Personal Protective Equipment Basic Firefighter Academy

Component Overview  Helmet Protects head from impact, penetration and hot water.  Hood Protects portions of the firefighter’s face, ears, and neck not covered by the helmet or coat.  Coat and Pants Protects trunk and limbs against cuts, abrasions, and burn injuries (resulting from radiant heat), and provide limited protection from corrosive liquids  Gloves Protect the hands from cuts, wounds, and burn injuries.  Shield/Safety Glasses- Protects eyes from flying objects and dust.  Boots

Head Protection Helmet Face Shield or Goggles Chin Strap Ear/Neck Flaps Hood

Structural PPE

Outer Shell The outer shell is the firefighter’s first line of defense and is perhaps more important than any other turnout component. Its main function is providing protection against direct flame and heat without losing its physical integrity and breaking open.  PBI  Nomex  Aluminized PBI (refinery fires and aircraft rescue)  PBI  Nomex  Aluminized PBI (refinery fires and aircraft rescue)

Middle or Moisture Barrier The moisture barrier must be waterproof and highly breathable, so that perspiration vapor and heat trapped inside the turnout can be quickly released without permitting the reverse entry of moisture and bloodborne pathogens. Crosstech Goretex

Inner or Thermal Barrier Liner system accounts for 70% of the thermal protection of your turnout. Insulation, comfort and moisture management are the critical functions of the thermal liner. Woven face cloth quilted to a batting of insulation.

Wear All Three All three layers must be worn to achieve adequate protection!

Why  Reduce injuries.  Reduce heat stress to body.  Protects against blood, body fluids and some hazardous materials.  Protects head, eyes, ears, neck, upper and lower torso, hands and feet.

National Fire Protection Association  NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Ensemble for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting.  NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program. "The fire department shall provide each member with the appropriate protective clothing and protective equipment to provide protection from the hazards to which the member is or is likely to be exposed. Such protective clothing and protective equipment shall be suitable for the tasks that the member is expected to perform."

Caveats  Providing and using quality protective equipment will not necessarily guarantee firefighter safety; however, injuries can be reduced and prevented if protective clothing and breathing apparatus are used properly.  All protective equipment has inherent limitations that must be recognized so that firefighters do not overextend the item’s range of protection.  Extensive training in the use and maintenance of equipment is required to ensure that the equipment provides optimum protection.

Some Problems w/ Structure Gear Heat Buildup Weight Absorbent Melts at 2500F Stains Bees attracted to yellow.

NFPA Edition Drag Rescue Device (DRD)

Routine Inspection Soiling Contamination Physical damage Damaged trim Damaged closures and hardware

Advanced Inspection Moisture barrier and seam sealing integrity Fit and coat/pants overlap Seam integrity including broken or missing stitches Material integrity for loss of strength due to UV or chemical exposure Loss or shifting of thermal liner material Wristlet integrity and functionality

Advanced Inspection (2) Reflective trim and Velcro integrity, attachment and functionality. Label integrity and legibility. Liner attachment systems. Closure system functionality.

Routine Cleaning (after each use) Brush off debris. Rinse with water. Lightly scrub item with soft bristle brush, if needed. Spot clean if needed. Inspect item. Clean again as necessary.

Advanced Cleaning Examine manufacturer’s label. DO NOT USE Chlorine bleach or chlorinated solvents. Use cleaning solutions with a pH range of not less than 6.0 and not greater than No high velocity water jets such as power washers. Clean and decontaminate protective ensembles separately from non-protective items.

Advanced Cleaning (2) Where shells and liners are separable, clean and decontaminate those items with like items (i.e., shells with shells and liners with liners). Rinse at least twice. Air dry. Avoid direct sunlight.