The IAFF Division of Occupational Health, Safety and Medicine has been notified of a safety issue concerning stored fire fighter turnout gear. W.L. Gore & Associates has issued a safety alert for all users of Gore moisture barriers.
The identified problem involves seam tape separation when the gear has been stored in its original packaging for three or more years before being issued and worn. When this seam tape separation occurs, turnout gear may no longer be resistant to liquid penetration per the requirements of NFPA 1971. Gore provides detailed instructions in their safety alert on how to determine if you have any of the affected turnout gear. If you do discover any affected gear, Gore has instituted a seam tape remediation program to alleviate this problem.
Find the complete safety alert here.