Which NFPA standard relates to the selection, care, and maintenance of PPE?

The NFPA 1851 standard specifically focuses on the selection, care, and maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE) for firefighters. This standard establishes the requirements for ensuring that firefighting PPE is properly maintained to ensure operational readiness and safety. It addresses the life cycle of PPE, including selection criteria based on the specific hazards faced by firefighters, guidelines for proper cleaning and decontamination, and procedures for repair and retirement of PPE. This is crucial because the integrity and functionality of PPE directly impact the safety and effectiveness of firefighters in hazardous environments.

The other options pertain to different aspects of fire protection and service. NFPA 1500 covers fire department occupational safety and health programs, NFPA 1971 specifies requirements for structural firefighting gear, which does not encompass care and maintenance in a holistic manner, and NFPA 1002 focuses on fire apparatus driver/operator qualifications rather than PPE. Therefore, NFPA 1851 is the relevant standard for the proper handling of PPE in terms of selection, care, and maintenance.