The fire restoration industry has long operated with best practices shaped by experience, science, and shared knowledge. In 2025, that experience culminated in the first-ever publicly reviewed national standard for fire and smoke damage restoration: the ANSI/IICRC S700 Standard for Professional Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration.

This new standard represents a turning point for the industry, giving professionals a consistent framework to follow while still allowing flexibility for unique projects. It outlines not just what should be done during restoration, but also the tools, processes, and materials needed to return properties to safe, habitable conditions.

One key aspect of the S700 is its emphasis on health and safety, which includes recommendations for personal protective equipment (PPE). Among the PPE guidance, the standard specifically highlights the role of single-use protective clothing and gear.

What Is ANSI/IICRC S700?

The ANSI/IICRC S700 is the first publicly reviewed American National Standard for fire and smoke restoration. Published in 2025, it sets forth the “standard of care” for professional restorers, providing clear guidance on the steps needed for effective and safe fire recovery.

Key characteristics of the S700 include:

  • Not a training manual: The document is not designed as an instructional textbook. Instead, it serves as a reference for industry best practices.
  • Practical guidance: It outlines the tools, consumables, and equipment needed for effective fire and smoke damage restoration.
  • Flexibility built in: The standard acknowledges that every fire restoration project is unique. While the S700 establishes a baseline, professionals may deviate from it when necessary to achieve optimal results.
  • Health and safety focus: From structural cleaning to air quality, the standard stresses the importance of protecting both occupants and restoration professionals.

Why the S700 Matters

Before the publication of S700, the fire restoration industry relied on a patchwork of guidelines, manufacturer instructions, and scientific recommendations. Now, with a single, nationally recognized standard, restoration professionals have a shared reference point that improves consistency, accountability, and safety across the industry.

For property owners and insurers, the S700 provides reassurance that restoration projects are being handled according to an objective, peer-reviewed standard—not just company-specific practices. For contractors and workers, it ensures safer, more predictable job environments.

Summary of Sections Within the S700

The S700 is structured to cover the entire fire restoration process, from initial assessment to final clearance. While each section is detailed, here is a high-level overview:

  1. Scope and Purpose
    • Explains the intent of the standard and defines its boundaries.
    • Emphasizes that the document is not a training course but rather a standard of care.
  2. Definitions and Terminology
    • Establishes consistent vocabulary across the industry.
    • Ensures contractors, insurers, and property owners are “speaking the same language.”
  3. Health and Safety Considerations
    • Covers potential risks like airborne particulates, chemicals, and structural hazards.
    • Outlines PPE expectations for workers.
  4. Fire and Smoke Damage Principles
    • Details how fire impacts structures, materials, and contents.
    • Explains the science behind smoke contamination and odor persistence.
  5. Inspection and Preliminary Assessment
    • Provides guidelines for evaluating the extent of damage and developing a restoration plan.
  6. Restoration Processes and Procedures
    • Explains how professionals should address damaged building materials, contents, and air quality.
    • Includes cleaning methods, odor removal processes, and drying considerations.
  7. Tools, Materials, and Equipment
    • Recommends categories of tools and consumables for fire and smoke restoration.
    • Covers everything from HEPA-filtered vacuums to odor-neutralizing agents.
  8. Documentation and Verification
    • Stresses the importance of recordkeeping and post-restoration verification.
    • Includes guidelines for proving compliance with the standard.

Together, these sections form a comprehensive framework that balances procedural guidance with practical adaptability.

PPE in the S700 Standard

One of the most notable aspects of the S700 is its focus on protecting restoration workers from fire-related hazards. Fire scenes are not just about burned structures; they also contain hazardous smoke residues, chemical byproducts, and even toxic materials released from synthetic items.

The standard recommends the use of PPE, with special attention to single-use equipment, including:

  • Disposable coveralls: Single-use protective suits designed to shield workers from soot, ash, and other residues. These garments prevent contaminants from being carried out of the work area and into clean zones.
  • Single-use gloves: Chemical-resistant disposable gloves protect workers from skin contact with corrosive or toxic residues. Because they are discarded after use, the risk of cross-contamination is minimized.
  • Single-use respirator filters or masks: While respirators themselves may be reusable, many of the filter components are designed for single use. These filters protect workers from inhaling harmful particulates and smoke residues.
  • Single-use shoe covers: Lightweight, disposable boot or shoe covers reduce the spread of contaminants and keep workers from tracking soot or ash into unaffected areas.

The emphasis on single-use PPE reflects a critical reality: once equipment is exposed to soot, ash, and chemical residues, cleaning and reusing it can compromise safety. Disposable PPE ensures that contaminated gear does not create ongoing health risks for workers or building occupants.

Why PPE Matters in Fire Restoration

Restoration work after a fire is uniquely hazardous. Common risks include:

  • Particulate matter: Soot and ash are fine particles that can easily be inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
  • Corrosive chemicals: Fires involving plastics or building composites may release acids, heavy metals, or halogens that cause burns or long-term health issues.
  • Biological risks: Damp environments after firefighting efforts may encourage mold growth.
  • Structural hazards: Fire can weaken building components, increasing the risk of collapse.

By requiring PPE—particularly single-use clothing and accessories—the S700 standard places worker safety on equal footing with restoration success.

The Future of Fire Restoration Standards

The S700 is more than just a rulebook. It represents the fire restoration industry’s commitment to professionalism, accountability, and worker safety. Its publication also signals the likelihood of further refinements and additional standards in the future, as technology, materials, and methods evolve.

Professionals who familiarize themselves with the S700 today will not only improve their own practices but also position themselves as leaders in compliance and quality restoration.

Conclusion

The ANSI/IICRC S700 Standard for Professional Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration is a landmark development in the fire restoration industry. For the first time, professionals have a nationally reviewed standard of care that covers everything from inspection and documentation to odor removal and safety.

Among its most important contributions is the guidance on personal protective equipment, especially single-use PPE, which ensures that restoration workers can carry out their duties without risking long-term health complications.

By embracing the S700, restoration companies can deliver safer, more consistent results while protecting both workers and clients. As fire events continue to challenge communities, having a clear, nationally recognized standard helps ensure that recovery is handled with expertise, precision, and care.