1. Personal Protective Equipment
LEVEL B ENSEMBLE
Personal Protective Equipment

2. Approach to PPE
To provide protection in event of a chemical, biological, radiological, and/or nuclear (CBRN) event Operations Level Fire Responders will be issued PPE appropriate for prescribed job functions, i.e. decon, support, etc.

3. Who needs PPE and Training
All First Responders designated as part of the emergency response to a chemical agent release
All persons who anticipate being active in potentially hazardous environments
Regular drills and training sessions designed to maintain familiarity with equipment should be incorporated into emergency response protocols

4. What is ppe?
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is defined as articles worn or equipment used in order to protect wearer from harmful contaminants in the environment
Main function of PPE is to provide a shield between worker and agent contaminated environment
To be effective it must prevent the First Responder from being contaminated by airborne or surface agents

5. 4 levels of ppe Level A Level B Level C
Includes PAPR (Personal Air Purifying Respirator)
Level D

6. Level a
The product involved has been identified as one whose properties require the highest level of protection for skin, eyes, and the respiratory system
Operations and response functions involve high potential for splash, immersion or exposure to unexpected vapors, gases, or particulates of materials highly toxic to the skin
Substances with a high degree of hazard to the skin are known or suspected to be present, and skin contact is possible
Operations must be conducted in confined, poorly ventilated areas until the absence of substances requiring level A protection is determined
Unknown substance release

7. LEVEL B
The type and atmospheric concentration of toxic substance has been identified and requires a high level of respiratory protection, but less skin protection than Level A. These would be atmospheres with concentrations that exceed their IDLH, but does not represent a severe skin hazard
The atmosphere contains less then 19.5% oxygen
It is highly unlikely that response activities will generate high concentrations of vapors, or splashes of material that will affect the skin of response personal

8. LEVEL C
The atmospheric contaminants, liquid splashes, or other direct contact may adversely affect or be absorbed through any exposed skin
The types of air contaminants have been identified, concentrations measured, and an air-purifying respirator is available that can remove the contaminants
All criteria for the use of PAPR are met

9. Level d Selected when the atmosphere contains no known hazards
Work functions preclude splashes, immersion, or the potential for unexpected inhalation of or contact with hazardous levels of any chemicals
Structural firefighting gear or uniform

10. level b ppe (check your agency)
SCBA
Kappler CPF3
Over boots
Outer and inner gloves
EMS for inner
Sol-Vex Nitrile for outer
Yellow Kappler Chem-Tape

11. Donning level b - non encapsulated
STEP 1
Conduct a pre-entry briefing, medical monitoring, and equipment inspection

12. Donning level b - non encapsulated
STEP 2
While seated, pull on the suit to waist level
Pull on the over boots
Pull the suit legs over the boots

13. Donning level b - non encapsulated
STEP 3
Don the inner gloves

14. Donning level b - non encapsulated
STEP 4
With assistance, complete donning the suit by placing both arms in the suit and pulling the suit over shoulders
Instruct the assistant to close the suit by closing the zipper and sealing the splash flap

15. Donning level b - non encapsulated
STEP 5
Don the SCBA and face piece, do not connect the regulator to the face piece
With assistance, pull the hood over the head and face piece

16. Donning level b - non encapsulated
STEP 6
Don outer gloves and pull the sleeves over the gloves
Instruct the assistant to tape sleeves and gloves at the wrists
Instruct the assistant to connect the regulator to the face piece

17. COMPLETED LEVEL B ENSEMBLE

18. Doffing level b - non encapsulated
STEP 1
After completing decontamination, proceed to the clean area for suit doffing
Stand and doff the SCBA while keeping the face piece in place

19. Doffing level b - none encapsulated
STEP 2
Instruct the assistant to open the splash flap and suit zipper

20. Doffing level b - non encapsulated
STEP 3
Remove your hands from the outer gloves and your arms from the sleeves of the suit
Cross you arms in front of the suit
Begin at the head and roll the suit down and away until the suit is below the waist

21. Doffing level b - none encapsulated
STEP 4
Sit down and instruct the assistant to complete rolling down the suit to the ankles
Step out of the boots and the suit

22. Doffing level b - non encapsulated
STEP 5
Stand and doff the SCBA face piece last

23. Doffing level b - non encapsulated
STEP 6
Carefully peel the inner gloves away from the clean area
Go the rehab area for medical monitoring, rehydration, and personal decon shower

24. Heat stress factors
PPE restricts heat loss mechanisms because of low permeability to water vapor
Amount of heat accumulation depends upon
amount of physical activity
level of hydration
clothing worn
load carried
state of heat acclimatization
physical fitness and fatigue
terrain and climatic conditions

25. dehydration
Because of higher body temperatures, individuals in PPE sweat considerably more than usual, often more than 1.5 quarts of water every hour during work
Water must be consumed to replace lost fluids or dehydration will follow
Inability to drink in full PPE increases likelihood of dehydration
Dehydration and need for regular and timely fluid replacement in workers is limiting factor on stay time in full PPE

26. Psychological factors
Wearing full PPE reduces ability to see and hear clearly
Makes it more difficult to recognize and communicate with others
Creates or increases feelings of isolation and confusion
Causes frustration in many, and claustrophobia in others
Experience in wearing and exercising in PPE can reduce these factors

27. Performance in ppe
Firefighters wearing PPE will take about 1.5 times longer to perform most tasks
Performance is affected by stress in a variety of ways:
reaction and decision times are longer
routine tasks are completed more slowly
errors of omission are more common
Use the buddy system, a buddy can check for signs of stress and fatigue
Critical jobs should be shared and work should be double-checked

28. Cold stress factors
Can directly affect an individual’s health and performance while wearing PPE
Can lower body temperature, resulting in cold injuries and impaired performance
Often accompanied by wind, rain, snow and ice, which can worsen the effects of cold
Cold weather clothing and PPE may be difficult to integrate

29. Presentation shared by Snohomish County Fire District 1