Chapter 5 Firefighter PPE. 5–25–2 Chapter 5 Lesson Goal After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to identify, use, & maintain FF protective

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)


• 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


• Features that provide additional protection/convenience

(Continued)


• Drag Rescue Device

DRD

• Built-in harness for a rescuer to grab & drag a FF

5–20

(Continued)


• 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


• 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 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


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 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


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


• 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


• 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


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


• 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)


Facepiece straps should be tightened:

• Lower

• Cheek

• Temple

• Head

• Pull both straps at same time

5–90

(Continued)

5–91


• 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


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


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


Recommended actions in event of SCBA malfunction

• Rely on your training

• Do not panic, remain calm

• Withdraw to clear atmosphere

(Continued)

5–112


• 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


#2 Controlled breathing

• Breathe in through nose & exhale through mouth

• Each breath should take 5 seconds

(Continued)

5–114


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


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


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)

Documents

Chapter 5 Firefighter PPE. 5–25–2 Chapter 5 Lesson Goal After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to identify, use, & maintain FF protective