FF Structural Protective Ensemble Review Provided by the Research & Program Development section of the North Carolina Department of Insurance, Office of State Fire Marshal NFPA 1001, Firefighter I JPRs 5.3.2, 5.3.3, Personal Protective Equipment

Purpose n This training segment will review the basic components of the Structural Fire Fighting Protective Ensemble, including each components purpose and correct use.

Why Should an Experienced Firefighter Review PPE? What’s wrong in the pictures below?

What’s Wrong? SCBA is on upside down!

What’s Wrong? Short gloves being worn without use of wristlets!

What’s Wrong? Suspenders hanging down!

What’s Wrong? Hood is outside of coat!

NFPA 1971 n NFPA 1971 Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting & Proximity Fire Fighting 2007 Edition sets minimum guidelines for the construction and design of fire service protective equipment. In addition, NFPA 1971 requires certain labeling for compliance. You should make sure each piece of your PPE is NFPA compliant.

PPE Components

Helmet n Helmets come in an array of models and styles. Helmets must be used in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.

Helmet Key Components Hard Cover Reflective Striping Eye Protection (Goggles) Flame Retardant Neck Cover Chin Strap Fold Down Eye Protection Helmet Adjustment

Protective Hoods n NFPA 1971, The interface element of the protective ensemble that provides limited protection to the coat/helmet/SCBA face piece interface area.

Eye Protection n Face Shields & Goggles Face shields will only provide limited eye protection. Goggles or safety glasses should be used when there is an increased exposure to flying particles.

Structural Fire Fighting Protective Coat n NFPA 1971, The element of the protective ensemble that provides protection to the upper torso and arms, excluding the hands and head.

Structural Fire Fighting Protective Coat (Outer Shell) The outer layer of structural fire fighting protective coats are made from flame retardant material such as Nomex, PBI, or Kevlar. It also has numerous reflective markers so that a firefighter can be seen in the dark.

Structural Fire Fighting Protective Coat (Outer Shell) The outer layer has several key components such as an inner zipper & an outer flap, a neck flap, and wristlets.

Structural Fire Fighting Protective Coat (Outer Shell) The outer layer may be equipped with a fire fighter rescue strap as shown below.

Structural Fire Fighting Protective Coat (Inner Shell) The inner shell consists of a moister barrier attached to a thermal layer. Moister Barrier Thermal Layer

Structural Fire Fighting Protective Coat (Inner Shell) The inner shell should have a label attached ensuring it’s compliance to the current edition of NFPA 1971.

Structural Fire Fighting Protective Trousers n NFPA The element of the protective ensemble that provides protection to the lower torso and legs, excluding the ankles and feet.

Structural Fire Fighting Protective Trousers Outer Shell n Trousers are made from the same material as protective coats. They may be constructed in a bib like configuration or waist design. The outer shell repels water and resists abrasion. The outer shell usually has reinforced knees to provide additional protection in areas subject to extreme abrasion.

Structural Fire Fighting Protective Trousers Inner Shell n The inner shell provides a moisture barrier and thermal protection. NFPA 1971 requires a label to be affixed to the inner shell stating compliance to NFPA 1971.

Structural Fire Fighting Protective Footwear n NFPA 1971, The element of the protective ensemble that provides protection to the foot, ankle, and lower leg. The fire fighters boot may be constructed of rubber or leather and can be a slip-on or laced style. Footwear should be water proof; cut resistant; slip resistant; and made with a heavy sole and reinforced toe to prevent injury.

Structural Fire Fighting Protective Glove n NFPA 1971, The element of the protective ensemble that provides protection to the hand and wrist.

Structural Fire Fighting Protective Glove Gloves play an important role to the protection of a fire fighter in that they must provide thermal protection, and in addition provide suitable dexterity for the fire fighter so they can work with their hands effectively. Gloves may be short or long, depending on whether wristlets are used with the fire fighters protective coat.

Each piece of the firefighters structural protective ensemble is important. Always wear your PPE in accordance with NFPA and manufactures recommendations..