continued research, development and testing, review and 

modification as appropriate on an ongoing basis. Users of this standard are advised to consult the 

NIJ Standards and Testing Program webpage, accessed from www.nij.gov/standards, on a 

regular basis to determine whether the documents have been revised or superseded. 

Technical comments and recommended revisions are welcome. Please send all written 

comments and suggestions to: Director, National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, 

U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, 20531, ATTN: NIJ Standards and Testing 

Program. 

Nothing in this document is intended to create any legal or procedural rights enforceable 

against the United States. Moreover, nothing in this document creates any obligation for 

manufacturers, suppliers, public safety agencies, or others to follow or adopt this voluntary 

equipment standard. 

viii 
 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

CONTENTS 

ABBREVIATIONS, SYMBOLS, PREFIXES, AND CONVERSIONS ................................ xiii
 

1. SCOPE, PURPOSE, AND APPLICATION .......................................................................1
 

1.1 Scope.......................................................................................................................................1
 

1.2 Purpose...................................................................................................................................2
 

1.3 Application.............................................................................................................................2
 

2. REFERENCES......................................................................................................................3
 

2.1 Associated Publications ........................................................................................................3
 

2.2 Referenced Publications .......................................................................................................3
 

3. DEFINITIONS ......................................................................................................................6
 

3.1 General ...................................................................................................................................6
 

3.2 Standard-Specific Definitions ..............................................................................................6
 

4. FORM AND FIT REQUIREMENTS ...............................................................................12
 

4.1 Requirements for Bomb Suit Models................................................................................12
 

4.2 Requirements for Protective Elements of Models............................................................13
 

4.3 Requirements for Accessories of Bomb Suit Models.......................................................13
 

5. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS .............................................................................14
 

5.1 Acceptance Criteria for Bomb Suit Models......................................................................14
 

5.2 Ergonomics RequirementsA for Bomb Suit Models ........................................................14
 

5.3 Optics RequirementsA for Bomb Suit Models..................................................................17
 

5.4 Flammability RequirementsA for Bomb Suit Models......................................................18
 

5.5 Electrostatic Discharge Requirements for Bomb Suit Models .......................................18
 

5.6 Head Protection RequirementsA for Bomb Suit Models .................................................18
 

5.7 Spine Protection RequirementsA for Bomb Suit Models.................................................19
 

5.8 Fragmentation Requirements for Bomb Suit Models .....................................................19
 

5.9 Bomb Suit Integrity Requirements for Bomb Suit Models.............................................20
 

5.10 Drag Rescue Device Requirements for Bomb Suit Models.............................................21
 

5.11 Label Durability Requirements for Bomb Suit Models ..................................................21
 

5.12 Optional Foot Protection Slip Resistance Requirement for Bomb Suit Models ...........21
 

6. TEST METHODS ...............................................................................................................22
 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

6.1 General .................................................................................................................................22
 

6.2 Donning and Quick Doffing TestA .....................................................................................23
 

6.3 Incapacitated Doffing TestA ...............................................................................................25
 

6.4 Static Field of View (FOV) TestA .......................................................................................26
 

6.5 Dynamic FOV – Head Rotation Only TestA .....................................................................29
 

6.6 Dynamic FOV – Head and Body Motion TestA ................................................................31
 

6.7 Coin Recovery TestA ...........................................................................................................34
 

6.8 Lie on Back and Stand Up TestA .......................................................................................35
 

6.9 Test CourseA ........................................................................................................................35
 

6.10 Gross Body Mobility TestsA ...............................................................................................37
 

6.11 Kneel and Rise TestA ..........................................................................................................39
 

6.12 Upper Arm Abduction TestA .............................................................................................39
 

6.13 Upper Arm Forward Extension TestA ..............................................................................39
 

6.14 Upper Arm Backward Extension TestA ............................................................................40
 

6.15 Upper Leg Abduction TestA ...............................................................................................40
 

6.16 Upper Leg Flexion TestA ....................................................................................................41
 

6.17 Upper Leg Forward Extension TestA ................................................................................41
 

6.18 Upper Leg Backward Extension TestA .............................................................................42
 

6.19 Fogging Assessment for Face Shields................................................................................42
 

6.20 Optics Tests..........................................................................................................................44
 

6.21 Distortion TestA ...................................................................................................................44
 

6.22 Luminous Transmittance TestA .........................................................................................45
 

6.23 Haze Resistance TestA .........................................................................................................45
 

6.24 Refractive Power TestA .......................................................................................................46
 

6.25 Prismatic Deviation TestA ..................................................................................................48
 

6.26 Flammability TestA .............................................................................................................48
 

6.27 Electrostatic Discharge Test...............................................................................................49
 

6.28 Head Protection TestA ........................................................................................................50
 

6.29 Spine Protection TestA ........................................................................................................52
 

6.30 Fragmentation TestA ...........................................................................................................54
 

6.31 Bomb Suit Integrity TestA ..................................................................................................60
 

6.32 Drag Rescue Device Test ....................................................................................................62
 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

6.33 Label Durability: Wear Test..............................................................................................63
 

6.34 Label Durability: Chemical Resistance Test ....................................................................63
 

6.35 Slip Resistance Test.............................................................................................................64
 

7.	 LABELING AND INFORMATION .................................................................................65
 

7.1	 General Product Label Requirements for Bomb Suit Models........................................65
 

7.2	 Compliance Statements on Certified Product Labels of Compliant Bomb 

 Suit Models ..........................................................................................................................66
 

7.3	 User Information to be Provided by the Supplier............................................................66
 

7.4 Technical Data Package to be Provided by the Supplier ................................................67
 

APPENDIX A. Protection Areas ................................................................................................68
 

List of Figures 

Figure 1. Static FOV Axes (Left Eye Orientation)................................................................... 27
 

Figure 2. Method to Determine Dynamic FOV (Head Rotation Only).................................. 30
 

Figure 3. Method of Determining Dynamic FOV (Head and Body Motion)......................... 33
 

Figure 4. Refractive Power Test Equipment and Setup.......................................................... 47
 

Figure 5. Protection Areas ......................................................................................................... 68
 

Figure 6. Body Landmarks ........................................................................................................ 70
 

Figure 7. Human Body Plane: (1) Frontal or Coronal, (2) Sagittal, (3) Transverse............. 70
 

Figure 8. Human Body Directions............................................................................................. 70 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

List of Tables 

Table 1. Practitioners................................................................................................................... iii
 

Table 2. Subject Matter and Technical Experts ....................................................................... iv
 

Table 3. AWG Members............................................................................................................... v
 

Table 4. Steering Committee Members ..................................................................................... vi
 

Table 5. Static FOV Requirements............................................................................................ 15
 

Table 6. Flammability Acceptance Criteria for Outer Surface Material Specimens ........... 18
 

Table 7. Flammability Acceptance Criteria for Helmet Specimens....................................... 18
 

Table 8. Fragmentation Performance Requirements.............................................................. 20
 

Table 9. Head Protection Test Matrix (DOT TP-218-5) ......................................................... 51
 

Table 10. Armor Types and Protection Areas for Fragmentation Testing ........................... 54
 

Table 11. Test Projectiles ........................................................................................................... 58
 

Table 12. Minimum Distance for Shot Locations .................................................................... 59
 

Table 13. V50 Ballistic Limit Parameters................................................................................. 60
 

Table 14. Required Number of Fair Hits and Maximum Allowable Velocity Range........... 60
 

Table 15. Bomb Suit Protection Area ....................................................................................... 69
 

List of Equations 

Equation 1. Percent Difference.................................................................................................. 28
 

Equation 2. Angle of Visual Field for Static FOV.................................................................... 28
 

Equation 3. Occluded Angle for Dynamic FOV....................................................................... 31
 

Equation 4. Back View Distance................................................................................................ 33
 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

ABBREVIATIONS, SYMBOLS, PREFIXES, AND CONVERSIONS 

Standard-Specific Abbreviations 

AASHTO American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 

ANSI American National Standards Institute 

ASTM ASTM International 

CBRN Chemical/Biological/Radiological/Nuclear 

DHS Department of Homeland Security 

DOJ Department of Justice 

DOT Department of Transportation 

FBI Federal Bureau of Investigation 

FOV Field of View 

FSP Fragment Simulating Projectile 

HS Highest Stop 

IAFF International Association of Fire Fighters 

IEC International Electrotechnical Commission 

IED Improvised Explosive Device 

ISO International Standardization Organization 

ITOP International Test Operations Procedure 

JIEDDO Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization 

L/D Length to diameter 

LP Lowest Perforation 

NFPA National Fire Protection Association 

NIJ National Institute of Justice 

NIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 

NIST National Institute of Standards and Technology 

NLECTC National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center 

PPE Personal Protective Equipment 

U.S. United States 

VAS Visual Acuity Score 

WMATA Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

Commonly Used Symbols and Abbreviations 

A ampere H henry nm nanometer 

ac alternating current h hour No. number 

AM amplitude modulation hf high frequency o.d. outside diameter 

cd candela Hz hertz Ω ohm 

cm centimeter i.d. inside diameter p. page 

CP chemically pure in inch Pa pascal 

c/s cycle per second IR infrared pe probable error 

d day J joule pp. pages 

dB decibel kN Kilo newton ppm parts per million 

dc direct current L liter qt quart 

°C degree Celsius lb pound rad radian 

°F degree Fahrenheit lbf pound force rf radio frequency 

diam diameter lbf⋅in pound force inch rh relative humidity 

emf electromotive force lm lumen s second 

eq equation ln logarithm (base e) SD standard deviation 

F farad log logarithm (base 10) sec. section 

fc footcandle M molar SWR standing wave ratio 

fig. figure m meter uhf ultrahigh frequency 

FM frequency modulation min. minute UV ultraviolet 

ft foot mm millimeter V volt 

ft/s foot per second mph miles per hour vhf very high frequency 

g acceleration m/s meter per second W watt 

g gram N newton λ wavelength 

gr grain N⋅m newton meter wt weight 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

1.	 SCOPE, PURPOSE, AND APPLICATION 

1.1	 Scope 

1.1.1	 This document is a voluntary standard. All requirements stated in this standard, 

including those that explicitly employ mandatory language (e.g., “shall”) are those 

necessary to satisfy the standard. Nothing in this document is intended to require or 

imply that commercially available bomb suits must satisfy this standard. In order for a 

supplier or other entity to claim that a particular bomb suit model satisfies this NIJ 

standard, however, the model must be found to comply with this standard as 

determined in accordance with this document and the associated document, Public 

Safety Bomb Suit Certification Program Requirements, NIJ CR-0117.00. 

1.1.2	 This standard specifies the minimum requirements for the form and fit, performance, 

testing, documentation, and labeling of bomb suits. 

1.1.3	 This standard specifies requirements for new, unworn bomb suits. 

1.1.4	 This standard addresses blast overpressure only in terms of bomb suit integrity. As of 

the date of the document, blast overpressure protection test measures did not provide 

sufficient confidence levels to recommend test methods and protective performance 

requirements. 

1.1.5	 This standard does not specify requirements for protection of wrists, hands, or ankles. 

1.1.6	 This standard does specify requirements for foot protection, if such protection is 

provided by the supplier or other entity as an optional protective element. 

1.1.7	 The performance requirements of this standard shall be met with all required 

accessories installed or integrated (see Section 7.3.3). 

1.1.8	 This standard does not specify requirements for protection from projectiles from 

firearms (e.g., bullet threats) or CBRN hazards. 

1.1.9	 This standard does not address search suits or reconnaissance suits (see Section 

3.2.45). 

1.1.10	 This standard shall not be understood as addressing all of the safety concerns 

associated with the use of bomb suits. Users of this standard should be aware of all 

safety and health issues associated with the use of bomb suits. User information 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

related to these issues is provided in Public Safety Bomb Suit Selection and 

Application Guide, NIJ Guide-0117.00. 

1.1.11	 This standard shall not be understood as addressing the safety concerns, if any, 

associated with the use of this standard by testing facilities. 

1.1.12	 No supplier or other entity shall claim compliance with only selected portions of this 

standard. The bomb suit model shall meet all applicable stated requirements of this 

standard. 

1.1.13	 Nothing herein shall be understood to restrict any supplier or other entity from 

exceeding the requirements of this standard. 

1.1.14	 As appropriate (e.g., for models that employ materials or forms of construction that 

were not anticipated when this standard was developed or are not addressed by this 

standard), NIJ may modify the test methods of the standard or establish new ones. 

1.2	 Purpose 

1.2.1	 The purpose of this NIJ voluntary standard is to specify minimum requirements for 

bomb suits worn by bomb technicians conducting render safe procedures, analysis, 

and disposal activities, and test methods for assessing that the performance 

requirements are met. 

1.2.1.1	 The purpose of the test methods in this standard is to assess performance and should 

not be understood to specify performance levels for all situations and hazards to 

which bomb technicians may be exposed. 

1.3	 Application 

1.3.1	 This standard provides for one level of protection. 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

2. REFERENCES 

2.1 Associated Publications 

The following document is a companion publication to NIJ Standard-0117.00 and NIJ 

CR-0117.00. 

NIJ Guide-0117.00, Public Safety Bomb Suit Selection and Application Guide. 

Washington, DC: National Institute of Justice, U.S. Department of Justice. 

2.2 Referenced Publications 

The following references form a basis for and provide support for the requirements 

and procedures described in this standard. For dated references, only the edition cited 

applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document applies, 

including any amendments. 

2.2.1 American National Standards Institute Publications 

ANSI/ASSE Z87.1-2003, Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face 

Protection Devices. 2003. Washington, DC: American National Standards Institute. 

2.2.2 ASTM International Publications 

ASTM Standard D1003-00, 2000, “Standard Test Method for Haze and Luminous 

Transmittance of Transparent Plastics,” ASTM International, West Conshohocken, 

PA, 2000, DOI: 10.1520/D1003-00, www.astm.org. 

ASTM Standard D6413-99, 1999, “Standard Test Method for Flame Resistance of 

Textiles (Vertical Test),” ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 1999, DOI: 

10.1520/D6413-99, www.astm.org. 

ASTM Standard F2220, 2002, “Standard Specification for Headforms,” ASTM 

International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2002, DOI: 10.1520/F2220-02, 

www.astm.org. 

ASTM Standard F489, 1996, “Standard Test Method for Static Coefficient of Friction 

of Shoe Sole and Heel Material as Measured by the James Machine,” ASTM 

International, West Conshohocken, PA, 1996, DOI: 10.1520/F0489-96, 

www.astm.org. 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

2.2.3 Canadian Standards Association Publications 

CAN/CSA Z617-06, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Blunt Trauma. 2006. 

Mississauga, Ontario: Canadian Standards Association. 

2.2.4 Electrostatic Discharge Association Publications 

STM 2.1-1997, Electrostatic Discharge Association Standard Test Method for the 

Protection of Electrostatic Discharge Susceptible Items – Garments. 1997. Rome, 

NY: Electrostatic Discharge Association. 

2.2.5 ISO/IEC Publications 

ISO/IEC Guide 65:1997. General Requirements for Bodies Operating Product 

Certification Systems. 

IEC 60825-1: 2007. Safety of laser products - Part 1: Equipment classification and 

requirements. 

2.2.6 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Publications 

NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and 

Proximity Fire Fighting. 2007. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association. 

2.2.7 U.S. Government Publications 

Washer, E.; Gardner, I. C. NBS resolution test chart 1952, presented in Method for 

determining the resolving power of photographic lenses. National Bureau of 

Standards (U.S.) Spec. Publ. 374; 1973 June. 

NIJ CR-0117.00, Public Safety Bomb Suit Certification Program Requirements. 

Washington, DC: National Institute of Justice, U.S. Department of Justice. 

NIJ Standard-0104.02, NIJ Standard for Riot Helmets and Face Shields. Washington, 

DC: U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice.

 NIJ Standard-0116.00, CBRN Protective Ensemble Standard for Law Enforcement. 

Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice. 

NIOSH CET-APRS-STP-CBRN-0314, Revision 1.1 – Determination of Lens 

Fogging on Full-Facepiece Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

Air-Purifying Respirators Standard Test Procedure, 2005.Washington, DC: National 

Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. 

TP-218-05, Laboratory Test Procedure for Motor Vehicle Safety Standard FMVSS 

No. 218 — Motorcycle Helmets. 2006. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of 

Transportation. 

2.2.8 U.S. Military Publications 

International Test Operations Procedure (ITOP) 4-2-805 – Projectile Velocity and 

Time of Flight Measurements. 1999. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Defense. 

MIL-STD-662F – V50 Ballistic Test for Armor. 1997. Washington, DC: U.S. 

Department of Defense. 

MIL-P-46593A (ORD) — Projectile Calibers .22, .30, .50 and 20 mm FragmentSimulating. 1962. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Defense. 

MIL-DTL-43511D — Detail Specification, Face Shields, Flyer’s Helmet, 

Polycarbonate. 2006. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Defense. 

Recommendations for a Draft Bomb Suit Standard. 2008. Natick, MA: Commander, 

U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, Soldier Systems 

Center, Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center, National 

Protection Center. 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

3.	 DEFINITIONS 

3.1	 General 

3.1.1	 The definitions contained in this chapter shall apply to these terms as used in this 

standard. Where terms are not defined in this chapter or within another chapter, they 

shall be defined using their ordinarily accepted meanings, unless the context 

unmistakably indicates otherwise. 

3.2	 Standard-Specific Definitions 

3.2.1	 Abduction: Movement of a body part away from the medial plane of the body. 

3.2.2	 Accessories: Any supplier-recommended or aftermarket items that can be attached to 

the bomb suit. 

3.2.2.1	 Optional accessories: Items available for use with the bomb suit but not necessary 

for meeting the requirements of this standard. 

3.2.2.2	 Required accessories: Items provided with a bomb suit and necessary for meeting 

the requirements of this standard. 

3.2.3	 Anchor point: A mechanism intended to prevent unintentional detachment of 

protective elements. 

3.2.4	 Blast overpressure: Air pressure that is significantly greater than the surrounding 

atmospheric pressure, as a result of the shock wave from an explosion. 

3.2.5	 Bomb suit: An ensemble designed to provide limited protection for the head, face, 

neck, thorax/abdomen, pelvis, arms, and legs from the hazards associated with the 

detonation of an explosive device. 

3.2.6	 Bomb technicians: Qualified public safety personnel who perform render safe 

procedures, analysis, and disposal activities for hazardous explosive devices. 

3.2.7	 Care: Cleaning, decontamination, and storage of a product. 

3.2.8	 Certified product: Any unit of a compliant model. 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

3.2.9	 Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) hazards: Chemical 

warfare agents, toxic industrial chemicals, biologically derived toxins or pathogens 

and radiological particulate hazards that may inflict bodily harm, incapacitation, or 

death (NIJ Standard-0116.00, 2010). 

3.2.10	 CBRN protective accessory: A type of optional accessory intended to provide 

protection against CBRN hazards and that may not meet the requirements of this 

standard. 

3.2.11	 Compliant: The condition of a bomb suit model’s meeting or exceeding all 

applicable requirements of this standard as determined pursuant and subject to NIJ 

CR-0117. 

3.2.12	 Component: Any material, part, or subassembly used in construction of the bomb 

suit or protective element. 

3.2.13	 Cosmetic damage: Discoloration, fraying, singeing, ripping, tearing, etc., of outer 

fabric layers and items such as straps or closures. 

3.2.14	 Disposal: The safe elimination of potentially hazardous materials. 

3.2.15	 Doff: To remove from a wearer (as in a garment). 

3.2.15.1	 Incapacitated doff: The removal of a bomb suit from a wearer who is incapable of 

assisting in bomb suit removal. 

3.2.15.2	 Quick doff: The quick removal of a bomb suit by the wearer. 

3.2.16	 Don: To put on a wearer (as in a garment). 

3.2.17	 Drag rescue device: A reinforced handle on the exterior of a bomb suit for the 

purpose of moving an incapacitated wearer. 

3.2.18	 Duty footwear: A shoe or boot worn by a bomb technician that is not designed to 

provide protection from the hazards associated with the detonation of an explosive 

device. 

3.2.19	 Electrostatic discharge: A rapid transfer of electrically charged particles between 

objects that has the potential to initiate an explosive charge or ignite combustible 

materials. 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

3.2.20	 Face shield: The protective element that is designed to protect the wearer’s face from
 

the hazards associated with the detonation of an explosive device. 

3.2.21	 Fair hit: The impact of a projectile on an armor specimen that meets the shot-spacing 

requirements of Section 6.30.3.5 and the yaw requirements of Section 6.30.3.3.
 

3.2.22	 Field of view (FOV): The area that a bomb suit permits its wearer to see when 

looking through its face shield.
 

3.2.23	 Flammability: A material’s capacity to support combustion.
 

3.2.24	 Foot protection: An optional protective element that is designed to protect the foot, 

from the top to the sole.
 

3.2.25	 Fragment simulating projectile (FSP): A standardized cylindrical steel projectile 

designed to emulate the general ballistic performance of irregularly shaped metallic 

fragments associated with an explosive device.
 

3.2.26	 Fragmentation test: Laboratory ballistic test procedure for determining the 

protection level of target materials against an FSP. 

3.2.27	 Goniometer: A device for measuring angular position. 

3.2.28	 Head protection: The protective element that is designed to protect the wearer’s 

head, not including the face.
 

3.2.29	 Helmet: Synonymous with Head Protection.
 

3.2.30	 Impact attenuation: Capacity of personal protective equipment to reduce the 

severity of contact by absorbing and/or distributing energy.
 

3.2.31	 Maintenance: Inspection, repair, and retirement of a product. 

3.2.32	 Manufacturer: A commercial enterprise engaged in fabricating a product. 

3.2.33	 Model: The manufacturer’s design, with unique specifications and characteristics, of 

a particular item.
 

3.2.34	 Objective: The desired target value for a performance requirement.
 

3.2.35	 Optics test: Procedure that evaluates essential optical properties of the face shield.
 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

3.2.36	 Outer surface materials: Bomb suit materials and reinforcements on the exterior of 

the bomb suit, excluding fasteners, zippers, and closures. 

3.2.37	 Perforation: Any projectile impact that creates a crack or hole passing through 

something. The term perforation includes complete penetration, as that term is used 

in other standards. 

3.2.38	 Personal protective equipment (PPE): Any item providing protection to the wearer 

against a hazard. 

3.2.39	 Product: One unit of a particular model. 

3.2.40	 Protection areas: The following portions of the body that a bomb suit is designed to 

protect from the hazards associated with the detonation of an explosive device: (1) 

head, (2) face, (3) neck, (4) thorax/abdomen, (5) pelvis, (6) arms, and (7) legs. Many 

protection areas have different performance requirements for the front, sides, and rear 

of the body. Diagrams, sketches, and detailed descriptions are provided in Appendix 

A. Hands, wrists, and ankles are not protection areas. 

3.2.40.1	 Head: The area from the top of the skull to the chin in the front and to the base of 

skull in the rear, excluding the face. 

3.2.40.2	 Face: The surface of the front of the head, including enough area to meet the vision 

requirements of this standard. 

3.2.40.3	 Neck: The part of the body joining the head to the trunk, from the chin to the top of 

the chest in front, and from the bottom of the skull to the shoulder line in back. 

• Neck - Front Lateral 

• Neck - Front Medial 

• Neck - Rear 

3.2.40.4	 Thorax/Abdomen: The trunk of the body from the base of the neck to the navel line, 

in the front and back, excluding the arms. 

• Thorax/Abdomen - Front Lateral (left and right) 

• Thorax/Abdomen – Front Medial 

• Thorax/Abdomen – Rear 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

3.2.40.5	 Pelvis: The trunk of the body below the navel line, in the front and back, excluding 

the legs. 

•	 Pelvis – Front Lateral 

•	 Pelvis – Front Medial 

•	 Pelvis - Rear 

3.2.40.6	 Arms: The upper limbs of the body, from the shoulder crease/armpit to the wrist 

crease. 

3.2.40.7	 Legs: The lower limbs of the body, from the crotch to the ankle crease. 

•	 Legs - Lower Front: From the bottom of the kneecap to the ankle crease in front 

of the coronal plane (refer to Figure 6). 

•	 Legs - Lower Rear: From the bottom of the kneecap to the ankle crease behind the 

coronal plane (refer to Figure 6). 

•	 Legs – Upper: From the crotch to the bottom of the kneecap. 

3.2.41	 Protective elements: The parts of the bomb suit that provide protection to the areas 

of the wearer’s body described in Section 3.2.40. 

3.2.42	 Render safe procedure: Actions taken to mitigate a bomb threat. Such actions may 

include deploying explosive or mechanical means to separate essential parts of the 

hazardous device. 

3.2.43	 Retention system: Hardware assembly used to retain a helmet in position on the head 

during use. 

3.2.44	 Sample: A bomb suit, protective element, or component that is to be subjected to 

conditioning procedures as specified in this standard in preparation for subsequent 

testing. A sample is to be representative of a model (or a model protective element or 

a model component, as applicable). 

3.2.44.1	 Facsimile sample: A type of sample that is not taken from an actual bomb suit, 

protective element, or component, but that is prepared with materials and construction 

identical to an actual bomb suit, protective element, or component. Each facsimile 

sample shall include any protective element(s) and any associated component 

layer(s). 

3.2.45	 Search suit or reconnaissance suit: A type of PPE intended to provide protection to 

a bomb technician during a search for explosive devices but not intended to provide 

the level of protection offered by the bomb suit addressed in this standard. 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

3.2.46	 Shall: Indicates a mandatory requirement for the purposes of this voluntary standard. 

3.2.47	 Should: Indicates a recommendation that is advised but not required for the purposes 

of this voluntary standard. 

3.2.48	 Specimen: (1) A piece or portion of a sample to be tested (following conditioning as 

specified in this standard) that is representative of the whole sample, or (2) A 

complete sample to be tested (following conditioning as specified in this standard). 

(See 3.2.44, Sample.) 

3.2.49	 Spine protection: The protective element that is designed to protect the 

thoracolumbar region. 

3.2.50	 Spine protector: Synonymous with spine protection. 

3.2.51	 Stop: Any fair hit of a projectile on a sample or specimen that does not result in a 

perforation. The term stop includes partial penetration, as that term is used in other 

standards. 

3.2.52	 Supplier: The party that is responsible for ensuring that products meet and, if 

applicable, continue to meet, the requirements on which the certification is based 

(ISO/IEC Guide 65, 3.1). 

3.2.53	 Test subject: An individual who dons a bomb suit and performs specified activities 

for testing purposes under this standard. The test subject shall hold a current Federal 

Bureau of Investigation Hazardous Device School bomb technician certification. 

3.2.54	 Test surrogate: Device used as a human substitute in laboratory procedures. 

3.2.55	 Threshold: A minimum acceptable value for a performance requirement. 

3.2.56	 V50 ballistic limit: For a given projectile type, an estimate of the velocity at which 

the projectile is expected to perforate an armor specimen 50% of the time. The 

ballistic limit is typically denoted as the V50 or V50 value. 

3.2.57	 Walking surface: The portion of foot protection that contacts the ground during 

normal walking, including the ball and/or heel where appropriate. 

3.2.58	 Yaw: The angular deviation of the longitudinal axis of the projectile from its line of 

flight, measured as close to the target as practical. 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

4.	 FORM AND FIT REQUIREMENTS 

To be tested under the performance requirements of this standard, bomb suit models 

shall satisfy the requirements of this chapter. 

4.1	 Requirements for Bomb Suit Models 

4.1.1	 Bomb suits shall meet or exceed the applicable requirements specified in this section. 

4.1.2	 Bomb suits shall be designed to protect at least the wearer’s head, face, neck, 

thorax/abdomen, pelvis, arms, and legs. 

4.1.3	 The bomb suit design shall be such that body movement of the user (e.g., reaching 

and bending) does not result in any protection areas of the body becoming 

unprotected. 

4.1.4	 The bomb suit arm protection shall incorporate a means of tightening the sleeve at the 

wrist when on the wearer. 

4.1.5	 Bomb suits shall be available in at least three distinct sizes. 

4.1.6	 Bomb suits, including all required accessories, shall have a maximum weight not 

exceeding the limits specified in Section 4.1.6.1. This weight does not include 

optional accessories. 

4.1.6.1	 If three bomb suits are necessary to meet the requirement for three distinct sizes as 

specified in Section 4.1.5, the maximum weight for each size shall be as follows: 68.0 

lb for smallest size, 76.0 lb for midrange size, and 85.0 lb for largest size. If one 

bomb suit can be adjusted to meet the requirement for three distinct sizes, then the 

properly adjusted bomb suit shall meet the weight requirements for each 

corresponding size. 

4.1.7	 Bomb suits shall incorporate at least two drag rescue devices, one located on each 

shoulder. 

4.1.8	 Bomb suits shall have a grounding strap, extending from at least one leg of the bomb 

suit, for the purpose of preventing electrostatic discharge between the bomb 

technician and the explosive device. 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

4.1.8.1	 One end of the grounding strap shall have a means for being fastened to the bomb suit 

and the wearer’s leg or ankle. The opposite end of the grounding strap shall have a 

means for being fastened to either the optional foot protection or the bomb suit 

wearer’s duty footwear, such that the strap discharges any electrical charge to ground. 

4.1.9	 Bomb suits shall have a nondestructive means for incapacitated doffing, such that the 

bomb suit meets the requirements of Section 5.2.3 and is functional following 

incapacitated doffing. 

4.2	 Requirements for Protective Elements of Models 

4.2.1	 The face shield may be attached to the helmet using various means of attachment. A 

face shield that is hinged and flips up shall have a locking mechanism to keep the face 

shield in the upright position until the wearer disengages the locking mechanism. 

4.2.2	 The helmet shall have a means to achieve a snug, comfortable fit using an adjustable 

fitting system and/or various helmet sizes. 

4.2.3	 Spine protection shall be designed to protect the wearer’s spine, from at least the top 

of the T1 vertebra to at least the bottom of the L5 lumbar vertebra, and shall have a 

minimum width of 20.3 cm (8 inches). 

4.3	 Requirements for Accessories of Bomb Suit Models 

4.3.1	 The supplier shall provide written documentation identifying required and optional 

accessories. 

4.3.2	 No optional accessories shall be required to meet the form and fit and performance 

requirements of this standard. 

4.3.3	 No required accessories shall interfere with the function of the bomb suit. Where 

bomb suits are provided with required accessories that are attached to or integrated 

with the bomb suit, the bomb suit with required accessories installed shall meet all of 

the form and fit and performance requirements of this standard. 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

5.	 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS 

5.1	 Acceptance Criteria for Bomb Suit Models 

5.1.1	 Bomb suit models shall meet or exceed all applicable performance requirements 

specified in the categories below: 

• Ergonomics (See Section 5.2). 

• Optics (See Section 5.3). 

• Flammability (See Section 5.4). 

• Electrostatic discharge (See Section 5.5). 

• Head protection (See Section 5.6). 

• Spine protection (See Section 5.7). 

• Fragmentation (See Section 5.8). 

• Blast integrity (See Section 5.9). 

• Drag rescue (See Section 5.10). 

• Label durability (See Section 5.11). 

• Optional foot protection slip resistance (See Section 5.12). 

5.1.2	 No specific test sequence is required, but if the supplier opts to use the same helmet 

samples for tests in Sections 6.26 and 6.28 (as allowed in Section 6.26.1.3), the 

Section 6.28 testing shall occur first. 

5.1.3	 Unless the performance requirement is specifically stated as an average result, failure 

of any individual specimen result to meet the performance requirement shall 

constitute failing performance. 

5.2	 Ergonomics RequirementsA for Bomb Suit Models 

5.2.1	 Bomb suits, including all required accessories, shall be tested for donning time as 

specified in Section 6.2, Donning and Quick Doffing Test, and each bomb suit size 

shall have an average assisted donning time of less than 5 minutes. 

5.2.2	 Bomb suits, including all required accessories, shall be tested for quick doffing time 

as specified in Section 6.2, Donning and Quick Doffing Test, and each bomb suit size 

shall have an average quick doffing time of less than 1 minute. 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

5.2.3	 Bomb suits, including all required accessories, shall be tested for incapacitated 

doffing as specified in Section 6.3, Incapacitated Doffing Test, and for each trial for 

incapacitated doffing, the test assistant shall remove the bomb suit in less than 1 

minute. 

5.2.4	 Bomb suits, including all required accessories, shall be tested for static field of view 

as specified in Section 6.4, Static Field of View Test, and the visual field for each eye 

shall not be less than the values provided in Table 5 below: 

Table 5. Static FOV Requirements 

Measurement Angle 

(degrees) 

Superior 21 

Super-Nasal 26 

Nasal 44 

Infero-Nasal 41 

Inferior 40 

Infero-Temporal 48 

Temporal 49 

Super-Temporal 29 

5.2.5	 Bomb suits, including all required accessories, shall be tested for dynamic FOV, head 

rotation as specified in Section 6.5, Dynamic FOV Test — Head Rotation Only, and 

shall have an average head rotation value for all trials (of a particular size of a 

specific bomb suit) of no greater than 22.5 degrees. 

5.2.6	 Bomb suits, including all required accessories, shall be tested for dynamic FOV and 

head and body motion as specified in Section 6.6, Dynamic FOV Test – Head and 

Body Motion, and shall have an average value for all trials (for a particular size of a 

specific bomb suit) of no less than 30 cm (12 inches) in the backward direction. 

5.2.6.1	 Bomb suits, including all required accessories, shall be tested as specified in Section 

6.7, Coin Recovery Test, and successful completion of the task is required. After 

locating the coin, it is not required that the subject maintain visual contact with the 

coin through the face shield throughout the exercise. Each test subject is required to 

pass, and failure of one subject to complete the task shall result in a failure for the 

bomb suit. 

5.2.6.2	 Bomb suits, including all required accessories, shall be tested as specified in Section 

6.8, Lie on Back and Stand Up Test, and each subject shall pass all attempts to 

15 
 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

complete the task. No protective element shall shift in a way that reduces the 

protection defined in this document. 

5.2.7	 Bomb suits, including all required accessories, shall be tested as specified in Section 

6.9, Test Course, and the test subject shall successfully complete the course. During 

navigation of the course, no protective element or component shall shift in a way that 

reduces the protection or functionality of the bomb suit. 

5.2.8	 Gross Body Mobility RequirementsA 

5.2.8.1	 All gross body mobility tests referenced below shall begin with the guidelines 

specified in Section 6.10, Gross Body Mobility Tests. 

5.2.8.2	 Bomb suits, including all required accessories, shall be tested for gross body mobility 

as specified in Section 6.11, Kneel and Rise Test, and the test subject shall be able to 

rise from the kneeling position without any human assistance and without grasping 

any object or wall for support. 

5.2.8.3	 Bomb suits, including all required accessories, shall be tested for gross body mobility 

as specified in Section 6.12, Upper Arm Abduction Test, and each joint shall achieve 

a minimum angle of 90 degrees. 

5.2.8.4	 Bomb suits, including all required accessories, shall be tested for gross body mobility 

as specified in Section 6.13, Upper Arm Forward Extension Test, and each joint shall 

achieve a minimum angle of 100 degrees. 

5.2.8.5	 Bomb suits, including all required accessories, shall be tested for gross body mobility 

as specified in Section 6.14, Upper Arm Backward Extension Test, and each joint 

shall achieve a minimum angle of 35 degrees. 

5.2.8.6	 Bomb suits, including all required accessories, shall be tested for gross body mobility 

as specified in Section 6.15, Upper Leg Abduction Test, and shall achieve a minimum 

angle of 45 degrees. 

5.2.8.7	 Bomb suits, including all required accessories, shall be tested for gross body mobility 

as specified in Section 6.16, Upper Leg Flexion Test, and each joint shall achieve a 

minimum angle of 60 degrees. 

5.2.8.8	 Bomb suits, including all required accessories, shall be tested for gross body mobility 

as specified in Section 6.17, Upper Leg Forward Extension Test, and each joint shall 

achieve a minimum angle of 50 degrees. 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

5.2.8.9	 Bomb suits, including all required accessories, shall be tested for gross body mobility 

as specified in Section 6.18, Upper Leg Backward Extension Test, and each joint shall 

achieve a minimum angle of 35 degrees. 

5.2.9	 Bomb suits, including all required accessories, shall be tested as specified in Section 

6.19, Fogging Assessment, and the average Visual Acuity Score (VAS) shall be ≥ 75 

points (NIOSH Procedure No. CET-APRS-STP-CBRN-0314, Section 6.1). 

5.3	 Optics RequirementsA for Bomb Suit Models 

5.3.1	 Optics requirements for face shields shall be assessed by performing the tests 

specified in Section 6.20. 

5.3.2	 Face shields, including any supplier-recommended appliqués, shall be tested as 

specified in Section 6.21, Distortion Test, and line patterns shall not deviate greater 

than one line width within the critical vision areas as shown in MIL-DTL-43511D, 

Figure 2. 

5.3.3	 Face shields, including any supplier-recommended appliqués, shall be tested as 

specified in Section 6.22, Luminous Transmittance Test, and the luminous 

transmittance shall not be less than 65% photopic within the critical vision area as 

described in MIL-DTL-43511D, Section 3.4. 

5.3.4	 Face shields, including any supplier-recommended appliqués, shall be tested as 

specified in Section 6.23, Haze Resistance Test, and shall have no more than 4.0% 

haze within the critical vision areas as described in MIL-DTL-43511D, Section 3.4. 

5.3.5	 Face shields, including any supplier-recommended appliqués, shall be tested as 

specified in Section 6.24, Refractive Power Test, and the refractive power shall not 

exceed ± 0.5 diopters within the critical vision areas as described in MIL-DTL43511D, Section 3.4. 

5.3.6	 Face shields, including any supplier-recommended appliqués, shall be tested as 

specified in Section 6.25, Prismatic Deviation Test. The vertical prismatic deviation 

for the right eye or left eye shall be no more than 0.25 prism diopters. The vertical 

prismatic imbalance shall not exceed 0.13 prism diopters along the primary (straight 

ahead) line of sight. The horizontal prismatic imbalance shall not exceed 3.0 prism 

diopters BASE OUT or 0.1 prism diopters BASE IN for the primary (straight ahead) 

line of sight. 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

5.4	 Flammability RequirementsA for Bomb Suit Models 

5.4.1	 Outer surface materials and helmets shall be tested as specified in Section 6.26, 

Flammability Test. 

5.4.2	 Flammability acceptance criteria for outer surface material specimens are specified in 

Table 6. 

Table 6. Flammability Acceptance Criteria for Outer Surface Material Specimens 

Measurement Threshold 

Char length 89 mm (3.5 inches) 

Afterflame 2.0 seconds 

Afterglow 25.0 seconds 

Flaming melt drip Not allowed 

5.4.3	 Flammability acceptance criteria for helmet specimens are specified in Table 7. 

Table 7. Flammability Acceptance Criteria for Helmet Specimens 

Measurement Threshold 

Afterflame 15.0 seconds 

Afterglow 25.0 seconds 

Flaming melt drip Not allowed 

5.5	 Electrostatic Discharge Requirements for Bomb Suit Models 

5.5.1	 Bomb suits, including all required accessories, but excluding the helmet, shall be 

tested as specified in Section 6.27, Electrostatic Discharge Test. The grounding strap 

shall have a resistance of greater than 1 MΩ ± 5%. 

5.5.2	 The grounding strap shall be tested for unintentional detachment during the test 

specified in Section 5.2.7 and shall not detach or disconnect during the test. 

5.6	 Head Protection RequirementsA for Bomb Suit Models 

5.6.1	 Head protection requirements are specified in terms of impact attenuation, perforation 

resistance and retention system. Head protection shall be tested as specified in 

Section 6.28, Head Protection Test. 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

5.6.2	 Head protection (without face shields, if detachable) shall be tested for impact 

attenuation. The following acceleration threshold values for impact attenuation shall 

not be exceeded: 

a)	 290 g. 

b)	 2.0 ms dwell time above 200 g. 

c)	 4.0 ms dwell time above 150 g. 

5.6.3	 Head protection (without face shields, if detachable) shall be tested for perforation 

resistance. As described in clause 12.7.4 of DOT TP-218-05, there shall be no contact 

between the striker and the surface of the headform at any point above the test line. 

5.6.4	 Head protection (without face shields, if detachable) shall be tested for the retention 

system. As described in clause 12.8.3 of DOT TP-218-05, none of the following shall 

occur: 

a) Any separation of the retention system or its components, including the helmet 

shell, is observed; and/or 

b) The retention system moves more than 2.5 cm (1 inch), measured between 

preliminary and full test load positions. 

5.7	 Spine Protection RequirementsA for Bomb Suit Models 

5.7.1	 Spine protection shall be tested as specified in Section 6.29, Spine Protection Test, 

and the impact attenuation shall not exceed the maximum force value of 4kN. 

5.8	 Fragmentation Requirements for Bomb Suit Models 

5.8.1	 Samples representative of all armor types and corresponding protection areas shall be 

tested as specified in Section 6.30, Fragmentation Test. The bomb suit shall meet the 

armor type fragmentation requirements specified in Table 8 for each protection area. 

5.8.2	 For each test projectile and armor type, the calculated V50 ballistic limit of each test 

sample shall meet or exceed the appropriate value specified in 1Table 8, subject to the 

following exception: 

•	 If the estimated V50 from a single ballistic limit test on a given protection area 

with a particular projectile is less than the requirement specified in 1Table 8, but 

not more than 25 m/s below the requirement, the fragmentation requirement for 

that protection area and projectile nonetheless shall be considered to have been 

met if the arithmetic mean of the three V50 ballistic limit values is greater than or 

equal to the requirement specified in 1Table 8. 

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5.9 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

5.8.3	 If optional foot protection is provided, the calculated V50 ballistic limit of each test 

sample shall meet or exceed 450 m/s (1,476 ft/s) for the .22 cal (17 gr) FSP test 

projectile. 

Table 8. Fragmentation Performance Requirements 

Armor Test Projectile Mass V50 Ballistic 

Type Projectile Limit 

A .30 cal 2.9 g 1,100 m/s 

FSP (44gr) (3,609 ft/s) 

.50 cal	 13.4 g 750 m/s 

FSP (207 gr) (2,461 ft/s) 

B .22 cal 1.1 g 775 m/s 

FSP (17 gr) (2,542 ft/s) 

C .22 cal 1.1 g 625 m/s 

FSP (17 gr) (2,051 ft/s) 

.30 cal 2.9 g 525 m/s 

FSP (44 gr) (1,722 ft/s) 

D .22 cal 1.1 g 625 m/s 

FSP (17 gr) (2,051 ft/s) 

.30 cal 2.9 g 550 m/s 

FSP (44 gr) (1,804 ft/s) 

E .22 cal 1.1 g 550 m/s 

FSP (17 gr) (1,804 ft/s) 

.30 cal 2.9 g 525 m/s 

FSP (44 gr) (1,722 ft/s) 

F .22 cal 1.1 g 525 m/s 

FSP (17 gr) (1,722 ft/s) 

.30 cal 2.9 g 500 m/s 

FSP (44 gr) (1,640 ft/s) 

G .22 cal 1.1 g 350 m/s 

FSP (17 gr) (1,148 ft/s) 

.30 cal 2.9 g 300 m/s 

FSP (44 gr) (984 ft/s) 

Bomb Suit Integrity Requirements for Bomb Suit Models 

5.9.1.1	 Bomb suits shall be tested for integrity as specified in Section 6.31, Bomb Suit 

Integrity Test. The level of bomb suit integrity shall be considered acceptable if all of 

the following criteria are met: 

• All protective elements must remain secured on the test surrogate as follows: 

o	 The helmet shall remain in the donned position. The helmet shall show no 

evidence of collapse. 

o	 The face shield shall remain attached to the helmet in the donned position. 

Cosmetic damage is permissible as long as such damage does not compromise 

the innermost surface. The innermost surface shall show no evidence of any 

hole, cracking, spalling, or shattering. The face shield shall remain attached to 

its frame. 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

o	 Protective elements covering the neck, thorax/abdomen, and pelvis protection 

areas shall remain attached to the bomb suit in the donned position. These 

protective elements shall maintain shape integrity and show no evidence of 

collapse. 

o	 Protective elements shall remain attached to the bomb suit at the anchor 

points. 

•	 Cosmetic damage is permissible, as long as such damage does not compromise 

the integrity of the protective layers within the bomb suit. Rips or holes in the 

outer fabric ballistic protection layer are permissible, as long as they do not 

perforate the innermost fabric ballistic protection layer. 

•	 No gaps that expose the surface of the test surrogate are allowed. 

5.10	 Drag Rescue Device Requirements for Bomb Suit Models 

5.10.1	 Each drag rescue device shall be tested independently, as specified in Section 6.32, 

Drag Rescue Device Test, and the test assistant shall be able to drag the test surrogate 

in the bomb suit in a straight line using each drag rescue device for the distance 

specified in NFPA 1971 (2007), Section 8.59.5.10. 

5.11	 Label Durability Requirements for Bomb Suit Models 

5.11.1	 The label shall be tested for label durability as specified in Section 6.33, Label 

Durability: Wear Test, and the label markings shall meet the legibility requirements 

specified in NFPA 1971 (2007), Section 8.42.4.2.2. 

5.11.2	 The label shall be tested for label durability as specified in Section 6.34, Label 

Durability: Chemical Resistance Test, and the label markings shall meet the legibility 

requirements specified in NFPA 1971 (2007), Section 8.42.4.2.2. 

5.12	 Optional Foot Protection Slip Resistance Requirement for Bomb Suit Models 

5.12.1	 Foot protection shall be tested as specified in Section 6.35, Slip Resistance Test, and 

shall have a static coefficient of friction of 0.60 or greater under dry conditions. 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

6.	 TEST METHODS 

6.1	 General 

6.1.1	 Acceptance criteria shall be as stated in Chapter 5, Performance Requirements. 

6.1.2	 All samples and facsimile samples shall be provided for testing by the supplier. 

6.1.3	 Any test involving a test subject that results in failure shall be repeated with the 

subject not wearing the bomb suit, so as to determine if the subject is capable of 

performing the test. If the subject cannot perform the test successfully while not 

wearing the bomb suit, those failing test results shall be disregarded, and the test shall 

be repeated with another subject. 

6.1.4	 For any viewing or visibility tests involving a test subject (Sections 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, and 

6.19), the test subject shall have 20/40 vision or better, either unaided or with the use 

of contact lenses. 

6.1.5	 For all tests requiring a test subject to perform tasks, a warm-up period is required 

immediately prior to the first test. Warm-up activities will consist of marching in 

place for 1 minute, 15 deep-knee bends, swinging the arms (forward and backward) 

for 30 seconds in each direction, and 30 jumping jacks followed by a 10-minute rest 

period. 

6.1.6	 The height and weight of the test subject(s) for each test shall be recorded and 

reported. 

6.1.7	 All test results and observations shall be recorded and reported. 

6.1.8	 Unless a tolerance is specified within the test methods, values for measurements (e.g., 

dimensions, distance, weight, and angular displacement) shall be considered to be 

approximate. In these cases, where possible, the tolerance should be considered to be 

within ± 1.0%. 

6.1.9	 Unless otherwise specified within the test methods, the temperature and humidity 

conditions during testing shall be 21 ± 2.9 ̊C (70 ± 5 ̊F) and 50 ± 20% rh. 

6.1.10	 Unless the context unmistakably indicates otherwise, the duration specified in this 

chapter for any procedure (e.g., “12 hours”) shall be understood to run consecutively 

(e.g., “12 consecutive hours”). 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

6.1.11	 Unless the context unmistakably indicates otherwise, an indication that an action is to 

“follow” something else or otherwise is to occur after something else should be 

understood to mean that the subsequent action should occur immediately after the 

preceding event. 

6.2	 Donning and Quick Doffing TestA
 

6.2.1	 Samples 

6.2.1.1	 One sample each of the smallest and largest size bomb suit offered by the supplier 

shall be submitted for testing.
 

6.2.1.2	 Bomb suits shall be submitted for testing with all required accessories. 

6.2.1.3	 Test samples shall be exposed to 21 ± 2.9 ̊C (70 ± 5 ̊F) and 50 ± 20% rh for a 

minimum of 12 hours before testing. 

6.2.2	 Test Subjects and Equipment 

6.2.2.1	 One subject is required to test each bomb suit size. The test subjects selected for each 

bomb suit size being tested shall be appropriate based on the supplier’s sizing chart.
 

6.2.2.2	 An armless chair is required.
 

6.2.2.3	 A timer is required. 

6.2.3	 Procedure 

6.2.3.1	 The test subject initially shall wear loose-fitting, nonrestrictive clothing. 

6.2.3.2	 The subject shall review and practice the supplier’s donning, doffing, and adjustment 

procedures prior to the start of the test.
 

6.2.3.3	 The donning test shall begin with the subject sitting in an armless chair with the bomb 

suit in front of the subject on the floor and out of the package. 

6.2.3.4	 The subject may be assisted by a single donning assistant, and the chair may be used 

during the process. 

23 
 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

6.2.3.5	 At a cue from the test administrator, the subject shall rise from the chair and begin 

donning the bomb suit in accordance with the supplier’s instructions. Timing shall 

start when the subject receives the cue from the test administrator to begin donning 

the bomb suit. 

6.2.3.6	 After completely donning the bomb suit, the subject shall cue the test administrator. 

6.2.3.7	 Timing shall cease at the cue from the subject. The administrator shall record the 

donning time. 

6.2.3.8	 The quick doffing test shall begin with the subject wearing the properly donned bomb 

suit and sitting in an armless chair. 

6.2.3.9	 At a cue from the test administrator, the subject shall rise from the chair and begin 

doffing the bomb suit in accordance with the supplier’s instructions. Timing shall 

start when the subject receives the cue from the test administrator to begin doffing the 

bomb suit. 

6.2.3.10	 The subject shall doff the bomb suit unassisted. The chair may be used during the 

process. 

6.2.3.11	 After completely doffing the bomb suit, the subject shall cue the test administrator. 

6.2.3.12	 Timing shall cease at the cue from the subject. The administrator shall record the 

doffing time. 

6.2.3.13	 The subject shall perform donning and quick doffing of the bomb suit in three trials 

for the appropriate bomb suit size. 

6.2.3.14	 The result of the test is the average time of the three trials for donning and quick 

doffing. 

6.2.4	 Report 

6.2.4.1	 The donning and quick doffing times for each bomb suit shall be recorded and 

reported. 

6.2.4.2	 The average of the three trials for donning of each suit shall be recorded and reported. 

24 
 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

6.2.4.3	 The average of the three trials for quick doffing of each suit shall be recorded and 

reported. 

6.3	 Incapacitated Doffing TestA
 

6.3.1	 Samples 

6.3.1.1	 One sample of a bomb suit appropriately sized to fit the test surrogate described in 

Section 6.3.2.2 shall be provided for evaluation. 

6.3.1.2	 Bomb suits shall be submitted for testing with all required accessories. 

6.3.1.3	 Test samples shall be exposed to 21 ± 2.9 ̊C (70 ± 5 ̊F) and 50 ± 20% rh for a 

minimum of 12 hours before testing. 

6.3.2	 Test Subjects and Equipment 

6.3.2.1	 A timer and one test surrogate are required for the incapacitated doffing test.
 

6.3.2.2	 The test surrogate shall be an IAFF “Rescue Randy” model 1475 mannequin, a 

Hybrid III 50th-percentile male dummy or equivalent. 

6.3.3	 Procedure 

6.3.3.1	 Incapacitated doffing shall be performed in two trials. For the first trial, the surrogate 

shall be placed face up. For the second trial, the surrogate shall be placed face down. 

6.3.3.2	 The assistant shall put the bomb suit on the surrogate in accordance with the 

supplier’s instructions and place the surrogate flat on the floor. 

6.3.3.3	 The test administrator shall cue the test assistant to begin removing the bomb suit 

from the surrogate, and timing shall begin at the cue. The assistant shall remove the 

bomb suit from the surrogate in accordance with the supplier’s instructions without 

rolling the surrogate over. 

6.3.3.4	 The test assistant shall cue the test administrator at the completion of the doffing of 

the bomb suit, and the test administrator shall cease timing at that cue.
 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

6.3.4	 Report 

6.3.4.1	 Doffing times and observations shall be recorded and reported. 

6.4	 Static Field of View (FOV) TestA 

6.4.1	 Samples 

6.4.1.1	 One sample each of the smallest and largest size bomb suit offered by the supplier 

shall be submitted for testing. 

6.4.1.2	 Bomb suits shall be submitted for testing with all required accessories. 

6.4.1.3	 Viewing by the test subject shall occur through the face shield only. No gaps may 

exist below the helmet that allow the test subject to see through. If any such gap 

exists, it must be closed before the test is performed. 

6.4.1.4	 Test samples shall be exposed to 21 ± 2.9 ̊C (70 ± 5 ̊F) and 50 ± 20% rh for a 

minimum of 12 hours before testing. 

6.4.2	 Test Subjects and Equipment 

6.4.2.1	 One subject is required to test each bomb suit size. The subjects selected for each 

bomb suit size being tested shall be appropriate based on the supplier’s sizing chart. 

6.4.2.2	 Equipment required for this test is a blank wall, a rigid chair, an opaque eye patch, 

and a pen-size laser pointer, class II1

 and producing a circular spot. 

6.4.2.3	 On the blank wall, a series of eight axes shall be created using measuring tapes of 

contrasting color to the blank wall, and all axes shall originate at a common point. 

Each axis shall be a minimum of 1,200 mm (47.25 inches) long and graduated in 

millimeters, with the zero point located at the origin. From the origin, the axes shall 

be positioned at 45-degree (± 1 degree) increments as indicated in Figure 1. The 

visual field directions (nasal, super-nasal, superior, super-temporal, temporal, inferotemporal, inferior, infero-nasal) are shown oriented for the left eye. The origin of the 

axes shall be placed at the eye level of the test subject seated in the chair and shall be 

at least 1350 mm (53.15 inches) from the floor. 

1

 The laser pointer shall comply with IEC Standard 60825-1. 

26 
 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

Figure 1. Static FOV Axes (Left Eye Orientation) 

6.4.3	 Procedure 

6.4.3.1	 The subject shall don the bomb suit and sit in the height adjustable chair. The height 

of the chair shall be adjusted such that the seated subject’s eyes are level with the 

origin of the measurement axes. 

6.4.3.2	 Each eye shall be tested separately. The eye not being tested shall be covered with an 

opaque patch. The subject shall be positioned such that his eye being tested is directly 

in front of and at a distance of 1 m ± 0.01 m (39.4 inches ± 0.4 inches) from the 

origin of the axes. The subject may not move his head during measurements. 

6.4.3.3	 The FOV is determined by slowly moving a laser spot along one axis. The test 

administrator shall shine a laser pointer on the wall beginning at the origin. The eye 

being tested shall remain fixed on the origin during testing and shall not follow the 

laser spot. The subject shall signal the test administrator when the laser dot passes out 

of view. The test administrator shall record this value in mm. 

27 
 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

6.4.3.4	 The test administrator shall slowly move the laser dot along the same axis, starting 

from outside the subject’s FOV and moving toward the origin. The subject shall 

indicate when the laser dot comes into view. The test administrator shall record this 

value in mm. The FOV limit for an axis is the arithmetic mean of the two values and 

shall be recorded as d(i, j), where i indicates the axis under evaluation, and j indicates 

the trial number (i.e., 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5). 

6.4.3.5	 Sections 6.4.3.3 and 6.4.3.4 of this procedure are to be performed in five trials for 

each of the eight visual field directions. 

6.4.3.6	 Sections 6.4.3.3, 6.4.3.4, and 6.4.3.5 of this procedure shall be repeated for the 

opposite eye. 

6.4.3.7	 The percent difference between the lowest and highest recorded values of d(i, j) for 

each axis and each eye shall be calculated. If the percent difference is greater than 15, 

the results shall be disregarded, and the procedure shall be redone for that axis and 

eye. 

6.4.4	 Calculations 

6.4.4.1	 The percent difference between the lowest and highest recorded values of d(i, j) for a 

single axis and a single eye is to be calculated using Equation 1: 

Equation 1. Percent Difference 

ሺHigh value െ Low Valueሻ %Difference ൌ ൦ High value ൅ Low value ൪ ൈ 100 ൬ 2 ൰

6.4.4.2	 The angle of the visual field (Θ) is to be calculated for each eye and each axis using 

the following formula: 

Equation 2. Angle of Visual Field for Static FOV

Dሺiሻ θ ൌ tanିଵ ൬ ൰ 10ଷ 

Where D(i) equals the arithmetic mean of d(i, j) for each axis in mm. 

6.4.5	 Report 

6.4.5.1	 The angle of the visual field for each eye and each axis shall be recorded and 

reported. 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

6.5	 Dynamic FOV – Head Rotation Only TestA 

6.5.1	 Samples 

6.5.1.1	 One sample each of the smallest and largest size bomb suit offered by the supplier 

shall be submitted for testing. 

6.5.1.2	 Bomb suits shall be submitted for testing with all required accessories. 

6.5.1.3	 Test samples shall be exposed to 21 ± 2.9 ̊C (70 ± 5 ̊F) and 50 ± 20% rh for a 

minimum of 12 hours before testing. 

6.5.2	 Test Subjects and Equipment 

6.5.2.1	 One subject is required to test each bomb suit size. The subjects selected for each 

bomb suit size being tested shall be appropriate based on the supplier’s sizing chart. 

6.5.2.2	 Equipment required for this test includes two tape measures graduated in 1 cm 

increments, a plumb bob, tape, or another suitable marking device, and a pen-size 

laser pointer, class II2

 and producing a circular spot. 

6.5.2.3	 One tape measure is to be placed on the floor and used as the viewing line. 

6.5.3	 Procedure 

6.5.3.1	 The subject shall don the bomb suit and stand upright, centered over the viewing line, 

such that the majority of the tape measure extends out in front of the subject. A 

portion of the tape measure, approximately 60 cm (24 inches), is required to extend 

behind the subject. 

6.5.3.2	 A plumb bob shall be used to establish the vertical plane located at the surface of the 

subject’s eyes. This point on the viewing line, referred to as D0, shall be marked using 

tape or another suitable marking device (See Figure 2). 

2

 The laser pointer shall comply with IEC Standard 60825-1. 

29 
 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

Figure 2. Method to Determine Dynamic FOV (Head Rotation Only) 

6.5.3.3	 The test administrator shall measure and record the height of the subject’s eyes (H). 

Using a laser pointer, the test administrator shall begin with the dot on the viewing 

line in front of the subject and move the dot along the viewing line toward the 

subject. The assistant is to ensure that the subject moves only the head and neck to 

see the dot. No torso movement is permitted. The subject shall indicate when the laser 

dot passes out of view as the dot is nearing the subject. This value shall be marked 

and recorded as point X(j), where j indicates the trial number. 

6.5.3.4	 Perform the procedure in three trials. 

6.5.4	 Calculation 

6.5.4.1	 The distance D(j) is determined by noting the value of the marked line at point X(j) 

and subtracting the point at D0. The occluded angle, or α(j), is calculated using 

Equation 3. 

30 
 

 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

Equation 3. Occluded Angle for Dynamic FOV 

Dሺjሻ

αሺjሻ ൌ tanିଵ ൬ H ൰ 

6.5.5	 Report 

6.5.5.1	 The occluded angle, α(j), for each trial of each bomb suit shall be recorded and 

reported. 

6.5.5.2	 The average of the occluded angles for all trials of each bomb suit shall be recorded 

and reported. 

6.6	 Dynamic FOV – Head and Body Motion TestA 

6.6.1	 Samples 

6.6.1.1	 For each model being considered, one sample each of the smallest and largest size 

bomb suit offered by the supplier shall be submitted for testing. 

6.6.1.2	 Bomb suits shall be submitted for testing with all required accessories. 

6.6.1.3	 Viewing by the test subject shall occur through the face shield only. No gaps may 

exist below the helmet that allow the test subject to see through. If any such gap 

exists, it must be closed before the test is performed. 

6.6.1.4	 Test samples shall be exposed to 21 ± 2.9 ̊C (70 ± 5 ̊F) and 50 ± 20% rh for a 

minimum of 12 hours before testing. 

6.6.2	 Test Subjects and Equipment 

6.6.2.1	 One subject is required to test each bomb suit size. The subjects selected for each 

bomb suit size being tested shall be appropriate based on the supplier’s sizing chart. 

6.6.2.2	 Equipment required for this test includes two tape measures graduated in 1 cm 

increments, a plumb bob, tape, or another suitable marking device, and a pen-size 

laser pointer, class II3

. 

3

 The laser pointer shall comply with IEC Standard 60825-1. 

31 
 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

6.6.2.3	 A tape measure is to be placed on the floor and used as the viewing line. 

6.6.3	 Procedure 

6.6.3.1	 The subject shall don the bomb suit and stand upright, centered over the viewing line, 

so that the majority of the tape measure extends out in front of the subject. A portion 

of the tape measure, approximately 60 cm (24 inches), is required to extend behind 

the subject. 

6.6.3.2	 A plumb bob shall be used to establish the vertical plane located at the surface of the 

subject’s eyes. This point on the viewing line, referred to as D0, shall be marked using 

tape or another suitable marking device (see Figure 3). 

6.6.3.3	 The test administrator shall measure and record the height of the subject’s eyes (H). 

Using a laser pointer, the test administrator shall start with the dot on the viewing line 

in front of the subject and move the dot along the viewing line toward the subject. 

The subject may move the torso, bending down and forward, in order to see the laser 

dot. The dot shall be moved toward the subject and can be moved behind the subject 

until the subject can no longer see the dot. The test subject shall indicate to the test 

administrator when the dot passes out of view. This value shall be marked and 

recorded as point Z(j), where j indicates the trial number. Point Z(j) is the farthest 

back the subject can see if allowed to bend as desired and look backward between the 

legs. 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

Figure 3. Method of Determining Dynamic FOV (Head and Body Motion) 

Direction of view 

Y 

α 

X 

H 

Negative Db values
 

Positive Db values
 

D0 

Z 

Db D

6.6.4	 Calculation 

6.6.4.1	 A direct measure in cm is the result of this test. The back view distance, Db(j), is the 

distance the subject can see behind D0 (see Figure 3) and is calculated using Equation 

4. 

Equation 4. Back View Distance

Dୠሺjሻ ൌ D଴ െ Zሺjሻ

Note: In some bomb suits, the subject may not be able to see behind D0. In this case, 

the measurement would result in a positive Db(j). The sign of Db(j) must be verified. 

6.6.4.2	 Perform the procedure in three trials. 

33 
 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

6.6.5	 Report 

6.6.5.1	 The back view distance, Db(j), for each trial of each bomb suit shall be recorded and 

reported. 

6.6.5.2	 The average of the back view distance for all trials of each bomb suit shall be 

recorded and reported. 

6.7	 Coin Recovery TestA
 

6.7.1	 Samples 

6.7.1.1	 For each model being considered, one sample each of the smallest and largest size 

bomb suit offered by the supplier shall be submitted for testing. 

6.7.1.2	 Bomb suits shall be submitted for testing with all required accessories. 

6.7.1.3	 Test samples shall be exposed to 21 ± 2.9 ̊C (70 ± 5 ̊F) and 50 ± 20% rh for a 

minimum of 12 hours before testing. 

6.7.2	 Test Subjects and Equipment 

6.7.2.1	 Two subjects are required to test each bomb suit size. The subjects selected for each 

bomb suit size being tested shall be appropriate based on the supplier’s sizing chart.
 

6.7.2.2	 A coin, approximately 24 mm (0.95 inches) in diameter and 1.5 mm (0.06 inches) 

thick (e.g., a U.S. quarter coin) is required for this evaluation. 

6.7.3	 Procedure 

6.7.3.1	 The subject shall don the bomb suit. A coin is to be placed directly behind the subject 

at a distance of 30 cm (12 inches) from the back of the heels to the center of the coin. 

6.7.3.2	 The subject may bend over to see the coin and is allowed one and only one step in 

any direction. The subject shall turn around and pick the coin up. 

34 
 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

6.8	 Lie on Back and Stand Up TestA
 

6.8.1	 Samples 

6.8.1.1	 For each model being considered, one sample each of the smallest and largest size 

bomb suit offered by the supplier shall be submitted for testing. 

6.8.1.2	 Bomb suits shall be submitted for testing with all required accessories.
 

6.8.1.3	 Test samples shall be exposed to 21 ± 2.9 ̊C (70 ± 5 ̊F) and 50 ± 20% rh for a 

minimum of 12 hours before testing. 

6.8.2	 Test Subjects and Equipment 

6.8.2.1	 One subject is required to test each bomb suit size. The subjects selected for each 

bomb suit size being tested shall be appropriate based on the supplier’s sizing chart.
 

6.8.3	 Procedure 

6.8.3.1	 The subject shall don the bomb suit. 

6.8.3.2	 The subject shall lie down on the floor in the supine position and stand up without 

assistance or the use of external items other than the floor (e.g., wall, chair, test 

assistant). The subject may roll over if desired. 

6.8.3.3	 Perform the procedure in four trials.
 

6.8.4	 Report 

6.8.4.1	 Each individual result and observations shall be recorded and reported. 

6.9	 Test CourseA
 

6.9.1	 Samples 

6.9.1.1	 For each model being considered, one sample each of the smallest and largest size 

bomb suit offered by the supplier shall be submitted for testing. 

6.9.1.2	 Bomb suits shall be submitted for testing with all required accessories. 

35 
 

 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

6.9.1.3	 Test samples shall be exposed to 21 ± 2.9 ̊C (70 ± 5 ̊F) and 50 ± 20% rh for a 

minimum of 12 hours before testing. 

6.9.2	 Test Subjects and Equipment 

6.9.2.1	 One subject is required to test each bomb suit size. The subjects selected for each 

bomb suit size being tested shall be appropriate based on the supplier’s sizing chart. 

6.9.2.2	 The test course may be constructed indoors or outdoors. 

6.9.2.3	 The test course entails the following items and design requirements: 

a)	 Path: An appropriate path shall be constructed to allow for completion of the test 

procedure outlined in Section 6.9.3. This path shall be 1.82 m (6 ft) wide at all 

points except the stairs. 

b)	 Stairs: The stairs shall be a minimum of 1.19 m (47 inches) between handrails. 

There shall be 11 stairs, each 19.05 cm (7.5 inches) high and 29.21 cm (11.5 

inches) deep. 

c)	 Obstacle: A standard guardrail4

 or substitute, 68.6 cm (27 inches) in height and a 

minimum of 1.5 m (59 inches) in length, shall be constructed. If a substitute is 

used, it must be 68.6 cm (27 inches) tall and 7.6 to 8.9 cm (3 to 3.5 inches) deep. 

The standard guardrail or substitute shall be mounted with the top of the rail at 

68.6 cm (27 inches) in height. The obstacle shall be rigidly mounted so that it 

cannot fall over during the trial. 

d)	 Desk: A desk or mockup shall be provided with a chair opening that is 71.1 cm 

(28 inches) high and 61 to 71.1 cm (24 to 28 inches) wide. 

e)	 Mock Explosive Device: A mock explosive device shall be in the form of a box, 

30 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm (12 inches x 12 inches x 12 inches) and is to be located 

under the desk on the floor so that the side nearest the subject is 45.7 cm (18 

inches) behind the front edge of the desk. A mark shall be placed on the center of 

one side of the box, and this side shall be positioned nearest to the subject. 

f)	 Disruptor: A disruptor or mockup, having the shock tube or substitute5 attached, 

shall be provided. 

4

 The standard guardrail shall have a height defined according to AASHTO (American Association of State 

Highway and Transportation Officials). 

5

 A suitable substitute consists of any string material dimensionally the same as that of the shock tube. 

36 
 

 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

6.9.3	 Procedure 

6.9.3.1	 The test subject shall don the bomb suit and perform the following tasks: 

a) From a start point, the subject shall walk forward 60.96 m (200 ft). 

b) The subject shall ascend or descend the stairs to the next floor. 

c) The subject shall descend or ascend the stairs, returning to the starting floor. 

d) The subject shall proceed forward 19.81 m (65 ft) and climb over the obstacle. 

e) The subject shall continue walking forward 15.24 m (50 ft). 

f) The subject shall stop and walk backward 15.24 m (50 ft) to the obstacle, climb 

over it backward and continue walking backward for an additional 4.57 m (15 ft). 

g) The subject shall pick up the disruptor6

 that has the shock tube or substitute 

attached. When the subject is in motion, the shock tube shall lie out behind the 

subject as the course is negotiated. If the legs of the disruptor are foldable, they 

are to be folded in, and the barrel is to be flush against the legs. 

h) The subject shall walk forward 8.53 m (28 ft) from the start point at a normal 

pace, turn 90 degrees and walk forward to the device located under the desk. The 

subject shall stop when the desk is reached. 

i) The subject shall set the disruptor down nearby and locate the mark on the box. 

The subject shall move the disruptor into position, slide the barrel into place, aim 

the barrel at the mark on the box, and tighten the adjustment mechanism. 

j) The subject shall walk backward through the original route to the start point 

where the disruptor was originally located, following the shock tube. 

6.9.4	 Report 

6.9.4.1	 Completion of the procedure shall be recorded as successful or unsuccessful. 

Observations shall be recorded and reported. 

6.10	 Gross Body Mobility TestsA 

The gross body mobility tests consist of the following: 

• Kneel and rise test (see Section 6.11). 

• Upper arm abduction test (see Section 6.12). 

• Upper arm forward extension test (see Section 6.13). 

6

 The disruptor may be located at any point along the course (i.e., it does not have to be located at the stop location 

of task (f) as long as tasks (g) through (i) can be completed as described). 

37 
 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

• Upper arm backward extension test (see Section 6.14). 

• Upper leg abduction test (see Section 6.15). 

• Upper leg flexion test (see Section 6.16). 

• Upper leg forward extension test (see Section 6.17). 

• Upper leg backward extension test (see Section 6.18). 

6.10.1	 General Procedure 

6.10.1.1	 The subject shall begin all mobility tests initially wearing loose-fitting, nonrestrictive 

clothing. 

6.10.1.2	 The subject shall don the bomb suit per the supplier’s instructions. 

6.10.1.3	 The subject shall perform all mobility tests while wearing the bomb suit. 

6.10.2	 Samples 

6.10.2.1	 For each model being considered, one sample each of the smallest and largest size 

bomb suit offered by the supplier shall be submitted for testing. 

6.10.2.2	 Bomb suits shall be submitted for testing with all required accessories. 

6.10.2.3	 Test samples shall be exposed to 21 ± 2.9 ̊C (70 ± 5 ̊F) and 50 ± 20% rh for a 

minimum of 12 hours before testing. 

6.10.3	 Test Subjects and Equipment 

6.10.3.1	 One subject is required to test each bomb suit size. The subjects selected for each 

bomb suit size being tested shall be appropriate based on the supplier’s sizing chart. 

6.10.3.2	 A goniometer is required to measure joint movement. The goniometer shall be a 

Sammons-Preston model 7518 or equivalent. 

6.10.3.3	 A straight-back chair without arms, or a similar device, is required to provide support 

to the subject while performing some of the gross body mobility tasks. 

6.10.4	 Report 

6.10.4.1	 All results and observations shall be recorded and reported. 

38 
 

 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

6.11	 Kneel and Rise TestA
 

6.11.1	 Procedure 

6.11.1.1	 From a standing position, the subject shall kneel down on both knees and return to a 

standing position without assistance.
 

6.12	 Upper Arm Abduction TestA
 

6.12.1	 Procedure 

6.12.1.1	 The subject shall stand facing and in contact with an external corner of a wall, door 

jamb or similar support to prevent torso movement. 

6.12.1.2	 With arms at sides and palms facing the body, the subject shall raise the arms 

sideward and upward as far as possible. Elbows shall remain locked. 

6.12.2	 Measurement 

6.12.2.1	 The center of the goniometer shall be held even with the shoulder joint. The 

goniometer shall be held parallel to the axis of the bone being moved and 

perpendicular to the floor.
 

6.12.2.2	 The maximum angular rotation of each joint shall be measured and recorded. 

6.13	 Upper Arm Forward Extension TestA
 

6.13.1	 Procedure 

6.13.1.1	 The subject shall stand facing and in contact with an external corner of a wall, door 

jamb or similar support to prevent torso movement. 

6.13.1.2	 With right arm against the side, palm facing inward and arm perpendicular to the 

floor, the subject shall raise the arm forward and upward as far as possible. The elbow 

shall remain locked.
 

6.13.1.3	 Repeat the above steps with the left arm.
 

39 
 

 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

6.13.2 Measurement 

6.13.2.1 The center of the goniometer shall be held even with the shoulder joint. The 

goniometer shall be held parallel to the axis of the bone being moved and 

perpendicular to the floor. 

6.13.2.2 The maximum angular rotation of each joint shall be measured and recorded. 

6.14 Upper Arm Backward Extension TestA 

6.14.1 Procedure 

6.14.1.1 The subject shall stand facing and in contact with an external corner of a wall, door 

jamb, or similar support to prevent torso movement. 

6.14.1.2 The subject shall rotate the right arm so that the palm is facing outwards and the 

thumb is pointing rearward (dorsally). The subject shall extend the arm backward and 

upward as far as possible while maintaining a rigid, straight elbow and without 

rotating the wrist. 

6.14.1.3 Repeat the above steps with the left arm. 

6.14.2 Measurement 

6.14.2.1 The center of the goniometer shall be held even with the shoulder joint. The 

goniometer shall be held parallel to the axis of the bone being moved and 

perpendicular to the floor. 

6.14.2.2 The maximum angular rotation of each joint shall be measured and recorded. 

6.15 Upper Leg Abduction TestA 

6.15.1 Procedure 

6.15.1.1 The subject shall stand facing the back of a chair or other support with feet together, 

grasping the back of the chair with both hands for support. 

6.15.1.2 The subject shall raise the right leg sideways and upward as far as possible without 

bending the knee or rotating the leg. The subject may not bend at the waist. 

6.15.1.3 Repeat the above steps with the left leg. 

40 
 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

6.15.2 Measurement 

6.15.2.1 The center of the goniometer shall be held even with the hip joint. The goniometer 

shall be held parallel to the axis of the bone being moved and perpendicular to the 

floor. 

6.15.2.2 The maximum angular rotation of each joint shall be measured and recorded. 

6.16 Upper Leg Flexion TestA 

6.16.1 Procedure 

6.16.1.1 The subject shall stand with the back against a wall and with feet together. The 

subject shall raise the right leg as far as possible. The subject may bend the knee as 

needed. 

6.16.1.2 Repeat the above steps with the left leg. 

6.16.2 Measurement 

6.16.2.1 The center of the goniometer shall be held even with the hip joint. The goniometer 

shall be held parallel to the axis of the bone being moved and perpendicular to the 

floor. 

6.16.2.2 The maximum angular rotation of each joint shall be measured and recorded. 

6.17 Upper Leg Forward Extension TestA 

6.17.1 Procedure 

6.17.1.1 The subject is to stand with the back against a wall, grasping a support (e.g., chair) 

with the left hand. While maintaining a stiff, straight knee and with the back against 

the wall, the subject shall raise the right leg forward and upward as far as possible. 

6.17.1.2 Repeat the above steps with the left leg. 

6.17.2 Measurement 

6.17.2.1 The center of the goniometer shall be held even with the hip joint. The goniometer 

shall be held parallel to the axis of the bone being moved and perpendicular to the 

floor. 

41 
 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

6.17.2.2	 The maximum angular rotation of each joint shall be measured and recorded. 

6.18	 Upper Leg Backward Extension TestA
 

6.18.1	 Procedure 

6.18.1.1	 The subject is to stand with the chest against a wall. The right hip and leg shall be 

extended beyond the wall (e.g., at a corner or into a doorway). This is to ensure that 

there is no bending at the waist during the task. The subject shall raise the right leg 

backward and upward as far as possible.
 

6.18.1.2	 Repeat the above steps with the left leg. 

6.18.2	 Measurement 

6.18.2.1	 The center of the goniometer shall be held even with the hip joint. The goniometer 

shall be held parallel to the axis of the bone being moved and perpendicular to the 

floor.
 

6.18.2.2	 The maximum angular rotation of each joint shall be measured and recorded. 

6.19	 Fogging Assessment for Face Shields 

6.19.1	 NIOSH Procedure No. CET-APRS-STP-CBRN-0314 serves as the basis for this 

fogging assessment. 

6.19.2	 Samples 

6.19.2.1	 For each model being considered, one sample each of the smallest and largest size 

bomb suit offered by the supplier shall be submitted for testing. 

6.19.2.2	 Bomb suits shall be submitted for testing with all required accessories. 

6.19.2.3	 Only the helmet, including the face shield, is required to be conditioned and shall be
 

exposed to 21 ± 2.9 ̊C (70 ± 5 ̊F) and 50 ± 20% rh for a minimum of 12 hours before 

testing. 

6.19.3	 Test Subjects and Equipment 

6.19.3.1	 One subject is required to test each bomb suit size. 

42 
 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

6.19.3.2	 The test equipment requirements are as defined in NIOSH Procedure No. CETAPRS-STP-CBRN-0314, Sections 3.1.1, 3.1.3, 3.1.4, and 3.1.5, except that there is 

no requirement to use an environmental chamber if the conditions can be attained 

otherwise. 

6.19.4	 Test Conditions 

6.19.4.1	 Testing shall be performed in conditions of 21 ± 2.9 oC (70 ± 5 oF) and 50 ± 20% rh. 

6.19.5	 Testing shall be performed in a room with lighting conditions as specified in NIOSH 

Procedure No. CET-APRS-STP-CBRN-0314, Section 5.3.4. 

6.19.6	 Test Procedure 

6.19.6.1	 Measure and record on the test data sheet the temperature in degrees C and degrees F 

and the humidity in % rh. 

6.19.6.2	 Measure and record the light level in the room. 

6.19.6.3	 Record on the data sheet the height and weight of the test subject and the supplier, 

model, and size of the bomb suit being tested. 

6.19.6.4	 A baseline test shall be performed to establish the visual acuity of the test subject. 

The test administrator shall ask the test subject to identify and read aloud all letters of 

the line of largest letters that can be read when the eye chart is properly positioned 

0.41 m (16 inches) from the bridge of the test subject’s nose. If a subject correctly 

identifies all five letters on the chosen line, the subject shall be asked to attempt to 

read the next line of smaller letters on the chart. This progression shall continue until 

the test subject is unable to correctly identify at least two letters of a single chart line. 

One point shall be awarded for each letter read. Note: The chart does not show the 

largest letters that make up the first 30 points. This baseline VAS shall be recorded as 

VAS (Baseline) on the data sheet. (Example: 20/200 is 50 points, 20/20 is 100 

points.) 

6.19.6.5	 The test subject shall don the bomb suit with the face shield in place and activate the 

defogging mechanism. All subsequent measurements shall be taken when the eye 

chart is positioned 0.41 m (16 inches) from the bridge of the nose. 

6.19.6.6	 The Visual Acuity Test shall be administered using the same VAS method described 

in Section 6.19.6.4. This VAS shall be recorded as VAS # 1 on the test data sheet. 

43 
 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

6.19.6.7	 The test subject shall exercise for 5 minutes by walking on the treadmill set at 2 mph 

and 0-degree elevation. 

6.19.6.8	 After the exercise, the test subject shall rest for 2 minutes in the standing position on 

the treadmill. At the end of the 2-minute rest period, the Visual Acuity Test shall be 

administered using the same VAS method described in Section 6.19.6.4. This VAS 

will be recorded as VAS # 2 on the test data sheet. 

6.19.6.9	 The test subject shall exercise for 5 minutes by walking on the treadmill set at 2 mph 

and 0-degree elevation. 

6.19.6.10	 After the exercise, the treadmill shall be stopped, and the test subject shall remain on 

the treadmill in the standing position. After the treadmill stops, the Visual Acuity Test 

shall be administered using the same VAS method described in Section 6.19.6.4. This 

shall be recorded as VAS #3. 

6.19.6.11	 The average VAS and any significant observations shall be recorded on the test data 

sheet. 

6.20 Optics Tests 

The optics tests consist of the following: 

• Distortion test (see Section 6.21). 

• Luminous transmittance test (see Section 6.22). 

• Haze resistance test (see Section 6.23). 

• Refractive power test (see Section 6.24). 

• Prismatic deviation test (see Section 6.25). 

6.21	 Distortion TestA 

6.21.1	 Samples 

6.21.1.1	 Three samples of each size of face shield are required for evaluation. If the face shield 

size is the same for multiple sizes of bomb suit helmets, then only three samples are 

required for that face shield. 

6.21.1.2	 Test samples shall be conditioned at 23 ± 2°C (73.4 ± 3.6°F) and 50 ± 5% rh for not 

less than 40 hours prior to evaluation. 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

6.21.2	 Test Personnel and Equipment 

6.21.2.1	 Test assistant 

6.21.2.2	 Refer to MIL-DTL-43511D, Section 4.4.5 and Figure 4, for details of the test 

apparatus. 

6.21.3	 Procedure 

6.21.3.1	 This test shall be conducted in accordance with MIL-DTL-43511D, Section 4.4.5. 

6.22	 Luminous Transmittance TestA
 

6.22.1	 Samples 

6.22.1.1	 Three samples of each size of face shield are required for evaluation. If the face shield
 

size is the same for multiple sizes of bomb suit helmets, then only three samples are 

required for that face shield.
 

6.22.1.2	 Test samples shall be conditioned at 23 ± 2°C (73.4 ± 3.6°F) and 50 ± 5% rh for not 

less than 40 hours prior to evaluation. 

6.22.2	 Test Equipment 

6.22.2.1	 Refer to ASTM D1003-00, Section 8.1, for details of the test apparatus. Illuminant A 

shall be used. 

6.22.3	 Procedure 

6.22.3.1	 This test shall be conducted in accordance with ASTM D1003-00, Section 8, 

Procedure (Spectrophotometer). Testing shall be performed at each Point “C” for 

optics (refer to Figure 1 of MIL-DTL-43511D). 

6.23	 Haze Resistance TestA
 

6.23.1	 Samples 

6.23.1.1	 Three samples of each size of face shield are required for evaluation. If the face shield
 

size is the same for multiple sizes of bomb suit helmets, then only three samples are 

required for that face shield.
 

45 
 

 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

6.23.1.2	 Test samples shall be conditioned at 23 ± 2°C (73.4 ± 3.6°F) and 50 ± 5% rh for not 

less than 40 hours prior to evaluation. 

6.23.2	 Test Equipment 

6.23.2.1	 Refer to ASTM D1003-00, Section 7.1, for details of the test apparatus. 

6.23.3	 Procedure 

6.23.3.1	 The test shall be conducted in accordance with ASTM D1003-00, Section 7, 

Procedure A - Hazemeter. 

6.24	 Refractive Power TestA
 

6.24.1	 Samples 

6.24.1.1	 Three samples of each size of face shield are required for evaluation. If the face shield
 

size is the same for multiple sizes of bomb suit helmets, then only three samples are 

required for that face shield.
 

6.24.1.2	 Test samples shall be conditioned at 23 ± 2°C (73.4 ± 3.6°F) and 50 ± 5% rh for not 

less than 40 hours prior to evaluation. 

6.24.2	 Test Equipment 

6.24.2.1	 Use the test equipment and setup shown in Figure 47

. 

7

 NIJ Standard-0104.02, NIJ Standard for Riot Helmets and Face Shields. 

46 
 

 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

Figure 4. Refractive Power Test Equipment and Setup 

6.24.2.2	 The test target shall be an NBS Resolution Test Chart 19528. 

6.24.3	 Procedure 

6.24.3.1	 With no test specimen in the line of sight, place a standard +1/2 diopter lens 

immediately in front of the objective lens of the telescope, focus the telescope on the 

test target, and mark a line on the draw tube to indicate the position of best focus. 

6.24.3.2	 Replace the +1/2 diopter lens with a -1/2 diopter lens, focus the telescope on the test 

target, and mark the position of best focus on the draw tube. The two lines on the 

draw tube mark the limits of acceptable refractive power (-1/2 to +1/2 diopter). 

Remove the -1/2 diopter lens. 

6.24.3.3	 Position the face shield so that the critical vision area for the right eye is normal to the 

line of sight. Focus the telescope, and observe and record where the portion of best 

focus falls on the draw tube. Observe and record whether the series of lines on the test 

target marked "34" are resolved as separate lines. 

6.24.3.4	 Repeat step 6.24.3.3 for the left eye. 

8 Washer, E.; Gardner, I. C. NBS resolution test chart 1952, presented in Method for determining the resolving 

power of photographic lenses. Natl. Bur. Stand. (U.S.) Spec. Publ. 374; 1973 June. Available from the 

Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402; Stock No. 0303-01061. 

47 
 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

6.25	 Prismatic Deviation TestA
 

6.25.1	 Samples 

6.25.1.1	 Three samples of each size of face shield are required for evaluation. If the face shield
 

size is the same for multiple sizes of bomb suit helmets, then only three samples are 

required for that face shield.
 

6.25.1.2	 Test samples shall be conditioned at 23 ± 2°C (73.4 ± 3.6°F) and 50 ± 5% rh for not 

less than 40 hours prior to evaluation. 

6.25.2	 Test Equipment 

6.25.2.1	 Refer to ANSI/ASSE Z87.1-2003, Section 14.9.2, for details of the test apparatus. A 

mounting fixture is required to position the face shield (without the helmet) relative to
 

the head form. The face shield is to be positioned as if it were attached to the helmet. 

6.25.3	 Procedure 

6.25.3.1	 This test shall be conducted in accordance with ANSI/ASSE Z87.1-2003, Section 

14.9.3. 

6.26	 Flammability TestA
 

6.26.1	 Samples 

6.26.1.1	 Test samples representing all outer surface materials of the bomb suit, with the 

exception of closures, fasteners and zippers, shall be submitted for evaluation in 

accordance with the guidelines provided in clause 9 of ASTM D6413-99. 

6.26.1.2	 Helmets shall be tested without face shields if the face shields are detachable.
 

6.26.1.3	 Test samples may have been previously used in testing specified in Section 6.28, 

Head Protection Test. 

6.26.1.4	 For conditioning, test samples shall be exposed to 21 ± 2.9 ̊C (70 ± 5 ̊F) and 50 ±
 

20% rh for a minimum of 12 hours before testing. 

6.26.1.5	 Five test specimens in both the warp and fill directions per type of outer surface 

material shall be tested.
 

48 
 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

6.26.1.6	 Three mid-range sized helmets shall be tested. 

6.26.2	 Test Equipment 

6.26.2.1	 The test equipment consists of a burner and a specimen holder contained inside a fire 

cabinet. See clause 6 of ASTM D6413-99 for the specifications of the specimen 

holder for outer surface materials. 

6.26.2.2	 A specimen holder is required to suspend the helmet so that the burner flame 

impinges the test area at a 90-degree angle and at a vertical distance of 38 mm (1.5 

inches) above the outlet of the burner. 

6.26.3	 Procedure 

6.26.3.1	 The test method for flammability shall be as described in clause 11 of ASTM D6413­

99 for outer surface material specimens. 

6.26.3.2	 Each helmet specimen shall be tested on the crown area. This test area is to be 

exposed above a controlled flame following the procedure described in clauses 11.3 

to 11.7 of ASTM D6413-99. 

6.26.4	 Report 

6.26.4.1 All results and observations shall be recorded and reported. 

6.27	 Electrostatic Discharge Test 

6.27.1	 Samples 

6.27.1.1	 One bomb suit sample of any size shall be submitted for electrostatic discharge 

testing. This sample may have been previously tested in another nondestructive test 

method of this standard. All detachable accessories shall be removed, and the helmet 

is not required. It is not required that samples be processed through any cleaning 

cycle or conditioning, other than that which is specified below, prior to performing 

the evaluation. 

6.27.1.2	 Test samples shall be conditioned as described in clause 5.2.2 of STM 2.1-1997. 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

6.27.2	 Test Equipment 

6.27.2.1	 The test equipment consists of a calibrated resistance meter, electrodes, and a support 

surface as described by clause 5.1 of STM 2.1-1997. 

6.27.3	 Procedure 

6.27.3.1	 The resistance of the grounding strap shall be measured using the calibrated 

ohmmeter. 

6.27.4	 Report 

6.27.4.1 All results and observations shall be recorded and reported. 

6.28	 Head Protection TestA 

6.28.1	 Samples 

6.28.1.1	 Nine helmets, with all required accessories (three samples each configured 

appropriately to fit the ASTM F 2220 size E, J, and M head forms), shall be 

submitted for evaluation. The helmets shall be tested without the face shields if the 

face shields are detachable. The combined weight of the instrumented test head forms 

and supporting assembly for impact tests shall be as follows: 

Small: 3.5kg + 0.00kg/ -0.063kg (7.8 lbs +0.00 lbs/ -0.14 lbs) 

Medium: 5.0kg + 0.00kg/ -0.090kg (11.0 lbs +0.00 lbs/ -0.20 lbs) 

Large: 6.1kg + 0.00kg/ -0.108kg (13.4 lbs +0.00 lbs/ -0.24 lbs) 

6.28.1.2	 For conditioning, one sample of each size of helmet shall be exposed to each of the 

following conditions as described in FMVSS No. 218, S6.4: 

1.	 Ambient conditions: Test samples shall be exposed to a temperature of 21 ± 6°C 

(70 ± 10°F) and a humidity range of 40% to 60% RH for 12 hours. 

2.	 Low temperature: Test samples shall be exposed to a temperature of -10 +8/­

0°C (14 +14/-0°F) for 12 hours. 

3.	 High temperature: Test samples shall be exposed to a temperature of 50 +0/-4°C 

(122 +0/-7°F) for 12 hours. 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

6.28.1.3	 Testing shall be completed within 4 minutes after the helmet has been removed from 

the conditioning environment. If the time to complete the test is greater than 4 

minutes, the test specimen shall be returned to the conditioning environment. 

Required times for reconditioning are outlined in Section 12.5.7 of DOT TP-218-05. 

6.28.2	 Test Sequence 

6.28.2.1	 Helmet specimens shall be prepared and tested using the following sequence from 

DOT TP-218-05, Section 12.4: 

1.	 Preparation of test specimens according to clauses 12.5.1, 12.5.2 and 12.5.5 of 

DOT TP-218-05. 

2.	 Conditioning as described in Section 6.28.1.2. 

3.	 Impact attenuation test in accordance with FMVSS No. 218, Section 7.1 and 

clause 12.6 of DOT TP-218-05. 

4.	 Perforation resistance test in accordance with FMVSS No. 218, Section 7.2 and 

clause 12.7 of DOT TP-218-05. 

5.	 Retention system test in accordance with FMVSS No. 218, Section 7.3 and clause 

12.8 of DOT TP-218-05. 

6.28.3	 Test Matrix 

6.28.3.1	 Each size shall be subjected to the tests described in 2Table 9. If a failure occurs for a 

specific size of helmet, the supplier may stop the testing for that size helmet. 

Table 9. Head Protection Test Matrix (DOT TP-218-5) 

Site Ambient Low 

Temperature 

High 

Temperature 

Flat 1 2 impacts 2 impacts 2 impacts 

Impact anvil 2 2 impacts 2 impacts 2 impacts 

attenuation Hemi 3 2 impacts 2 impacts 2 impacts 

anvil 4 2 impacts 2 impacts 2 impacts 

Perforation 5 1 impact 1 impact 1 impact 

resistance 6 1 impact 1 impact 1 impact 

Retention system N/A 1 test 1 test 1 test 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

6.28.4	 Test Equipment 

6.28.4.1	 Impact attenuation: The test equipment for impact attenuation testing shall consist 

of headforms and a drop-tower apparatus as described in clause 12.6.1 of DOT TP218-05. 

6.28.4.2	 Perforation resistance: The test equipment for perforation resistance testing shall 

consist of headforms, a drop-tower test apparatus, and a striker as described in clause 

12.7.1 of DOT TP-218-05. 

6.28.4.3	 Retention system test: The test equipment for retention system testing shall consist 

of headforms and a retention system test apparatus as described in clause 12.8.1 of 

DOT TP-218-05. 

6.28.5	 Procedure 

6.28.5.1	 Impact attenuation: Impact attenuation shall be evaluated using the test 

methodology described in clauses 12.6.2, 12.6.3 and 12.6.4 of DOT TP-218-05, with 

the following exception: 

a) A total of 24 test drops per helmet size is required as described in 2Table 9 of this 

standard. 

6.28.5.2	 Perforation resistance: Perforation resistance shall be evaluated using the test 

methodology described in clauses 12.7.2 and 12.7.3 of DOT TP-218-05 with the 

following exception: 

a) A total of six test drops per helmet size is required as described in 2Table 9 of this 

standard. 

6.28.5.3	 Retention system: The retention system shall be evaluated using the test 

methodology described in clause 12.8.2 of DOT TP-218-05 with the following 

exception: 

a) Three retention system tests per helmet size are required as described in 2Table 9 

of this standard. 

6.28.6	 Report 

6.28.7 All results and observations shall be recorded and reported. 

6.29	 Spine Protection TestA 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

6.29.1	 Samples 

6.29.1.1	 Three facsimile samples, each, of the spine protector for the smallest and largest size 

bomb suit offered by the supplier (including any component layers associated with 

the spine protector) shall be submitted for impact attenuation evaluation. Coverage 

area (length x width) of the spine protector shall be specified by the supplier when 

submitting the bomb suit for evaluation. All facsimile samples shall be compared 

with a bomb suit sample to verify that materials and construction are identical. 

6.29.1.2	 For conditioning, three samples shall be exposed as follows: 

•	 High temperature conditions: One sample shall be exposed as specified in 

CSA/CAN Z617-06, clauses 11.3.1 and 11.3.2. 

•	 Low temperature conditions: One sample shall be exposed as specified in 

CSA/CAN Z617-06, clauses 11.3.1 and 11.3.3. 

•	 Ambient conditions: One sample shall be exposed to a temperature of 21°C ±

2.9°C (70°F ± 5.2°F) for a minimum of 4 hours and not more than 24 hours. 

6.29.2	 Test Equipment 

6.29.2.1	 The test equipment shall consist of a support anvil for the spine protector and one 

impactor representing sphere threat, as described in clauses 11.4.4.1.7 and 11.4.4.2 of 

CSA/CAN Z617-06. 

6.29.3	 Test Sequence 

6.29.3.1	 The test sequence shall be two impacts to each specimen using the sphere threat at the 

threat energy of 45 J for each spine protector sample in accordance with the test 

specifications described in clauses 11.4.5.1 and 11.4.5.3 of CSA/CAN Z617-06. 

6.29.4	 Procedure 

6.29.4.1	 Impact attenuation shall be evaluated for each environmental condition using the test 

methodology described in clause 11.4 of CSA/CAN Z617-06. The following 

exceptions apply: 

a)	 Impact shall be via a gravity drop method. 

b) If the construction of the spine protector is not uniform, the minimum number of 

impacts required in Section 6.29.3 shall be repeated for all portions of the spine 

protectors where the protection performance is expected to differ. 

53 
 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

6.29.5	 Report 

6.29.5.1	 All data and observations shall be recorded and reported, and digital photos of the 

samples shall be taken before and after the procedure. 

6.30	 Fragmentation TestA 

6.30.1	 Samples 

6.30.1.1	 Fragmentation requirements for seven different armor types are defined in 2Table 8. 

2Table 10 identifies the corresponding protection area for each armor type. Each 

protection area represents an area of coverage on the human body as defined in 

Appendix A. 

Table 10. Armor Types and Protection Areas for Fragmentation Testing 

Armor Type Protection Area Description 

Thorax/abdomen - Front Medial 

A Pelvis - Front Medial 

Neck - Front Medial 

B Face 

C Head 

D Legs – Upper Front 

Thorax/abdomen - Front Lateral 

E Neck - Front Lateral 

Pelvis - Front Lateral 

F Thorax/abdomen - Rear 

Arms 

Neck - Rear 

Legs – Lower Front 

G Pelvis - Rear 

Legs - Rear 

6.30.1.2	 The required number of test samples that shall be submitted for fragmentation testing 

for each protection area is defined in Sections 6.30.1.3 and 6.30.1.4. 

6.30.1.3	 Helmets and face shields shall be used as the test samples for both the head and face 

protection areas. 

54 
 

 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

•	 If the helmet and face shield design is such that both are necessary to meet the 

fragmentation protection requirements, then the helmet and face shield shall be 

tested as a system. Otherwise, the helmet and face shield shall be tested 

independently. 

•	 For the head protection area, the helmet shell and all ballistic-resistant materials 

used in construction of the helmet shall be submitted for testing. 

o	 A total of six samples shall be submitted for testing, and a V50 ballistic limit 

test shall be performed on each sample individually. Half of the samples shall 

be used for each of the two test projectiles specified. 

o	 Helmet accessories, nonballistic-resistant liner materials, and retention 

systems (if detachable) are not to be used for fragmentation testing. 

• For the face protection area, the face shield shall be submitted for testing. 

o	 A minimum of three face shields shall be submitted for testing, and a V50 

ballistic limit test shall be performed on each face shield individually. 

However, additional face shields shall be used if a single face shield does not 

have sufficient area to meet the V50 ballistic limit test shot spacing 

requirements. 

o	 If the face shield assembly includes both transparent and opaque regions of 

different construction, these two regions must be tested separately to 

determine the V50 ballistic limit of each region. 

6.30.1.4	 Facsimile samples for protection areas that contain fabric ballistic-resistant materials 

shall be submitted for fragmentation testing. (The term facsimile sample, as used in 

this context, is commonly referred to as a shoot pack.) All facsimile samples shall be 

compared with a bomb suit sample to verify that materials and construction are 

identical. 

•	 For protection areas that do not contain rigid ballistic inserts: 

o	 Six facsimile samples for each armor type shall be submitted for testing, and a 

V50 ballistic limit test shall be performed on each facsimile sample 

individually. Half of the facsimile samples shall be used for each of the two 

test projectiles specified. 

o	 Facsimile samples shall be sized 38 cm x 38 cm (15 inches x 15 inches). 

•	 For protection areas that contain rigid ballistic inserts: 

o	 Facsimile samples shall be a minimum size of 38 cm x 38 cm (15 inches x 15 

inches) or an appropriately sized rectangle with enough area to fit the ballistic 

insert and allow stitching across all four edges. If the ballistic insert is 

sufficiently small, multiple ballistic inserts may be used in a single facsimile 

sample with stitching in the facsimile sample to hold the ballistic inserts in 

position. The edges of the ballistic inserts constitute the edges referenced in 

the edge requirements in Section 6.30.3.5. 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

o	 Additional facsimile samples shall be used if the ballistic insert within a single 

facsimile sample does not have sufficient area to meet the V50 ballistic limit 

test shot spacing requirements. 

6.30.1.5	 For conditioning, samples shall be exposed to 20 ̊C ± 5.5 ̊C (68 ̊F ± 10 ̊F) and 20% to 

70% rh for a minimum of 24 hours before testing. 

6.30.2	 Test Equipment and Conditions 

6.30.2.1	 Test facility: The test facility shall provide the conditions necessary to meet the 

requirements stated in the following sections. 

6.30.2.2	 Launcher to target distance: The spacing from the launcher muzzle to the target 

shall be 5.0 m ± 1.0 m (16.4 ft ± 3.28 ft). The spacing from the launcher muzzle to the 

first pair of triggering devices shall be sufficient to prevent damage from muzzle blast 

and obstruction from smoke in case optical devices are used. Recommended distances 

can be found in ITOP 4-2-805. The last pair of triggering devices shall be placed as 

close as possible to the test sample but no farther than 1.5 m (5 ft) and shall be 

protected from possible damage resulting from fragments. 

6.30.2.3	 Launching system: Any launching device may be used, provided that it is capable of 

consistently propelling the test projectiles at the required aiming point with an 

acceptable accuracy, impact velocity, angle of impact, and yaw. 

6.30.2.4	 Projectile velocity measurement: Projectile velocity measurement methods shall 

employ either high velocity lumiline screens or electrical contact screens that either 

open or close an electric circuit on passage of the projectile through the detector. 

Contact screens may consist of metallic foils separated by a thin insulating layer, or 

may consist of a circuit printed on paper with the circuit spacing, such that the 

projectile passing through the screen will break the circuit. An electric-counter-type 

chronograph measuring to the nearest microsecond, or at most 10 microseconds, shall 

be used with these measuring devices. Alternatively, radiographic or radar equipment 

capable of calculating projectile velocity may be used. Velocity correction 

methodology shall be used to calculate the actual striking velocity of the projectile.9 

6.30.2.5	 Projectile yaw measurement: Projectile yaw shall be measured as close to the target 

as possible for each firing by yaw cards, flash radiograph, or high-speed video. The 

measurement system employed should be capable of measuring yaw within an 

accuracy of ± 5 degrees. 

9

 See MIL-STD-662F, Section 5.5, and ITOP 4-2-805, Appendix F, for additional information on velocity correction 

methodology. 

56 
 

 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

6.30.2.6	 Witness plate for perforation and stop determination: Perforations and stops shall 

be determined based on the effects on an aluminum alloy witness plate rigidly 

mounted around its perimeter and located behind the specimen. Witness plate 

material specifications and mounting locations are described in MIL-STD-662F, 

Section 5.2.2, with the following exception: The witness plate for armor types B and 

C shall be 0.51 mm (0.02 inches) thick aluminum sheet rigidly mounted 51mm (2 

inches) behind the area of impact. Witness plates shall be sized according to the 

facsimile sample being tested. For example, the 38 cm x 38 cm (15 inches x 15 

inches) size facsimile samples will require witness plates of the same size. Smaller 

size witness plates shall be used for helmet and face shield testing and be of sufficient 

size to capture all fragments resulting from the ballistic event. 

6.30.2.7	 Sample retention system: Specimens shall be supported as described in MIL-STD662F, Section 4.5. 

•	 The frame supports, clamps, or mounting fixtures must be capable of retaining the 

specimen securely both before and after the ballistic impact by the test projectiles. 

The test specimen mount shall be capable of withstanding the shock of the 

ballistic impact by the test projectiles. The test sample mount shall be capable of 

moving the specimen in the vertical and horizontal directions so that the point of 

impact can be located anywhere on the specimen and so that appropriate degree 

obliquity impacts can be achieved anywhere on the specimen. The test specimen 

mount shall be capable of rotating on the vertical or horizontal axis so that various 

obliquity attack angles can be achieved. 

•	 For all size specimens, a metallic frame of 5 mm (0.2 inches) thick aluminum or 

steel with a minimum of 35 mm (1.4 inches) wide webbing shall be employed to 

restrain the test material during ballistic impact. The specimen shall be 

sandwiched between two frames and restrained with mechanical or pneumatic 

clamping devices at each of the four corners of the frame. No shots shall be closer 

than 64 mm (2.5 inches) from any internal frame edge. For all facsimile samples, 

the restraining frames shall be cut to provide an overlap of at least 12.5 mm (0.5 

inch) on all edges of the sample. 

•	 Helmet and face shield specimens shall be rigidly mounted and attached to the 

mount in at least two mounting locations. Accommodations shall be made to 

ensure that any perforating projectiles do not strike the opposite side of the 

helmet. 

6.30.2.8	 Fragment-simulating projectiles shall be used to evaluate the fragmentation protection 

performance of a bomb suit. Projectiles used shall conform to the details of Table 11. 

57 
 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

Table 11. Test Projectiles 

Test Projectile Projectile Mass Reference in 

MIL-DTL-46593B 

.22 cal 

FSP 

.30 cal 

FSP 

1.1 g 

(17 gr) 

2.9 g 

(44 gr) 

Figure 1 

Figure 2 

.50 cal 13.4 g Figure 3 

FSP (207 gr) 

6.30.2.9	 Test conditions: All tests shall be conducted at 20 ̊C ± 5.5 ̊C (68 ̊F ± 10 ̊F) and 20% 

to 70% rh. Temperature and humidity measurements shall be recorded for each test 

specimen. 

6.30.3	 Procedure 

6.30.3.1	 V50 ballistic limit testing shall be performed according to the “up and down” method 

of firing specified in MIL-STD-662F. 

6.30.3.2	 A perforation of a test specimen occurs when the impacting projectile, any fragment 

of the impacting projectile, or any fragment of the test specimen perforates the 

witness plate, resulting in a crack or hole that permits light passage when a 60 W, 110 

V bulb is placed behind the witness plate defined in 6.30.2.6. 

6.30.3.3	 A fair hit shall have less than 5 degrees projectile yaw. 

6.30.3.4 Facsimile samples may be reformed to initial shape after every shot. At a minimum, 

the specimen shall be reformed when excessive pulling from the restraining fixture is 

exhibited. Excessive pulling occurs when the fabric extends more than 51 mm (2.0 

inches) beyond the original rear surface of the facsimile sample or when the distance 

between the rear facsimile sample surface is within 102 mm (4.0 inches) of the 

witness plate. 

6.30.3.5	 All specimens shall be tested at 0 degree obliquity as defined in MIL-STD-662F, 

Section 3.20. 

a)	 A fair hit shall meet the minimum distance requirements for shot location detailed 

in 2Table 12 unless the supplier specifies a lesser value for minimum distance in 

advance. The supplier is allowed to specify in advance lesser values for the 

58 
 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

minimum distances. For a given hit, if the distance from edges, holes, or points of 

impact of previous shots is less than the minimum specified, the hit is considered 

fair if the result is a stop. For facsimile samples, each shot shall be staggered 19 

mm (0.75 inches) from points of impact of previous shots off the horizontal and 

vertical lines. 

Table 12. Minimum Distance for Shot Locations 

Armor Type Test Distance From Distance From 

Projectile Edges or Holes Impact Points of 

Previous Shots 

B .22 cal 25 mm 51 mm 

FSP (1.0 inch) (2.0 inches) 

All others .22 cal 64 mm 64 mm 

FSP (2.5 inches) (2.5 inches) 

.30 cal 64 mm 76 mm 

FSP (2.5 inches) (3.0 inches) 

.50 cal 76 mm 102 mm 

FSP (3.0 inches) (4.0 inches) 

6.30.4	 Calculation of V50 Ballistic Limit 

6.30.4.1	 The V50 ballistic limit testing shall use the up-and-down methodology described in 

2Table 13. The V50 ballistic limit shall be calculated by taking the arithmetic mean of 

the required number of the highest stop (HS) and the lowest perforation (LP) impact 

velocities of fair hits within the maximum allowable velocity range. The required 

number of fair hits used to calculate the V50 ballistic limit and the corresponding 

maximum allowable velocity range for the fair hits used in the calculation are 

specified in 2Table 14. If the velocity range is greater than the maximum allowed in 

32Table 14 but the estimated V50 ballistic limit value is greater than the minimum 

requirement in 2Table 8, this test shall be considered to be inconclusive and the test 

may be performed up to two additional times. If after three attempts, the test result is 

inconclusive, the test result shall be considered a failure. 

6.30.4.2	 If the specimen’s V50 ballistic limit is so high that the velocity necessary for 

perforation is not achieved within 5 stops above the V50 limit, the test laboratory 

shall record that this has occurred and the test will be considered acceptable. 

59 
 

 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

Table 13. V50 Ballistic Limit Parameters 

Parameter Value Section Reference 

Description in MIL-STD-662F
 

Velocity of first The V50 ballistic limit for the 5.3.3 

shot armor type and test projectile 

(Table 8) 

Velocity step until -30.5 m/s (-100 ft/s) if first shot 5.3.5 

first reversal was a perforation 

+ 30.5 m/s (+100 ft/s) if first Exception to 5.3.5 

shot was a stop 

Velocity step until ±22.9 m/s (±75 ft/s) depending 5.3.5 

second reversal on result of previous shot 

Velocity step after ± 15.2 m/s (50 ft/s) depending 5.3.5 

second reversal on result of previous shot 

Table 14. Required Number of Fair Hits and 

Maximum Allowable Velocity Range 

Armor Type High Stops Low Perforations Velocity Range 

B 3 3 38 m/s 

(125 ft/s) 

4 4 45 m/s 

(150 ft/s) 

All others 5 5 38 m/s 

(125 ft/s) 

7 7 45 m/s 

(150 ft/s) 

6.30.5 Report 

6.30.5.1 All results and observations shall be recorded and reported. 

6.31 Bomb Suit Integrity TestA 

6.31.1 Samples 

6.31.1.1 One bomb suit shall be provided for this test. 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

6.31.1.2	 The bomb suit shall be sized appropriately based on the test surrogate dimensions and 

the bomb suit supplier’s specifications. 

6.31.1.3	 For conditioning, the sample shall be exposed to 21 ± 2.9 ̊C (70 ± 5 ̊F) and 50 ± 20% 

rh for a minimum of 12 hours before testing. 

6.31.2	 Test Equipment and Conditions 

6.31.2.1	 The ambient temperature shall be between 24 ± 11 ̊C (75 ± 20 ̊F) and the humidity 

shall be 70 ± 25 % rh. If this test is not performed in a sheltered environment, there 

shall be no precipitation. 

6.31.2.2	 A Hybrid III 50th-percentile male crash test dummy shall be used as the test 

surrogate. The test surrogate shall be kept at the environmental conditions identified 

by its manufacturer. If no temperature is identified, the temperature shall be set to 21 

± 2.9 ̊C (70 ± 5 ̊F). 

6.31.2.3	 A positioning fixture shall be provided to properly support and/or suspend the 

explosive charge such that it cannot interfere with the blast exposure of the test 

surrogate. 

6.31.2.4	 A positioning fixture shall be provided to support the test surrogate in the kneeling 

posture. 

6.31.2.5	 Two separate free field side-on blast overpressure gauges shall be positioned at a 

distance of 1.52 m (5 ft) from the explosive charge and a height of 77 cm (30 inches) 

from its horizontal center to the ground. These gauges shall be used to record blast 

overpressure values for reference data only. 

6.31.2.6	 A data acquisition system shall be used to record values from the blast overpressure 

gauges and shall have an adequate sampling rate to capture the blast event. All data 

collected shall be sampled at a frequency of 500 kHz. If hardware anti-alias filtering 

is incorporated, this information shall be recorded. 

6.31.2.7	 One explosive charge of C4 plastic explosive material is required. The C4 shall be 

packed into a cylindrical cardboard tube of appropriate dimensions for a length to 

diameter ratio of one. The test charge shall meet the following criteria: 

1. Weight of 1.25 lbs ± 0.002 lbs (567 g ± 1 g) of C4 plastic explosive. 

2. The detonator positioned in the charge center. 

61 
 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

6.31.2.8	 When in a position for detonation, the cylinder shall be oriented vertically (i.e., each 

end of the cylinder shall be in a horizontal plane). 

6.31.3	 Procedure 

6.31.3.1	 The test surrogate shall be clothed in the bomb suit per supplier donning instructions 

and positioned in a kneeling posture supported by a positioning fixture. The test 

surrogate shall be positioned so that the exterior of the bomb suit is at a standoff 

distance of 0.6 m (2 ft) from the test charge. The explosive charge shall be positioned 

at a distance of 77 cm (30 inches) from its horizontal center to the ground. 

6.31.3.2	 Photographs of the test setup (including the test surrogate wearing the bomb suit) 

shall be taken for inclusion in the test report. 

6.31.3.3	 The explosive charge shall be detonated, and the results shall be recorded and 

reported. Photographs of the test setup following the explosion shall be taken for 

inclusion in the test report. 

6.32	 Drag Rescue Device Test 

6.32.1	 Samples 

6.32.1.1	 One sample of a bomb suit appropriately sized to fit the test surrogate described in 

Section 6.32.2.1 shall be provided for evaluation. 

6.32.2	 Test Equipment 

6.32.2.1	 The test surrogate shall be an IAFF “Rescue Randy” model 1475 mannequin, a 

Hybrid III 50th-percentile male dummy, or equivalent. 

6.32.2.2	 A 27-kg (60-lb) weighted vest or belt is required to increase the weight of the test 

surrogate. 

6.32.3	 Procedure 

6.32.3.1	 The test assistant shall install the weighted vest or belt on the test surrogate such that 

the weight is distributed evenly around the torso. The assistant shall place the bomb 

suit on the test surrogate in accordance with the supplier’s instructions. 

6.32.3.2	 The test surrogate shall be positioned as specified in NFPA 1971 (2007), Section 

8.59.5.6. 

62 
 

 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

6.32.3.3	 The test assistant, using a gloved hand10, shall perform the test as specified in NFPA 

1971 (2007), Section 8.59.5.10. 

6.32.3.4	 The above steps shall be performed for each drag rescue device, and the results shall 

be recorded and reported. 

6.33	 Label Durability: Wear Test
 

6.33.1	 Samples 

6.33.1.1	 Three labels shall be submitted for testing. The samples shall include individual 

labels sewn onto a separate square of material identical to the material to which the 

label is attached in the construction of the bomb suit. 

6.33.2	 Procedure 

6.33.2.1	 The samples shall be tested in accordance with NFPA 1971(2007), Section 8.42.4.2.1, 

with the exception of item (3). 

6.33.2.2	 The samples shall be examined in accordance with NFPA 1971 (2007), Section 

8.42.4.2.2. 

6.34	 Label Durability: Chemical Resistance Test
 

6.34.1	 Samples 

6.34.1.1	 Three labels shall be submitted for testing.
 

6.34.2	 Procedure 

6.34.2.1	 A representative area of the label markings shall be rubbed by hand for 15 seconds 

with a cotton cloth soaked with distilled water. 

6.34.2.2	 The same area shall be rubbed by hand for 15 seconds with a cotton cloth soaked with 

denatured alcohol (methylated spirit). 

10 The glove shall be a commonly used type of work glove for protection against sharp edges and similar physical 

hazards. 

63 
 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

6.34.2.3	 The same area shall be rubbed by hand for 15 seconds with cotton cloth soaked with 

isopropyl alcohol. 

6.34.2.4	 The samples shall be examined in accordance with NFPA 1971 (2007), Section 

8.42.4.2.2. 

6.35	 Slip Resistance Test 

6.35.1	 Samples 

6.35.1.1	 Two test samples per type of foot protection material shall be tested. 

6.35.2	 Procedure 

6.35.2.1	 Test samples representing the walking surface of the foot protection shall be 

submitted for evaluation in accordance with ASTM F 489, Standard Test Method for 

Static Coefficient of Friction of Shoe Sole and Heel Materials as Measured by the 

James Machine, for dry conditions. 

6.35.2.2	 The static coefficient of friction of each sample shall be recorded and reported. 

64 
 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

7. LABELING AND INFORMATION 

7.1	 General Product Label Requirements for Bomb Suit Models 

7.1.1	 Each detachable protective element of the bomb suit, with the exception of the face 

shield, shall have a product label permanently attached to, embossed on, or printed on 

an inside surface. 

7.1.2	 The face shield shall have a product label permanently attached to, embossed on, or 

printed on it in letters at least 2 mm (1/16 inch) high. The product label shall include 

at least the model number and serial number. 

7.1.3	 All worded portions of a required product label shall appear in English, but other 

languages may be added. 

7.1.4	 Symbols and other graphical information may be used to supplement text on the 

product label(s) and shall be explained in the user information. 

7.1.5	 For each compliant bomb suit model, each certified-product label shall include the 

applicable compliance and information statements specified in Section 7.2. 

7.1.6	 In addition to the compliance and information statements required by Section 7.1.5, 

each detachable protective element of the bomb suit, with the exception of the face 

shield, shall have at least the following information printed legibly on the product 

label(s) in letters a minimum of 3.2 mm (1/8 inch) high: 

•	 Name and legal address of the supplier. 

•	 Address of manufacturing location (city, state/province, country). 

•	 Date of manufacture (i.e., month and year). 

•	 Bomb suit model number. 

o	 If the bomb suit model has detachable protective elements, the bomb suit 

product label shall include the detachable protective element model numbers 

for the protective elements that must be used in order for the bomb suit model 

to be compliant. 

•	 Serial number for the bomb suit. 

•	 Size. 

•	 Assembly orientation of any protective element if necessary for performance 

requirements of this standard (e.g., strike face, wear face). 

65 
 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

7.2	 Compliance Statements on Certified Product Labels of Compliant Bomb Suit 

Models 

7.2.1	 Placement of any compliance statement on the certified product label shall be 

consistent with Sections 7.1.1 and 7.1.2. 

7.2.2	 A certified product shall have the following compliance statement on the bomb suit 

product label in letters at least 2.5 mm (3/32 inch) high. 

“PURSUANT TO NIJ CR-0117.00, THIS BOMB SUIT MODEL HAS BEEN 

TESTED AND FOUND TO BE COMPLIANT WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF 

NIJ STANDARD-0117.00 (PUBLIC SAFETY BOMB SUIT STANDARD). DO 

NOT REMOVE THIS LABEL.” 

7.3	 User Information to be Provided by the Supplier 

7.3.1	 In order to have a bomb suit model tested under this standard, the supplier must agree 

that, if the model is found to be compliant, it will provide written user information 

including, but not limited to, warnings, information, and instructions with each 

individual bomb suit (and with each protective element that may be acquired or 

provided separately). 

7.3.2	 The supplier shall provide the required user information in such a manner as to make 

such information clear, prominent, and immediately available to any individual 

opening the package. 

7.3.3	 The supplier shall provide at least the following warnings, information, and 

instructions as part of the written user information: 

•	 List of required accessories provided with the bomb suit or protective element. 

•	 Pre-use information as follows: 

o	 Safety considerations. 

o	 Recommendations and precautions regarding the application of public safety 

agency markings after purchase. 

o	 Any limitations or precautions as to type(s) of clothing worn under the bomb 

suit. 

o	 Description of mechanism(s) to prevent condensation on the face shield. 

o	 Warranty information, including length of warranty. 

•	 Donning and doffing information as follows: 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

o	 Donning and doffing procedures, including quick doffing and incapacitated 

doffing, and any bomb suit protective element interface considerations. 

o	 Sizing and adjustment procedures, 

•	 Instructions for proper use as intended by the supplier. 

•	 Care and maintenance, as follows: 

o	 Cleaning instructions and precautions. 

o	 Recommended decontamination procedures. 

o	 Recommended storage conditions. 

o	 Inspection details. 

o	 Repair methods, where applicable. 

o	 Retirement and disposal criteria and considerations. 

7.4	 Technical Data Package to be Provided by the Supplier 

7.4.1	 In order to have a bomb suit model tested under this standard, the supplier must agree 

that, if the model is found to be compliant, it will furnish, as set forth in this section, a 

technical data package for the bomb suit model upon the request of the purchaser or 

the prospective purchaser. 

7.4.2	 The technical data package shall contain all data showing compliance of the model 

with this standard. 

7.4.3	 In the technical data package, the supplier shall describe the bomb suit model in terms 

of the supplier name, trade name, model number, supplier-replaceable protective 

elements and components, and available sizes. 

7.4.3.1	 Descriptions of size shall include the ranges in height and weight for persons fitting 

each particular available size of bomb suit. 

7.4.3.2	 The technical data package shall include a list and descriptions of the following with 

respect to the bomb suit model, as applicable: 

•	 All protective elements and components. 

o Face shield: Permanent or removable appliqués or films. 

o Protective element and component methods of attachment. 

•	 Required accessories. 

67 
 

 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

APPENDIX A. Protection Areas 

The bomb suit protection areas defined for fragmentation testing are detailed in 2Table 15. For 

each protection area, the coverage must be equal to or greater than the zone defined by the 

landmarks listed in 2Table 15 for the body size for which the bomb suit is intended. The bomb 

suit protection areas are represented in Figure 5. Front and rear sections are separated by the 

frontal or coronal plane (see Figure 7). Body landmarks and body planes are illustrated in Figure 

6 and Figure 7. Human body directions are shown in Figure 8. 

Figure 5. Protection Areas 

REAR

Thorax /

abdomen

Neck

Upper legs

Arms

Lower legs

Pelvis

lateral

Head

Face

Thorax / abdomen 

lateral

Neck medial

Thorax / abdomen 

medial

FRONT

Neck lateral

Pelvis

medial

Pelvis

Arms

Upper legs

Lower legs

Head

REAR 

Thorax / 

abdomen 

Neck 

Upper legs 

Arms 

Lower legs 

Pelvis 

lateral 

Head 

Face 

Thorax / abdomen 

lateral 

Neck medial 

Thorax / abdomen 

medial 

FRONT 

Neck lateral 

Pelvis 

medial 

Pelvis 

Arms 

Upper legs 

Lower legs 

Head 

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Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

Table 15. Bomb Suit Protection Area 

Armor Protection Area Body Landmarks 

Type Description Medial/Lateral Superior/ 

Proximal Interior/Distal 

Thorax/ 

Abdomen – Front 

Medial 

Front 

thorax/abdomen 

between bust points 

Sternale Omphalion 

A Pelvis - Front Medial Front pelvis between 

bust points Omphalion Crotch level 

Neck – Front Medial Front neck between 

bust points Menton Sternale 

B Face Front head (Note 1) Note 1 Note 1 

Entire head without Nuchale 

C Head face area Vertex Menton 

Gonion 

D Legs – Upper Front Front upper legs Crotch level Femoral 

epicondyles 

Trochanterion Mid-patella 

E 

Thorax/ Abdomen – 

Front Lateral 

Front 

thorax/abdomen 

lateral to the bust 

points 

Sternale Omphalion 

Neck – Front Lateral Front neck lateral to Nuchale Cervicale 

the bust points Menton Sternale 

Pelvis – Front Lateral Front pelvis lateral Crotch level 

to the bust points Omphalion Gluteal furrow 

Thorax/ 

Abdomen - Rear Rear thorax/abdomen Cervicale Omphalion 

Acromion Radial styloid 

Arms Front and rear arms Anterior scye Stylion 

Posterior scye Wrist crease 

F Neck - Rear Rear neck Nuchale Cervicale 

Femoral 

Epicondyles 

Medial 

malleolus 

Legs – Lower Front Front lower legs 

Mid-patella 

Lateral 

malleolus 

Ankle crease 

Pelvis - Rear Rear pelvis Omphalion Gluteal furrow 

G Legs - Rear Rear legs 

Gluteal furrow Medial 

malleolus 

Trochanterion Lateral 

Malleolus 

 Ankle crease 

Note 1: Area large enough to meet FOV requirements. 

69 
 

Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard 

Figure 7. Human Body Plane: (1) Frontal or 

Coronal, (2) Sagittal, (3) Transverse 

Figure 8. Human Body Directions 

Figure 6. Body Landmarks 

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About the Law Enforcement and Corrections 

Standards and Testing Program 

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Standards and Testing Program is sponsored by the 

NIJ Office of Science and Technology within the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice 

Programs. The program responds to provisions in the Homeland Security Act of 2002 that 

authorize the NIJ Office of Science and Technology to establish and maintain performance 

standards (in accordance with the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995) 

for law enforcement technologies that may be used by federal, state and local law enforcement 

agencies, and to test and evaluate those technologies. The Homeland Security Act of 2002 also 

authorizes the NIJ Office of Science and Technology to establish and maintain a program to 

certify, validate and mark or otherwise recognize law enforcement technology products that 

conform to the standards mentioned above. 

The NIJ Standards and Testing Program works to identify the needs of state and local criminal 

justice system practitioners for equipment standards and test protocols, develops voluntary performance standards for specific criminal justice tools and technologies, establishes conformity 

assessment requirements for demonstrating that commercially available equipment conforms 

to those standards, and publishes listings of product models that have been tested through one 

or more specified organizations and found to comply with the standards. The standards development process begins with the operational needs and requirements of practitioners in the field 

being defined, and, based on those needs, the standards are developed principally by a special 

technical committee led by criminal justice practitioners and including testing and conformity 

assessment experts, other technical experts, federal partners and members from practitioner 

stakeholder organizations. Manufacturers, vendors and other interested parties are provided 

with an opportunity to review and comment on draft standards prior to their publication. 

As indicated above, all NIJ standards developed through the Standards and Testing Program 

are voluntary standards. There is no requirement or obligation for manufacturers, law enforcement agencies or others to follow or adopt these voluntary law enforcement technology equipment standards. The primary intent of these standards is to provide the end user of a model of 

equipment found to be compliant with a particular standard with performance information on 

key equipment characteristics, provide a level of confidence in that particular model’s fitness for 

use in specified circumstances and allow comparison of product models based on standardized 

testing methods and performance requirements. These standards do not specify a particular 

solution but rather define what a potential solution must accomplish. The ultimate goal is to 

help ensure to the degree possible that law enforcement technology equipment is safe, reliable 

and effective. 

Publications related to the Standards and Testing Program, including the voluntary standards 

and associated documents, are available at no charge through the National Law Enforcement 

and Corrections Technology Center-National (NLECTC-National) and also are available online at 

http://www.nij.gov/standards and http://www.justnet.org. To request a document or additional information, please call (800) 248-2742 or (301) 519-5060, or send an e-mail to asknlectc@justnet.org. 

Users of NIJ standards are advised to check with http://www.nij.gov/standards on a regular 

basis to determine whether a particular law enforcement technology equipment standard has 

been revised or superseded, or the compliance status of a particular model has changed. 

This document is not intended to create, does not create, and may not be 

relied upon to create any rights, substantive or procedural, enforceable at 

law by any party in any matter civil or 

criminal. 

Opinions or points of view expressed in 

this document represent a consensus 

of the authors and do not represent the 

official position or policies of the U.S. 

Department of Justice. The products 

and manufacturers discussed in this 

document are presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval or endorsement 

by the U.S. Department of Justice. 

The National Institute of Justice is a 

component of the Office of Justice 

Programs, which also includes the 

Bureau of Justice Assistance; the 

Bureau of Justice Statistics; the 

Office for Victims of Crime; the Office 

of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency 

Prevention; and the Office of Sex 

Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, 

Apprehending, Registering, and 

Tracking.