Proper PPE There is to be NO non issued PPE to be worn while on duty. FRA Policy There is to be NO non issued PPE to be worn while on duty. FRA Policy Follow proper procedures to have equipment tested through R&D committee. DFR Follow proper procedures to have equipment tested through R&D committee. DFR 5.1.1

PWC PPE Audit Helmets: Helmets: 636 Checked 636 Checked –30 Found damaged to the point of being out of service. –79 missing –PARS tags not being used properly and/or missing –Helmet identifiers missing or not used properly, both side identifiers and furnace pieces.

PWC PPE Audit Hoods Hoods 636 Checked 636 Checked –41 were missing –6 damaged to the point of being out of service –6 found to be unapproved

PWC PPE Audit Turnout Coats Turnout Coats 636 Checked 636 Checked –36 missing –1 damaged to the point of being out of service Findings: Findings: –Pockets need reinforcement –Primary & Secondary gear being used as burn facilitator gear. Turnout Pants Turnout Pants 636 Checked 636 Checked –34 missing Findings: Findings: –Pockets need reinforcement due to tools poking holes through the gear. –Suspenders not being worn –Primary & Secondary gear being used as burn facilitator gear

PWC PPE Audit Fire Gloves Fire Gloves 636 Checked 636 Checked –57 missing –3 damaged to the point of being out of service –3 unapproved Utility Gloves Utility Gloves 636 Checked 636 Checked –76 missing –7 damaged to the point of being out of service –56 unapproved Findings Findings –Large numbers of people purchasing unapproved gloves on their own.

PWC PPE Audit Face piece Face piece 446 Checked 446 Checked –40 unapproved changes –12 damaged Findings Findings –Primary face piece being used as burn facilitator mask –Modifications are being done to neck straps, clearcomms –Damaged lenses

PWC PPE Audit Findings that need to be changed: Findings that need to be changed: Face pieces need to be complete with no alterations. Face pieces need to be complete with no alterations. –Neck straps in place –HUD device properly connected to face piece with batteries –Clearcomm device properly connected to face piece with batteries –Nose cup properly placed in face piece Suspenders need to be attached and worn at all times Suspenders need to be attached and worn at all times Helmet Identifiers to include proper furnace pieces must be set up properly. Helmet Identifiers to include proper furnace pieces must be set up properly. Proper number of PARS tags, you are accountable for six (6) PARS tags with three (3) of them being placed on the passports of the unit your are riding. Proper number of PARS tags, you are accountable for six (6) PARS tags with three (3) of them being placed on the passports of the unit your are riding.

Something to think about!

PPE Inspections & Maintenance (NFPA 1581) All PPE shall be Visually and Physically Inspected by the Unit officer monthly. All PPE shall be Visually and Physically Inspected by the Unit officer monthly. Findings will be documented on the PPE monthly check sheets. Findings will be documented on the PPE monthly check sheets. All PPE monthly check sheets will be filed in station files. All PPE monthly check sheets will be filed in station files.

PPE Inspections & Maintenance (NFPA 1581) Definitions: Routine Cleaning – Is a light cleaning of the ensemble performed by the end user without taking the ensemble out of service. Advanced Cleaning – a thorough cleaning of the ensemble by machine washing and takes place at the time of an advanced inspection (once a year) –M–M–M–Morning Pride Recommends 2 advanced cleanings per year

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 temperature (not to exceed 105 degree) settings. –Use proper not abrasive detergent with a pH range on 6.0 – 10.5 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 outer shell of PPE. Use a mild detergent and a light bristle brush to hand wash outer shell of PPE.

PPE Inspections & Maintenance (NFPA 1581) How (Continued)- How (Continued)- Hang drying is the preferred method. Hang drying is the preferred method. If machine drying, closely examine the gear. If it has a “smoke” smell or it might even be slightly dirty, DO NOT MACHINE DRY. This can cause permanent damage or weaken the PPE. If machine drying, closely examine the gear. If it has a “smoke” smell or it might even be slightly dirty, DO NOT MACHINE DRY. This can cause permanent damage or weaken the PPE. Hang dry both the inner and outer layers in a well ventilated area. Hang dry both the inner and outer layers in a well ventilated area. Keep out of direct sunlight. Keep out of direct sunlight.

PPE Inspections & Maintenance (NFPA 1581) How (Continued)- How (Continued)- Inspect inner and outer layers for tears, rips, cuts, and punctures. Inspect inner and outer layers for tears, rips, cuts, and punctures. Check for missing hardware. Check for missing hardware. Look for missing or damaged reflective trim. Look for missing or damaged reflective trim. Look for thermal damage charring, burn holes, melting, discoloration on inside and outside. Look for thermal damage charring, burn holes, melting, discoloration on inside and outside. Check for leakage indicating potential moisture barrier damage. Check for leakage indicating potential moisture barrier damage.  Damage Damage 

PPE Inspections & Maintenance (NFPA 1581) How (Continued) How (Continued) Hood Inspection Hood Inspection –Check for loss of elasticity in face opening. –Look for loss of material elasticity or evidence of stretching out-of-shape. –Look for broken or missing stitching. –Check seam integrity.

PPE Inspections & Maintenance (NFPA 1581) How (Continued) How (Continued) Gloves Gloves –Look for shrinkage. –Check for liner inversion. –Look for loss of flexibility. Footwear Footwear –Look for loss of water resistance. –Look for exposed or damaged parts.

PPE Inspections & Maintenance (NFPA 1581) How (Continued) How (Continued) Helmet Helmet –Check for outer shell damage (dents, abrasions, etc.) –Look for damaged or missing components. –Check for damage to the ear covers. –Check eye protecting for scratches, melting, etc. Damage  Damage 

PPE Inspections & Maintenance (NFPA 1581) When structural firefighting gear should be retired? When structural firefighting gear should be retired? Manufactured date of greater than 10 years. Manufactured date of greater than 10 years. PPE is so worn, damaged, or contaminated that repairs or cleaning is not possible or cost effective. PPE is so worn, damaged, or contaminated that repairs or cleaning is not possible or cost effective. When PPE is contaminated by CBRN terrorism agents following a confirmed exposure. When PPE is contaminated by CBRN terrorism agents following a confirmed exposure.

Structural PPE Commonly referred to as bunkers. Commonly referred to as bunkers. Made of three layers: outer shell, moisture barrier, and thermal liner. Made of three layers: outer shell, moisture barrier, and thermal liner. Layers help meet thermal protective criteria. Layers help meet thermal protective criteria. Thermal protective performance refers to the time a wearer has before a 2nd degree or greater burn will be sustained. Thermal protective performance refers to the time a wearer has before a 2nd degree or greater burn will be sustained. TPP for structural firefighting coats is 35 seconds. TPP for structural firefighting coats is 35 seconds.

PPE effectiveness PPE only effective if worn properly. PPE only effective if worn properly. Good PPE habits and a positive attitude can minimize injuries. Good PPE habits and a positive attitude can 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 appropriate PPE. Good habits include fast and proper donning of appropriate PPE. Some firefighters prefer the appearance of “salty” and/or dirty gear as an indicator of their experience & status as a veteran firefighter. These individuals are at grave & unnecessary risk. Clean PPE is a matter of life and death. Some firefighters prefer the appearance of “salty” and/or dirty gear as an indicator of their experience & status as a veteran firefighter. These individuals are at grave & unnecessary risk. Clean PPE is a matter of life and death.

PPE effectiveness Soiled protective garments will expose firefighters to toxins, poisons, carcinogens, infectious bodily fluids, bloodborne pathogens and other harmful substances that can enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, and/or absorption. Soiled protective garments will expose firefighters to toxins, poisons, carcinogens, infectious bodily fluids, bloodborne pathogens and other harmful substances that can enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, and/or absorption. Repeated small exposures can over time cause serious health problems. Repeated small exposures can over time cause serious health problems. Soiled or contaminated PPE reflect less heat and are less insulative than clean PPE. The PPE is also at increased risk to catch fire and injure you. Soiled or contaminated PPE reflect less heat and are less insulative than clean PPE. The PPE is also at increased risk to catch fire and injure you.

PPE Suggestions Keep PPE clean. Keep PPE clean. Practice team checks. Practice team checks. Position PPE for rapid donning. Position PPE for rapid donning. Always use prudent judgment. Always use prudent judgment. PPE includes flashlight, tool, radio, earplugs, eye protection, accountability tag and a partner. PPE includes flashlight, tool, radio, earplugs, eye protection, accountability tag and a partner. Practice proper donning and doffing. Practice proper donning and doffing. Stay hydrated when wearing PPE. Stay hydrated when wearing PPE.

PPE Donning: Donning: 1. Place feet into boots. 2. Pull up the pants and secure Velcro and clasp. 3. Pull up suspenders and tighten. 4. Put on fire resistive hood. 5. Put on coat. 6. Connect coat fasteners. 7. Put on helmet. 8. Lower ear flaps. 9. Secure Chin strap. 10. Secure collar. 11. Put on gloves.

PPE Doffing: Doffing: 1. Remove Gloves 2. Undo collar 3. Undo chin strap on helmet 4. Remove helmet 5. Undo coat fasteners 6. Remove coat 7. Remove fire resistant hood 8. Take off suspenders 9. Undo pants clasp and Velcro 10. Remove bunker pants 11. Place gear in ready position.

Proper PPE-Minimum Required Per Incident Type EMS Calls – Station uniform, gloves, fanny pack EMS Calls – Station uniform, gloves, fanny pack Structure Fire –Helmet, Nomex hood, fire gloves, turnout coat, turnout pants, structural firefighting boots, SCBA with face piece Structure Fire –Helmet, Nomex hood, fire gloves, turnout coat, turnout pants, structural firefighting boots, SCBA with face piece Brush Fire – Helmet, Utility Gloves, Station uniform, Steel toed boots, Safety Glasses Brush Fire – Helmet, Utility Gloves, Station uniform, Steel toed boots, Safety Glasses Auto Accidents – Helmet, utility gloves, Nomex hood, turnout coat, turnout pants, steel toes boots, and safety vest. Safety vest may not be worn by personnel actively involved in extrication. Auto Accidents – Helmet, utility gloves, Nomex hood, turnout coat, turnout pants, steel toes boots, and safety vest. Safety vest may not be worn by personnel actively involved in extrication. LZ’s – Helmet, Nomex hood, fire gloves, turnout coat, turnout pants, structural firefighting boots, SCBA with face piece (do not need to be on air) LZ’s – Helmet, Nomex hood, fire gloves, turnout coat, turnout pants, structural firefighting boots, SCBA with face piece (do not need to be on air)

Proper PPE-Minimum Required Per Incident Type Inside Gas Leak - Helmet, Nomex hood, fire gloves, turnout coat, turnout pants, structural firefighting boots, SCBA with face piece Inside Gas Leak - Helmet, Nomex hood, fire gloves, turnout coat, turnout pants, structural firefighting boots, SCBA with face piece Outside Gas Leak - Helmet, Nomex hood, fire gloves, turnout coat, turnout pants, structural firefighting boots, SCBA with face piece Outside Gas Leak - Helmet, Nomex hood, fire gloves, turnout coat, turnout pants, structural firefighting boots, SCBA with face piece Hazmat - Helmet, Nomex hood, fire gloves, turnout coat, turnout pants, structural firefighting boots, SCBA with face piece Hazmat - Helmet, Nomex hood, fire gloves, turnout coat, turnout pants, structural firefighting boots, SCBA with face piece

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Test Questions Please Answer Questions 1 through Please Answer Questions 1 through