Personal Protective Equipment
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 ensembles.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
NFPA Compliant PPE
Information Tag
Year of Manufacture
Type of liner
Type of outer shell
Size
NFPA Standard #
May include personnel name
Station – Department etc.
Types of Personal
Protective Equipment
• NFPA has developed standards for:
– Structural - Our Bunker suites
– Proximity - Do not have nor will be issue
– Wildland - Bunker gear exceeds this standard.
Structural PPE (1 of 2)
• Made of three
layers: outer shell,
vapor barrier, and
thermal barrier
– Help meet
thermal
protective
criteria
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.
Helmets
• Originally designed to shed water and avoid
hot embers
• Today
– Impact resistant
– Provide thermal insulation
– Earflaps, chin strap, and face shields/eye
protection
Gloves
• Gloves are essential in the structural
ensemble.
• NFPA standards require that gloves provide
thermal protection and protection from cuts
and punctures.
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
• Goggles
• SCBA
• Coat
• Pants
• Boots
• Hood
• Radio
• Flashlight
• PASS Device
• Pocket Tools
• Gloves
Personal Protective Equipment
Miscellaneous PPE Components
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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.
PASS Devices
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.
Care and Maintenance of Personal
Protective Equipment (2 of 2)
• Manufacturers instructions and information
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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
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.
PPE Street Smart
Suggestions
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•
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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.
Donning PPE
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.