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Chapter 5— Firefighter PPE
5–2
Chapter 5 Lesson Goal
• After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to identify, use, & maintain FF protective clothing & equipment following the policies & procedures set forth by FrPD
Protective Clothing
Goes by many names:
• Bunker gear
• Turnout gear
• Bunkers
• Firefighter PPE
5–3
Protective Clothing
• Designed to cover & protect your body
• Protects you from:
Heat/cold
Contact/impact
• Must meet NFPA 1971
• Designed for use with SCBA
5–4
Protective Clothing
• Failure to wear PPE can lead to injury
• It is a system
You must wear all of it
Must be worn correctly
• Keep it clean
PPE works best when clean
NFPA requires cleaning every 6 months
5–5
Protective Clothing
• PPE does not protect you in all IDLH situations Haz Mat
Gases
Chemicals
• Wear PPE appropriate to the hazard
5–6
5–7
Protective Clothing
• Helmet
Protects head from impact
Protects head from scalding water, products of combustion
• Protective hood
Protects portions of face, ears, neck not covered by helmet or coat collar (Continued)
5–8
Protective Clothing
Protective coat/trousers
• Protect trunk, limbs against cuts, abrasions, burn injuries
• Protect from heat/cold
• Provide limited protection from corrosive liquids
5–9
Protective Clothing
• Gloves
Protect hands from cuts, abrasions, burns
• Safety shoes/boots
Protect feet from burns, puncture wounds
• Eye protection
Protects wearer’s eyes from hazards (Continued)
5–10
Protective Clothing
• Hearing protection
Limits noise-induced hearing loss
• Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
Protects face, lungs from heat, smoke, toxic products of combustion & airborne contaminants (Continued)
5–11
Protective Clothing
• Personal alert safety system (PASS)
Provides audible means by which a lost, trapped, or incapacitated FF can be located
Built-in on newer model SCBAs
Do not let your PASS go to alarm if you are OK
If your PASS alarms during a test, you fail
• Do not remove PPE to check heat levels
Gloves, hood
5–12
Helmet Characteristics
Benefits
• Prevents hot water, embers from reaching ears & neck
• Protects head from impact
• Protection from heat, cold
• Secondary protection of face/eyes with faceshield
• Colored helmets, removable shields provide I.D.
(Continued)
5–13
Helmet Characteristics
• Structural fire fighting helmets must have ear flaps or neck covers
• Chin straps ensure helmets stay in place upon impact
• For secondary face/eye protection, faceshields are attached to helmet
5–14
Eye Protection Characteristics
• Several styles of safety glasses, goggles available
• Must meet ANSI Standard Z87.1 for severe exposure to impact, heat
• Primary eye protection
• Note: Helmet faceshields are NOT considered primary eye protection
5–15
Hearing Protection Characteristics
• Most common use is for FFs who ride apparatus exceeding maximum noise exposure levels (>90dB)
• Intercom/ear protection systems provide dual benefit
• Earplugs/earmuffs may be used
5–16
Protective Hood Characteristics
• Typically made of fire-resistant material
• Provide higher level of protection than facepiece alone when used in conjunction with SCBA
• Facepiece-to-face seal is important
5–17
Turnout Coat Characteristics
NFPA 1971 requires
• Outer shell
• Moisture barrier
• Thermal barrier
(Continued)
Turnout Coat Characteristics
• Outer shell- protects FF from heat & contact
• Moisture barrier- protects FF from hot water & steam
• Thermal barrier-protects FF from heat
• Barriers also contribute to heat stress on FF
5–18
(Continued)
5–19
Turnout Coat Characteristics
• Features that provide additional protection/convenience
(Continued)
Turnout Coat Characteristics
• Drag Rescue Device
DRD
• Built-in harness for a rescuer to grab & drag a FF
5–20
(Continued)
Turnout Coat Characteristics
• Should be cleaned to manufacturer’s specifications, reflective trim maintained to NFPA standards
• Reflective trim: increases visibility of wearer to others
5–21
5–22
Turnout Pant Characteristics
• Integral part of protective ensemble, only NFPA-compliant lower-extremity covering
• Pants are constructed w/ same materials & barriers as protective coats
• Have reinforced knee pads
(Continued)
5–23
Turnout Pant Characteristics
• Provided w/ suspenders to support the weight of wet pants
• Must fit properly
• Should be cleaned according to manufacturer’s specifications; reflective trim maintained to NFPA standards
5–24
Hand Protection Characteristics
• Protect against heat, steam, cold penetration; provides resistance to cuts, punctures, liquid absorption
• Reduces dexterity & ability to feel things
• Must fit properly
5–25
Foot Protection Characteristics
• Available in variety of styles, materials
• Must fit well
• Protects from potential hazards
• Firefighters should have
Protective boots
Safety shoes
(Continued)
5–26
Foot Protection Characteristics
• Many safety boots incorporate steel for extra protection
• Most rubber firefighting boots have insulation
• FrPD uses rubber & leather boots
5–27
DISCUSSION QUESTION
Why should FFs never wear clothing made of synthetic materials, such as nylon or polyester, when fighting a fire?
5–28
Station/Work Uniform Characteristics
• Must meet requirements of NFPA 1975
• Will not ignite, melt or separate when exposed to 500°F (260°C) for 5 min.
• Designed to be fire-resistant but not for firefighting
• Adds protection to FF while doing work
5–29
DISCUSSION QUESTION
Why is it important that the manufacturer’s recommendations for the care & maintenance of FF protective clothing be followed whenever cleaning or repairing it?
5–30
Considerations for Use and Limitations of PPE
• Removing liner of turnout coat compromises effectiveness
DO NOT REMOVE ANY PARTS OF YOUR PPE!
• Wearing PPE may increase risk of heat stress
• FFs may suffer burns w/ no warning
(Continued)
5–31
Considerations for Use & Limitations of PPE
Structural PPE provides no CBRNE protection
• C = Chemical
• B = Biological
• R = Radiological
• N = Nuclear
• E = Explosion
5–32
Considerations for Use & Limitations of PPE
• Decreased ability to feel ambient heat
• Damaged PPE causes greater risk
• Using appropriate PPE is only way to be properly protected
5–33
Care of Personal Protective Clothing
• Must be cleaned & maintained according to manufacturer’s specifications
• If contaminated, should not be worn until properly laundered according to manufacturer’s recommended procedure
(Continued)
5–34
Care of Personal Protective Clothing
• Do not wash PPE at home
Can lead to cross contamination
• Decontaminate PPE after interior firefighting & medical calls
• Do not dry clean or use bleach
• Do not launder gloves
• Do not dry in direct sunlight
(Continued)
5–35
Care of Personal Protective Clothing
Care of helmets
• Cleaning considerations
• Do not use scrubbing pads
5–36
DISCUSSION QUESTION
How should contaminated protective clothing be washed & handled?
5–37
Respiratory Hazards
• IDLH atmospheres
• Inhalation hazards
Lungs are susceptible to respiratory hazards
• Interior of a burning building is an IDLH atmosphere
(Continued)District Chief Chris E. Mickal, NOFD Photo Unit
5–38
Respiratory Hazards
Four common hazards
• Oxygen deficiency (causes hypoxia)
• Elevated temperatures
• Smoke
• Toxic atmosphere (w/ & w/o fire)
5–39
Oxygen Deficiency
• Combustion process consumes oxygen while producing toxic gases
• Deficiencies can occur in below-grade locations, sewers, chemical storage tanks, etc.
• Can only be checked by instruments
(Continued)
5–40
Oxygen Deficiency
• Some departments are equipped to monitor atmospheres, measure hazards directly
FrPD does not use
• Where monitoring is impossible or readings questionable, SCBA must be worn
5–41
Oxygen Deficiency
• Air is 21% oxygen
• Oxygen-deficient is less than 19.5%
• 1st sign: muscles do not work right at 17%
• 2nd sign: dizzy & headache at 12%
• 3rd sign: Unconsciousness occurs at 9%
• Death at 6%
(Continued)
5–42
Elevated Temperatures
• Exposure to heated air can damage respiratory tract
• Excessive heat taken quickly into lungs can cause serious decrease in blood pressure, failure of circulatory system
(Continued)
5–43
Elevated Temperatures
• Inhaling heated gases can cause pulmonary edema, which can cause death from asphyxiation
• Tissue damage from inhaling hot air is not immediately reversible; prompt medical treatment needed
5–44
Smoke
• Consists of oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, carbon particles, other products
• Particles enable condensation of gaseous products of combustion
• Some particles in smoke irritating; others lethal
Toxic Atmospheres Associated With Fire
• Inhaled toxic gases may have several harmful effects on human body
• Some gases cause impaired lung function
• Other gases pass into bloodstream & impair oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells
5–45
Toxic Atmospheres Associated With Fire
Type, amount of toxic gases released at fire vary according to
• Nature of combustible
• Rate of heating
• Temperature of evolved gases
• Oxygen concentration
5–46
5–47
Toxic Atmospheres Associated With Fire
Toxic Gas Characteristics Caused by
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Colorless, odorless Free-burning
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Colorless, odorless Incomplete combustion
Hydrogen Chloride (HCL) Colorless to slightly yellow, strong odor
Burning plastics
Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) Colorless, almond odor Burning wool & plastics
Phosgene (COCL2) Colorless, musty hay Burning refrigerants or halons
5–48
Toxic Atmospheres Not Associated With Fire
Carbon Monoxide
• Product of incomplete combustion
• Odorless, colorless, tasteless
• Responsible for most fire deaths
• Displaces oxygen in the bloodstream
5–49
Toxic Atmospheres Not Associated With Fire
Carbon Monoxide
• 1% exposure can cause unconsciousness
• Takes hours to leave the body
• In addition to being toxic, also highly flammable
Causes backdraft
• Darker the smoke, the higher CO levels
Toxic Atmospheres Not Associated With Fire
• Many industrial processes use extremely dangerous chemicals
• Hazardous materials
• Common calls may also require SCBA
• When in doubt, wear SCBA
5–50
5–51
Physical Factors Affecting Use of Respiratory Protection
• Physical condition
• Agility
• Facial features
Hair in the seal area
Eyeglasses
• Fit testing conducted yearly
• Mask sizes to fit face S,M,L,XL
5–52
DISCUSSION QUESTION
What is the impact of poor physical condition on SCBA use?
5–53
Medical Factors Affecting Use of Respiratory Protection
• Neurological functioning
• Muscular/skeletal condition
• Cardiovascular conditioning
• Respiratory functioning
5–54
Mental Factors Affecting Use of Respiratory Protection
• Adequate training in equipment use
• Self-confidence
• Emotional stability
Using SCBA can cause anxiety
5–55
Limitations of SCBA Equipment
• Limited visibility
• Decreased ability to communicate
• Increased weight
SCBA & PPE add 40-50 lbs.
• Decreased mobility
5–56
Limitations of SCBA Air Supply
• Physical conditions of user
• Degree of physical exertion
• Emotional stability of user
• Condition of apparatus
• Cylinder pressure before use
• Training/experience of user
5–57
DISCUSSION QUESTION
How can training & experience be a limited factor for SCBA use?
5–58
Air Management
• Air supply left after low-air alarm sounds may not allow enough exit time
Low air alarm sounds at 25% remaining air
• Comply with accountability system in use, maintain situational awareness, manage air supply
• Responsibility for safety rests w/ FF
5–59
Basic Elements to Effective Air Management
• Know point of no return
• Know how much air is available
• Make conscious decision to stay or leave when air down to 50%
5–60
Basic Elements to Effective Air Management
• Always work in pairs-2in/2out
• Check your facepiece seal
• Leave dangerous areas immediately when low air alarm sounds
5–61
Checks to Maximize Air Supply
• Beginning of shift
• When donning SCBA & opening cylinder valve
• While working
• During egress from hazard zone
• When refilling/replacing cylinder
5–62
Air-Purifying Respirators
• Used in atmospheres containing normal levels of oxygen but contaminated with airborne particulates
• Most basic type — Surgical-type filter mask
• More sophisticated models have air-purifying filter, canister, or cartridge
5–63
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
• Must be used in atmospheres that are oxygen-deficient, contaminated with smoke or other toxic materials
• Two types
Open-circuit: Used by FrPD
Closed-circuit: Used in shipboard operations, extended haz mat incidents, some rescue operations
(Continued)
5–64
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
• Closed-circuit SCBA
Uses small cylinder of O2
Recycles exhaled air
Duration of 4 hours
• Open-circuit airline equipment
Uses an air supply connected by hose
Maximum hose length of 300’
5–65
SCBA Harness Assembly
• Rigid frame with straps to hold air cylinder on firefighter’s back
• Adjustable shoulder straps
• Waist straps put weight on hips
• Common problem — Failure to buckle waist straps
SCBA Air Cylinder Assembly
• Cylinder, valve, pressure gauge, PASS device
• Main weight of breathing apparatus
• Various cylinder sizes, capacities, features offered
• Cylinder weight increases physical stress
5–66
SCBA Air Cylinder Assembly
• All connections on SCBA are hand tight
5–67
5–68
SCBA Regulator Assembly
• High-pressure hose with low-pressure alarm, bypass valve, pressure-reducing device
• Reduces pressure of cylinder air to slightly above atmospheric pressure, controls flow of air to meet respiratory requirements of wearer
(Continued)
5–69
SCBA Regulator Assembly
• When wearer inhales, pressure differential created in regulator
• Depending on model, will have control valves for normal/emergency operations
• Remote pressure gauge shows air pressure remaining in cylinder, mounted in position visible to user
(Continued)
5–70
SCBA Regulator Assembly
Bypass Valve
• For use when the regulator fails
• Cylinder air goes straight to facepiece
• Usually located on regulator or mask
• Only used in emergencies
• Normal position is closed
• If you use it, leave the area immediately
(Continued)
5–71
SCBA Regulator Assembly
• According to NFPA 1981, all new SCBA must be equipped with rapid intervention crew universal air connection (RIC UAC)
5–72
Facepiece Assembly
• Facepiece lens, exhalation valve, low-pressure hose; sometimes includes voice amplification, head harness, helmet mounting bracket
(Continued)
5–73
Facepiece Assembly
• Provides some protection from facial/respiratory burns, holds in cool air
• Lens made of clear safety plastic, mounted in flexible rubber facepiece
• Mask held snugly against face by head harness
• Nosecup reduces fogging
5–74
Methods of Storing Protective Breathing Apparatus
• Placed on apparatus in many ways
• If placed in seat mounts, donning should be possible without unbuckling seat belt
5–75
PASS Devices
• Personal Alert Safety System
• Required by NFPA 1500
5–76
PASS Devices
• Designed to alert others that a FF has stopped moving & may be in distress
• May be integrated into SCBA
5–77
Recommendations For Use of PASS Devices
• Use only those meeting NFPA 1982
• Maintain according to manufacturer’s instructions; test daily
• Conduct realistic training
• Retrain semiannually
(Continued)
5–78
Recommendations For Use of PASS Devices
• Check SCBA, PASS devices when coming on duty or before use
• Train rescuers to listen for distress sound
• Silence PASS device to facilitate communication when FF located
5–79
PASS Device Warning
• Alarm signals produced may be significantly reduced at temperatures as low as 300°F (150°C)
By as much as 50%
5–80
SCBA Precautionary Safety Checks
• Check air cylinder gauge — No less than 90% of cylinder capacity
• Check remote & cylinder gauge to ensure they match
(Continued)
5–81
SCBA Precautionary Safety Checks
• Check harness assembly, facepiece to ensure all straps fully extended
• Operate all valves to ensure proper function
• Check PASS device
5–82
General Considerations — Donning the SCBA
• Check air cylinder gauge 90% full
• Open cylinder valve fully
• Compare remote gauge to cylinder gauge
• Check PASS device
SCBA Inspection.wmv(Continued)
5–83
Donning SCBA Stored in Case
Both methods require SCBA to be positioned in front of firefighter with all straps extended, ready to don
Over-the-head method
Coat method
Donning From Seat Mount
• FFs can don SCBA while on the way to the call
• Do not unbuckle seatbelt to don SCBA
• Hardware
Lever clamp
Spring clamp
Flat hook
5–84
(Continued)
5–85
Donning From Seat Mount
• Makes checking equipment more convenient
• Necessitates more care when exiting apparatus
• Never stand to don SCBA while vehicle moving
5–86
Donning From Compartment or Backup Mount
• Can be ready for rapid donning
• Some compartment doors may interfere with donning
(Continued)
5–87
Donning From Compartment or Backup Mount
• Other compartments may be too high, making donning difficult
• Some mounts feature telescoping frame
• Backup mount provides quick access to SCBA
5–88
Donning the SCBA Facepiece
• Steps for most SCBA similar
• One difference — Some use rubber harness with adjusting straps while others use mesh skullcap with adjusting straps
5–89
General Considerations — Donning the SCBA Facepiece
• No hair should come between skin, sealing surface
• Chin should be centered in chin cup, harness centered at rear of head
• Facepiece straps should be tightened
• Facepiece should be checked for proper seal, operation
(Continued)
General Considerations — Donning the SCBA Facepiece
Facepiece straps should be tightened:
• Lower
• Cheek
• Temple
• Head
• Pull both straps at same time
5–90
(Continued)
5–91
General Considerations — Donning the SCBA Facepiece
• Positive pressure should be checked
• Facepiece must be secured before hood is pulled over it; all exposed skin must be covered & vision not blocked
• Helmet should be worn with chin strap secured
General Considerations — Donning the SCBA Facepiece
A poor seal is dangerous because:
• You lose air
• You may die
5–92
(Continued)
5–93
Doffing SCBA
• FFs should make sure they are out of contaminated area & SCBA is no longer required
• Discontinue flow of air from regulator to facepiece
• Disconnect low-pressure hose from regulator or remove regulator from facepiece
(Continued)
5–94
Doffing SCBA
• Remove facepiece
• Remove backpack assembly while protecting regulator
• Close cylinder valve
• Relieve pressure from regulator in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions
• Turn off PASS device
(Continued)
5–95
Doffing SCBA
• Extend all straps
• Refill, replace cylinder
• Clean, disinfect facepiece
Wash w/ warm water & approved disinfectant
• Special care should taken w/ exhalation valve
• Air dry & wipe facepiece off w/ soft cloth or paper towel
5–96
Storing SCBA
• Cylinder full (90%+) w/valve closed
• Straps extended fully
• SCBA & facepiece cleaned
• Store in clean area
• Ready to be donned & used
5–97
DISCUSSION QUESTION
Why should a FF check his SCBA daily?
5–98
SCBA — Inspections & Care
• Requires checks & inspections to be made;
NFPA 1404 & 1500
FrPD SOPs
• Worn, damaged parts must be replaced according to manufacturer instructions
• FrPD SCBA program includes inspecting, disinfecting, maintaining & storing SCBAs
(Continued)
5–99
SCBA — Daily/Weekly Care
Include checks of:
−Cylinder pressure −Facepiece
−All gauges −Harness system
−Low-pressure alarm
−All valves
−All hose connections
−Built-in PASS devices
(Continued)
5–100
SCBA — Daily/Weekly Care
General considerations
• Breathing apparatus should be cleaned, sanitized immediately after use
• Facepiece should be thoroughly washed
• Dry facepiece
• Damaging actions
5–101
SCBA — Monthly Care
Inspections should include removing equipment from service & checking
• All components for deterioration
• Leaks around valves, hose connections
• Operation of all gauges, valves, regulator, exhalation valve, low-air alarm
5–102
SCBA — Annual Care
• Should be done in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations
• Requires special training
• Service provider must be able to disassemble apparatus into basic components & conduct tests using specialized tools
(Continued)
5–103
SCBA — Other Care
• Air cylinders must show date of manufacture/ last hydrostatic test
• Hydrostatic Testing: tests cylinder integrity
New Scotts & Aluminum: 5 years
Draeger: 3 years
5–104
SCBA — Other Care
• If a cylinder if found to need a hydro test, it must be tagged & taken out of service
• Always empty cylinders before returning them for servicing, testing
5–105
Safety Precautions — Filling Air Cylinders
• Filled from cascade system
Bank of 3 or more cylinders
• Filled directly from compressor purification system
(Continued)
5–106
Safety Precautions — Filling Air Cylinders
No matter how they are filled, same precautions apply:
• Place in shielded fill station
• Prevent from overheating by filling slowly
• Ensure completely full but not over-pressurized
5–107
Precautions for SCBA Use
• All FFs must be fit-tested annually or when new facepieces issued
• FFs should closely monitor how they feel while wearing SCBA; rest when fatigued
(Continued)
5–108
Precautions for SCBA Use
• Air-supply duration varies
• After entering contaminated area, do not remove breathing apparatus until away from contaminated area
• While in IDLH atmosphere
Work in teams of 2 or more & in physical, voice & visual contact
Check air supply status frequently
5–109
Emergency Situations Using SCBA
Important considerations for emergencies created by malfunctioning protective breathing apparatus
• Conservation of air
• Immediate withdrawal from hazardous atmosphere
(Continued)
5–110
Emergency Situations Using SCBA
Using SCBA when regulators malfunction
• Intermittently open, close bypass valve
• Because air is bypassing regulator, bypass valve should be closed after each breath & opened each time another is needed
(Continued)
5–111
Emergency Situations Using SCBA
Recommended actions in event of SCBA malfunction
• Rely on your training
• Do not panic, remain calm
• Withdraw to clear atmosphere
(Continued)
5–112
Emergency Situations Using SCBA
• Breathing control
Use less air, live longer
Two methods
• #1 Skip breathing
Takes a breath
Holds for 5 seconds
Takes a short second breath, then long exhale
(Continued)
5–113
Emergency Situations Using SCBA
#2 Controlled breathing
• Breathe in through nose & exhale through mouth
• Each breath should take 5 seconds
(Continued)
5–114
Emergency Situations Using SCBA
If separated from team or lost or disoriented:
• Declare Mayday
• Follow FrPD SOP
• Stop & think
• Hold breath & listen
• Remember ways to find a way out
• Lie flat on floor close to wall (Continued)
5–115
Emergency Situations Using SCBA
If separated from team & trapped
• Follow your training
• Use portable radio to declare Mayday
• Activate PASS device
• Escape through any available opening
• Use personal escape rope if window available
(Continued)
5–116
Emergency Situations Using SCBA
If separated from team & trapped
• Control the door
• Place flashlight on floor w/ light shining toward ceiling
• Slow breathing as much as possible
(Continued)
5–117
Emergency Evacuation Signals
• Used when IC decides all FFs should abandon building or hazard zone
• All FFs must be familiar
• Two common ways
Radio
Airhorn blasts
• Evacuation signal triggers PAR
Team Integrity
• Always work in pairs
• If one FF leaves, at least one must go with him
• Two-in/Two-out rule always applies
• No one is ever inside or leaves alone
5–118
5–119
Areas of Limited Visibility
• Moving
Crawling
Crouched walk
• Likely IDLH atmosphere
Operate in teams of two or more
Have some sort of tag line
5–120
Exiting Areas With Restricted Openings
• Restricted opening — One that is too small to pass through while wearing SCBA in normal manner
• May be necessary to slip out of harness assembly while leaving facepiece in place, exit, then put assembly back on
• There are 3 methods FFs can use
5–121
Considerations When Exiting Restricted Areas
Methods
1. Loosen straps & slide SCBA to one side
2. Take non-regulator side arm out of harness
3. Last Resort - take SCBA off & push in front
Maintain contact with SCBA at all times, do not take off facepiece!
5–122
Summary
• FFs must have the best protective clothing & equipment available
• Even if all departments furnish FFs with the latest protective gear & it is used correctly all the time, safety is not guaranteed because safety clothing & equipment have limitations
(Continued)
5–123
Summary
• FFs must be thoroughly trained in the use of their protective gear & must be capable of maintaining their protective clothing & equipment so that they are ready when needed
5–124
Skills
• Don firefighting PPE & SCBA.
• Doff firefighting PPE & SCBA & prepare for reuse.
• Demonstrate controlled breathing & air conservation
• Replacing an empty SCBA cylinder
• Pass through a restricted opening while wearing SCBA
• Initiate & complete SCBA emergency procedures for SCBA failure & air depletion
5–125
Skills
• In obscured visibility, implement SCBA emergency procedures & follow guidelines to exit a hazardous area
• Clean & maintain firefighting PPE & SCBA per manufacturer and/or FrPD guidelines
• Report deficient and/or malfunctioning equipment. (Skill Sheet FF-I-102)
• Negotiate an SCBA maze (Exercise 1)
Recommended