Fire 101 Chapter 6 PPE Gear

What is the main purpose of PPE?

Protect firefighters from hazards and injuries.

What determines which PPE a firefighter should wear?

The incident and hazards present.

What does a complete PPE ensemble include?

Helmet, coat, trousers, boots, gloves, hood, and appropriate eye, hearing, and respiratory protection.

What is the purpose of station uniforms?

Provide basic work clothing; they offer limited fire protection.

Why should synthetic underclothing be avoided during wildland firefighting?

It can melt or cause additional injury when exposed to heat.

What NFPA standard covers structural firefighting PPE?

NFPA 1970.

What are the three layers of structural protective clothing?

Outer shell, moisture barrier, and thermal barrier.

What does the outer shell of turnout gear do?

Provides the outside layer of protection against physical and environmental hazards.

What does the moisture barrier do?

Helps prevent liquids and moisture from passing through the clothing.

What does the thermal barrier do?

Helps protect the firefighter from heat.

What are common limitations of structural PPE?

It is heavy, bulky, hot, and can restrict movement.

What is a compression burn?

A burn that can occur where protective layers are compressed together.

Why must structural PPE be dry before entering a fire?

Moisture can increase the risk of heat-related injury.

What should happen if PPE or SCBA is damaged during operations?

The firefighter must evacuate the structure.

Why should firefighters avoid unauthorized PPE repairs?

Special materials and thread require approved repair procedures and trained personnel.

What is the purpose of a protective hood?

Protects the head and neck areas not covered by the helmet and coat.

What is the purpose of structural firefighting gloves?

Protect hands and wrists while allowing enough dexterity to handle tools.

How should structural firefighting gloves fit?

They should cover the wristlet and form a complete seal.

What do firefighting boots protect?

The feet, ankles, and lower legs.

Why should boot tops fit inside trouser legs?

To maintain a protective barrier, including when kneeling.

What does PASS stand for?

Personal Alert Safety System.

When does a PASS device activate automatically?

When the firefighter is motionless for more than 30 seconds.

How else can a PASS device be activated?

By pressing its emergency button.

What is the purpose of a PASS device?

Alerts others when a firefighter is in danger and helps rescuers locate them.

What NFPA standard covers wildland firefighting PPE in the slides?

NFPA 1977.

What PPE is included in the minimum wildland ensemble?

Helmet with eye protection and neck shroud, flame-retardant shirt and pants, footwear, gloves, and fire shelter.

What is a fire shelter used for?

An emergency protective device carried by wildland firefighters.

Can wildland PPE be used for interior structural firefighting?

No. It is not designed, certified, or intended for that environment.

Why is structural PPE not ideal for ordinary wildland fires?

Its extra weight and insulation can create unnecessary heat stress.

What is the purpose of high-visibility clothing near roadways?

Helps other drivers and personnel see firefighters.

What makes a high-visibility vest useful during the day and at night?

Fluorescent material improves daytime visibility; retroreflective material improves nighttime visibility.

When should high-visibility vests not be worn at an incident?

During firefighting or hazardous-materials activities at the scene.

What is the purpose of EMS protective clothing?

Helps prevent blood and body fluids from reaching clothing or skin.

What is a proximity suit designed to do?

Reflect radiant heat during specialized high-heat operations.

What NFPA standard covers hearing protection requirements in the slides?

NFPA 1550.

When should firefighters use hearing protection?

When riding apparatus and operating power tools, generators, pumps, or testing PASS devices.

Why can hearing protection be dangerous during structural firefighting?

It can block communication, radio traffic, fire behavior changes, and victim calls for help.

What can repeated exposure to loud noise cause?

Permanent hearing loss.

What should firefighters inspect on their PPE?

Contamination, physical damage, wear, thermal damage, hardware, reflective trim, and protective barriers.

What is preliminary exposure reduction?

The initial field steps taken to reduce contamination before leaving the incident area.

What is advanced PPE cleaning?

Thorough cleaning using appropriate equipment, such as an extractor.

What is specialized PPE cleaning?

Cleaning for specific hazardous contamination or body fluids.

What should guide PPE cleaning and maintenance?

Department procedures, manufacturer instructions, and applicable NFPA standards.

Who should perform specialized PPE repairs?

Trained and approved repair personnel.

Why should contaminated PPE stay out of vehicle cabs and living areas?

To prevent transferring contaminants to people and other surfaces.

What does IDLH mean?

Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health.

What oxygen level is considered oxygen-deficient?

Less than 19.5% oxygen.

What happens to breathing rate below 18% oxygen?

Breathing rate increases.

What are common respiratory hazards at fire scenes?

Oxygen deficiency, heat, particulates, toxic gases, vapors, and airborne pathogens.

What does ASR stand for?

Atmosphere-Supplying Respirator.

What does an ASR do?

Supplies breathable air from a source.

What does APR stand for?

Air-Purifying Respirator.

What does an APR do?

Filters surrounding air but does not supply oxygen.

What is the difference between ASR and APR?

ASR supplies air; APR filters the air around the wearer.

What are the two main types of SCBA?

Open-circuit and closed-circuit.

How does an open-circuit SCBA work?

The wearer breathes from the cylinder and exhaled air is released outside.

How does a closed-circuit SCBA work?

It reuses exhaled air after processing it.

What are the main components of an SCBA?

Backplate and harness, cylinder, hoses, regulator, and facepiece.

Why is a proper SCBA face seal important?

Prevents contaminated air from entering the facepiece.

Why can facial hair be a problem with SCBA?

It can interfere with the facepiece seal.

What are the two types of SCBA fit testing?

Qualitative fit testing (QLFT) and quantitative fit testing (QNFT).

How often does the slide material require fit testing?

Annually.

What does a firefighter need to do when working in an IDLH atmosphere?

Use required PPE and SCBA, maintain communication, and follow safety procedures.

Why should firefighters work with a buddy in an IDLH atmosphere?

To maintain contact, monitor each other, and support an emergency response.

When should a firefighter leave an IDLH atmosphere?

Before the low-air alarm activates, allowing enough air to exit safely.

What should firefighters do if their SCBA or PPE becomes damaged during operations?

Leave the hazardous area and follow department procedures.

What should be checked during SCBA inspections?

Straps, buckles, face seals, hoses, regulators, cylinder condition, and lenses.

Who should perform annual advanced SCBA maintenance?

Specially trained, factory-qualified technicians.

What type of breathing air do the slides specify for cylinder refilling?

Type 1 Grade D breathing air.

What are the three SCBA cylinder air sources listed in the slides?

Stationary fill systems, mobile fill systems, and FBARS.

What does FBARS stand for?

Firefighter Breathing Air Replenishment System.

Why must SCBA cylinders be checked before refilling?

To verify condition, pressure, and hydrostatic-test status.

Why should SCBA cylinders be filled slowly?

To prevent overheating.

What should happen to damaged cylinders?

Mark them clearly and keep them separate from usable cylinders.

How should empty cylinders be stored?

Separately from full, serviced cylinders.

What can damage respiratory equipment during storage?

Contamination, temperature changes, and ultraviolet light.