6

Essentials of Fire Fighting6th Edition

Firefighter I

Chapter 6 — Firefighter Personal Protective

Equipment

Describe the purpose of personal protective equipment.

Learning Objective 1

6–2

Describe characteristics of each type of personal protective equipment.


6–3

Personal protective equipment (PPE) includes three basic components.

6–4

Personal protective equipment is designed to meet two purposes.

6–5

6–6

Structural fire fighting protective clothing must meet NFPA® 1971.

6–7

Altering protective clothing may endanger lives and have other effects.

DISCUSSION QUESTION

Why is it important to NEVER alter PPC components?

6–8

Personal protective equipment has several design benefits and limitations.

6–9

Helmets must be worn correctly to properly protect and identify firefighters.

6–10

Eye protection devices are required by NFPA® 1500 and come in many varieties.

6–11

Protective hoods provide a continuous layer of protection between coat and helmet.

6–12

REVIEW QUESTION

What is the purpose of personal protective equipment?

6–13

Protective coats are required by NFPA®1971 to have three layers, which provide limited protection.

a. Outer shell

b. Moisture barrier

c. Thermal barrier

6–14

WARNING!

All layers of the protective coat must be in place during any fire fighting operation. Failure to wear the entire coat and liner system during a fire may expose you to severe heat resulting in serious injury or death.

6–15

NFPA® 1971 requires several design features for protective coats.

6–16

Reflective trim Wristlets Collars

Drag Rescue Device (DRD)

Closure system

Additional PPC protects firefighters from a variety of hazards.

6–17

(Cont.)

Additional PPC protects firefighters from a variety of hazards.

6–18

Personal alert safety systems (PASS) aid in rescuing firefighters.

6–19

Courtesy of Jam

es Nilo

Wildland PPC follows specifications found in NFPA® 1977.

6–20

Wildland PPC allows more movement but less protection than structural PPC.

6–21

(Cont.)

Wildland PPC allows more movement but less protection than structural PPC.

6–22

Do not wear underclothing made of synthetic materials.

6–23

REVIEW QUESTION

Why are there differences in the characteristics of structural fire fighting protective clothing and wildland personal protective

clothing?

6–24

WARNING!

Wildland personal protective clothing is not designed, certified, or intended for interior structural fire fighting.

6–25

Roadway operations clothing is designed to increase firefighter visibility.

6–26

Emergency medical protective clothing helps prevent transmission of diseases.

6–27

Special protective clothing can be used for other emergency incidents.

6–28

(Cont.)


6–29

(Cont.)

Courtesy of Iow

a Fire Service Training B

ureau


6–30

Station/Work uniforms serve two functions for firefighters.

6–31

Station/Work uniforms must meet requirements of NFPA® 1975.

6–32

Summarize guidelines for the care of personal protective clothing.


6–33

Care of personal protective equipment is a matter of safety.

6–34

Inspect PPC frequently and for several types of damage and/or contamination.

6–35

Inspection findings determine cleaning method used

NFPA® 1851 defines four types of PPE cleaning.

6–36

WARNING!

• Do not wash contaminated protective clothing in washing machines used for other garments or items.

• Do not take contaminated protective clothing into the living or sleeping quarters of the fire station or your residence.

• PPE should not be stored where it can come in contact with vehicle exhausts.

• PPE that is carried in personal vehicles should be placed in closable garment bags intended for that purpose.

6–37

PPC must be repaired immediately by qualified personnel.

6–38

REVIEW QUESTION

What are some basic guidelines for the care of personal protective

clothing?

6–39

Explain the safety considerations for personal protective equipment.


6–40

PPE both protects and isolates firefighters from hazards.

6–41

Remember several specific safety considerations regarding PPE.

6–42

(Cont.)

Remember several specific safety considerations regarding PPE.

6–43

REVIEW QUESTION

What safety considerations do firefighters need to keep in mind when using personal protective equipment?

6–44

Identify respiratory hazards.


6–45

Appropriate protection is the most effective respiratory protection.

6–46

Respiratory hazards often occur in situations immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH).

6–47

Oxygen deficiency occurs most often (but not only) in areas of combustion.

Elevated temperatures can lead to superheated air.

6–49

Particulate contaminants come from many sources and pose serious health risks.

6–50

Gases and vapor enter the body in several ways and are very dangerous.

6–51

Gases

Vapors

A variety of harmful gases and vapors can be formed by combustion.

6–52

Hydrogen Cyanide

Hydrogen Chloride

Sulfur DioxideCarbon

Monoxide

Hydrogen Sulfide

Nitrous gasesAmmonia Phosgene

Formaldehyde

Nonfire incidents can also produce dangerous gases and vapors.

6–53

Keep distance

Wear SCBA

Airborne pathogens are disease-causing microorganisms suspended in air.

6–54

REVIEW QUESTION

What common respiratory hazards do firefighters face?

6–55

Identify types of respiratory protection equipment.


6–56

Respiratory protection equipment is divided into two main categories.

6–57

Provides breathable air

Filters particulates only

ASRs are divided into further categories.

6–58

Supplied air respirators (SARs) are used only in specific conditions.

6–59

Open-circuit SCBAs are far more common than closed-circuit SCBA.

6–60

Open-circuit SCBA consists of four basic components.

6–61

(Cont.)


6–62

(Cont.)


6–63

(Cont.)


6–64

Fit testing and other regulations apply to facepiece assemblies.

6–65

Additional components of SCBA provide safety features.

6–66

Courtesy of K

enneth Baum

Air-purifying respirators (APRs) contain single use filters for airborne particulates.

6–67

APRs are used only in specific instances involving particulates.

6–68

APRs have limitations and must be closely monitored.

6–69

REVIEW QUESTION

How do atmosphere-supplying respirators differ from air-purifying respirators?

6–70

Describe the limitations of respiratory protection equipment.


6–71

Explain methods for storing respiratory protection equipment.


6–72

Respiratory protection has both wearer and equipment limitations.

6–73

Offset by training, medical exams and proper fit testing. (Cont.)

Respiratory protection has both wearer and equipment limitations.

6–74

Controlled by inspection, care, maintenance, training.

NFPA® Safety Alert

High temperature environments can result in thermal degradation or melting of SCBA facepiece lenses.RESULTS:•Elimination of protection meant for the user’s respiratory system•Exposure to products of combustion and superheated air

6–75

REVIEW QUESTION

What are some of the limitations of respiratory protection equipment?

6–76

SCBA is stored according to local SOPs, but should be able to be quickly and easily donned.

6–77

REVIEW QUESTION

What should respiratory equipment be protected from during storage?

6–78

Describe general donning and doffing considerations for protective

breathing apparatus.


6–79

Follow these general considerations when donning SCBA.

6–80

SCBA can be donned in several ways.

6–81

Courtesy of K

enneth Baum

(Cont.)

Caution!

Never connect the regulator and breathe cylinder air when seated in the apparatus. This activity will deplete your air supply before you arrive at the incident.

6–82

SCBA can be donned in several ways.

6–83

Courtesy of R

on Bogardus

Be aware of two important differences among SCBA facepieces.

6–84

Follow these general consideration when donning SCBA facepieces.

6–85

Follow these general considerations when doffing SCBA facepieces.

6–86

(Cont.)

Follow these general considerations when doffing SCBA facepieces.

6–87

REVIEW QUESTION

What general considerations need to be taken when donning and doffing protective breathing apparatus?

6–88

Summarize general considerations for protective breathing apparatus inspections and care.


6–89

Several factors determine how frequently SCBA is inspected.

6–90

SCBA must be inspected regularly, and damage reported immediately.

6–91

(Cont.)

Courtesy of K

enneth Baum


6–92

(Cont.)

Courtesy of K

enneth Baum


6–93

(Cont.)

Courtesy of K

enneth Baum


6–94

(Cont.)


6–95

Proper care for SCBA means cleaning and sanitizing after each use.

6–96

(Cont.)

Proper care for SCBA means cleaning and sanitizing after each use.

6–97

REVIEW QUESTION

What are the general inspection and care considerations for protective breathing apparatus?

6–98

Trained and qualified personnel perform annual inspection and maintenance.

6–99

Courtesy of K

enneth Baum

Frequency of SCBA air cylinder hydrostatic testing varies by material.

6–100

Courtesy of K

enneth Baum

Stamp or label provides testing dates

MaterialSteel/aluminum

Hoop-wrapped aluminum

Fully wrapped fiberglass

Fully wrapped KevlarTM

Fully wrapped carbon fiber

Summarize safety precautions for refilling SCBA cylinders.


6–101

Explain procedures for replacing SCBA cylinders.


6–102

Three sources can be used to refill SCBA air cylinders.

6–103

Courtesy of Jam

es Nilo

Courtesy of B

randon Wagoner

Follow these general guidelines and precautions for all fill systems.

6–104

Refilling unshielded cylinders while donned is prohibited, but RIC/RITs are granted exceptions.

6–105

Courtesy of K

enneth Baum

Stationary fill systems use cascade system or fill direct from compressor.

6–106

Follow these safety precautions when using stationary fill stations.

6–107

Mobile fill stations are used at emergency incidents.

6–108

Courtesy of Jam

es Nilo

Firefighting breathing air replenishment system (FBARS) are used in highrise buildings.

6–109

Courtesy of B

randon Wagoner

REVIEW QUESTION

What kinds of safety precautions should be taken when refilling SCBA cylinders?

6–110

Replace SCBA cylinders only in specific circumstances.

6–111

REVIEW QUESTION

What methods can you use to replace an SCBA cylinder?

6–112

Explain safety precautions for SCBA use.


6–113

Describe nonemergency and emergency exit indicators.


6–114

Describe nonemergency exit techniques.


6–115

Several safety precautions must be considered when using SCBA.

6–116

(Cont.)

Several safety precautions must be considered when using SCBA.

6–117

REVIEW QUESTION

What are the safety precautions taken when using an SCBA?

6–118

Exit procedures help you make rapid exits from many type incidents.

6–119

Nonemergency exit indicators are the most common.

6–120

Emergency exit indicators signal life threatening situations.

6–121

REVIEW QUESTION

What are common emergency and nonemergency exit indicators a

firefighter may encounter during an incident?

6–122

IC monitors potential hazards but you should monitor your oxygen levels.

6–123

Nonemergency exit techniques are based on Incident Command Systems (ICS) and NFPA® 1500.

6–124

(Cont.)

Nonemergency exit techniques are based on Incident Command Systems (ICS) and NFPA® 1500.

6–125

REVIEW QUESTION

What are some nonemergency exit techniques firefighters can use?

6–126

• Your PPE will protect you from hazards and minimize the risk of injury or fatality if properly worn, cleaned, and maintained.

• Respiratory equipment can protect you from toxic gases and vapors, particulates, and disease, but only if properly used, inspected, cleaned, and maintained.

Summary

6–127

• Knowing how to select the type of respiratory equipment that is appropriate, as well as manage your air supply, are also important.

Summary

6–128

Demonstrate the method for donning structural personal protective clothing for use at an emergency. This objective is measured in Skill Sheet 6-I-1.


6–129

With structural personal protective clothing in place, demonstrate the over-the-head method of donning an SCBA. This objective is measured in Skill Sheet 6-I-2.


6–130

With structural personal protective clothing in place, demonstrate the coat method of donning an SCBA. This objective is measured in Skill Sheet 6-I-3.


6–131

With structural personal protective clothing in place, demonstrate the method for donning an SCBA while seated. This objective is measured in Skill Sheet 6-I-4.


6–132

Doff personal protective equipment, including respiratory protection, and prepare for reuse.

This objective is measured in Skill Sheet 6-I-5.


6–133

Demonstrate the steps for inspecting an SCBA.

This objective is measured in Skill Sheet 6-I-6


6–134

Demonstrate the steps for cleaning an SCBA.



6–135

Demonstrate the method for filling an SCBA cylinder from a cascade system, wearing appropriate PPE, including eye and ear protection. This objective is measured in Skill Sheet 6-I-8.


6–136

Demonstrate the method for filling an SCBA cylinder from a compressor/ purifier system, wearing appropriate PPE, including eye and ear protection. This objective is measured in Skill Sheet 6-I-9.


6–137

Demonstrate the one-person method for replacing an SCBA cylinder.



6–138

Demonstrate the two-person method for replacing an SCBA cylinder.



6–139

6

Education