BOF FF1 Chapter 6*21 FF Personal Protective Equipment

What components are included in a full set of PPE?

Helmets, Coats, Trousers, Boots, Eye protection, Protective gloves, and Protective hoods

What are the limitations and disadvantages of structural fire fighting PPE?

Limits to how much heat the structural protective clothing can absorb, when hot enough the gear will cause contact burns when trapped heat permeates the FF underclothing or the bare skin touching the material, and time varies based upon the heat transfer rate until it reaches a dangerous absorption rate

List situations where hearing protection is required and situations where it is impractical or may be dangerous

Required - power tool operations, apparatus pump operations, generator operations, and PASS device tests/ Prevents you from - communicating with other FF, Hearing changes in fire behavior, Hearing radio transmissions, and Hearing calls from a trapped victim

List equipment and PPE used for wildland fire fighting

Gloves, Goggles, Jackets, Trousers, One piece jumpsuit, Long sleeve shirts, Helmet, Face/neck shrouds, Footwear, Fire shelter, Load carrying or load bearing equipment, Respiratory protection, and Chain saw protection

What are some safety considerations for wearing PPE?

Condider design, purpose, and limitaions of gear/ Ensure dry garments/ PPE delays awareness/ Must fit you/ Overlap is 2 in between coat and trousers when bent/ Impairs balance and gait/ Thermal burns possible (withdraw)/ Sweat causes heat stress and burns/ Not meant for backdraft, flashover, or rapid fire development/ Absorbs heat which slows the rate of heat transfer to the wearer/ Velcro may fuse in heat/ Raise FF temp/ Heat of PPE can burn hands

List conditions to look for when inspecting PPE

Soiling, Contamination, Missing or damaged hardware, Physical damage, Wear, Thermal damage, Shrinkage, Damaged trim, Loss of reflectivity, Cracks/melting/abrasions/dents in helmet, Damages facesheild/goggles, Damages earflaps/neck guard, Loss watertight footwear, Damage drag rescue device, and Date of manufacture to determine time in service

What is the primary type of respiratory protection used in the fire service?

ASR (atmosphere supplying respirators)

What are some respiratory hazards present in an IDLH atmosphere?

O2 deficiency, Elavated temp, Particulate contaminants, Gases and Vapors, Airborne pathogens

What are the components of an open-circuit SCBA?

Backplate and harness assembly, Air cylinder assembly, Regulator assembly, and Facepiece assembly

What are some SCBA equipment and wearer limitations?

Limited visibility, Decreased ability to communication, Decreased endurance, Decreased mobility, Poor condition, and Low air cylinder pressure/ Poor physical conditioning, Lack of agility, Impaired balance, Inadequate pulmonary capacity, Weakened cardiovascular ability, Psycholoical limitations, Unique facial features

What checks should be performed just before donning SCBA?

Check for full cylinder gauge (90%), Chech remote and cylinder gauge for within limits, Check harness assembly and that all facepiece straps are extended, Adjust lumbar support, Functional valves and correct positioning, Test low pressure alarm, Test PASS device, and Check all battery powered functions

What are the general considerations for donning SCBA facepieces?

Fully extend all straps, Ensure no hair between skin and facepiece sealing surface, Center chin in chin cup and harness ar the rear of the head, Tighten facepiece straps by pulling to rear, Check completely sealed, functioning exhalation valvue, and connecions are secure, Ensure hood is over facepiece harness or straps, Wear helmet with chin strap secured

What are some checks you should perform on respiratory equipment before you enter and while you are in the IDLH atmosphere?

Before - check cylinder pressure and estimate point of no return based on your air supply, pressure, and mission objective; During - Check air status frequently

Name examples of emergency exit indicators

Activiation of SCBA low pressure air alarm, SCBA failure, Withdrawl orders from IC or Safety Officer, Changes in environment, Unexpected changes in O2 levels, or New hazards

What are the three common nonemergency exit techniques?

Buddy system, Controlled breathing, Entry/egress paths

What are some general actions you should take when doffing PPE and SCBA?

Exit contaminated area, Undergo field reduction of contaminants, Remove backpack assembly while on air, Remove coat, Remove protective hood and facepiece alltogether, Remove pants and boots, Close cylinder valve, Relieve pressure from regulators and turn off PASS decive, Discontinue airflow, Disconnect regulator from facepiece, Place components into bag/container, and Use soap or disposable towels to clean head, face, and neck areas

When should SCBA inspections typically be performed?

After each use, At the start of every duty shift, and Every week

What SCBA components should be checked during inspection?

Facepiece, Backplate and harness assembly, Breathing air assembly, Hoses, Low pressure alarm, Regulator, Pressue indicator gauge, Intregrated PASS

Describe the cleaning process for an SCBA facepiece

Wash thoroughly with warm water containing a mild commercial disinfectant and then rinse with clear, warm water. Ensure exhalation valve is entact - repeat cleaning or identify the problem if needed. Dry with lint free cloth or air dry. Sanitize facepiece seal and interior. Report any damage.

What are the three breathing air sources for refilling cylinders?

Stationary fill stations, Mobile fill stations, and FF Breathing Air Replenishment Systems (FBARS)

When might you exchange a breathing air cylinder?

During the daily/weekly inspection if less than 90%, During training excersises, During long duration emergency operations, and After any emergency operations

Air-Purifying Respirator (APR)

Respirator that removes contaminants by passing ambient air through a filter, cartridge, or canister; may have a full or partial facepiece.

Airborne Pathogens

Disease-causing microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, or fungi) that are suspended in the air.

Atmosphere-Supplying Respirator (ASR)

Respirator that supplies the user with an air supply from a source independent of the ambient atmosphere.

Auto-Cascade System

Completely automated stationary fill station that fills air cylinders to a programmed pressure.

Cascade System

Three or more large, interconnected air cylinders, from which smaller SCBA cylinders are recharged; the larger cylinders typically have a capacity of 300 cubic feet (9 cubic meters).

Closed-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus

SCBA that recycles exhaled air, removes carbon dioxide, and restores compressed, chemical, or liquid oxygen; not approved for fire fighting operations.

Rules and regulations published by executive agencies of the U.S. federal government. These administrative laws are just as enforceable as statutory laws (known collectively as federal law), which must be passed by Congress.

Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)

Emergency Escape Breathing Support System (EEBSS)

Feature installed on some SCBA which allows two firefighters to breathe from one cylinder without removing their facepieces.

End-of-Service-Time Indicator (EOSTI)

Warning device that alerts the user that the respiratory protection equipment is about to reach its limit and that it is time to exit the contaminated atmosphere; its alarm may be audible, tactile, visual, or any combination thereof.

Fire Fighting Boots

Protective footwear meeting the design requirements of NFPA, OSHA, and CAN/CSA Z195-02 (R2008).

Firefighter Breathing Air Replenishment Systems (FBARS)

A standpipe for air permanently installed within a high-rise building or a large horizontal structure. Air is pumped into the system by a fire department's mobile air truck on the ground, providing an immediate and continuous supply of breathing air to the responders. Air bottles can then be refilled in a matter of seconds at fill stations located throughout a high-rise building.

Fusee

Pyrotechnic flare sometimes used in wildland fire fighting to start controlled burns.

Hearing Protection

Device that limits noise-induced hearing loss when firefighters are exposed to extremely loud environments, such as apparatus engine noise, audible warning devices, and the use of power tools and equipment.

Helmet

Headgear worn by firefighters that provides protection from falling objects, side blows, elevated temperatures, and heated water.

High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filter

Respiratory filter that is certified to remove at least 99.97 percent of monodisperse particles of 0.3 micrometers in diameter.

Hypoxia

Potentially fatal condition caused by lack of oxygen.

Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus

SCBA that allows exhaled air to be discharged or vented into the atmosphere.

Oxygen-Deficient Atmosphere

Atmosphere containing less than the normal 19.5 percent oxygen. At least 16 percent oxygen is needed to produce flames or sustain human life.

Particulate

Very small particle of solid material, such as dust, that is suspended in the atmosphere.

Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL)

Maximum time-weighted concentration at which 95 percent of exposed, healthy adults suffer no adverse effects over a 40-hour work week; an 8-hour time-weighted average unless otherwise noted. PELs are expressed in either parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). They are commonly used by OSHA and are found in the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards.

Personal Alert Safety System (PASS)

Electronic lack-of-motion sensor that sounds a loud alarm when a firefighter becomes motionless; can also be manually activated.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

General term for the equipment worn by fire and emergency services responders; includes helmets, coats, trousers, boots, eye protection, hearing protection, protective gloves, protective hoods, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), personal alert safety system (PASS) devices, and chemical protective clothing.

Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR)

Motorized respirator that uses a filter to clean surrounding air, then delivers it to the wearer to breathe; typically includes a headpiece, breathing tube, and a blower/battery box that is worn on the belt.

Protective Coat

Coat worn during fire fighting, rescue, and extrication operations.

Protective Gloves

Protective clothing designed to protect the hands.

Protective Hood

Hood designed to protect the firefighter's ears, neck, and face from heat and debris; typically made of Nomex®, Kevlar®, or PBI® and available in long or short styles.

Protective Trousers

Trousers worn to protect the lower torso and legs during emergency operations.

Proximity Fire Fighting

Activities required for rescue, fire suppression, and property conservation at fires that produce high radiant, conductive, or convective heat; includes aircraft, hazardous materials transport, and storage tank fires.

Pulmonary Edema

Accumulation of fluids in the lungs.

Qualitative Fit Test (QLFT)

Respirator fit test that measures the wearer's response to a test agent, such as irritant smoke or odorous vapor. If the wearer detects the test agent, such as through smell or taste, the respirator fit is inadequate.

Quantitative Fit Test (QNFT)

Fit test in which instruments measure the amount of a test agent that has leaked into the respirator from the ambient atmosphere. If the leakage measures above a pre-set amount, the respirator fit is inadequate.

Remote Pressure Gauge

Pressure gauge that is not mounted on the regulator but can be seen by the SCBA wearer; commonly found on SCBA that have facepiece-mounted regulators.

Respiratory Hazards

Conditions affecting your system, including products of combustion, toxic gases, and superheated or oxygen-deficient atmospheres.

Retroreflective Trim

Surfaces such as those used on road signs, emergency vehicle markings, protective clothing, or safety vests which are designed to reflect light along multiple planes at once, giving the surface the appearance of illumination.

Search Line

Non-load-bearing rope that is anchored to a safe, exterior location and attached to a firefighter during search operations to act as a safety line.

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)

Respirator worn by the user that supplies a breathable atmosphere that is either carried in or generated by the apparatus and is independent of the ambient atmosphere. Respiratory protection is worn in all atmospheres that are considered to be Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH).

Structural Firefighters' Protective Clothing

General term for the equipment worn by fire and emergency services responders; includes helmets, coats, pants, boots, eye protection, gloves, protective hoods, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), and personal alert safety system (PASS) devices.

Supplied Air Respirator (SAR)

Atmosphere-supplying respirator for which the source of breathing air is not designed to be carried by the user; not certified for fire fighting operations.

Thermal Saturation

Point at which a liquid or solid can no longer absorb heat without undergoing a physical change, whether vaporization in liquids or pyrolyzation in solids.