Chapter 6-Firefighter PPE

NFPA—1852 recommends no less than _________% tank capacity.

90%

Procedures for the care of your PPE are found where?

A. Department SOPs B. Manufacturer's Instructions C. NFPA 1851 (Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Protective Ensemble for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting)

Station/Work Uniforms:

A. Identify the wearer as a member of the organization B. Provides a layer of protection against direct flame contact. C. Must meet requirements set forth in NFPA—1975 (Standard on Station/Work Uniforms for Emergency Services) D. Some station/work uniforms are dual purpose wildland FF clothing. E. Safety shoes/boots are part of many Station/Work Uniforms. Usually steel toe, puncture resistant soles. Should not be worn during emergency operations because they can contaminate living quarters.

Protective foot-ware protect the foot, ankle, and lower leg from:

A. Puncture wounds to the sole caused by nails etc. B. Crushing wounds to the toes and instep C. Scalding water or contaminated liquids D. Burns from embers and debris

Design features of Protective Coats required by NFPA 1971 include:

A. Retroreflective trim— Strips of reflective trim on the torso and sleeves make it more visible in low light conditions. B. Wristlets— Fabric interface between the end of the sleeve and the palm of the hand that protects the wrist from water, embers, and other debris. Also keeps coat sleeves from riding up when reaching. C. Collars— Protects the neck from water, embers, and other debris. The collar must be turned up under the helmet ear flap. D. Closure System— snaps, clips, zippers, or Velcro fasteners that secure the front of the coat. E. Drag Rescue Device (DRD)— Harness and hand loop at the back of the neck that enables a rescuer to grab and drag a downed firefighter.

Breathing air cylinder assembly - Inspection

Ensure the cylinder hydrostatic test date is current Inspect the cylinder gauge for cleanliness and damage Inspect the cyliomder body for cracks, dents, weakeened areas, and heat or chemical-induced damage. Inspect composite cylinders for cuts, gouges, loose fibers, and missing resin material Check the valve hand wheel for damage, proper alignment, serviceability, and secure attachment Check the burst disc outlet area for debgris Check the cylinder to ensure that it is full

T/F: Surgical masks are approved for use against airborne pathogens.

False

T/F: Eye injuries are some of the least common injuries at emergency incidents.

False—Eye injuries are some of the most common injuries.

IDLH

Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health

Integrated PASS - Inspection

Inspect the PASS device for cleanliness, wear, and damage Ensure all parts are securely attached to the PASS device Test all operating modes for proper operation Test the low battery warning signal for proper operation

Backplate and harness assembly - Inspection

Inspect the harness straps and backplate for abrasions, cuts, tears, or heat or chemical-induced damage Ensure all the buckles, fasteners, and adjustments operate properly Ensure the harness straps are fully extended Inspect the cylinder retention system for proper operation and damage Ensure the cylinder is securely attached to the backplate

Hoses - inspection

Inspect the high-and low-pressure hoses for abrasions, bubbling, cuts, cracks and heat and chemical-induced damage Inspect the hose fittings for cleanliness and damage Visually check the high-pressure hose to cylinder "O" ring Test the hose connections for tightness

Low-pressure alarm - Inspection

Inspect the low-pressure alarm and mounting hardware for cleanliness proper attachment, and damage Test the alarm for proper activation and operation

Regulator - Inspection

Inspect the regulator controls and pressure relief devices for cleanliness proper operation, and damage Inspect the housing and components for cleanliness and damage Check the regulator for any unusual sounds during operation, such as whistling, chattering, clicking, or rattling Check the mainline and bypass valve for proper function

Pressure indicator gauges - Inspection

Inspect the remote pressure indicator gauge for cleanliness and damage Ensure that the pressure readings on the cylinder pressure gauge and remote gauge are within the manufacturer's recommended limits

Annual inspections of PPC should be carried out by who:

Member of department who is trained in advance inspection requirements. (Department HSO)

ANSI Standard Z87.1

Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices

PPC

Personal protective clothing.

ASR (SCBAs/SARs)

Provide breathable air when working in O2 deficient, toxic, or gas-filled atmospheres.

Helmet shell color indicates:

Rank

NFPA 1977

Standard on Protective Clothing and Equipment for Wildland Fire Fighting

NFPA—1852:

Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus.

T/F: Protective trousers are constructed from the same fabric, moisture barrier, and thermal layering used in protective coats.

True

Qualified SCBA repair technicians must inspect the units every _________________, and after any repairs have been completed.

annually

Airborne Pathogens may be encountered when:

-Assisting victims during medical responses -Vehicle extrications -Rescue and recovery ops -Terrorist attacks

Conditions to look for during routing inspection:

-Soiling -Contamination -Missing/damaged hardware or closure systems -Physical damage (rips, tears, and damaged stitching) -Wear due to friction under arms, crotch, and at knee/elbow joints -Thermal damage (charring, melting, discoloration, and burn holes) -Shrinkage -Damaged or missing retroreflective trim or reinforcing trim -Loss of reflectivity of shell on proximity equipment -Cracks, melting, abrasions, or dents in helmet shell -Missing or damaged faceshield or hardware -Missing or damaged earflaps or neck shroud -Loss of watertight integrity (footwear) -Damaged/faulty installation of DRD

What two respirators are sufficient for filtering particulates from air?

1. APR 2. PAPR

Donning a facepiece (SCBA):

1. All straps should be fully extended 2. No hair should come between the skin and the facepiece sealing surface. 3. The chin should be centered in the chin cup and the harness centered at the rear of the head. 4. Facepiece straps should be tightened by pulling opposing straps evenly and simultaneously to the rear. Tighten the lower straps first, then the temple straps, and finally the top strap if there is one. 5. Always check that the facepiece is completely sealed to the face, the exhalation vale\ve is functioning, and all connections are secure. If there is a donning mode switch, check that it is in the proper position. 6. The protective hood must be worn over the facepiece harness or straps. All exposed skin must be covered and vision must not be obscured. No portion of the hood should be located between the facepiece and the face. 7. The helmet should be worn with the chin strap secured. Helmets equipped with a ratchet adustment should be adjusted so that the helmet fits properly.

PPE should be inspected when?

1. At the beginning of every shift 2. After every use 3. After washing 4. After repair 5. After Decon 6. Periodic basis (weekly/monthly)

Two categories of respiratory protection equipment:

1. Atmosphere-Supplying Respirators (ASRs) 2. Air-Purifying Respirators (APRs)

Open-circuit SCBA four basic components:

1. Backplate and harness assembly 2. Air cylinder assembly 3. Regulator assembly 4. Facepiece assembly

Which two fire gases are responsible for most fire-related fatalities?

1. CO (Carbon Monoxide) 2. HCN (Hydrogen Cyanide)

SCBA inspection prior to use:

1. Check air cylinder gauge 2. Check remote gauge 3. Check the harness assembly and facepiece to ensure all straps are fully extended 4. Operate all valves to ensure proper function (leaving them in proper position) 5. Test the low-pressure alarm 6. Test the PASS device 7. Check all battery-powered functions.

doffing Protective Breathing Apparatus:

1. Ensure you are out of contaminated area 2. Discontinue the flow of air from the regulator to the facepiece. 3. Disconnect the regulator from the facepiece 4. Remove the protective hood, or pull it down around your neck 5. Remove the facepiece by loosening the straps and lifting it from your chin 6. Remove the backpack assembly while protecting the regulator 7. Close the cylinder valve 8. Relieve pressure from the regulator according to the manufacturer's instruction 9. Turn off the PASS device 10. Extend all facepiece and harness straps 11. Check air pressure to determine if the air cylinder needs to be refilled or replaced 12. Clean and disinfect the facepiece 13. Clean the SCBA backplate and harness if necessary 14. Secure the complete unit in its case, seat bracket, or storage bracket

PPC includes:

1. Helmet 2. Coat 3. Trousers 4. Boots 5. Eye Protection 6. Hearing Protection 7. Protective Gloves 8. Protective Hood

Design and construction requirements for SCBA and PASS devices are implemented by NFPA _____________.

1. NFPA 1981 (Standard on Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus for Emergency Services) 2. NFPA 1982 (Standard on Personal Alert Safety Systems "PASS")

NFPA __________ requires that all protective coats used for structural fire fighting be mad of three components: __________, __________, and __________.

1. NFPA—1971 2. Outer Shell 3. Moisture Barrier 4. Thermal Barrier

NFPA 1851 defines 4 types of cleaning PPC:

1. Routing 2. Advanced 3. Specialized 4. Contract

NFPA __________ requires that goggles or other appropriate primary eye protection be worn when participating inoperations where protection from flying particles or chemical splashes is necessary.

NFPA 1500

Use of PPC is mandated by NFPA _________.

NFPA 1500 (Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program)

The frequency of inspections is established by NFPA ________.

NFPA—1852

All PPC designed for structural and proximity fire fighting must meet requirements of NFPA__________

NFPA—1971 (Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural FireFighting and Proximity Fire Fighting.

HazMat:

Varying types include: —High temp —Chemical-protective clothing (CPC)

Types of PPC:

— Structural fire fighting —Wildland firefighting —Roadway operations —EMS —Special protective clothing —Station and work uniforms

Facepiece assembly:

—According to NFPA—1981 All new SCBA facepieces must be equipped with a Heads-up display. (HUD displays a series of lights inside of the facepiece lens indicating the approximate amount of air remaining in the cylinder.) —Speaking diaphragm: mechanical diaphragm permits limited communication by the wearer. May be replaced with electronic diaphragm connected to portable radio. —Other components: Facepiece frame and lens, head harness and straps, exhalation valve, nose cup, & regulator fitting/hose connection. —Wearer must be fit-tested. (OSHA accepts 2 tests: qualitative & quantitative tests) —NFPA—1500 prohibits beards or facial hair that prevents complete seal. —Eyeglass kits are available. —NFPA 1500 & CFR1910.134 allow FF to wear soft contact lenses while using full facepieces if the FF has demonstrated successful long-term (at least 6 months) use of contacts without any problems.

Common gas and vapor types involved with HazMat include:

—CO2 (also produced from fire suppression systems) —Ammonia (also produced by air conditioning and cooling systems) —Sulfur Dioxide (also produced by air conditioning and cooling systems) —Chlorine (also found in water treatment facilities, water parks, and swimming pools) —Pesticides (also found in commercial outlets, farms, nurseries, and residents)

Exposures to gases and vapors can cause:

—Cancer —Cardiovascular disease —Thyroid damage —Respiratory problems —Eye irritation

Fire gases and vapors created by combustion include:

—Carbon Monoxide —Carbon Dioxide —Hydrogen Cyanide —Hydrogen Chloride —Hydrogen Sulfide —Nitrous gases —Phosgene —Sulfur Dioxide —Ammonia —Formaldehyde

Carbon Monoxide (CO):

—Colorless —Odorless —Released when an organic material burns in an atmosphere with a limited supply of oxygen. —Attaches to hemoglobin decreasing the blood's ability to carry oxygen. —Attaches to hemoglobin ~200x more effectively than O2. —Leads to hypoxia to the brain and tissue

SAR:

—Connected to a breathing-air compressor or portable air supply. —For long duration tasks when fire is not a threat to supply hose. (HazMat incidents, confined space rescue, and other technical rescue incidents.) —Only to be used by personnel certified in technical rescue functions.

Oxygen deficiency

—Contains less than 19.5% oxygen —When oxygen concentrations are below 18% the human body responds by increasing respiratory rate. —Combustion is the most common cause of oxygen-deficient atmosphere —Where monitoring is not possible or monitor readings are questionable, and SCBA/SAR must be worn.

Routine Cleaning:

—Does not require the clothing be removed from service —Brushing off loose debris with a broom or soft bristle brush —Using a gentle spray of water to rinse off debris or soil —Removal of heavy soil should be performed by hand in a utility sink in designated cleaning area at the station.

Situations eye protection is need when SCBA is not:

—EMS response (exposure to bodily fluids) —Vehicle extrication —Wildland and ground cover fires —Industrial occupancy inspections —Station maintenance

Personal alert safety system (PASS)

—Emits a loud alarm to alert other personnel that a firefighter is in danger —Alarm activated when a firefighter is motionless for over 30 seconds, or when a FF presses the emergency button. —In some models, alarm is activated by high temp. —Alarm must be at least 95db and emit for at least 1 hour. —Some devices are standalone units that are manually activated, others are tied in with the SCBA regulator that activate when the valve is turned on.

Elevated Temperatures:

—Exposure to superheated air can damage the respiratory tract. —Damage can be much worse when the air is moist. —Excessive heat inhaled quickly into the lungs can cause a serious decrease in blood pressure and failure of the circulatory system. —Inhaling superheated gases can cause pulmonary edema, resulting in death from asphyxiation.

Standing/Swift Water:

—Full-body wet suit (buoyant, thermally insulated, and abrasion/puncture-resistant) —USCG approved PFD must be worn in rivers, streams, lakes, and along shorelines and coastlines.

Protection against airborne pathogens:

—HEPA (High-efficiency particulate air filter): Single use masks certified by NIOSH <N95, N99, N100>, designations indicate the percentage of airborne particles that the mask effectively remove. —APR/PAPR —SCBA/SAR

Protective gloves protect hands and wrists from:

—Heat —Steam —Cold penetration —Resists cuts, punctures, and liquid absorption

Wildland PPC/PPE includes:

—Leather Gloves (FR Material) —Goggles (ANSI Z87.1) —Jackets: made of high-strength, FR fabric (Aramid or treated cotton). —Trousers —One-piece jumpsuits: similar in design to two-piece jacket and trousers ensemble. —Long sleeve shirts —Helmet: light weight with chinstrap —Face/neck shroud: Flame resistant fabric that attaches to the helmet —Footwear: typically lace up safety boots. Steel toe not recommended. —Fire shelter: fire resistant aluminized fabric covers that protect the firefighter from convected and radiant heat. Required by NFPA—1500 and must meet USDA-Forest Service Specification 5100-606 —Load-carrying or load-bearing equipment: belt and suspender system that distribute the weight of the FF equipment including tools, water bottles, and protective fire shelter. —Respiratory protection: NIOSH certified and NFPA approved air-purifying respirators (APR) and powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR) are available for wildland-FF. —Chain saw protection: chaps, leggings, or protective trousers made of ballistic nylon fibers.

ASR & APR/PAPR unit limitations:

—Limited visibility —Decreased ability to communicate (unless equipped with electronic microphone) —Decreased endurance (avg. SCBA weighs 25-35lbs) —Decreased mobility —Poor condition of apparatus —Low air cylinder pressure

Labels must include:

—Manufacturer's name, identification, or designation —Manufacturer's address —Country of manufacture —Manufacturer's ID, Lot, or serial number —Month and year of manufacture. —Model name, number, or design. —Size or size range. —Principal materials of construction. —Footwear size and width (where applicable) —Cleaning precautions

SCBA air cylinder assembly:

—May be constructed of steel, aluminum, aluminum wrapped in fiberglass, or Kevlar carbon composite. —Weigh from 7.9lbs to 18.9lbs —Has a control valve, threaded stem and/or quick connect fitting and a pressure gauge. —Pressure gauge indicates estimated air in the cylinder in PSI

Emergency Medical Protective Clothing:

—Medical Protective clothing must meet NFPA 1999 (Standard on Protective Clothing for Emergency Medical Operations) —Utility gloves: not for patient care but does provide a barrier against bodily fluids, disinfectants, and cleaning solutions. —Medical examination gloves —Facemask —Footwear cover —Medical garment (Single use/multiple use) —Medical helmet: must meet ANSI design requirements for Type 1 hardhats. —Respiratory protection device: filter mask that protects the wearer from airborne pathogens.

Exposure to pathogens include:

—Meningitis —Influenza —MRSA —Pneumonia —Tuberculosis —SARS —Measles —Chickenpox —Smallpox

CBRN:

—Must adhere to NFPA—1994 (Standard on Protective Ensembles for First Responders to CNRN Terrorism Incidents. —NFPA—1971 also establishes optional design requirements for structural and proximity ensembles that are certified for CBRN label.

Technical Rescue:

—Must protect the wearer from physical, thermal, and liquid hazards, as well as infectious diseases. —Design specified in NFPA—1951 (Standard on Protective Ensembles for Technical Rescue Incidents. —They also be CBRN certified. —Respiratory protection includes APR, SCBAs, or SAR.

Hearing Protection:

—Not required by NFPA—1971, but required by NFPA—1500 —Most commonly used when riding on apparatus —Required when decibels exceed 90db in US (85 Canuckville) —Intercom/ear-pro systems are the most effective for transit in apparatus (allows communication while protecting hearing) —Dangerous when used during structural firefighting tasks: prevents you from communicating with other FFs, hearing radio, changes in fire behavior, or calls from a trapped victim.

APR:

—Only filter particulates out of the ambient air. —Filters are single-use items —Regulated by CFR Title 42 (Public Health), Part 84 (Approval of Respiratory Protective Devices) —9 Classes: 3 levels of filtration (95/99/99.97) each with 3 categories of filter degradation (N, R, and P). —N: Not resistant to oil —R: Resistant to oil —P: Used when oil or non-oil lubricants are present —Used primarily at emergency medical incidents to protect against airborne disease. —Limitations: Life of filter/canister/cartridges; need for constant air monitoring (contaminated atmosphere); need for a normal O2 content of the atmosphere before use. —Should be inspected regularly and cleaned following each use. —Filters, canisters, and cartridges should be discarded following use and when they have passed end-of-service life date. —Contain visual ESTIs on the cartridges/canister which indicate when the media is fully saturated. —Other indicators the filter is losing effectiveness: time, taste, smell, and resistance-to-breathing indicators.

Advanced Cleaning:

—Only personnel trained in the care of cleaning of PPC should perform advance cleaning. —Washing machines dedicated to cleaning PPC that is designed to handle heavy loads should be used.

Common respiratory hazards include:

—Oxygen deficiency —Elevated temperatures —Particulate contaminants —Gases and vapors —Airborne pathogens

Contract cleaning:

—Performed by manufacturer, its representative, or a certified vendor.

Helmets are designed to:

—Prevent heated or scalding water and embers from reaching the ears and neck —Protecting the head from impact injuries —Providing protection from heat and cold

Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN):

—Produced by the incomplete combustion of substances containing N and C (natural fibers, resins, synth. polymers, synth. rubber) —Found in upholstered furniture, bedding, insulation, carpet, and other common building material —HCN also released during off-gassing as an object is heated. —Can be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed into the body (targets heart & brain) —Inhaled HCN enters the bloodstream and prevents the blood cells from using oxygen properly, ultimately killing the cell —Large amounts, high concentrations, and lengthy exposures are more likely to cause severe effects. (Permanent heart/brain damage or death) —HCN is 35x more toxic than CO

Regulator Assembly:

—Reduces high pressure of cylinder air to slightly above atmospheric pressure and controls air flow to the wearer. —When the user inhales, a pressure differential is created in the regulator causing the diaphragm to move inward, tilting the admission valve causing low pressure air to flow into the facepiece. The regulator diaphragm is held open creating positive pressure. —Exhalation moves the diaphragm back to the "closed" position. —The regulator may be located on the facepiece, shoulder harness, or wast belt harness. —Some regulators have control valves for normal/emergency operations (mainline valve & bypass valve). In normal position mainline valve is locked in open position and bypass valve closed. On some SCBAs the bypass valve controls a direct air line from the cylinder in the event the regulator fails.

Additional ASR components:

—Remote pressure gauge —ESTI: NFPA & NIOSH require that two end-of-service-time indicators (ESTI) or redundant low-pressure alarms be installed on all SCBAs. Warns user when capacity reaches approximately 20-25%. ESTI has an audible alarm combined with a flashing light/vibrating alarm. —Rapid intervention crew universal air coupling (RIC UAC): located within 4 inches of the cylinder outlet. Allows any cylinder that is low to be transfilled from another cylinder, regardless of its manufacturer.

Specialized Cleaning:

—Required when clothing is contaminated with HazMat or body fluids that cannot be removed by routine or advance cleaning. —Trained member of department or contractor —Clothing too contaminated to clean must be removed from service and destroyed.

Storing respiratory protection equipment:

—Should be easily accessed for quick donning —Protected from contamination, temperature changes, and UV light.

Ice rescue:

—Similar to full-body dry suit used in water rescue —Additional thermal insulation —USCG PFDs are mandatory —Some models have watertight hoods, integrated gloves, and attachable boots.

Proximity fire fighting protective clothing:

—Similar to structural protective clothing but with an aluminized outer shell on the coat, trousers, gloves, and helmet shroud. —Must be resistant to water, impact from sharp objects, and electrical shock. —May be used in some HazMat operations.

Special Protective Clothing includes:

—Technical rescue —Standing/swift water rescue —Ice rescue —HazMat —CBRN —Proximity fire fighting

Roadway Operations Clothing

—Traffic vests are required by federal law at incidents on federally-funded highways.

T/F: NFPA 1971 requires that all components must include a permanent label that shows compliance with the standard.

—True

SCBA:

—Two types: Open/Closed Circuit —Open circuit: exhaled air is vented to the outside atmosphere —Closed circuit (aka rebreather): exhaled air stays within the system and is reused. Much less common and are mainly used in shipboard ops, extended HazMat incidents, some rescue ops, and by industrial fire brigades.

Particulate sources include:

—Vehicle exhaust —Chemical reactions —Heated metals or metal compounds —Combustion

Particulate contaminants may be encountered during the following situations:

—Wildland fires —Welding and metal cutting Ops. —Operation of fire apparatus and small engines —Operations following an explosion or building collapse —Structural fires, especially during the overhaul phase

Particulate contaminants:

—small particles that may be suspended in the air and are harmful to the respiratory system.