Chapter 6 Personal Protective Clothing, Equipment, and Ensembles

IntroductionDifference between injury and safety determined by personal protective equipment (PPE)PPE provides a minimum level of protectionPPE is the primary layer of protectionPPE includes full protective clothing plus a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)Personal Alert Safety System (PASS) device6.*

Introduction (cont'd.)Defined collections of personal protective clothing designed for different firefighter hazardsExceeding limitations of ensemble's components can cause injuryFirefighters must don the equipment properlyMany factors influence PPE design and use6.*

6.*Figure 6-1 A hostile fire within a structure creates an IDLH environment. Personal protective equipment can help the firefighter work in an IDLH environment.

Personal Protective Equipment FactorsFirefighter PPE has evolved over two decadesResult of labor groups such as International Association of FirefightersNational Fire Protection Association provides forum for consensus buildingFederal government involved in PPE equationDevelopment of regulations and guidelines6.*

Standards and RegulationsNFPA developed standards for:Firefighter protective clothingEquipmentEnsemblesNFPA developed use standardAll protective clothing worn must meet current applicable standardsOSHA responsible for development and enforcement of regulations6.*

6.*Figure 6-3 NFPA-compliant PPE components should have a permanently affixed label.

Types of Personal Protective EnsemblesEnsemble:Multiple elements of protective clothing and equipment worn together Provide protection from some risksAll components must be utilized as recommended6.*

Structural FirefightingProtective EnsembleProtective ensemble for structural firefighting:Coats and trousersHelmetsEye protectionGlovesFootwearProtective hoodsHearing protectionStation/ work uniform6.*

6.*Figure 6-4 A full structural firefighting ensemble includes more than the NFPA minimum required components.

Proximity FirefightingProtective EnsembleMost often associated with aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF)Aluminized coating reflects radiant heatNot designed for fire entryHood features a full face shield coated with anodized gold material6.*

6.*Figure 6-14 Proximity firefighting ensembles can utilize (A) a special helmet or (B) a full hood. Either can interface with an SCBA. Note the gold-anodized visors.(A)(B)

Wildland Firefighting Protective EnsembleCalled brush gearAddresses specific needs of wildland firefighters:Lightweight and breathableFirm ankle supportHot ember protectionSynthetic material should never be worn under wildland ensembles6.*

Wildland Firefighting Protective Ensemble (cont'd.)Fire shelter: last-resort protective device (see Figure 6-17) Web gear: keeps personal items within easy reach6.*

6.*Figure 6-15 Wildland PPE is lightweight but still provides protection from hot, flying embers.

Technical Rescue EnsembleOperations such as confined space, structural collapse, and trenchDurable pant and overshirtLace-up leather bootsTight-fitting durable glovesLightweight helmetHearing protectionEye protectionHarness6.*

Ice Rescue EnsembleAreas with frozen lakes and recreation pondsEnsemble includes:Buoyant, insulated suitForm-fitting face seal and hoodOne-piece suit has sealed gloves and bootsWorn with chest harness and lightweight helmet with face screen6.*

Swift-Water EnsembleEnsemble includes:Typical work uniformPersonal flotation device (PFD)Harness with throw-rope bagLightweight helmet with face cageNo-slip gloves6.*

Care and Maintenance ofPersonal Protective ClothingFollow specific instructions given by manufacturerClothing exposed to biological and chemical contaminants should be decontaminatedPPC exhibiting damage should not be worn until repaired6.*

Personal Protective EquipmentPPE includes:Personal protective clothing (PPC)Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)Personal alert safety system (PASS)6.*

Self-Contained BreathingApparatus (SCBA)One of the most important items of PPEAllows firefighters to enter hazardous atmospheresUsed at non-fire incidents as well:Hazardous material incidentsConfined space situations6.*

Personal Alert SafetySystem (PASS)Small, motion-sensitive unitIncludes loud audible warning signalSome include small flashing beaconSenses firefighter's motionChirps after Inactivity for 30 seconds Goes into alarm mode if no motion followsCan fail due to:Water immersion or high heatPosition of downed firefighter can muffle alarm6.*

6.*Figure 6-21 PASS devices can help save a firefighters lifebut they must be activated. (A) A manual PASS device must be armed by the wearer. (B and C) An integrated PASS device on an SCBA, which is activated when the wearer opens the SCBA bottle.(A)(B)

6.*Figure 6-21 (contd.) PASS devices can help save a firefighters lifebut they must be activated. (A) A manual PASS device must be armed by the wearer. (B and C) An integrated PASS device on an SCBA, which is activated when the wearer opens the SCBA bottle. (C)

Personal Protective Equipment Effectiveness: Street SmartsFirefighters must develop automatic behaviorsSimple steps can help achieve these behaviors6.*

Good PPE Habitsand AttitudeDepartments spend thousands of dollars equipping firefighters with PPEGood PPE habits and positive attitude toward safety can eliminate injuryWait and see attitude leads to shortcutting PPE and affecting immediate actionsDevelop good habits in donning PPEGood habits take nothing more than self-discipline and practice6.*

6.*Figure 6-22 Duty personnel should set up their gear for rapidand completedonning. Establish good habits to help eliminate shortcuts.

Perfecting Practices inPPE UseStreetsmart suggestions:Keep PPE clean, inspected and serviceablePractice team checksPosition PPE for rapid complete donningWhen doffing PPE, take time to prepare it for next response

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6.*Figure 6-23 Firefighting teams should check each others PPE for complete donning. This team check can help prevent a burn or other injury.

Perfecting Practices inPPE Use (cont'd.)Streetsmart suggestions (contd.):Exercise prudent judgmentWear PPE properlyPerfect practice makes perfectBe the PPE success exampleIncrease water consumption to stay hydrated6.*

6.*Figure 6-24 Wearing equipment improperly is asking for trouble. The improperly fastened straps on this firefighters SCBA create an entanglement hazard. Also note the entanglement hazard created by the improper use of the firefighters suspenders.

Lessons LearnedPPE is the first and last defense against injuries and illnessNFPA standards for manufacturing criteria and use standardsDifferent ensembles exist for different environmentsCare and maintenance of PPC is essential to its readinessPPE effectiveness dependent on the firefighters good PPE habits and positive attitude6.*

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