Fire suit certification needed?

[fastesthonda_jim]

Just took my fire bottles up to Deist to get them their bi-annual "check-up".  Suddenly realized... oops the seat belts needed it too.  Then I started thinking (hard to believe, I know) should I send my firesuit, gloves, balaclava and boots too?

So I perused the rule book and could not find a requirement that clothing be re-certified every few years, only belts and bottles.

Anyone have any different thoughts or find different info?

Thanks,

Jim

[ModelTSteve]

Not sure about any re-classification, but I would like to see tears repaired, working zippers etc. Also, if it is oil soaked it should be sent in to be cleaned.

[fastesthonda_jim]

Actually, Steve, the one thing you NEVER do to a fire suit is have it cleaned, dry cleaned, that is.  It dissolves all the internal threads that hold the fireproofing in place.  It was a $450 lesson for me.  Just wash them in a machine with enough capacity.  I prefer to not spin mine since there is a moisture barrier in the suit and somehow 28G's of water pressure might tend to rupture it.

And thanks for the response.  Can't seem to get a clear answer on this question, though.

Jim

[ModelTSteve]

Well, I knew that- just a very poorly worded post. I believe several of the manufacturers require their suits be sent back to them to be washed. Thanks

[maguromic]

When I raced SCCA I was told that they did not like to see anything older than 5 years from the date of manufacture.  I heard that some other organizations were also saying 5 years from the date of manufacture.  I am not an expert, but they said  because that sweat degrades the suit? Its expensive, but I have always changed my suit when I changed belts. Just cheap insurance.

[dwarner]

Jim,

PM JD. He hasn't come back on the board yet but, he answered my question which I am taking to the bank. Not as a guest entry though.

DW