Fire Service Protective Clothing and
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Course
Firefighter I
Unit II
Safety and
Orientation
Essential
Question
Why is it
important that
firefighters learn
and understand
the proper use
of Personal
Protective
Equipment
(PPE) in the fire
service?
TEKS
§130.299(c)
(2)(A)
(13)(A–F)
Prior Student
Learning
Completed
assigned
reading, and use
of previous
knowledge,
skills and
experience.
Estimated Time
4 hours lecture,
2 hours skills,
and student
practice time
Rationale
It is imperative that firefighters understand the importance of Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE). Properly using PPE will minimize the dangers
that firefighters face. As students you are charged with learning about fire
ground dangers and safe firefighting practices that could save a firefighter’s life.
Learning the proper use of PPE is among the most basic lessons a firefighter
must learn, and is an important component of a fire service curriculum.
Objectives
The students will be able to:
1. Describe the types of protective clothing
2. Identify the articles of structural firefighting protective equipment and
their functions
3. Demonstrate the proper procedure for inspecting and cleaning PPE after
each use
4. Describe the limitations of PPE in providing protection to a firefighter.
5. Explain the physical limitations of a firefighter working in PPE
6. Demonstrate the donning and doffing of PPE, such as helmet with
shield, hood, boots, protective coat and trousers, self-contained
breathing apparatus (SCBA), and personal alert safety system (PASS)
alarm/device
Engage
Engage the students in a discussion on the environments in which PPE should
be worn and the types of injuries that occur to firefighting personnel if PPE is
not worn. Emphasize that the success of fire ground operations and the safety
of firefighters at emergency scenes are directly related to effective use of PPE
and SCBA. Use the following data in the discussion with your students:
Reasons for PPE Usage
A. Firefighters are exposed to hostile work environments.
1. Each year more than 100 firefighters die in the line of duty, and
over 100,000 are injured.
2. On average, there is one firefighter death every three days and
8000 injuries each month.
3. Protection of life and property is the mission of the fire service.
Our first priority is the protection of life. This includes the lives of
firefighters.
Use the Discussion Rubric for assessment.
Key Points
I. NFPA Standard 1971
0B
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A. NFPA 1971 is the Standard for Protective Ensembles for Structural
Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting.
II. Personal Protective Clothing
A. Full PPE for structural firefighting consists of the following items:
1. Helmet - to protect the head from impact, scalding water, and
products of combustion
2. Protective hood – to protect face, ears, and neck from heat
and flame
3. Protective coat and pants – to protect the firefighter against
cuts, abrasions, and burns. Also provides protection from the
heat and cold, and from some corrosive liquids.
4. Gloves – to protect the hands from cuts, abrasions, and burns
5. Boots/Footwear – to protect feet from burn injuries and
puncture wounds
B. Not included in NFPA 1971 but required by NFPA 1500 (Firefighter
Safety and Survival)
1. Eye protection – to protect eyes from hazards encountered
during firefighting operations
2. Hearing protection – to help prevent hearing loss from
exposure to extremely loud environments (90 decibels in the
U.S. and 85 in Canada)
3. Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) – to protect from
airborne contaminants, and heat, smoke, and other toxic
products of combustion. It also provides some eye protection
by means of the SCBA mask.
4. Personal alert safety system (PASS) – provides an audible
means of notification to find a trapped or downed firefighter
(after 30 seconds).
1B
III. Helmets
A. Helmets should always be worn with the chin strap engaged and the
ear flaps down. In addition to this, helmets
1. Protect the head from impact
2. Protect the head from heat and cold
3. Provide secondary protection of the face and eyes with the
face shield or goggles on (only when SCBA is not required)
4. Can (using colors) help with the identification of officers,
paramedics, and trainees, which helps with accountability
2B
IV. Eye Protection
A. Injuries to the eyes are among the most common fire ground
injuries.
1. Eye injuries are usually easy to prevent.
2. Eyes should be protected on the fire ground and during other
firefighter duties.
B. Eye protection comes in many forms:
3B
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1. Safety glasses
2. Safety goggles
3. SCBA masks
C. Safety goggles and glasses protect against approximately 85% of all
eye hazards.
1. ANSI Standard Z87.1 (Practice for Occupational and
Educational Eye and Face Protection) is the standard
recognized by the fire service.
V. Hearing Protection
A. Firefighters most commonly use hearing protection on apparatuses
that exceed maximum noise levels:
1. 90 dB in the U. S.
2. 85 dB in Canada
B. Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent hearing loss.
1. Pump operators and those operating power tools should
always wearing hearing protection
4B
VI. Protective Hoods
A. Designed to protect the firefighter’s ears, neck, and face from
extreme temperatures
1. Typically made of
a) Nomex
b) Kevlar
c) PBI
2. Available in long or short styles
3. The SCBA face shield is to be secured before the hood is
pulled up over it.
5B
VII. Turnout Coat
A. NFPA 1971 requires that turnout coats be made of three layers:
1. Outer shell
2. Moisture barrier
3. Thermal barrier
B. Coats are to be worn during firefighting, rescue, and extrication
operations
C. There will be no exposed skin when wearing SCBA properly.
D. Newer turnout coats are equipped with a Drag Rescue Device
(DRD).
1. The DRD is a built-in harness used to drag and rescue a
downed firefighter
E. Reflective trim should be maintained according to NFPA standards.
6B
VIII. Turnout Pants
A. NFPA 1971 also requires that turnout pants be made of three layers:
1. Outer shell
7B
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2. Moisture barrier
3. Thermal barrier
B. Suspenders must be used to support the weight of wet turnout pants
C. Reflective trim should be maintained according to NFPA standards
D. It is typical for structural turnout pants to have reinforced knees and
cuffs to increase durability
IX. Gloves
A. Gloves should provide as much dexterity and tactile feeling as
possible so that firefighters can effectively do their job
B. Protection should NOT be compromised for dexterity. Safety is first
8B
X. Foot Protection/Boots
A. Beyond keeping your feet dry, firefighter footwear should provide
protection against the following:
1. Burns
2. Punctures
3. Cuts
4. Crushing injuries
B. Boots/shoes should be designed to protect the firefighter from
broken glass and sharp metal (i.e., nails) with
1. Steel sole or insert
2. Steel toes
C. Non-slip soles prevent slipping accidents and injuries
D. Boots/shoes must fit well. Poor fitting footwear causes abrasions,
blisters, and other painful injuries
9B
XI. Wildland Personal Protective Clothing
A. Structural PPE is too bulky, heavy, and hot for use in wildland
firefighting.
B. Wildland PPE is often called brush gear.
C. Wildland PPE consists of:
1. Gloves (made of leather)
2. Goggles
3. Brush jacket and pants, or a one-piece jumpsuit (natural fiber
or flame resistant)
4. Long sleeve shirt (natural fiber or flame resistant)
5. Underwear (100 % cotton)
6. Head and neckwear
7. Footwear with lug or grip-tread soles, 8- to 10-inches high to
protect the lower leg from burns, snakebites, cuts, and
abrasions
10B
XII. Station/Work Uniforms
A. Should be constructed of:
1. Organic fibers such as cotton or wool
1B
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2. Synthetic fibers such as
a) Kevlar
b) Nomex
c) PBI
d) Kynol
e) Gore-Tex
f) Orlon
g) Teflon
B. Station wear must comply with NFPA 1975, Standard of
Station/Work Uniforms for Fire and Emergency Services
1. The standard requires that no garment components ignite,
melt, drip, or separate when exposed to heat at 500 degrees
F (260 degrees C) for 5 minutes
XIII. Care of Personal Protective Clothing
A. All personal protective clothing must be maintained according to its
manufacturer’s specifications.
1. Contamination of your PPE can reduce its effectiveness in a
fire.
2. Once contaminated (i.e., with flammable or combustible
liquids, or blood or bodily fluids), PPE should not be worn until
properly laundered.
B. General Maintenance
1. Helmet
a) Remove soot and dirt from shell
b) Remove chemicals, oils, and petroleum products as
soon as possible. Chemicals can reduce impact
effectiveness, and cause the shell to become more
electrically conductive
c) Replace helmets that don’t fit properly
d) Replace damaged helmets
e) Replace cracked, scratched, crazed, or cloudy face
shields
f) Inspect the suspension system for deterioration
g) Contact manufacturer before repainting. They will
inform you what paint choices you have
h) Polycarbonate helmets that have come in contact with
hydraulic oil should be removed from service
2. Coats, pants, hoods
a) Clean regularly and decontaminate after every interior
fire and all medical calls
b) Dry with adequate ventilation, but not in direct sunlight
3. Gloves and boots
a) Clean according to the manufacturer’s specifications
b) Clean and dry PPE clothing at least once every 6
months in accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommendations and NFPA 1581, Standard
12B
5
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Department Infection Control Program
XIV.
Physical Limitations Associated With PPE
A. Limitations of PPE (turnout coat)
1. Can increase the risk of heat stress
2. May suffer burns with little or no warning
3. Does not provide chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or
explosive protection (CBRNE)
4. Decreases the firefighter’s ability to feel ambient heat
5. Puts the wearer at greater risk when damaged
B. Wear your PPE according to manufacturer’s specifications
13B
Activities
Students will participate in the following manipulative skills using procedures
outlined in the skills sheets: Donning PPE/turnout gear in 1 minute or less
(industry standard).
Assessments
Fire Service Protective Clothing and PPE Quiz and Key
Donning PPE Checklist
Discussion Rubric
Individual Work Rubric
Materials
Fire Service Protective Clothing and PPE computer-based presentation
Internet access
Skills sheets
Resources
1418001775, Introduction to Fire Protection (3rd Edition), Klinoff, Robert
0135151112, Essentials of Firefighting (5th Edition), International Fire Service
Training Association (IFSTA)
P
P
P
P
1T
Accommodations For Learning Differences
For reinforcement, students will participate in peer teaching (mentoring) and
team learning; participate in web-based, guided research and note taking; and
keep journals for key words and definitions.
For enrichment, students will correctly don and doff PPE and demonstrate the
proper maintenance procedures for each article. Use the Individual Work
Rubric for assessment.
State Educational Standards
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Career and Technical Education
§130.299. Firefighter I (One to Two Credits).
(2)
The student executes safety procedures and protocols associated
with fire management services. The student is expected to:
U
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(A)
(13)
apply local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to
safety issues;
The student identifies the types and components of fire service
protective clothing and personal protective equipment. The
student is expected to:
(A)
describe the types of protective clothing;
(B)
identify the different articles of structural fire fighting
protective equipment and their functions;
(C)
demonstrate the proper procedure for inspecting and
cleaning personal protective equipment after each use;
(D)
describe the limitations of personal protective equipment in
providing protection to a firefighter;
(E)
explain the physical limitations of a firefighter working in a
personal protective ensemble; and
(F)
demonstrate the donning and doffing of personal protective
equipment such as helmet with eye shield, hood, boots,
gloves, protective coat and trousers, self-contained
breathing apparatus, personal alert safety system, and eye
protection.
College and Career Readiness Standards
English Language Arts
IV. Listening
B. Listen effectively in informal and formal situations
1. Listen critically and respond appropriately to presentations.
2. Listen actively and effectively in one-on-one situations
3. Listen actively and effectively in group discussions.
U
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Name:_________________________
Date:___________________________
Fire Service Protective Clothing and
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Quiz
1. _____Each year more than _____firefighters die in the line of duty.
a. 50
b. 75
c. 100
d. 150
2. _____On average, there is one firefighter death every ______ in the United States.
a. 3 days
b. Week
c. 10 days
d. 2 weeks
3. ____ ______ is the Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and
Proximity Fire Fighting.
a. NFPA 1975
b. NFPA 1971
c. ANSI Standard Z87.1
d. ANSI Standard Z28.8
4. _____Hearing protection is used when the decibel level exceeds_____ (United
States).
a. 75
b. 80
c. 85
d. 90
5. _____Personal alert safety systems (PASS) provide an audible means of notification
to find a trapped or downed firefighter after _____ have elapsed.
a. 30 seconds
b. 45 seconds
c. 60 seconds
d. 90 seconds
6. _____Wildland protective footwear should be at least ______ to protect the lower legs
from burns, snakebites, cuts and abrasions.
a. 4 – 6 inches
b. 6 – 8 inches
c. 8 – 10 inches
d. 10 – 12 inches
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7. _____Wildland PPE is often called ______.
a. Turnout gear
b. Quick hitch gear
c. Proximity gear
d. Brush gear
8. _____Station wear must comply with ________, Standard of Station/Work Uniforms
for Fire and Emergency Services.
a. NFPA 1975
b. NFPA 1971
c. ANSI Standard Z87.1
d. ANSI Standard Z28.8
9. _____The NFPA standard for station uniforms requires that no garment component
ignites, melts, drips, or separates when exposed to heat at ____ degrees F (260
degrees C) for 5 minutes.
a. 400
b. 500
c. 600
d. 700
10. _____Turnout coats and pants should be constructed of ____ layers.
a. 5
b. 4
c. 3
d. 2
11. _____Each year over _____ firefighters are injured.
a. 25,000
b. 50,000
c. 75,000
d. 100,000
12. _____The first priority of firefighting is ______.
a. Saving lives and property
b. The protection of life
c. Mitigating the ravages of fire
d. All of the above
13. _____Safety goggles and glasses protect against approximately ___% of all eye hazards.
a. 65
b. 75
c. 85
d. 95
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14. _____New turnout coats are equipped with ______.
a. A drag rescue device (DRD)
b. 4 layers of protection
c. A personal alert safety system (PASS)
d. All of the above
15. _____NFPA 1581, Standard on Fire Department Infection Control Program, requires
that PPE clothing be cleaned and dried at least every ___ months in accordance
with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
a. 3
b. 6
c. 8
d. 9
10
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Fire Service Protective Clothing and
Personal Protective Equipment Quiz Key
1. C
2. A
3. B
4. D
5. A
6. C
7. D
8. A
9. B
10. C
11. D
12. B
13. C
14. A
15. B
11
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
Name:_________________________
Date:___________________________
Fire Service Protective Clothing and PPE Checklist
Directions: You will don personal protective equipment (turnout coat, turnout pants, hood,
gloves, helmet, and boots). You will be required to properly don the protective clothing in 1
minute to receive maximum points. You will begin on my mark. The skill exam will end when
you state to me that you have completed all of the identified steps. Do you understand these
instructions?
1 point each
(no partial credit)
Task steps
Turnout Pants
1.
Removes safety shoes
2.
Steps into turnout pants one foot at a time
3.
Pulls pants up by waistband
4.
Fastens all snaps, buckles, and Velcro (if present)
Turnout Coat
5.
Dons turnout coat (collar tuned up)
6.
Dons protective hood (may be down around the neck)
7.
Fastens all snaps, buckles, and Velcro (if present)
Helmet and Gloves
8.
Dons helmet with earflaps down, face shield in down
position
9.
Dons gloves
10.
Completes skill in allotted time (1 minute)
Total points possible 10
Instructor’s Signature
Date
12
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
Name:_________________________
Date:___________________________
Fire Service Protective Clothing and PPE Checklist
Donning SCBA Using the Coat Method
Directions: While wearing full protective clothing, with the SCBA laying on the ground, back
plate up, you shall don the SCBA using the Coat Method. You will begin on my instruction to
start. Time will stop when all identified steps have been accomplished and you put your
hands in the air to signal that you are finished with this skill. Do you understand these
instructions?
1 point each
(no partial credit)
Task steps
1. Positions the SCBA with the valve end of the cylinder
pointed either toward or away from the body
2. Checks cylinder gauge, verbalizes P.S.I.
3. Turns cylinder valve fully open, listens for low pressure
alarm/verbalizes remote gauge reading within 100 P.S.I. of
main gauge. Gauges not marked in increments of 100
P.S.I. should read the same as the main gauge.
4. Confirms and verbalizes that the PASS device is “on”
5. Properly positions SCBA on back using Coat Method
6. Swings SCBA around left shoulder. Guides right arm
through loop formed by shoulder strap allowing SCBA to
rest in proper position on back.
7. Fastens chest strap, buckles waist strap, and adjusts
shoulder straps
8. Dons face piece and checks for proper seal
9. Connects air supply to face piece and takes normal
breaths
10. Completes skill in time allotted (1 minute or less)
Total points possible 10
Instructor’s Signature
Date
13
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Name:_________________________
Date:___________________________
Fire Service Protective Clothing and PPE Checklist
Donning SCBA Using the Over-the-Head Method
Directions: While wearing full protective clothing, with the SCBA laying on the ground, back
plate up, you shall don the SCBA using the Over-the-Head Method. You will begin on my
instruction to start. Time will stop when all identified steps have been accomplished and you
put your hands in the air to signal that you are finished with this skill. Do you understand
these instructions?
1 point each
(no partial credit)
Task steps
1. Positions the SCBA with the valve end of the cylinder
pointed either toward or away from the body
2. Checks cylinder gauge, verbalizes P.S.I.
3. Turns cylinder valve fully open, listens for low pressure
alarm/verbalizes remote gauge reading within 100 P.S.I. of
main gauge. Gauges not marked in increments of 100
P.S.I. should read the same as the main gauge.
4. Properly positions SCBA on back using Over-the-Head
Method
5. Confirms and verbalizes that the PASS device is “on”
6. Releases the harness assembly and allows the SCBA to
slide down the back
7. Fastens chest strap, buckles waist strap, and adjusts
shoulder straps
8. Dons face piece and checks for proper seal
9. Connects air supply to face piece and takes normal
breaths
10. Completes skill in time allotted (1 minute or less)
Total points possible 10
Instructor’s Signature
Date
14
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Name_______________________________________
Date_______________________________
Discussion Rubric
Objectives
4 pts.
Excellent
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Participates in group discussion
Encourages others to join the
conversation
Keeps the discussion progressing
to achieve goals
Shares thoughts actively while
offering helpful recommendations to
others
Gives credit to others for their ideas
Respects the opinions of others
Involves others by asking questions
or requesting input
Expresses thoughts and ideas
clearly and effectively
Total Points (32 pts.)
Comments:
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Name______________________________________
Date_______________________________________
Individual Work Rubric
4 pts.
Excellent
Objectives
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Follows directions
Student completed the work as directed,
following the directions given, in order and to the
level of quality indicated
Time management
Student used time wisely and remained on task
100% of the time
Organization
Student kept notes and materials in a neat,
legible, and organized manner. Information was
readily retrieved
Evidence of learning
Student documented information in his or her
own words and can accurately answer questions
related to the information retrieved
*Research/Gathering information (if relevant)
Student used a variety of methods and sources
to gather information. Student took notes while
gathering information
Total Points (20 pts.)
Comments:
16
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