Proper PPEProper PPE

There is to be There is to be NONO non issued PPE non issued PPE to be worn while on duty. FRA to be worn while on duty. FRA Policy 9.1.1Policy 9.1.1

Follow proper procedures to have Follow proper procedures to have equipment tested through R&D equipment tested through R&D committee. DFR 5.1.1committee. DFR 5.1.1

PWC PPE AuditPWC PPE Audit

Helmets:Helmets: 636 Checked636 Checked

– 30 Found damaged to the point of being out 30 Found damaged to the point of being out of service.of service.

– 79 missing79 missing– PARS tags not being used properly and/or PARS tags not being used properly and/or

missingmissing– Helmet identifiers missing or not used Helmet identifiers missing or not used

properly, both side identifiers and furnace properly, both side identifiers and furnace pieces.pieces.

PWC PPE AuditPWC PPE Audit

HoodsHoods 636 Checked636 Checked

– 41 were missing41 were missing– 6 damaged to the point of being out of 6 damaged to the point of being out of

serviceservice– 6 found to be unapproved 6 found to be unapproved

PWC PPE AuditPWC PPE Audit

Turnout CoatsTurnout Coats 636 Checked636 Checked

– 36 missing36 missing– 1 damaged to the point of being out of service1 damaged to the point of being out of service

Findings: Findings: – Pockets need reinforcement Pockets need reinforcement – Primary & Secondary gear being used as burn facilitator Primary & Secondary gear being used as burn facilitator

gear.gear. Turnout PantsTurnout Pants

636 Checked636 Checked– 34 missing34 missing

Findings:Findings:– Pockets need reinforcement due to tools poking holes Pockets need reinforcement due to tools poking holes

through the gear.through the gear.– Suspenders not being wornSuspenders not being worn– Primary & Secondary gear being used as burn facilitator Primary & Secondary gear being used as burn facilitator

geargear

PWC PPE AuditPWC PPE Audit

Fire GlovesFire Gloves 636 Checked636 Checked

– 57 missing57 missing– 3 damaged to the point of being out of service3 damaged to the point of being out of service– 3 unapproved3 unapproved

Utility GlovesUtility Gloves 636 Checked636 Checked

– 76 missing76 missing– 7 damaged to the point of being out of service7 damaged to the point of being out of service– 56 unapproved56 unapproved

FindingsFindings– Large numbers of people purchasing unapproved Large numbers of people purchasing unapproved

gloves on their own.gloves on their own.

PWC PPE AuditPWC PPE Audit

Face pieceFace piece 446 Checked446 Checked

– 40 unapproved changes40 unapproved changes– 12 damaged12 damaged

FindingsFindings– Primary face piece being used as burn Primary face piece being used as burn

facilitator maskfacilitator mask– Modifications are being done to neck straps, Modifications are being done to neck straps,

clearcommsclearcomms– Damaged lensesDamaged lenses

PWC PPE AuditPWC PPE Audit

Findings that need to be changed:Findings that need to be changed: Face pieces need to be complete with no Face pieces need to be complete with no

alterations.alterations.– Neck straps in placeNeck straps in place– HUD device properly connected to face piece with HUD device properly connected to face piece with

batteriesbatteries– Clearcomm device properly connected to face piece Clearcomm device properly connected to face piece

with batterieswith batteries– Nose cup properly placed in face pieceNose cup properly placed in face piece

Suspenders need to be attached and worn at all Suspenders need to be attached and worn at all timestimes

Helmet Identifiers to include proper furnace pieces Helmet Identifiers to include proper furnace pieces must be set up properly.must be set up properly.

Proper number of PARS tags, you are accountable Proper number of PARS tags, you are accountable for six (6) PARS tags with three (3) of them being for six (6) PARS tags with three (3) of them being placed on the passports of the unit your are riding.placed on the passports of the unit your are riding.

Something to think Something to think about!about!

PPE Inspections & PPE Inspections & Maintenance (NFPA Maintenance (NFPA 1581)1581) All PPE shall be Visually and All PPE shall be Visually and

Physically Inspected by the Unit Physically Inspected by the Unit officer monthly.officer monthly.

Findings will be documented on the PPE Findings will be documented on the PPE monthly check sheets.monthly check sheets.

All PPE monthly check sheets will be All PPE monthly check sheets will be filed in station files.filed in station files.

PPE Inspections & PPE Inspections & Maintenance (NFPA Maintenance (NFPA 1581)1581) Definitions:Definitions:

Routine CleaningRoutine Cleaning – Is a light cleaning of – Is a light cleaning of the ensemble performed by the end user the ensemble performed by the end user without taking the ensemble out of without taking the ensemble out of service.service.

Advanced CleaningAdvanced Cleaning – a thorough cleaning – a thorough cleaning of the ensemble by machine washing and of the ensemble by machine washing and takes place at the time of an advanced takes place at the time of an advanced inspection (once a year)inspection (once a year)

– Morning Pride Recommends 2 advanced Morning Pride Recommends 2 advanced cleanings per yearcleanings per year

PPE Inspections & PPE Inspections & Maintenance (NFPA Maintenance (NFPA 1581)1581) When:When:

After any incident where PPE has become contaminated.After any incident where PPE has become contaminated. How:How:

Separate liners from shell to prevent cross contamination.Separate liners from shell to prevent cross contamination. Refer to manufactures label for special care instructions.Refer to manufactures label for special care instructions. Wash inner liner in washing machine with mild detergent.Wash inner liner in washing machine with mild detergent.

– Ensure that the washing machine uses the proper RPM and Ensure that the washing machine uses the proper RPM and temperature (not to exceed 105 degree) settings.temperature (not to exceed 105 degree) settings.

– Use proper not abrasive detergent with a pH range on 6.0 – Use proper not abrasive detergent with a pH range on 6.0 – 10.5 per NFPA 185110.5 per NFPA 1851

Brush off all dry debris.Brush off all dry debris. Use a mild detergent and a light bristle brush to hand wash Use a mild detergent and a light bristle brush to hand wash

outer shell of PPE.outer shell of PPE.

PPE Inspections & PPE Inspections & Maintenance (NFPA Maintenance (NFPA 1581)1581) How (Continued)-How (Continued)-

Hang drying is the preferred method.Hang drying is the preferred method. If machine drying, closely examine the If machine drying, closely examine the

gear. If it has a “smoke” smell or it gear. If it has a “smoke” smell or it might even be slightly dirty, DO NOT might even be slightly dirty, DO NOT MACHINE DRY. This can cause MACHINE DRY. This can cause permanent damage or weaken the PPE.permanent damage or weaken the PPE.

Hang dry both the inner and outer Hang dry both the inner and outer layers in a well ventilated area.layers in a well ventilated area.

Keep out of direct sunlight.Keep out of direct sunlight.

PPE Inspections & PPE Inspections & Maintenance (NFPA Maintenance (NFPA 1581)1581) How (Continued)-How (Continued)-

Inspect inner and outer Inspect inner and outer layers for tears, rips, layers for tears, rips, cuts, and punctures. cuts, and punctures.

Check for missing Check for missing hardware.hardware.

Look for missing or Look for missing or damaged reflective damaged reflective trim.trim.

Look for thermal Look for thermal damage charring, burn damage charring, burn holes, melting, holes, melting, discoloration on inside discoloration on inside and outside.and outside.

Check for leakage Check for leakage indicating potential indicating potential moisture barrier moisture barrier damage.damage.

DamageDamage

Damage Damage

PPE Inspections & PPE Inspections & Maintenance (NFPA Maintenance (NFPA 1581)1581) How (Continued)How (Continued)

Hood InspectionHood Inspection– Check for loss of elasticity in face opening.Check for loss of elasticity in face opening.– Look for loss of material elasticity or Look for loss of material elasticity or

evidence of stretching out-of-shape.evidence of stretching out-of-shape.– Look for broken or missing stitching.Look for broken or missing stitching.– Check seam integrity. Check seam integrity.

PPE Inspections & PPE Inspections & Maintenance (NFPA Maintenance (NFPA 1581)1581) How (Continued)How (Continued)

GlovesGloves– Look for shrinkage.Look for shrinkage.– Check for liner inversion.Check for liner inversion.– Look for loss of flexibility.Look for loss of flexibility.

FootwearFootwear– Look for loss of water resistance.Look for loss of water resistance.– Look for exposed or damaged parts.Look for exposed or damaged parts.

PPE Inspections & PPE Inspections & Maintenance (NFPA Maintenance (NFPA 1581)1581) How (Continued)How (Continued)

HelmetHelmet– Check for outer Check for outer

shell damage shell damage (dents, abrasions, (dents, abrasions, etc.)etc.)

– Look for damaged Look for damaged or missing or missing components.components.

– Check for damage Check for damage to the ear covers.to the ear covers.

– Check eye Check eye protecting for protecting for scratches, scratches, melting, etc.melting, etc.

DamageDamage

DamageDamage

PPE Inspections & PPE Inspections & Maintenance (NFPA Maintenance (NFPA 1581)1581) When structural firefighting gear When structural firefighting gear

should be retired?should be retired? Manufactured date of greater than 10 Manufactured date of greater than 10

years.years. PPE is so worn, damaged, or PPE is so worn, damaged, or

contaminated that repairs or cleaning is contaminated that repairs or cleaning is not possible or cost effective.not possible or cost effective.

When PPE is contaminated by CBRN When PPE is contaminated by CBRN terrorism agents following a confirmed terrorism agents following a confirmed exposure.exposure.

Structural PPEStructural PPE

Commonly referred to as Commonly referred to as bunkers.bunkers.

Made of three layers: outer shell, Made of three layers: outer shell, moisture barrier, and thermal moisture barrier, and thermal liner.liner.

Layers help meet thermal Layers help meet thermal protective criteria.protective criteria.

Thermal protective performance Thermal protective performance refers to the time a wearer has refers to the time a wearer has before a 2nd degree or greater before a 2nd degree or greater burn will be sustained.burn will be sustained.

TPP for structural firefighting TPP for structural firefighting coats is 35 seconds.coats is 35 seconds.

PPE effectivenessPPE effectiveness

PPE only effective if worn properly.PPE only effective if worn properly. Good PPE habits and a positive attitude can Good PPE habits and a positive attitude can

minimize injuries.minimize injuries. Taking shortcuts with PPE can lead to injury.Taking shortcuts with PPE can lead to injury. Good habits include fast and proper donning of Good habits include fast and proper donning of

appropriate PPE.appropriate PPE. Some firefighters prefer the appearance of Some firefighters prefer the appearance of

“salty” and/or dirty gear as an indicator of their “salty” and/or dirty gear as an indicator of their experience & status as a veteran firefighter. experience & status as a veteran firefighter. These individuals are at grave & unnecessary These individuals are at grave & unnecessary risk. Clean PPE is a matter of life and death.risk. Clean PPE is a matter of life and death.

PPE effectivenessPPE effectiveness

Soiled protective garments will expose Soiled protective garments will expose firefighters to toxins, poisons, carcinogens, firefighters to toxins, poisons, carcinogens, infectious bodily fluids, bloodborne pathogens infectious bodily fluids, bloodborne pathogens and other harmful substances that can enter the and other harmful substances that can enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, and/or body through ingestion, inhalation, and/or absorption.absorption.

Repeated small exposures can over time cause Repeated small exposures can over time cause serious health problems.serious health problems.

Soiled or contaminated PPE reflect less heat and Soiled or contaminated PPE reflect less heat and are less insulative than clean PPE. The PPE is are less insulative than clean PPE. The PPE is also at increased risk to catch fire and injure you.also at increased risk to catch fire and injure you.

PPE SuggestionsPPE Suggestions

Keep PPE clean.Keep PPE clean. Practice team checks.Practice team checks. Position PPE for rapid Position PPE for rapid

donning.donning. Always use prudent Always use prudent

judgment.judgment. PPE includes flashlight, tool, PPE includes flashlight, tool,

radio, earplugs, eye radio, earplugs, eye protection, accountability protection, accountability tag and a partner.tag and a partner.

Practice proper donning and Practice proper donning and doffing.doffing.

Stay hydrated when wearing Stay hydrated when wearing PPE.PPE.

PPEPPE

Donning:Donning:1.1. Place feet into boots.Place feet into boots.2.2. Pull up the pants Pull up the pants

and secure Velcro and secure Velcro and clasp.and clasp.

3.3. Pull up suspenders Pull up suspenders and tighten.and tighten.

4.4. Put on fire resistive Put on fire resistive hood.hood.

5.5. Put on coat.Put on coat.6.6. Connect coat Connect coat

fasteners.fasteners.7.7. Put on helmet.Put on helmet.8.8. Lower ear flaps.Lower ear flaps.9.9. Secure Chin strap.Secure Chin strap.10.10. Secure collar.Secure collar.11.11. Put on gloves.Put on gloves.

PPEPPE

Doffing:Doffing:1.1. Remove GlovesRemove Gloves2.2. Undo collarUndo collar3.3. Undo chin strap on Undo chin strap on

helmethelmet4.4. Remove helmetRemove helmet5.5. Undo coat fastenersUndo coat fasteners6.6. Remove coatRemove coat7.7. Remove fire Remove fire

resistant hoodresistant hood8.8. Take off suspendersTake off suspenders9.9. Undo pants clasp Undo pants clasp

and Velcroand Velcro10.10. Remove bunker Remove bunker

pants pants 11.11. Place gear in ready Place gear in ready

position.position.

Proper Proper PPE-PPE-Minimum Minimum Required Per Incident Required Per Incident TypeType EMS CallsEMS Calls – Station uniform, gloves, fanny pack – Station uniform, gloves, fanny pack Structure FireStructure Fire –Helmet, Nomex hood, fire gloves, –Helmet, Nomex hood, fire gloves,

turnout coat, turnout pants, structural firefighting turnout coat, turnout pants, structural firefighting boots, SCBA with face pieceboots, SCBA with face piece

Brush FireBrush Fire – Helmet, Utility Gloves, Station uniform, – Helmet, Utility Gloves, Station uniform, Steel toed boots, Safety GlassesSteel toed boots, Safety Glasses

Auto AccidentsAuto Accidents – Helmet, utility gloves, Nomex hood, – Helmet, utility gloves, Nomex hood, turnout coat, turnout pants, steel toes boots, and turnout coat, turnout pants, steel toes boots, and safety vest. Safety vest may not be worn by safety vest. Safety vest may not be worn by personnel actively involved in extrication.personnel actively involved in extrication.

LZ’sLZ’s – Helmet, Nomex hood, fire gloves, turnout coat, – Helmet, Nomex hood, fire gloves, turnout coat, turnout pants, structural firefighting boots, SCBA with turnout pants, structural firefighting boots, SCBA with face piece (do not need to be on air)face piece (do not need to be on air)

Proper Proper PPE-PPE-Minimum Minimum Required Per Incident Required Per Incident TypeType Inside Gas LeakInside Gas Leak - Helmet, Nomex hood, fire - Helmet, Nomex hood, fire

gloves, turnout coat, turnout pants, structural gloves, turnout coat, turnout pants, structural firefighting boots, SCBA with face piecefirefighting boots, SCBA with face piece

Outside Gas LeakOutside Gas Leak - Helmet, Nomex hood, fire - Helmet, Nomex hood, fire gloves, turnout coat, turnout pants, structural gloves, turnout coat, turnout pants, structural firefighting boots, SCBA with face piecefirefighting boots, SCBA with face piece

HazmatHazmat - Helmet, Nomex hood, fire gloves, - Helmet, Nomex hood, fire gloves, turnout coat, turnout pants, structural turnout coat, turnout pants, structural firefighting boots, SCBA with face piecefirefighting boots, SCBA with face piece

What’s wrong with this What’s wrong with this picture?picture?

Picture #5Picture #5

What’s wrong with this What’s wrong with this picture?picture?

Picture #6Picture #6

What’s wrong with this What’s wrong with this picture? Picture #7picture? Picture #7

Test QuestionsTest Questions

Please Answer Questions 1 Please Answer Questions 1 through through