PURPOSE:
I.
To provide guidelines concerning the care, maintenance and responsibility for Germantown Fire
Department issued turnout clothing.
PREFACE
This policy refers to protective clothing intended for fire fighting and similar use, commonly referred to as
Turnouts. It does not refer to protective clothing for hazardous materials use or other uses.
II.
.
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
A.
Members engaged in fire fighting shall be issued protective clothing necessary for their personal
protection. Clothing shall be issued only by the Assistant Chief, or the Deputy Chief in the absence
of the Assistant Chief.
B.
The description and numbers of such issued clothing shall be reported to the Assistant Chief of
Operation on the appropriate from. The identification number shall not be removed or changed
intentionally in any way.
C.
Articles of protective clothing shall include:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
helmet;
turnout coat with liner;
turnout (bunker) pants with liner;
knee boots;
fire fighting gloves; and
fire fighting hood.
face mask and bag
All protective clothing shall be approved by the Germantown Fire Department and meet the
respective National Fire Protection Association standard.
D.
All protective gear shall be used in the manner it was intended and not modified without approval.
Inner liners shall not be removed, switched or altered without approval of the Assistant Chief.
E.
Certain gear is intended to be used only with related items. For example, many shorter turnout coats
must be worn with the appropriate pants designed as a set to provide proper protection of the
individual. Personnel shall use the appropriate gear in accordance with the manufacturer's
guidelines. If in doubt, check with the Assistant Chief.
F.
Members shall be responsible for all articles of protective clothing that they are issued. Any loss or
damage to protective clothing shall be reported promptly to the members immediate supervisor. Any
articles lost or damaged through negligence will be replaced at the expense of the responsible party.
The cost will be prorated based on the expected life of the article.
Protective clothing that has been issued shall be stored in assigned stations when not in use except
when carried in the members vehicle for transfer to another station, or carried in the member's
vehicle, such as for P.O.C.s.
G.
H.
Members shall not use protective clothing of other members without the expressed permission of the
other member and for a short period only.
I.
Turnouts shall not be used for any reason other than to protect the wearer while performing his/her
assigned duty or for other approved assignments, such as Fire Prevention Week presentations.
SUBJECT: PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
S.O.P. 3.16
PAGE 2 OF 8
III.
J.
Supervisors shall assure that their personnel are fully trained in the proper donning, care and use of
protective gear assigned to them.
K.
Personnel desiring to use personally owned protective clothing shall assure that the item(s) meet the
minimum standards established by the Fire Department and the National Fire Protection Association
standards.
REQUIRED USE DURING EMERGENCY RESPONSE
A.
All suppression personnel are required to wear full protective clothing (helmet, turnout coat, pants,
boots) when responding to emergency incidents on fire apparatus.
Exceptions:
1.
Drivers shall not be required to wear protective clothing during the response, however, they
shall have the complete protective clothing with them on the apparatus.
2.
Officers and drivers riding in enclosed apparatus cabs are not required to wear helmets
during their response.
3.
Fire suppression personnel shall not be required to wear the turnout coat or pants enroute to a
medical emergency or public service call where a hazardous condition or exposure is not
expected, however, all personnel shall have the complete protective clothing with them on
the apparatus.
4.
E.M.S. personnel responding to a suppression related incident may delay donning their
protective clothing until after their arrival at the scene.
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S.O.P. 3.16
PAGE 3 OF 8
III.
REQUIRED USE DURING EMERGENCY RESPONSE Con't.
B.
IV.
V.
When fire apparatus is required to make an emergency response while away from quarters, such as
during inspections, training or other field activities, the apparatus shall pull off the main roadway,
stop in a safe position, and allow the personnel to properly don all of their protective clothing. After
this action is completed, the unit may then respond.
FIREGROUND AND EMERGENCY INCIDENT USE
A.
Full protective clothing shall be worn by all personnel when they are engaged in fire suppression
activities or encounter any hazardous conditions (i.e. gas leaks, auto accidents, hazardous materials
incidents, vehicle extrications, etc.)
B.
During certain incidents or when operating during hot weather conditions, the Incident Commander
may allow personnel to remove protective clothing when it is deemed appropriate.
C.
When operating during water rescue incidents, the protective clothing shall not be used. Standard
work uniforms and personal flotation devices are recommended.
D.
During an incident, the Incident Commander may establish a safe zone in which protective clothing
may be removed for rehab., medical and other operations. This area must be outside the hazardous
operations area.
TURNOUT MARKING
A.
Each helmet, turnout coat, pants and pair of boots shall be marked (numbered) before issuing in
order to properly identify them. They will be marked with a four digit number in the following
manner:
1.
The first two digits shall be the last two digits of the year that it was received. This will be
followed by a hyphen.
2.
The next two digits will be the assigned item number based upon the type of item (helmet,
coat, pants, boots) and year it was received. Each item starts with 01 each year. For
instance, if the coat is the third coat received in a year, it will be numbered 03. Since this
number is specific for the type of item, it is possible that a two different items will have the
same number, such as a helmet and a coat having the same number if they were received the
same year.
3.
An example of the complete item marking is as such: 92-03 refers to the third item received
in 1992.
In summary: 92-03
││ ││
└┤ └┴─ Item number
└─ Year
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S.O.P. 3.16
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4.
Existing items that were not numbered shall be marked with "GFD" followed by the number
of the item for tracking purposes.
5.
Helmets shall be numbered with an engraver under the back brim.
6.
Turnout coats shall be numbered on the inside of the front left storm flap with permanent
marker.
7.
Turnout pants shall be numbered on the inside of the front storm flap with permanent marker.
8.
Rubber turnout boots shall be numbered on the outer side of the boot along the yellow or
white band with a permanent marker. If necessary, it may also be marked on the inside liner.
B.
No other permanent marking shall be placed on helmets, coats, pants or boots, except as directed by
the Assistant Chief.
C.
Personnel may write their name or radio number on issued fire fighting hoods, gloves and suspenders
to identify them.
D.
Turnout Coat Name Patches: Some turnout coats are provided with removable name patches. These
patches shall be properly maintained and remain on the coat assigned to the individual.
E.
Helmet Marking:
1.
Reflective marking provided on the helmet by the manufacturer or the fire department shall
not be removed.
Exception: Marking on the back brim may be removed to allow reflective lettering to be
placed on the back brim in accordance with these guidelines.
2.
No additional, unnecessary reflective marking shall be added unless needed to bring the
reflective marking up to necessary standards.
3.
The member's last name may be placed on top of the back brim of the helmet. Letters should
be reflective, preferably Scotchlite, lime-yellow and approximately 1 1/4" in height.
Nicknames, etc. shall not be used.
4.
A star of life emblem may be placed on the helmet of E.M.T.s and Paramedics.
5.
The member's company number may be placed on the sides of the helmet.
6.
Rocker emblems, such as Paramedic, Fire Fighter or Vol. Fire Fighter, may be placed on the
side of the helmet. If a company number is included, it shall be placed below the rocker.
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S.O.P. 3.16
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7.
VI.
VII.
Any other markings or modifications shall be approved by the Assistant Chief.
MAINTENANCE
A.
Each member is responsible for the care, maintenance and security of all items of turnout clothing
issued to them.
B.
Lieutenants shall be responsible for assuring that their personnel are equipped with proper and
acceptable gear. Lieutenants shall inspect the protective clothing assigned to their personnel at least
monthly.
C.
Minor repairs may be referred to the designated turnout clothing repair person at Station 2.
D.
Turnout clothing that may be unfit for service shall be examined by the Assistant Chief for
condemnation and handling.
E.
Protective clothing will be exposed to many different conditions. To preserve the quality and life of
the garment, necessary care must be provided.
1.
Wet gear shall be thoroughly dried by allowing it to hang in open area or in turnout rooms
using drying and ventilation systems. Do not fold or store (except in turnout rooms)
garments while wet.
2.
Gear that has smoke, soot, oil, grease, or other contaminants shall be cleaned after use.
3.
Gear that has smoke, soot, oil, grease, or other contaminants shall not be permitted to be
placed in the bedhall, locker rooms or other living areas until it has been completely cleaned.
CLEANING
A.
Protective clothing should be cleaned as soon as possible to avoid setting of soils or stains.
SUBJECT: PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
S.O.P. 3.16
PAGE 6 OF 8
VII.
CLEANING Con't.
B.
Turnout coats and pants, gloves and hoods shall be cleaned in the following manner:
1.
2.
Hand washing:
a.
Place coat on a hard surface, such as a clean apparatus bay floor or wash rack, with
the lining side down.
b.
Using detergent and hot water (not over 140 degrees), clean coat with a soft brush or
cloth.
c.
Rinse thoroughly and hang to dry in an open area with adequate circulation or turnout
room with dryer/ventilation on.
Machine washing:
a.
Wash separately from other garments.
b.
Fasten all hooks and dees and turn the garment inside out to avoid damage to the
wash tub.
c.
Place turnouts in gear washer and follow the the machine operating instructions as
listed below: (NOTE: It is not necessary to add soap, machine dispenses soap
automatically - DO NOT USE BLEACH OR FABRIC SOFTENER ON TURNOUT
GEAR)
1.
2.
3.
d.
3.
Turn Power Switch to “on” position.
Select wash cycle (WARM/NORMAL)
Hold “start” button down until green light comes on.
Hang to dry in an open area with adequate circulation or turnout room with
dryer/ventilation on. Do not use an automatic dryer.
Spot Cleaning and Pretreating:
a.
Spot clean heavily soiled areas with a detergent, non-flammable spot removed or
other approved cleaner.
b.
Garment may be pretreated by applying liquid detergent directly to soiled areas and
rubbing with a soft brush or cloth for about 1 1/2 minutes. Repeat and then wash as
usual.
4.
Never use chlorine bleaches as it can greatly reduce the protection capability of the garment.
5.
Do not dry clean as it can damage moisture barriers and reflective trim.
SUBJECT: PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
S.O.P. 3.16
PAGE 7 OF 8
6.
7.
Do not use fabric softeners as they are oil based and can contribute to fabric flammability.
Do not use hot water (over 140 degrees F.) as it may cause shrinkage.
8.
Do not use automatic dryers as they may cause damage to the moisture barriers and reflective
trim.
9.
Suggested cleaning products:
a.
Cleaning: Liquid Wisk, Liquid Tide, Liquid Cheer, Liquid Fab. Non-butyl, AllPurpose Orange Cleaner concentrate can be used by mixing with water at a ratio or
20:1.
b.
Oxygenated Bleaches: Liquid Clorox 2, Liquid Vivid.
c.
Spot Cleaning and Pretreating: Liquid Spray and Wash,
Liquid Shout, Liquid Tide, Liquid Dishwashing Detergent.
C.
Helmets shall be cleaned with soap and warm water and a soft cloth. Do not use firm brushes on
lens. Rinse well. Wipe dry inside well.
D.
Boots shall be cleaned with soap and warm water and a cloth or soft bristle brush. Rinse well. Boots
can be dried by hanging upside down, but they should be stored upright to minimize creasing.
VIII.DECONTAMINATION
A.
Blood and/or Body Fluids:
1.
Protective clothing that is contaminated must be placed in bags in accordance with the
Infection Control S.O.P.
2.
Personnel handling and washing contaminated clothing shall wear proper personal protective
equipment as identified in the Infection Control S.O.P.
3.
Small stains from blood or body fluids may be spot cleaned, as detailed above, and then
disinfected with an approved disinfectant.
4.
Protective clothing that is contaminated by large amounts of blood or body fluids shall be
cleaned in accordance with the guidelines detailed in Section VII and disinfected with an
approved disinfectant.
5.
After cleaning, clothing shall be rinsed well and completely air dried.
6.
Contaminated clothing must not be laundered at home.
SUBJECT: PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
S.O.P. 3.16
PAGE 8 OF 8
7.
B.
After cleaning, the cleaning area shall be cleaned with an approved disinfectant or 1:100
bleach/water solution. Laundry machines shall be run a complete cycle with hot water and
bleach before being used again.
8.
Refer to the Infection Control S.O.P. for additional guidelines.
Hazardous Materials:
1.
If possible, obtain Material Safety Data Sheet (M.S.D.S.) on contaminant.
2.
If contaminant is known, consult manufacturer to determine proper decontamination
methods.
3.
If contaminant is not know, it will need to be sent out to be tested to determine the
contaminant and whether is can be decontaminated.
4.
If necessary, contaminated protective clothing can be referred to the manufacturer of the
clothing or other decontaminating facility for decontamination.
5.
Protective clothing that can not be decontaminated shall be disposed of in accordance with
standard hazardous materials contaminant guidelines.