Personal Protective Clothing

Garments firefighters must wear to protect themselves during performance of duties

Personal Protective Equipment

Includes personal alert safety system (PASS) and Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)

NFPA 1971 Stardard for Firefighter Structureal PPE

• Helmet
• Protective hood
• Protective coat and trousers
• Gloves
• Safety shoes or boots

NFPA 1500 Standard for Firefighter PPE include these additions?

• Eye protection
• Hearing protection
• Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
• Person alert safety system (PASS)

Wildland Personal Protective Clothing

Structural PPE is too bulky and hot. 

NFPA 1977 sets wildland PPE standard. 

Underwear of 100% cotton should be worn under brush gear. Long sleeve/leg cotton clothes should be worn under single layer brush gear. 

Respiratory Hazards

Any exposure to atmosphere or any condition presenting hazard to respiratory system.  

1) O2 Deficiency

2) Elevated Temp

3) Smoke

4) Toxic Atmosphere

Oxygen Deficient Atmosphere

Any atmosphere less than 19.5% O2.

Common Toxic Gases Associated with Fire

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Hydrogen Cynide (HCN)

Protective Breathing Apparatus Limitations

of Wearer

Physical: Physical Condition, Agility, Facial Features

Medical: Neuro, muscular, cardio, respiratory

Mental: Training, confidance, stability

Protective Breathing Apparatus Limitations 

of Equipment

Visibility

communication

weight

mobility

Protective Breathing Apparatus Limitations 

of air supply

Condition of user

degree of physical exertion

emotional stability

condition of apparatus

cylinder pressure

training and experience

Low pressure alarm

Audible alarm set to go off at 25% max container pressure

Point of no return

Open Circuit SCBA

SCBA that allows exhaled air to discharge to atmosphere. 

4 SCBA componants

Harnass Assembly

Air Cylinder Assembly 

Regulator Assembly

Facepiece Assembly

Open Circuit Airline Equipment

Airline breathing equipment that is exhaled to the atmosphere. Also called SAR - supplied air respirators. 

Also include a 5-10 min emergency egress cylinder.

Closed Circuit Breathing Apparatus

Closed circuit SCBA where exhaled air is recirculated, scrubbed and augmented with O2 then re-breathed. 

PASS

Personal Alert Safety Device. Required device that alert when a firefighter has stopped moving and may be in trouble. 

Inspection and Maintenance

Daily/weekly inspection before and after each use. 

Monthly inspection looking at all componants for deterioration or leaks. 

Annual inspection and testing by technician

Hydrostatic (under pressure in water) cylinder test every 5 years (steel or aluminum) or three years (composite)

PAR

Personnel Accountibility Report - a roll call of all units

Tag Line

Non-load bearing rope attached to an object to help steer or act as safety line. 

Salvage Cover

Waterproof cover to protect unaffected furniture or areas. 

In Service

Operational and available for an assignement. 

Guidelines for care and maintenance of Helmets

Remove dirt and soot and chemicals

replace if dont fit or damaged or cracked/scratched/cloudy faceshield

Inspect suspension system frequently

Consult manufacturer if need repair

remove polycarbonate helmet if contact hydraulic oil

When check air supply?

 Start shift

donning

5-10m during work

2-3 min during egress

refilling

Checks prior to donning

Air

gauges

harness and facepiece

valves

PASS

Actions to take if seperated from team

Mayday

follow SOP

Activate PASS

Stop and think

hold breath and listen

follow hoseline

crawl straight