PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

FO3 Adrian D Quilang

INTRODUCTION

Firefighters require the BEST personal protective equipment available because of the hostile environment in which they perform their duties. Providing and using quality protective equipment will not necessarily guarantee firefighter safety but injuries can be reduced and prevented if protective ensembles and breathing apparatus are properly maintained and used properly.

FULL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT FOR STRUCTURAL FIREFIGHTING

HEAD PROTECTION EYE PROTECTION HEARING PROTECTION PROTECTIVE HOODS PROTECTIVE COAT AND TROUSER FEET PROTECTION HAND PROTECTION PERSONAL ALERT SAFETY SYSTEM SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS

HEAD PROTECTION

Prevents the head from impact and puncture injuries as well as from scalding water. This is the first concern of firefighters. Also referred to as helmet.

Benefits of the Head Protection Protect from head from impactProvide protection from heat and coldProvides face shields for secondary of the eyes and

face when SCBA is not required

HEAD PROTECTION

Types of Head Protection  Firefighter Helmets Rescue Helmets

HEAD PROTECTION

Parts of a Helmet

Ear Covers Chin Straps Face Shield Head Strap Adjuster Brim (Wide)

EYE PROTECTION

Protects the wearer’s eyes from flying solid particles or liquids.

Types of Eye Protection Helmet Face ShieldSafety GogglesSCBA Mask FacepieceSafety Glasses

HEARING PROTECTION

Limits noise-induced damage to the firefighter’s ears when loud noise situations cannot be avoided

Types of Hearing Protection 

Intercom/Ear protection systemsEarmuffs / Ear Plugs

PROTECTIVE HOODS

Provides protection of the firefighter’s neck, ears and face not covered by helmet or coat from exposure to extreme heat

PROTECTIVE COATS AND TROUSERS

Used to protect the upper and lower extremities (trunks and limbs) against cuts, abrasions, and burn injuries resulting from radiant heat and provides limited protection against corrosive liquids

PROTECTIVE COATS AND TROUSERS

There are no difference to both components for protection except that the protective coats are for upper extremities and protective trousers are for lower extremities.Components of a Protective Coat and Trousers Outer ShellMoisture BarrierThermal Barrier

PROTECTIVE COATS AND TROUSERSParts of Protective Coat

Collar Storm Flaps Wristlets Pockets Reinforced Elbow Pads Straps, Zippers or Hooks Reflective Trims

PROTECTIVE COATS AND TROUSERS

Parts of a Protective Trouser

Reinforced Knee Pads Heavy Duty Suspenders Reflective Trims Pockets

FEET PROTECTION

Protect the feet from burn injuries and puncture wounds. Also called Safety Shoes and BootsTypes of Feet Protection Fire BootsSafety Shoes

HAND PROTECTION

Protects the hands from cuts, abrasions, wounds, and burn injuries. Must have enough dexterity (handiness) for proper fit to the wearer.Kinds of Hand Protection Firefighter Gloves (with wristlets or Gauntlets)Extrication GlovesKnitted GlovesRescue Gloves

PERSONAL ALERT SAFETY SYSTEMProvides life-safety protection by emitting a loud shriek if the firefighter should collapse or remain motionless for approximately 30 seconds. Newer types of PASS are attached to the SCBA Harness Assembly.

This is also called Personal Alert Device (PAD)

SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUSWhy Respiratory Protection is Important?

Health Hazards in the workplace are a major concern for both employers and employees. It is important, though, to remember that hazardous materials only present a health hazard when they come into contact with your body.

Hazardous materials can enter your body in three ways:

Ingestion Skin Absorption Inhalation

SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUSInhalation

Of the three ways that hazardous materials can enter your body, inhalation is the most common route of exposure for most materials which are health hazards. This includes breathing in dust, fumes, oil mist, and vapors from solvents and various gases.

Inhaling hazardous materials damages the delicate structure of your lungs. Lungs that have been damaged are more susceptible to respiratory diseases. These diseases often cannot be cured, and eventually lead to death. In short, respiratory protection is serious business.

SCBA – RESPIRATORY HAZARDS

Respiratory Hazards The lungs and respiratory tract are more vulnerable to injury than any other body areas, and the gases encountered in fires are, for the most part, dangerous in one way or another. It is a general rule that we should not enter any potential toxic atmosphere or any hazardous condition unless equipped with a protective breathing apparatus.

Four common hazardous atmospheres associated with or other related emergencies

Oxygen Deficiency Elevated Temperatures Smoke Toxic Atmospheres

SCBA – RESPIRATORY HAZARDS

Oxygen Deficiency Occurs when the combustion process consumes oxygen while producing toxic gases that either physically displace oxygen or dilutes its concentration. When below 18 percent, the human body responds by increasing its respiratory rate. Oxygen deficiency occurs in below-grade locations, chemical storage tanks, grain bins, silos and other confined spaces. Another is total-flooding carbon dioxide extinguishing system after discharge.

SCBA – RESPIRATORY HAZARDS

Physiological Effects of Reduced Oxygen (Hypoxia)

Oxygen in Air (Percent) Symptoms

21 None – Normal Conditions

17

Some impairment of muscular coordination; increase in respiratory rate to compensate for lower oxygen content

12 Dizinnes, headache, rapid fatigue

9 Unconsciousness

6

Death within a few minutes and concurrent heart failure

SCBA – RESPIRATORY HAZARDS

Smoke

Is the suspension of small particles of carbon, tar, and dust floating in the combination of heated gases. Some of the suspended particles are irritating, but others may be lethal. The darker the smoke, the higher carbon monoxide level.

SCBA – RESPIRATORY HAZARDS

Toxic Atmospheres

Associated with Fires Not Associated with Fires

SCBA – RESPIRATORY HAZARDS

Toxic Atmospheres Associated with Fires

Occurs during the combustion process, exposure to combination of irritants and toxicants whose toxicity cannot be predicted accurately

The particular toxic gases given off at a fire vary according to four factors:

Nature of the Combustible Rate of Heating Temperature of the evolved gases Oxygen concentration in the air

SCBA – RESPIRATORY HAZARDS

Toxic Atmospheres Not Associated with Fires

Are most likely can be found at highly industrialized processes that uses extremely dangerous chemicals. This does not necessarily mean only at those areas but another from leakage upon / during transportation of highly dangerous/hazardous chemicals

SCBA – RESPIRATORY HAZARDS

Elevated Temperatures

Are caused by exposure to heated air can damage the respiratory tract, and if air is moist, the damage can be much worse. Excessive heat taken quickly into the lungs can cause decrease in blood pressure and circulatory system failure. Inhaling heated gases can cause pulmonary edema (accumulation of fluids in the lungs and associated swelling) can cause death by asphyxiation

SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUSProtective breathing apparatus is extremely crucial to the well-being of a firefighter. Failure to use this equipment could lead to failed rescue attempts, firefighter injuries, or worst – fatalities.

A well trained firefighter should be knowledgeable of respiratory hazards, the requirements for wearing protective breathing apparatus, the procedures for donning or doffing the apparatus, and the proper care and maintenance of the equipment. The basic misconception of the SCBA is that its content is not oxygen but compressed air (open-circuit) or liquid oxygen (closed-circuit)

SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUSSCBA protects the face and lungs from toxic smoke and gases, and other products of combustionTypes of Breathing Apparatus  Open-Circuit – most frequently used SCBA in the fire service. This uses compressed air. The exhaled SCBA air is vented to the outside atmosphere.

Closed-Circuit - mostly used in long operations and hazardous materials incidents. It can last for four (4) long hours before replacement and weighs less than the open-circuit because of the smaller cylinder and uses pure liquid oxygen. It is also called Rebreather Apparatus.

SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUSBasic Components of the SCBA

Backpack and Harness Assembly – holds the air cylinder on the firefighter’s back and provides stability

Air Cylinder Assembly – Includes cylinder, valve, and pressure gauge

Regulator Assembly – includes high pressure hose and low pressure hose

Face Piece Assembly – includes face piece lens, exhalation valve, low-pressure hose, face piece straps

TYPES OF SCBA BREATHING APPARATUS

SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUSGeneral Parts of the SCBA  Backpack and Harness Remote Pressure Gauge Cylinder Pressure Gauge High Pressure Hose Face Mask Bypass Valve First Stage Regulator Second Stage Regulator Low Pressure Hose Exhalation Valve Air Cylinder

SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUSProtective Breathing Apparatus Limitations In order to operate effectively, the firefighter must be aware of the three (3) limitations of SCBA, namely:

Limitations of Wearer Limitations of Equipment Limitations of Air Supply

SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUSLimitations of Wearer

Several factors affect the firefighter’s ability to use SCBA effectively. These factors include physical, medical and mental limitations. 

Physical  Physical condition – the wearer must be in sound physical condition in order to maximize the work that can be performed and to stretch the air supply as far as possible. Agility – Wearing a protective breathing apparatus restricts the wearer’s movements and its affects his balance. Good agility will help overcome these obstacles. Facial Features – the shape and contour of the face affects the wearer’s ability to get a good facepiece-to-face seal.

SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUSMedical

Neurological Functioning – good motor coordination is necessary for operating in protective breathing equipment. The wearer must be of a sound mind to handle emergency situations that may arise. Muscular/Skeletal Condition – must have physical strength and size to wear the size required to perform the mandated tasks. Cardiovascular Conditioning – poor cardiovascular conditioning can result to heart attacks, strokes or other related problems during strenuous activity. Respiratory Functioning – proper respiratory functioning can and will maximize the wearer’s operation time in a self-contained breathing apparatus.

SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUSLimitations of Equipment  Limited visibility – due to the facepiece, reduces peripheral vision and facepiece fogging can reduce overall vision.

Decreased ability to communicate – facepiece hinders voice communication

Increased Weight – adds 25 to 35 pounds of the weight of the firefighter, depending on the model

Decreased Mobility – due to the increased weight factor of the SCBA and the splinting effect of the harness straps, reduces firefighter’s mobility.

SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUSMental  Adequate training in equipment use – the wearer must be knowledgeable in every aspect of the breathing apparatus use. Self-confidence – the firefighter’s belief in his ability will have an extremely positive overall effect on the actions performed. Emotional Stability – the ability to maintain control in an excited or high stress environment will reduce the chances of a serious mistake being made.

SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUSLimitations of Air Supply  Physical Condition of User – firefighter’s poor physical

condition generally expends air supply faster Degree of Physical Exertion – the higher the physical

exertion, the faster the air supply expended Emotional Stability of the User – the higher the wearer

become excited or stressed, uses air supply faster than the calm firefighter.

Condition of Apparatus – minor leaks and poor adjustment of regulators results in excessive air loss

Cylinder pressure before use – if the cylinder is not filled to capacity, the amount of working time is reduced proportionately

Training and user experience – properly trained and highly experienced personnel are able to draw the maximum air supply from a cylinder.

SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS

Donning of SCBA – refers to the proper wearing of the SCBA

Donning from a storage case Over-the-Head Method Backpack Method

Donning from a Seat Mount

SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUSDoffing of SCBA – refers to the proper removal of the SCBA

Doffing Procedures: Make sure that you are out of the contaminated area and SCBA is no longer required.Discontinue the flow of air from the regulator to the facepieceDisconnect low pressure hose from the regulator from the facepiece, depending upon type of SCBARemove the facepieceRemove the backpack assembly while protecting the regulatorClose cylinder valveRelieve pressure from the regulatorExtend all strapsRefill and replace the SCBAClean and disinfect the facepiece

CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF PPE

Proper Care and Maintenance of Personal Protective Equipment

Upon return to the station, check all worn and used PPE for any damages or contamination

Clean/Wash all those used in the operations before storing

If contaminated and cannot be disinfected, properly dispose the equipment

Follow the necessary procedures for cleaning and maintaining equipments based on the manufacturer’s instructions.

THANK YOU…

Let us proceed to drills / practical exercises