Chapter 5— Firefighter PPE

Chapter 5 Lesson Goal

• After completing this lesson, the student shall be able

to identify, use, & maintain FF protective clothing &
equipment following the policies & procedures set forth
by FrPD

5–2
Protective Clothing

Goes by many names:

• Bunker gear
• Turnout gear
• Bunkers
• Firefighter PPE

5–3
Protective Clothing

• Designed to cover &

protect your body
• Protects you from:
 Heat/cold
 Contact/impact

• Must meet NFPA 1971

• Designed for use with
SCBA

5–4
Protective Clothing

• Failure to wear PPE can

lead to injury
• It is a system
 You must wear all of it

 Must be worn correctly

• Keep it clean
 PPE works best when
clean
 NFPA requires cleaning
every 6 months

5–5
 Protective Clothing

• PPE does not protect you

in all IDLH situations
 Haz Mat
 Gases
 Chemicals

• Wear PPE appropriate to

the hazard

5–6
Protective Clothing

• Helmet
 Protects head from
impact
 Protects head from
scalding water, products
of combustion
• Protective hood
 Protects portions of face,
ears, neck not covered
by helmet or coat collar (Continued)

5–7
Protective Clothing

Protective
coat/trousers
• Protect trunk,
limbs against cuts,
abrasions, burn
injuries
• Protect from
heat/cold
• Provide limited
protection from
corrosive liquids
5–8
Protective Clothing

• Gloves
 Protect hands from
cuts, abrasions, burns
• Safety shoes/boots
 Protect feet from
burns, puncture
wounds
• Eye protection
 Protects wearer’s eyes
from hazards (Continued)

5–9
Protective Clothing

• Hearing protection
 Limits noise-induced
hearing loss
• Self-contained
breathing apparatus
(SCBA)
 Protects face, lungs
from heat, smoke,
toxic products of
combustion & airborne
contaminants (Continued)

5–10
Protective Clothing

• Personal alert safety system (PASS)

 Provides audible means by which a lost, trapped, or
incapacitated FF can be located
 Built-in on newer model SCBAs
 Do not let your PASS go to alarm if you are OK
 If your PASS alarms during a test, you fail

• Do not remove PPE to check heat levels

 Gloves, hood

5–11
Helmet Characteristics

Benefits
• Prevents hot water, embers from reaching ears & neck
• Protects head from impact
• Protection from heat, cold
• Secondary protection of face/eyes with faceshield
• Colored helmets, removable shields provide I.D.

(Continued)

5–12
Helmet Characteristics

• Structural fire fighting helmets must

have ear flaps or neck covers
• Chin straps ensure helmets stay in
place upon impact
• For secondary face/eye protection,
faceshields are attached to helmet

5–13
Eye Protection Characteristics

• Several styles of safety

glasses, goggles available
• Must meet ANSI
Standard Z87.1 for
severe exposure to
impact, heat
• Primary eye protection
• Note: Helmet faceshields
are NOT considered
primary eye protection

5–14
Hearing Protection Characteristics

• Most common use is for FFs who ride apparatus

exceeding maximum noise exposure levels (>90dB)
• Intercom/ear protection
systems provide dual
benefit
• Earplugs/earmuffs may
be used

5–15
Protective Hood Characteristics

• Typically made of fire-resistant

material
• Provide higher level of protection than
facepiece alone when used in
conjunction with SCBA
• Facepiece-to-face seal is important

5–16
Turnout Coat Characteristics

NFPA 1971 requires

• Outer shell
• Moisture barrier
• Thermal barrier

(Continued)

5–17
Turnout Coat Characteristics

• Outer shell- protects FF

from heat & contact
• Moisture barrier-
protects FF from hot
water & steam
• Thermal barrier-protects
FF from heat
• Barriers also contribute
to heat stress on FF
(Continued)

5–18
Turnout Coat Characteristics

• Features that provide

additional protection/
convenience

(Continued)

5–19
 Turnout Coat Characteristics

• Drag Rescue Device

 DRD

• Built-in harness for a

rescuer to grab & drag a
FF

(Continued)

5–20
Turnout Coat Characteristics

• Should be cleaned to
manufacturer’s
specifications, reflective
trim maintained to NFPA
standards
• Reflective trim: increases
visibility of wearer to
others

5–21
Turnout Pant Characteristics

• Integral part of protective ensemble,

only NFPA-compliant lower-extremity
covering
• Pants are constructed w/ same
materials & barriers as protective
coats
• Have reinforced knee pads

(Continued)

5–22
Turnout Pant Characteristics

• Provided w/ suspenders
to support the weight of
wet pants
• Must fit properly
• Should be cleaned
according to
manufacturer’s
specifications; reflective
trim maintained to
NFPA standards

5–23
Hand Protection Characteristics

• Protect against heat, steam, cold penetration; provides

resistance to cuts, punctures, liquid absorption
• Reduces dexterity &
ability to feel things
• Must fit properly

5–24
Foot Protection Characteristics

• Available in variety of styles, materials

• Must fit well
• Protects from potential
hazards
• Firefighters should have
 Protective boots
 Safety shoes

(Continued)

5–25
Foot Protection Characteristics

• Many safety boots incorporate steel for extra

protection
• Most rubber firefighting boots have insulation
• FrPD uses rubber & leather boots

5–26
DISCUSSION QUESTION

Why should FFs never wear clothing made of

synthetic materials, such as nylon or polyester, when
fighting a fire?

5–27
Station/Work Uniform Characteristics

• Must meet requirements of NFPA

1975
• Will not ignite, melt or separate
when exposed to 500°F (260°C) for
5 min.
• Designed to be fire-resistant but not
for firefighting
• Adds protection to FF while doing
work

5–28
DISCUSSION QUESTION

Why is it important that the manufacturer’s

recommendations for the care & maintenance of FF
protective clothing be followed whenever cleaning or
repairing it?

5–29
Considerations for Use and Limitations
of PPE
• Removing liner of turnout coat compromises
effectiveness
 DO NOT REMOVE ANY PARTS OF YOUR PPE!

• Wearing PPE may increase risk of heat stress

• FFs may suffer burns w/ no warning

(Continued)

5–30
Considerations for Use & Limitations of PPE

Structural PPE provides no CBRNE protection

• C = Chemical
• B = Biological
• R = Radiological
• N = Nuclear
• E = Explosion

5–31
Considerations for Use & Limitations of PPE

• Decreased ability to feel ambient heat

• Damaged PPE causes greater risk
• Using appropriate PPE is only way to be properly
protected

5–32
Care of Personal Protective Clothing

• Must be cleaned & maintained according to

manufacturer’s specifications
• If contaminated, should not be worn until properly
laundered according to manufacturer’s recommended
procedure

(Continued)

5–33
Care of Personal Protective Clothing

• Do not wash PPE at home

 Can lead to cross contamination

• Decontaminate PPE after interior firefighting & medical

calls
• Do not dry clean or use bleach
• Do not launder gloves
• Do not dry in direct sunlight

(Continued)

5–34
Care of Personal Protective Clothing

Care of helmets
• Cleaning
considerations
• Do not use scrubbing
pads

5–35
DISCUSSION QUESTION

How should contaminated protective clothing be

washed & handled?

5–36
Respiratory Hazards

• IDLH atmospheres
• Inhalation hazards
 Lungs are susceptible to
respiratory hazards
• Interior of a burning building is
an IDLH atmosphere

(Continued)
District Chief Chris E. Mickal, NOFD
Photo Unit

5–37
Respiratory Hazards

Four common hazards

• Oxygen deficiency (causes hypoxia)
• Elevated temperatures
• Smoke
• Toxic atmosphere (w/ & w/o fire)

5–38
Oxygen Deficiency

• Combustion process consumes oxygen while

producing toxic gases
• Deficiencies can occur in below-grade locations,
sewers, chemical storage tanks, etc.
• Can only be checked by instruments

(Continued)

5–39
Oxygen Deficiency

• Some departments are

equipped to monitor
atmospheres, measure
hazards directly
 FrPD does not use

• Where monitoring is
impossible or readings
questionable, SCBA
must be worn

5–40
Oxygen Deficiency

• Air is 21% oxygen

• Oxygen-deficient is less than 19.5%
• 1st sign: muscles do not work right at 17%
• 2nd sign: dizzy & headache at 12%
• 3rd sign: Unconsciousness occurs at 9%
• Death at 6%

(Continued)

5–41
Elevated Temperatures

• Exposure to heated air can damage respiratory tract

• Excessive heat taken quickly into lungs can cause
serious decrease in blood pressure, failure of
circulatory system

(Continued)

5–42
Elevated Temperatures

• Inhaling heated gases can cause pulmonary edema,

which can cause death from asphyxiation
• Tissue damage from inhaling hot air is not immediately
reversible; prompt medical treatment needed

5–43
Smoke

• Consists of oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, carbon

monoxide, carbon particles, other products
• Particles enable condensation of gaseous products of
combustion
• Some particles in smoke irritating; others lethal

5–44
Toxic Atmospheres Associated With Fire

• Inhaled toxic gases may

have several harmful
effects on human body
• Some gases cause
impaired lung function
• Other gases pass into
bloodstream & impair
oxygen-carrying
capacity of red blood
cells

5–45
Toxic Atmospheres Associated With Fire

Type, amount of toxic

gases released at fire
vary according to
• Nature of combustible
• Rate of heating
• Temperature of evolved
gases
• Oxygen concentration

5–46
Toxic Atmospheres Associated With Fire

Toxic Gas Characteristics Caused by

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Colorless, odorless Free-burning

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Colorless, odorless Incomplete combustion

Hydrogen Chloride (HCL) Colorless to slightly Burning plastics

yellow, strong odor

Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) Colorless, almond odor Burning wool & plastics

Phosgene (COCL2) Colorless, musty hay Burning refrigerants or

halons

5–47
Toxic Atmospheres Not Associated With Fire

Carbon Monoxide
• Product of incomplete combustion
• Odorless, colorless, tasteless
• Responsible for most fire deaths
• Displaces oxygen in the bloodstream

5–48
Toxic Atmospheres Not Associated With Fire

Carbon Monoxide
• 1% exposure can cause unconsciousness
• Takes hours to leave the body
• In addition to being toxic, also highly flammable
 Causes backdraft

• Darker the smoke, the higher CO levels

5–49
Toxic Atmospheres Not Associated With Fire

• Many industrial
processes use
extremely dangerous
chemicals
• Hazardous materials
• Common calls may also
require SCBA
• When in doubt, wear
SCBA

5–50
Physical Factors Affecting Use of
Respiratory Protection

• Physical condition
• Agility
• Facial features
 Hair in the seal area
 Eyeglasses

• Fit testing conducted yearly

• Mask sizes to fit face S,M,L,XL

5–51
DISCUSSION QUESTION

What is the impact of poor physical condition on SCBA

use?

5–52
Medical Factors Affecting Use of
Respiratory Protection

• Neurological functioning
• Muscular/skeletal condition
• Cardiovascular conditioning
• Respiratory functioning

5–53
Mental Factors Affecting Use of
Respiratory Protection

• Adequate training in equipment use

• Self-confidence
• Emotional stability
 Using SCBA can cause anxiety

5–54
Limitations of SCBA Equipment

• Limited visibility
• Decreased ability to
communicate
• Increased weight
 SCBA & PPE add 40-50
lbs.
• Decreased mobility

5–55
Limitations of SCBA Air Supply

• Physical conditions of user

• Degree of physical exertion
• Emotional stability of user
• Condition of apparatus
• Cylinder pressure before use
• Training/experience of user

5–56
DISCUSSION QUESTION

How can training & experience be a limited factor for

SCBA use?

5–57
Air Management

• Air supply left after low-air alarm sounds may not allow
enough exit time
 Low air alarm sounds at 25% remaining air

• Comply with accountability system in use, maintain

situational awareness, manage air supply
• Responsibility for safety rests w/ FF

5–58
Basic Elements to Effective Air
Management
• Know point of no return
• Know how much air is available
• Make conscious decision to stay or leave when air
down to 50%

5–59
Basic Elements to Effective Air
Management
• Always work in pairs-2in/2out
• Check your facepiece seal
• Leave dangerous areas immediately when low air
alarm sounds

5–60
Checks to Maximize Air Supply

• Beginning of shift
• When donning SCBA & opening cylinder valve
• While working
• During egress from hazard zone
• When refilling/replacing cylinder

5–61
Air-Purifying Respirators

• Used in atmospheres containing

normal levels of oxygen but
contaminated with airborne
particulates
• Most basic type — Surgical-type
filter mask
• More sophisticated models have
air-purifying filter, canister, or
cartridge

5–62
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
(SCBA)
• Must be used in atmospheres that are oxygen-
deficient, contaminated with smoke or other toxic
materials
• Two types
 Open-circuit: Used by FrPD
 Closed-circuit: Used in shipboard operations, extended
haz mat incidents, some rescue operations

(Continued)

5–63
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
(SCBA)
• Closed-circuit SCBA
 Uses small cylinder of O2
 Recycles exhaled air
 Duration of 4 hours

• Open-circuit airline
equipment
 Uses an air supply
connected by hose
 Maximum hose length of
300’

5–64
SCBA Harness Assembly

• Rigid frame with straps to hold air cylinder on

firefighter’s back
• Adjustable shoulder straps
• Waist straps put weight on hips
• Common problem —
Failure to buckle
waist straps

5–65
SCBA Air Cylinder Assembly

• Cylinder, valve, pressure

gauge, PASS device
• Main weight of breathing
apparatus
• Various cylinder sizes,
capacities, features
offered
• Cylinder weight
increases physical
stress

5–66
 SCBA Air Cylinder Assembly

• All connections on
SCBA are hand tight

5–67
SCBA Regulator Assembly

• High-pressure hose with low-pressure alarm, bypass

valve, pressure-reducing device
• Reduces pressure of cylinder air to slightly above
atmospheric pressure, controls flow of air to meet
respiratory requirements of wearer

(Continued)

5–68
 SCBA Regulator Assembly

• When wearer inhales,

pressure differential created
in regulator
• Depending on model, will
have control valves for
normal/emergency
operations
• Remote pressure gauge
shows air pressure
remaining in cylinder,
mounted in position visible (Continued)
to user

5–69
 SCBA Regulator Assembly
Bypass Valve
• For use when the regulator
fails
• Cylinder air goes straight to
facepiece
• Usually located on
regulator or mask
• Only used in emergencies
• Normal position is closed
(Continued)
• If you use it, leave the area
immediately
5–70
SCBA Regulator Assembly

• According to NFPA 1981, all new

SCBA must be equipped with
rapid intervention crew universal
air connection (RIC UAC)

5–71
Facepiece Assembly

• Facepiece lens, exhalation valve,

low-pressure hose; sometimes
includes voice amplification, head
harness, helmet mounting
bracket

(Continued)

5–72
 Facepiece Assembly

• Provides some protection

from facial/
respiratory burns, holds in
cool air
• Lens made of clear safety
plastic, mounted in flexible
rubber facepiece
• Mask held snugly against
face by head harness
• Nosecup reduces fogging

5–73
Methods of Storing Protective
Breathing Apparatus

• Placed on apparatus in many

ways
• If placed in seat mounts, donning
should be possible without
unbuckling seat belt

5–74
PASS Devices

• Personal Alert Safety System

• Required by NFPA 1500

5–75
PASS Devices

• Designed to alert others

that a FF has stopped
moving & may be in
distress
• May be integrated into
SCBA

5–76
Recommendations For Use of PASS Devices

• Use only those meeting NFPA 1982

• Maintain according to manufacturer’s instructions; test
daily
• Conduct realistic training
• Retrain semiannually

(Continued)

5–77
Recommendations For Use of PASS Devices

• Check SCBA, PASS devices when coming on duty or

before use
• Train rescuers to listen for distress sound
• Silence PASS device to facilitate communication when
FF located

5–78
PASS Device Warning

• Alarm signals produced may be significantly reduced

at temperatures as low as 300°F (150°C)
 By as much as 50%

5–79
 SCBA Precautionary Safety Checks

• Check air cylinder gauge — No

less than 90% of cylinder
capacity
• Check remote & cylinder gauge
to ensure they match

(Continued)

5–80
SCBA Precautionary Safety Checks

• Check harness assembly, facepiece to ensure all

straps fully
extended
• Operate all valves to
ensure proper function
• Check PASS device

5–81
General Considerations — Donning the SCBA

• Check air cylinder gauge

90% full
• Open cylinder valve fully
• Compare remote gauge to
cylinder gauge
• Check PASS device

SCBA Inspection.wmv
(Continued)

5–82
Donning SCBA Stored in Case

Both methods require SCBA to be positioned in front

of firefighter with all straps extended, ready to don
 Over-the-head method
 Coat method

5–83
Donning From Seat Mount

• FFs can don SCBA

while on the way to the
call
• Do not unbuckle seatbelt
to don SCBA
• Hardware
 Lever clamp
 Spring clamp
 Flat hook
(Continued)

5–84
Donning From Seat Mount

• Makes checking equipment more convenient

• Necessitates more care when exiting apparatus
• Never stand to don SCBA while vehicle moving

5–85
Donning From Compartment or Backup
Mount
• Can be ready for rapid donning
• Some compartment
doors may interfere
with donning

(Continued)

5–86
Donning From Compartment or Backup
Mount

• Other compartments
may be too high,
making donning
difficult
• Some mounts feature
telescoping frame
• Backup mount
provides quick
access to SCBA

5–87
Donning the SCBA Facepiece

• Steps for most SCBA similar

• One difference —
Some use rubber
harness with adjusting
straps while others use
mesh skullcap with
adjusting straps

5–88
General Considerations — Donning the
SCBA Facepiece
• No hair should come between skin, sealing surface
• Chin should be centered in chin cup, harness centered
at rear of head
• Facepiece straps should be tightened
• Facepiece should be checked for proper seal,
operation

(Continued)

5–89
General Considerations — Donning the
SCBA Facepiece
Facepiece straps should
be tightened:
• Lower
• Cheek
• Temple
• Head
• Pull both straps at same
time
(Continued)

5–90
General Considerations — Donning the
SCBA Facepiece
• Positive pressure
should be checked
• Facepiece must be
secured before hood
is pulled over it; all
exposed skin must
be covered & vision
not blocked
• Helmet should be
worn with chin strap
secured

5–91
General Considerations — Donning the
SCBA Facepiece
A poor seal is
dangerous because:
• You lose air
• You may die

(Continued)

5–92
Doffing SCBA

• FFs should make sure they are out of contaminated

area & SCBA is no longer required
• Discontinue flow of air from regulator to facepiece
• Disconnect low-pressure hose from regulator or
remove regulator from facepiece

(Continued)

5–93
Doffing SCBA

• Remove facepiece
• Remove backpack assembly while protecting regulator
• Close cylinder valve
• Relieve pressure from regulator in accordance with
manufacturer’s instructions
• Turn off PASS device

(Continued)

5–94
 Doffing SCBA

• Extend all straps

• Refill, replace cylinder
• Clean, disinfect facepiece
 Wash w/ warm water & approved disinfectant

• Special care should taken w/ exhalation valve

• Air dry & wipe facepiece off w/ soft cloth or paper towel

5–95
Storing SCBA

• Cylinder full (90%+) w/valve closed

• Straps extended fully
• SCBA & facepiece cleaned
• Store in clean area
• Ready to be donned & used

5–96
DISCUSSION QUESTION

Why should a FF check his SCBA daily?

5–97
SCBA — Inspections & Care

• Requires checks & inspections to be made;

 NFPA 1404 & 1500
 FrPD SOPs

• Worn, damaged parts must be replaced according to

manufacturer instructions
• FrPD SCBA program includes inspecting, disinfecting,
maintaining & storing SCBAs

(Continued)

5–98
SCBA — Daily/Weekly Care

Include checks of:

−Cylinder pressure −Facepiece
−All gauges −Harness system
−Low-pressure alarm −All valves
−All hose connections −Built-in PASS devices

(Continued)

5–99
 SCBA — Daily/Weekly Care

General considerations
• Breathing apparatus should be
cleaned, sanitized immediately
after use
• Facepiece should be thoroughly
washed
• Dry facepiece
• Damaging actions

5–100
SCBA — Monthly Care

Inspections should include removing equipment from

service & checking
• All components for deterioration
• Leaks around valves, hose connections
• Operation of all gauges, valves, regulator, exhalation
valve, low-air alarm

5–101
SCBA — Annual Care

• Should be done in accordance with manufacturer’s

recommendations
• Requires special training
• Service provider must be able to disassemble
apparatus into basic components & conduct tests
using specialized tools

(Continued)

5–102
SCBA — Other Care

• Air cylinders must show date of

manufacture/ last hydrostatic
test
• Hydrostatic Testing: tests
cylinder integrity
 New Scotts & Aluminum: 5
years
 Draeger: 3 years

5–103
SCBA — Other Care

• If a cylinder if found to need a hydro test, it must be

tagged & taken out of service
• Always empty cylinders before returning them for
servicing, testing

5–104
Safety Precautions — Filling Air
Cylinders
• Filled from cascade system
 Bank of 3 or more cylinders

• Filled directly from

compressor purification
system

(Continued)

5–105
 Safety Precautions — Filling Air
Cylinders

No matter how they are filled, same precautions apply:

• Place in shielded fill station
• Prevent from overheating by filling slowly
• Ensure completely full but not over-pressurized

5–106
 Precautions for SCBA Use

• All FFs must be fit-

tested annually or
when new facepieces
issued
• FFs should closely
monitor how they feel
while wearing SCBA;
rest when fatigued

(Continued)

5–107
Precautions for SCBA Use

• Air-supply duration varies

• After entering contaminated area, do not remove
breathing apparatus until away from contaminated
area
• While in IDLH atmosphere
 Work in teams of 2 or more & in physical, voice & visual
contact
 Check air supply status frequently

5–108
Emergency Situations Using SCBA

Important considerations for emergencies created by

malfunctioning protective breathing apparatus
• Conservation of air
• Immediate withdrawal from hazardous atmosphere

(Continued)

5–109
 Emergency Situations Using SCBA
Using SCBA when regulators malfunction
• Intermittently open, close bypass valve
• Because air is bypassing regulator,
bypass valve should be closed after
each breath & opened each time
another is needed

(Continued)

5–110
Emergency Situations Using SCBA

Recommended actions in event of SCBA malfunction

• Rely on your training
• Do not panic, remain calm
• Withdraw to clear atmosphere

(Continued)

5–111
Emergency Situations Using SCBA

• Breathing control
 Use less air, live longer
 Two methods

• #1 Skip breathing
 Takes a breath
 Holds for 5 seconds
 Takes a short second breath, then long exhale

(Continued)

5–112
Emergency Situations Using SCBA

#2 Controlled breathing
• Breathe in through nose & exhale through mouth
• Each breath should take 5 seconds

(Continued)

5–113
Emergency Situations Using SCBA

If separated from team or

lost or disoriented:
• Declare Mayday
• Follow FrPD SOP
• Stop & think
• Hold breath & listen
• Remember ways to find a
way out
• Lie flat on floor close to (Continued)
wall

5–114
Emergency Situations Using SCBA

If separated from team & trapped

• Follow your training
• Use portable radio to declare Mayday
• Activate PASS device
• Escape through any available opening
• Use personal escape rope if window available

(Continued)

5–115
Emergency Situations Using SCBA

If separated from team & trapped

• Control the door
• Place flashlight on floor w/ light shining toward ceiling
• Slow breathing as much as possible

(Continued)

5–116
Emergency Evacuation Signals

• Used when IC decides all FFs should abandon

building or hazard zone
• All FFs must be familiar
• Two common ways
 Radio
 Airhorn blasts

• Evacuation signal triggers PAR

5–117
Team Integrity

• Always work in pairs

• If one FF leaves, at least
one must go with him
• Two-in/Two-out rule
always applies
• No one is ever inside or
leaves alone

5–118
Areas of Limited Visibility

• Moving
 Crawling
 Crouched walk

• Likely IDLH atmosphere

 Operate in teams of two or more
 Have some sort of tag line

5–119
Exiting Areas With Restricted Openings

• Restricted opening — One that is too small to pass

through while wearing SCBA in normal manner
• May be necessary to slip out of harness assembly
while leaving facepiece in place, exit, then put
assembly back on
• There are 3 methods FFs can use

5–120
Considerations When Exiting Restricted
Areas
Methods
1. Loosen straps & slide SCBA to one side
2. Take non-regulator side arm out of harness
3. Last Resort - take SCBA off & push in front
Maintain contact with SCBA at all times, do not take
off facepiece!

5–121
Summary

• FFs must have the best protective clothing &

equipment available
• Even if all departments furnish FFs with the latest
protective gear & it is used correctly all the time, safety
is not guaranteed because safety clothing &
equipment have limitations

(Continued)

5–122
Summary

• FFs must be thoroughly trained in the use of their

protective gear & must be capable of maintaining their
protective clothing & equipment so that they are ready
when needed

5–123
Skills

• Don firefighting PPE & SCBA.

• Doff firefighting PPE & SCBA & prepare for reuse.
• Demonstrate controlled breathing & air conservation
• Replacing an empty SCBA cylinder
• Pass through a restricted opening while wearing
SCBA
• Initiate & complete SCBA emergency procedures for
SCBA failure & air depletion

5–124
Skills

• In obscured visibility, implement SCBA emergency

procedures & follow guidelines to exit a hazardous
area
• Clean & maintain firefighting PPE & SCBA per
manufacturer and/or FrPD guidelines
• Report deficient and/or malfunctioning equipment.
(Skill Sheet FF-I-102)
• Negotiate an SCBA maze (Exercise 1)

5–125