1. CHAPTER 6 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 6.1 Personal Protective Clothing and Ensembles

2. CHAPTER 6 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 6.2 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. CHAPTER 6 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 6.3 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. CHAPTER 6 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 6.4 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. CHAPTER 6 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 6.5 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. CHAPTER 6 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 6.6 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. CHAPTER 6 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 6.7 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. CHAPTER 6 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 6.8 NFPA Compliant PPE

9. CHAPTER 6 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 6.9 Types of Personal Protective Equipment NFPA has developed standards for: –Structural –Proximity –Wildland

10. CHAPTER 6 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 6.10 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

11. CHAPTER 6 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 6.11 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.

12. CHAPTER 6 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 6.12 Helmets Originally designed to shed water and avoid hot embers Today –Impact resistant –Provide thermal insulation –Earflaps, chin strap, and face shields/eye protection

13. CHAPTER 6 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 6.13 Gloves Gloves are essential in the structural ensemble. NFPA standards require that gloves provide thermal protection and protection from cuts and punctures.

14. CHAPTER 6 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 6.14 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

15. CHAPTER 6 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 6.15 Personal Protective Equipment

16. CHAPTER 6 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 6.16 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.

17. CHAPTER 6 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 6.17 Proximity Suits

18. CHAPTER 6 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 6.18 Wildland Firefighting PPE (1 of 2) 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.

19. CHAPTER 6 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 6.19 Wildland Firefighting PPE (2 of 2) Lightweight jacket/shirt and trousers are typically made of a fire-resistive material. Lace-up leather boots protect from cuts, snakebites, and burns. Fire shelter is another component of wildland PPE. Web gear is also essential.

20. CHAPTER 6 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 6.20 Wildland PPE

21. CHAPTER 6 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 6.21 Wildland Fire Shelter

22. CHAPTER 6 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 6.22 Wildland Web Gear

23. CHAPTER 6 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 6.23 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.

24. CHAPTER 6 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 6.24 PASS Devices

25. CHAPTER 6 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 6.25 Care and Maintenance of Personal Protective Equipment (1 of 2) NFPA requires all care instructions to be clearly labeled. Equipment exposed to biological and chemical contaminants must be decontaminated. PPE should be routinely inspected.

26. CHAPTER 6 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 6.26 Care and Maintenance of Personal Protective Equipment (2 of 2) 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

27. CHAPTER 6 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 6.27 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.

28. CHAPTER 6 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 6.28 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.

29. CHAPTER 6 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 6.29 Donning PPE

30. CHAPTER 6 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 6.30 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.