Personal protective equipment (PPE) worn by firefighters serves two main purposes: protection from hazards and isolation from hazards. It includes clothing, helmets, eye protection, respiratory protection and other gear. PPE has specific requirements according to standards like NFPA 1971. Proper care, use, inspection and maintenance of PPE is vital for firefighter safety. Respiratory protection equipment includes supplied air respirators like SCBA and air purifying respirators; SCBA is the standard for interior structural firefighting. Limitations exist for all PPE that require mitigation through training and other measures.

1. Essentials of Fire Fighting
6th Edition
Firefighter I
Chapter 6 — Firefighter Personal
Protective Equipment

2. Describe the purpose of personal
protective equipment.
Learning Objective 1
6–2

3. Describe characteristics of each type
of personal protective equipment.
Learning Objective 2
6–3

4. Personal protective equipment (PPE)
includes three basic components.
6–4

5. Personal protective equipment is
designed to meet two purposes.
6–5

6. 6–6
Structural fire fighting protective
clothing must meet NFPA®
1971.

7. 6–7
Altering protective clothing may
endanger lives and have other
effects.

8. DISCUSSION QUESTION
Why is it important to NEVER alter PPC
components?
6–8

9. Personal protective equipment has
several design benefits and
limitations.
6–9

10. Helmets must be worn correctly to
properly protect and identify firefighters.
6–10

11. Eye protection devices are required by
NFPA®
1500 and come in many varieties.
6–11

12. Protective hoods provide a
continuous layer of protection
between coat and helmet.
6–12

13. REVIEW QUESTION
What is the purpose of personal
protective equipment?
6–13

14. Protective coats are required by
NFPA®
1971 to have three layers,
which provide limited protection.
a. Outer shell
b. Moisture barrier
c. Thermal barrier
6–14

15. WARNING!
All layers of the protective coat must be
in place during any fire fighting
operation. Failure to wear the entire
coat and liner system during a fire may
expose you to severe heat resulting in
serious injury or death.
6–15

16. NFPA®
1971 requires several
design features for protective
coats.
6–16
Reflective trim Wristlets Collars
Drag Rescue Device
(DRD) Closure system

17. Additional PPC protects firefighters
from a variety of hazards.
6–17
(Cont.)

18. Additional PPC protects firefighters
from a variety of hazards.
6–18

19. Personal alert safety systems
(PASS) aid in rescuing firefighters.
6–19
CourtesyofJamesNilo

20. Wildland PPC follows specifications
found in NFPA®
1977.
6–20

21. Wildland PPC allows more movement
but less protection than structural
PPC.
6–21
(Cont.)

22. Wildland PPC allows more movement
but less protection than structural
PPC.
6–22

23. Do not wear underclothing made
of synthetic materials.
6–23

24. REVIEW QUESTION
Why are there differences in the
characteristics of structural fire
fighting protective clothing and
wildland personal protective clothing?
6–24

25. WARNING!
Wildland personal protective clothing is
not designed, certified, or intended for
interior structural fire fighting.
6–25

26. Roadway operations clothing is
designed to increase firefighter
visibility.
6–26

27. Emergency medical protective clothing
helps prevent transmission of
diseases.
6–27

28. Special protective clothing can be
used for other emergency
incidents.
6–28
(Cont.)

29. Special protective clothing can be
used for other emergency
incidents.
6–29
(Cont.)
CourtesyofIowaFireServiceTrainingBureau

30. Special protective clothing can be
used for other emergency
incidents.
6–30

31. Station/Work uniforms serve two
functions for firefighters.
6–31

32. Station/Work uniforms must meet
requirements of NFPA®
1975.
6–32

33. Summarize guidelines for the care of
personal protective clothing.
Learning Objective 3
6–33

34. Care of personal protective
equipment is a matter of safety.
6–34

35. Inspect PPC frequently and for several
types of damage and/or
contamination.
6–35
Inspection findings
determine cleaning
method used

36. NFPA®
1851 defines four types
of PPE cleaning.
6–36

37. WARNING!
• Do not wash contaminated protective clothing in
washing machines used for other garments or
items.
• Do not take contaminated protective clothing into
the living or sleeping quarters of the fire station or
your residence.
• PPE should not be stored where it can come in
contact with vehicle exhausts.
• PPE that is carried in personal vehicles should be
placed in closable garment bags intended for that
purpose.
6–37

38. PPC must be repaired immediately
by qualified personnel.
6–38

39. REVIEW QUESTION
What are some basic guidelines for
the care of personal protective
clothing?
6–39

40. Explain the safety considerations for
personal protective equipment.
Learning Objective 4
6–40

41. PPE both protects and isolates
firefighters from hazards.
6–41

42. Remember several specific safety
considerations regarding PPE.
6–42
(Cont.)

43. Remember several specific safety
considerations regarding PPE.
6–43

44. REVIEW QUESTION
What safety considerations do
firefighters need to keep in mind when
using personal protective
equipment?
6–44

45. Identify respiratory hazards.
Learning Objective 5
6–45

46. Appropriate protection is the most
effective respiratory protection.
6–46

47. Respiratory hazards often occur in
situations immediately dangerous to life
and health (IDLH).
6–47

48. Oxygen deficiency occurs most often
(but not only) in areas of combustion.

49. Elevated temperatures can lead to
superheated air.
6–49

50. Particulate contaminants come from
many sources and pose serious health
risks.
6–50

51. Gases and vapor enter the body in
several ways and are very dangerous.
6–51
Gase
s
Vapors

52. A variety of harmful gases and vapors
can be formed by combustion.
6–52
Hydrogen
Cyanide
Hydrogen
Chloride
Sulfur Dioxide
Carbon
Monoxide
Hydrogen Sulfide
Nitrous gases
Ammonia
Phosgene
Formaldehyde

53. Nonfire incidents can also produce
dangerous gases and vapors.
6–53
Keep distance Wear SCBA

54. Airborne pathogens are disease-
causing microorganisms suspended in
air.
6–54

55. REVIEW QUESTION
What common respiratory hazards
do firefighters face?
6–55

56. Identify types of respiratory
protection equipment.
Learning Objective 6
6–56

57. Respiratory protection equipment is
divided into two main categories.
6–57
Provides breathable air Filters particulates only

58. ASRs are divided into further
categories.
6–58

59. Supplied air respirators (SARs) are
used only in specific conditions.
6–59

60. Open-circuit SCBAs are far more
common than closed-circuit SCBA.
6–60

61. Open-circuit SCBA consists of four
basic components.
6–61
(Cont.)

62. Open-circuit SCBA consists of four
basic components.
6–62
(Cont.)

63. Open-circuit SCBA consists of four
basic components.
6–63
(Cont.)

64. Open-circuit SCBA consists of four
basic components.
6–64

65. Fit testing and other regulations
apply to facepiece assemblies.
6–65

66. Additional components of SCBA
provide safety features.
6–66
CourtesyofKennethBaum

67. Air-purifying respirators (APRs)
contain single use filters for
airborne particulates.
6–67

68. APRs are used only in specific
instances involving particulates.
6–68

69. APRs have limitations and must be
closely monitored.
6–69

70. REVIEW QUESTION
How do atmosphere-supplying
respirators differ from air-purifying
respirators?
6–70

71. Describe the limitations of
respiratory protection equipment.
Learning Objective 7
6–71

72. Explain methods for storing
respiratory protection equipment.
Learning Objective 8
6–72

73. Respiratory protection has both
wearer and equipment limitations.
6–73
Offset by training, medical exams and proper fit testing.Offset by training, medical exams and proper fit testing. (Cont.)

74. Respiratory protection has both
wearer and equipment limitations.
6–74
Controlled by inspection, care, maintenance, training.Controlled by inspection, care, maintenance, training.

75. NFPA®
Safety Alert
High temperature environments can
result in thermal degradation or melting
of SCBA facepiece lenses.
RESULTS:
•Elimination of protection meant for the
user’s respiratory system
•Exposure to products of combustion
and superheated air
6–75

76. REVIEW QUESTION
What are some of the limitations of
respiratory protection equipment?
6–76

77. SCBA is stored according to local
SOPs, but should be able to be
quickly and easily donned.
6–77

78. REVIEW QUESTION
What should respiratory equipment
be protected from during storage?
6–78

79. Describe general donning and
doffing considerations for protective
breathing apparatus.
Learning Objective 9
6–79

80. Follow these general
considerations when donning
SCBA.
6–80

81. SCBA can be donned in several
ways.
6–81
CourtesyofKennethBaum
(Cont.)

82. Caution!
Never connect the regulator and
breathe cylinder air when seated in the
apparatus. This activity will deplete your
air supply before you arrive at the
incident.
6–82

83. SCBA can be donned in several
ways.
6–83
CourtesyofRonBogardus

84. Be aware of two important differences
among SCBA facepieces.
6–84

85. Follow these general consideration
when donning SCBA facepieces.
6–85

86. Follow these general
considerations when doffing SCBA
facepieces.
6–86
(Cont.)

87. Follow these general considerations
when doffing SCBA facepieces.
6–87

88. REVIEW QUESTION
What general considerations need to
be taken when donning and doffing
protective breathing apparatus?
6–88

89. Summarize general considerations
for protective breathing apparatus
inspections and care.
Learning Objective 10
6–89

90. Several factors determine how
frequently SCBA is inspected.
6–90

91. SCBA must be inspected regularly,
and damage reported immediately.
6–91
(Cont.)
CourtesyofKennethBaum

92. SCBA must be inspected regularly,
and damage reported immediately.
6–92
(Cont.)
CourtesyofKennethBaum

93. SCBA must be inspected regularly,
and damage reported immediately.
6–93
(Cont.)
CourtesyofKennethBaum

94. SCBA must be inspected regularly,
and damage reported immediately.
6–94
(Cont.)

95. SCBA must be inspected regularly,
and damage reported immediately.
6–95

96. Proper care for SCBA means
cleaning and sanitizing after each
use.
6–96
(Cont.)

97. Proper care for SCBA means
cleaning and sanitizing after each
use.
6–97

98. REVIEW QUESTION
What are the general inspection and
care considerations for protective
breathing apparatus?
6–98

99. Trained and qualified personnel
perform annual inspection and
maintenance.
6–99
CourtesyofKennethBaum

100. Frequency of SCBA air cylinder
hydrostatic testing varies by material.
6–100
CourtesyofKennethBaum
Stamp or label provides
testing dates
Material
Steel/aluminum
Hoop-wrapped aluminum
Fully wrapped fiberglass
Fully wrapped KevlarTM
Fully wrapped carbon fiber

101. Summarize safety precautions for
refilling SCBA cylinders.
Learning Objective 11
6–101

102. Explain procedures for replacing
SCBA cylinders.
Learning Objective 12
6–102

103. Three sources can be used to refill
SCBA air cylinders.
6–103
CourtesyofJamesNilo
CourtesyofBrandonWagoner

104. Follow these general guidelines
and precautions for all fill systems.
6–104

105. Refilling unshielded cylinders while
donned is prohibited, but RIC/RITs are
granted exceptions.
6–105
CourtesyofKennethBaum

106. Stationary fill systems use cascade
system or fill direct from
compressor.
6–106

107. Follow these safety precautions
when using stationary fill stations.
6–107

108. Mobile fill stations are used at
emergency incidents.
6–108
CourtesyofJamesNilo

109. Firefighting breathing air
replenishment system (FBARS) are
used in highrise buildings.
6–109
CourtesyofBrandonWagoner

110. REVIEW QUESTION
What kinds of safety precautions
should be taken when refilling SCBA
cylinders?
6–110

111. Replace SCBA cylinders only in
specific circumstances.
6–111

112. REVIEW QUESTION
What methods can you use to
replace an SCBA cylinder?
6–112

113. Explain safety precautions for SCBA
use.
Learning Objective 13
6–113

114. Describe nonemergency and
emergency exit indicators.
Learning Objective 14
6–114

115. Describe nonemergency exit
techniques.
Learning Objective 15
6–115

116. Several safety precautions must be
considered when using SCBA.
6–116
(Cont.)

117. Several safety precautions must be
considered when using SCBA.
6–117

118. REVIEW QUESTION
What are the safety precautions
taken when using an SCBA?
6–118

119. Exit procedures help you make
rapid exits from many type
incidents.
6–119

120. Nonemergency exit indicators
are the most common.
6–120

121. Emergency exit indicators signal
life threatening situations.
6–121

122. REVIEW QUESTION
What are common emergency and
nonemergency exit indicators a
firefighter may encounter during an
incident?
6–122

123. IC monitors potential hazards but you
should monitor your oxygen levels.
6–123

124. Nonemergency exit techniques are
based on Incident Command Systems
(ICS) and NFPA®
1500.
6–124
(Cont.)

125. Nonemergency exit techniques are
based on Incident Command Systems
(ICS) and NFPA®
1500.
6–125

126. REVIEW QUESTION
What are some nonemergency exit
techniques firefighters can use?
6–126

127. • Your PPE will protect you from hazards and
minimize the risk of injury or fatality if
properly worn, cleaned, and maintained.
• Respiratory equipment can protect you from
toxic gases and vapors, particulates, and
disease, but only if properly used, inspected,
cleaned, and maintained.
Summary
6–127

128. • Knowing how to select the type of respiratory
equipment that is appropriate, as well as
manage your air supply, are also important.
Summary
6–128

129. Demonstrate the method for donning
structural personal protective clothing
for use at an emergency.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 6-I-1.
Learning Objective 16
6–129

130. With structural personal protective
clothing in place, demonstrate the
over-the-head method of donning an
SCBA.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 6-I-2.
Learning Objective 17
6–130

131. With structural personal protective
clothing in place, demonstrate the coat
method of donning an SCBA.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 6-I-3.
Learning Objective 18
6–131

132. With structural personal protective
clothing in place, demonstrate the
method for donning an SCBA while
seated.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 6-I-4.
Learning Objective 19
6–132

133. Doff personal protective equipment,
including respiratory protection, and
prepare for reuse.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 6-I-5.
Learning Objective 20
6–133

134. Demonstrate the steps for inspecting
an SCBA.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 6-I-6
Learning Objective 21
6–134

135. Demonstrate the steps for cleaning an
SCBA.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 6-I-7.
Learning Objective 22
6–135

136. Demonstrate the method for filling an
SCBA cylinder from a cascade
system, wearing appropriate PPE,
including eye and ear protection.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 6-I-8.
Learning Objective 23
6–136

137. Demonstrate the method for filling an
SCBA cylinder from a compressor/
purifier system, wearing appropriate
PPE, including eye and ear protection.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 6-I-9.
Learning Objective 24
6–137

138. Demonstrate the one-person method
for replacing an SCBA cylinder.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 6-I-10.
Learning Objective 25
6–138

139. Demonstrate the two-person method
for replacing an SCBA cylinder.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 6-I-11.
Learning Objective 26
6–139