1. Personal Protective Equipment
Firefighter I
Personal Protective Equipment

2. Firefighter I Objectives (1 of 2)
Describe the role of personal protective equipment (PPE) for firefighters.
Define the relationship between PPE and national standards and regulations.
List the components and unique elements of structural, proximity, and wildland PPE ensembles.

3. Firefighter I Objectives (2 of 2)
Describe a serviceability inspection of structural PPE.
Describe the conditions and damage that render structural PPE unserviceable.
Given a structural PPE ensemble, appropriately don the ensemble within one minute.
Demonstrate a team check following PPE donning.

4. Firefighter I Introduction (1 of 2) Introduction (1 of 2)
Firefighters respond to incidents that are often immediately dangerous to life and death.
PPE provides minimum protection.
Proper streams, zoning, and sound tactics provide a greater measure of safety.

5. Firefighter I Introduction (2 of 2)
PPE is the first thing put on and the last thing taken off.
PPE can take many forms.
Each piece of equipment has limitations.
Most injuries occur when firefighters fail to properly don or secure PPE.

6. Firefighter I Personal Protective Equipment Factors
Firefighter PPE has evolved significantly.
PPE developed as a result of efforts of labor groups, membership associations, equipment manufacturers, and government entities.
NFPA provides the forum for this consensus building process.

7. Firefighter I Standards and Regulations
All PPE and equipment worn by a firefighter should meet current applicable standards.
The federal government, through OSHA, is involved in PPE use.
EPA, CDCP, ANSI, ASTM, and NIOSH also are involved with PPE.

8. Firefighter I

9. Firefighter I
Today’s PPE

10. Firefighter I
Today’s PPE

11. Firefighter I
Today’s PPE

12. Firefighter I
Today’s PPE
Banned Commercial

13. Firefighter I
NFPA Compliant PPE

14. Firefighter I
Today’s PPE

15. Firefighter I Types of Personal Protective Equipment
NFPA has developed standards for:
Structural
Proximity
Wildland

16. Firefighter I
Codes to Remember

17. Firefighter I
PPE
Not Real Fire Gear

18. Firefighter I Structural PPE (1 of 2) Commonly referred to as bunkers
Made of three layers: outer shell, vapor barrier, and thermal barrier
Help meet thermal protective criteria

19. Firefighter I

20. Firefighter I Structural PPE (2 of 2) ?
Thermal protective performance (TPP) refers to the time a wearer has before a second degree or greater burn will be sustained.
TPP for structural firefighting coats is 35 seconds. ?

21. Firefighter I
Helmets
Originally designed to shed water and avoid hot embers

22. Firefighter I Today Impact resistant Provide thermal insulation
Earflaps, chin strap, and face shields/eye protection

23. Firefighter I

24. Firefighter I Gloves Gloves are essential in the structural ensemble.
NFPA standards require that gloves provide thermal protection and protection from cuts and punctures.

25. Firefighter I
Today’s PPE

26. Firefighter I Other Components of Structural PPE
Firefighting has a growing choice of approved footwear.
While they must all meet NFPA standards, each type has its advantages and disadvantages.
Structural protective hoods have a TPP less than that of a structural coat.
Structural Firefighting PPE Ensemble Components
• Helmet • Hood
• Goggles • Radio
• SCBA • Flashlight
• Coat • PASS Device
• Pants • Pocket Tools
• Boots • Gloves

27. Firefighter I
Other Components of
Structural PPE

28. Proximity Firefighting PPE
Firefighter I
Proximity Firefighting PPE
This PPE is most often associated with aircraft rescue and firefighting.
It must meet more stringent heat reflection and wearer insulation standards.
Aluminized fabric allows wearer to get closer to fires that emits extreme heat.
It also features a full-face shield that is coated with an anodized gold material.

29. Firefighter I
Proximity Suits

30. Wildland Firefighting PPE
Firefighter I
Wildland Firefighting PPE
Wildland conditions are unique.
Often outdoors
Require prolonged physical efforts
Working under high ambient temperatures
It is also known as “brush gear.”
It’s lightweight and provides breathability, firm ankle support, and hot ember protection.

31. Firefighter I
Wildland PPE

32. Firefighter I
Wildland Fire Shelter

33. Firefighter I
Wildland Web Gear

34. Miscellaneous PPE Components
Firefighter I
Miscellaneous PPE Components
Different forms of eye and hearing protection
Personal Alert Safety System (PASS)
Often required to wear a work uniform
NFPA Standard 1975
Addresses station/work uniforms for firefighters.

35. Firefighter I
PASS Devices

36. Care and Maintenance of PPE
Firefighter I
Care and Maintenance of PPE
NFPA requires all care instructions to be clearly labeled.
Equipment exposed to biological and chemical contaminants must be decontaminated.
PPE should be routinely inspected.

37. Care and Maintenance of PPE
Firefighter I
Care and Maintenance of PPE
Manufacturers instructions and information
Safety considerations
Limitations and use procedures
Marking recommendations and restrictions
Warranty information
Sizing/adjustment procedures
Recommended storage practices
Inspection frequency and details
Donning and doffing procedures

38. Firefighter I PPE Effectiveness: “Street Smarts”
PPE is only effective if it is worn properly.
Good PPE habits and a positive attitude can minimize injuries.
Taking shortcuts with PPE can lead to injury.
Good habits include fast and proper donning of appropriate PPE.

39. PPE “Street Smart” Suggestions
Firefighter I
PPE “Street Smart” Suggestions
Keep PPE clean.
Practice team checks.
Position PPE for rapid donning.
Always use prudent judgment.
PPE includes flashlight, tool, radio, earplugs, eye protection, accountability tag, and a partner.
Practice proper donning and doffing.
Stay hydrated when wearing PPE.

40. Firefighter I
Donning PPE

41. Firefighter I
Summary
PPE should always be used during any firefighting operation.
Proper tactics and procedures provide safety.
Standards and regulations have been established for safety and effectiveness of PPE.
Various types of PPE are used based on the type of firefighting.
PPE must be cared for properly.

42. Firefighter I
How not to use your gear

43. Firefighter I

44. Firefighter I
Firehouse 2008