Prince George’s County Fire/EMS – General Order 08-13: Personal Protective Equipment

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing the key PPE standards, requirements, markings, maintenance, and approval processes outlined in Prince George’s County Fire/EMS General Order 08-13.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Mandatory safety ensemble—including helmet, turnout coat, turnout pants, approved boots, gloves, Nomex hood, and SCBA—required for Fire/EMS personnel during specified operations.

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)

Respiratory protection that must be worn in any atmosphere deemed IDLH and remain in use until the Incident Commander confirms it is safe to remove.

IDLH Atmosphere

An environment that is Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health; triggers mandatory SCBA use.

High-Visibility Vest

ANSI-compliant vest required when members operate on a roadway during non-firefighting activities.

Bureau of Logistics and Supply

Division responsible for fitting, issuing, altering, and tracking all PPE; maintains centralized issuance/inspection database.

NFPA Standards

National Fire Protection Association guidelines that all protective clothing and equipment must meet before use.

OSHA Standards

Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations that govern equipment such as steel-toe leather work boots and gloves for non-fire operations.

Helmet Color – Career Firefighter/Technician

Yellow helmet with 2-inch reflective striping around the bonnet.

Helmet Color – Emergency Medical/Rescue/Paramedic

Blue helmet (or existing yellow helmet with blue striping) with 2-inch reflective striping.

Helmet Color – Probationary Firefighter

Red helmet with appropriate reflective striping until Firefighter I certification is obtained.

Helmet Color – Observer

Orange helmet clearly marked “OBSERVER,” worn by Ride-Along participants who do not engage in operations.

Helmet Marking – Bomb Squad

Reflective gold letters with black outline reading “BOMB SQUAD” plus ID number on each side of helmet.

Helmet Marking – HazMat Level II

Red reflective letters “HM II” centered on the back brim of the helmet.

Helmet Marking – HazMat Level III

Red reflective letters “HM III” centered on the back brim of the helmet.

Approved Non-Issued Helmets

Cairns Sam Houston N6A1, Cairns Classic 1000/1010, Cairns 1044 w/EES Innerzone 2, Morning Pride Ben 2 Plus, or composite Sam Houston style, when inspected and approved.

Approved Non-Issued Fire Boots

Pro Boot (Warrington Group), Black Diamonds, and Globe Magnum boots meeting NFPA 1971, when inspected and approved.

Approved Non-Issued Firefighting Gloves

Morning Pride/American Firewear Sleevemate gloves; only alternative to standard-issue gloves.

Standard Issue Firefighting Glove

Single glove model supplied by Logistics; mandatory unless alternative Sleevemate gloves are used.

Leather Work Boots (Non-Issued)

Smooth-toe steel-toe boots meeting OSHA standards allowed on non-firefighting rescues, brush fires, EMS, and service calls at OIC discretion.

Non-Issued Leather Work Gloves

OSHA-certified gloves purchased by the wearer; permitted for tasks like winch operation or high-altitude rescue with Unit OIC approval.

Tiller Position PPE Rule

Personnel in open tiller seats must wear full running gear while responding; gear may be removed in enclosed tillers with OIC approval.

Apparatus Operator PPE Rule

PPE not required while driving; full ensemble (plus SCBA near IDLH) mandatory once leaving the vehicle for operations.

Hearing Protection

Approved hearing protection must be worn by all personnel on fire and rescue apparatus.

Turnout Gear Reflective Markings

All coats and pants have reflective stripes; coats display 3" 'PG' on shoulders and 'PGFD' on back for identification.

Volunteer Company Coat Option

Logistics may add company name/initials/number (up to 10 characters) on coat backs at member or company expense.

PBI/Kevlar Turnout Coat

Standard coat material for Firefighters, Fire Technicians, and line officers.

White Nomex Coat

Turnout coat color designated for command officers.

PPE Cleaning Frequency

Turnout gear must be cleaned at least annually or whenever contaminated; cleaning and repairs performed only by certified vendor.

Helmet Maintenance Prohibition

No alterations or painting without manufacturer approval; clean with mild detergent and inspect hardware regularly.

Ride-Along Observer Program

Allows civilians to ride apparatus wearing orange observer helmet; they may not perform firefighting or rescue and are exempt from full PPE.

PPE Inspection Responsibility

Career supervisors and Volunteer Chief Officers must inspect members’ PPE monthly; any unsafe equipment may be removed from service.

Condition of Employment

Use of prescribed PPE is mandatory; supervisors are accountable for personnel working without it, and injuries from non-use are scrutinized by Risk Management.

Protection Level Determination

Incident Commander or OIC evaluates scene hazards to set required PPE level; full PPE is mandatory for extrication and vehicle fires.