03/22/2026
As your 3M Scott Fire & Safety sales and 5 star Service center in Texas, HEAT Safety Equipment wants to provide you with the most up to date information!
As of January 1st 2026 There is a major shift in how SCBA standards are structured and what’s required.
NFPA eliminated “1981” as a standalone SCBA standard
The old NFPA 1981 (SCBA) and 1982 (PASS) were rolled into a new consolidated standard: NFPA 1970 (2025 edition).
What does that mean? Three big things!
1) SCBA is no longer governed by its own separate document—it’s now part of a full PPE system standard (gear, SCBA, PASS, etc.).
2) Three major SCBA performance changes in the 2025 update
Under the new NFPA 1970 (2025) standard, SCBAs must meet updated requirements:
A) End-of-service time indicator (EOSTI)
Alarm now activates at 31% cylinder pressure (4500 psi bottles)
Previously: 35%
Translation: You get less “reserve warning time” before the alarm—closer to actual depletion.
B) Removable soft goods (cleanability requirement)
Straps, harness components, and emergency breathing pouches must be removable for cleaning �
This is driven by cancer/contamination reduction—huge push across NFPA.
C) Bluetooth / connectivity indicator requirement
SCBA must have a clear indicator showing radio/Bluetooth connection status
Displayed either on:
Control module, or
Heads-up display (HUD) in facepiece
This ties into increasing reliance on integrated comms and accountability systems.
3) Additional underlying changes (less talked about but important)
Updated intrinsic safety requirements (electronics safer in explosive atmospheres)
Fire Engineering
Integration with broader PPE rules (labeling, contaminants, electronics standards)
IMPORTANT NOTE: Compliance timeline (what matters operationally)
Must transition by MARCH 26th 2026
So departments need to have already ordered the new standard!
Also all new SCBA are on a 15 year expiration for pack and cylinders!
Know the facts know the standards and stay up to date!
State Firefighters' and Fire Marshals' Association of Texas
Texas A&M Forest Service
Texas Division of Emergency Management
Converse Fire Department
SAFE-D - The Texas State Association of Fire and Emergency Districts
SFFMA Wintergarden District #15
Red River District Fireman's & Fire Marshals' Association - District 10
PFFMA official
MIdWest Texas District, SFFMA Zone 11
East Texas Firefighters and Fire Marshals' Assocation - Etffma
Certified to the latest NFPA 1970, 2025 Edition standard, the 3M™ Scott™ Air-Pak™ XD SCBA and 3M™ Scott™ Air-Pak™ X3 Pro SCBA offer two distinct options for ...
