STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINE Wake Forest Fire Department Inc.
Subject Number Rev Effective Date Page Of 200-03 3 May 28, 2014 1 11 PPE Supersedes Prepared By Approved By 02/01/10 W. Holbrook R. Early
Asst. Chief Chief
1. PURPOSE: The purpose of this directive is to provide and acquaint personnel with the procedures for the wearing, care, and maintenance of protective clothing and equipment. 2. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this procedure is to reduce firefighter injuries by properly using and maintaining protective equipment. 3. SCOPE: This policy applies to all Wake Forest Fire Department (WFFD) personnel, including career and volunteer. 4. PROCEDURE: 4.1. Issuance of Turnout Gear Each member shall receive and maintain a complete set of turnout gear. As a minimum the turnout gear shall consist of the following: Helmet Turnout coat Turnout pants with suspenders Firefighting boots Firefighting gloves Fire retardant hood (Flash hood) SCBA Mask (Face piece) and voice amplifier holder Safety glasses Ear plugs Should members choose to use personal equipment they will not be issued that same equipment by the department. WAKE FOREST FIRE DEPARTMENT STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINE 200-03 4.1.1. All issued equipment must be inspected prior to being issued. If the issued protective equipment has any discrepancies it must be discarded. All protective equipment must be properly fitted and protect all areas of skin. 4.1.2. All equipment that is to be used by fire company members shall meet or exceed department and/or NFPA standards. 4.1.3. Any personal PPE being used by fire company members shall be approved by the Assistant Chief in charge of the PPE program. Such equipment shall coincide with the general appearance of department issued PPE. 4.1.4. Wake Forest Fire Department reserves the right to remove any PPE related equipment from service at any time and request documentation of compliance from the manufacturer. (personal items requiring documentation will be paid for by the individual) 4.1.5. Wake Forest Fire Department shall not be responsible for any damages or repairs made to personal equipment. 4.1.6. No personal alterations shall be made to any Wake Forest Fire Department PPE. 4.2. Employee Responsibility So that all firefighters have the necessary and functional safety equipment, each firefighter shall: 4.2.1. Insure that a complete set of approved gear is available to him/her during duty hours. 4.2.2. Maintain all gear in a clean and presentable condition. 4.2.3. Regularly inspect all gear and report any damage or excessive wear to their supervisor (see inspection section). 4.2.4. Dress in the level of protective equipment appropriate for the response (see chart at the end), unless otherwise directed by his/her supervisor. 4.2.5. When driving apparatus, operators will not be required to wear full turnout gear, however, once at an incident the operator will be required to dress appropriately for the incident. If the operator is exposed to smoke or toxic fumes, a breathing apparatus shall be required equipment. 4.3. Supervisors Responsibility 4.3.1. Captains shall hold monthly inspections of their personnel’s turnout gear and report discrepancies to the shift turnout gear representative.
PPE Page 2 of 11 WAKE FOREST FIRE DEPARTMENT STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINE 200-03 4.3.2. The Assistant Chief in charge of the PPE program or his/her designee shall be responsible for determining if replacement of the turnout gear is warranted. Any questions concerning the integrity of turnout gear and/or the need for replacement or repair should be addressed to the shift turnout gear representative. 4.3.3. Advanced inspections of all PPE shall be conducted at a minimum of every 12 months, or whenever routine inspections indicate that a problem may exist. The advanced inspections will be done by the Assistant Chief in charge of the PPE program or his/her designee. The findings of the advanced inspection shall be documented on a WFFD Safety Inspection Worksheet. 4.3.4. It is the Captains responsibility to ensure that each of their personnel’s PPE meets standard and is used as set forth in this standard. 4.3.5. It is the Captains responsibility to ensure that each firefighter is aware of the personnel protective equipment required for each particular type of incident. Officers shall not allow personnel under their supervision to function in areas for which the firefighter is not properly attired. 4.4. Storage 4.4.1. PPE shall not be stored in direct sunlight or exposed to direct sunlight while not being worn. PPE storage areas shall be clean, dry, and well ventilated. PPE shall not be stored in airtight containers unless they are new and unused. 4.4.2. PPE shall not be stored or transported in compartments or trunks with sharp objects, tools, or other equipment that could damage the PPE. 4.4.3. PPE shall not be stored inside living quarters. Soiled PPE shall not be transported within the passenger compartment of vehicles. Should soiled PPE be transported, the PPE shall be placed in a protective case or bag to prevent cross-contamination. 4.4.4. PPE shall not be stored in contact with hydraulic fluids, solvents, hydrocarbons, hydrocarbon vapors, or other contaminants. 4.5. Issuance of Reserve Turnout Gear 4.5.1. No employee will maintain a second set of turnout gear. Should an employee’s gear become unusable he/she shall comply with the following. Employee shall notify his/her supervisor immediately Supervisor shall inspect gear and document incident
PPE Page 3 of 11 WAKE FOREST FIRE DEPARTMENT STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINE 200-03 Supervisor shall assist the employee in finding an off duty coworker’s gear that can be used until their gear can be returned to service or replaced. If unable to locate a useable set of coworkers gear the supervisor shall notify the shift turnout gear representative and request a reserve set of gear for the employee. Chief on duty shall outfit the employee’s needs from the reserve turnout inventory should the shift turnout gear representative be unavailable. When employee’s personal set of gear is returned to service he/she shall clean the reserve gear and return it to his/her supervisor. Upon receiving the gear the supervisor shall inspect the gear and then notify the shift turnout gear representative. Examples of unusable gear – damage to gear, contamination of any type, or any condition where the gear is considered unsafe 4.6. Instructor use of WFFD issued Turnout Gear / Equipment 4.6.1. No WFFD employee shall use his/her department issued turnout gear or equipment when he/she is acting as an instructor, assistant, helper, or any other instructing of the class unless one of the following apply. He/she is instructing a course / training exercise hosted by WFFD The course / training exercise has been approved by the Assistant Chief in charge of the PPE program. 4.7. Misuse of PPE 4.7.1. PPE must be maintained in working order at all times. Misuse or horse playing with any PPE may result in injuries or death of an employee; therefore, misuse of any PPE is prohibited. Violation of this policy may result in disciplinary actions up to termination. 4.8. Helmet Colors 4.8.1 Orange for Junior Members 4.8.1. Yellow for Non Interior Firefighters 4.8.2. Black for Firefighters and Lieutenants 4.8.3. Red for Captains 4.8.4. White for Chief Officers 4.8.5. Shields 4.8.5.1. In order for Incident Commanders to recognize rank structure on the scene
PPE Page 4 of 11 WAKE FOREST FIRE DEPARTMENT STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINE 200-03 of an incident and to maintain uniformity, WFFD has established a standard for shield appearance. Ladder company personnel will differ from the engine companies by having a red insert. The last example is how the ladder company shield will differ from the engine companies. The following are examples of how the shields must look like:
4.9. Cleaning 4.9.1. Attention to contaminates carried on turnout gear is a result of the increased link between long term exposure to such contaminates and workplace disabilities. 4.9.2. Soiled or contaminated elements shall not be brought into the home, washed in home laundries, or washed in public laundries unless the public laundry has a dedicated business to handle firefighting protective clothing. 4.9.3. After each use any elements that are soiled shall receive routine cleaning. 4.9.4. The employee shall be responsible for the routine cleaning of their PPE. The following process shall be used: When possible, initiate cleaning at the incident scene. Brush off any dry debris. Gently rinse off debris with a water hose. If necessary, scrub gently with a soft bristle brush and rinse off again. Inspect for soiling and contamination, and repeat process if necessary. 4.9.5. Should routine cleaning fail to render the PPE sufficiently clean for service, the PPE shall receive advanced cleaning using the industrial washer / extractor. 4.9.6. Once a quarter, at minimum, elements that have been issued, used, and are soiled, shall receive advanced cleaning using the industrial washer / extractor. 4.9.7. All personal protective equipment that is washed in the industrial washer/extractor must use the following procedures: Do not overload the machine. Separate removable liners from outer shells. Fasten all closures, including pocket closures, storm flaps, zippers and Velcro.
PPE Page 5 of 11 WAKE FOREST FIRE DEPARTMENT STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINE 200-03 Set the washer for Turnout Gear. (machine -CY4 / dispenser F4) Dry the all elements in the Turnout Gear dryer. Inspect and rewash if necessary. 4.10. SCBA 4.10.1. The department shall provide a medical evaluation to determine the employee’s ability to use the respirator, before the fire company member is fit tested or required to use the respirator in the workplace. 4.10.2. The department shall ensure that an employee using a facepiece respirator is fit tested prior to initial use of the respirator, whenever a different facepiece (size, style, model or make) is used, and at least annually thereafter. 4.10.3. The department shall conduct an additional fit test whenever the employee reports or a department officer makes visual observations of changes in the employee's physical condition that could affect respirator fit. Such conditions include, but are not limited to, facial scarring, dental changes, cosmetic surgery, or an obvious change in body weight. 4.10.4. Facepiece seal protection. 4.10.4.1. The department shall not permit SCBAs with face pieces to be worn by employees who have: Facial hair that comes between the sealing surface of the facepiece and the face or that interferes with valve function; or Any condition that interferes with the face-to-facepiece seal or valve function. 4.10.4.2. If an employee wears corrective glasses or goggles or other personal protective equipment, the employer shall ensure that such equipment is worn in a manner that does not interfere with the seal of the facepiece to the face of the user. 4.10.5. Each member of the suppression division shall be accountable for one (1) SCBA and will check the assigned unit for proper condition at the beginning of each shift and after each use. 4.10.6. Company officers shall assign a specific SCBA to each member of the crew (usually by riding position). Each crewmember will be responsible for the proper use and function of that SCBA. If a SCBA is found to be functioning improperly, it
PPE Page 6 of 11 WAKE FOREST FIRE DEPARTMENT STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINE 200-03 shall be taken out-of-service, tagged, and returned to Station 1 out of service area, and replaced as soon as possible. 4.10.7. All personnel will wear the provided SCBA when operating at all fire calls and the following emergencies. below ground level confined spaces contaminated atmospheres hazardous materials incidents situations where there is a potential for the atmosphere to become contaminated If smoke or hazardous vapors are present, SCBA will be worn 4.10.8. The wearing of SCBA is mandatory. During routine situations, division officers will make the determination as to when breathing apparatus is to be removed. When operating in hazardous atmosphere, emergency personnel are to assume contaminants are at lethal levels, until it is determined otherwise. During overhaul, full protective gear including SCBA will be utilized until a Carbon Monoxide reading of 35 PPM or lower is found throughout the structure. 4.10.9. Members using SCBA shall operate in teams of two or more who are in communication with each other through visual, audible, physical, safety guide rope, electronic, or other means to coordinate their activities, and are in close proximity to each other to provide assistance in the case of an emergency. 4.10.10. When members are involved in operations that required the use of SCBA or other respiratory protective equipment, at least one member shall be assigned to remain outside area where the respiratory is required. This member shall be responsible for maintaining a constant awareness of the number and identity of the personnel using the SCBA, their location and time of entry. Members with SCBA shall be available for rescue. 4.11. Inspection 4.11.1. All PPE must be maintained and inspected regularly. Equipment must be cleaned at a minimum of once a quarter and after every exposure to hazardous conditions. 4.11.2. Routine Inspection. The routine inspection shall include, as a minimum to check for, PPE Page 7 of 11 WAKE FOREST FIRE DEPARTMENT STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINE 200-03 Soiling Contamination from hazardous materials or biological agents Physical damage, such as; rips, tears, and cuts, cracks, crazing, dents, and abrasions Damaged/missing hardware and closure systems Thermal damage such as charring, burn holes, and melting Damaged or missing reflective trim Loss of face opening adjustment Shrinkage Loss of elasticity/flexibility Any other signs of damage, wear, or concern. 4.11.3. All SCBAs used in routine situations shall be inspected before each use and during cleaning. 4.11.4. All SCBAs shall be inspected daily during truck check offs and in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, and shall be checked for proper function before and after each use. 4.11.5. The department shall ensure that SCBA inspections include the following: 4.11.5.1. A check of SCBA function, tightness of connections, and the condition of the various parts including, but not limited to, the facepiece, head straps, valves, connecting tube, regulator, pass device, pack tracker wand, heads up display and bottle. 4.11.5.2. A check of elastic parts for pliability and signs of deterioration. 4.11.6. If any SCBA is damaged or not operational it must be taken out of service, tagged and returned to Station 1 out of service area. 4.11.7. The department shall provide each employee with a respirator that is clean, sanitary, and in good working order. 4.11.7.1. Clean all SCBAs according to manufacturer’s recommendation. 4.11.7.2. SCBAs shall be cleaned and disinfected after each use. 4.12. Air Bottle Inspection 4.12.1. Visually inspect the air bottle for wear, cuts and abrasions. If damage is found it must be taken out of service, tagged and returned to Station 1 out of service area.
PPE Page 8 of 11 WAKE FOREST FIRE DEPARTMENT STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINE 200-03 4.12.2. Check that the hydrostatic test date is within a 5 year period. The hydrostatic test date on a bottle less than 5 years old is the same date as the manufacturers date. If the bottle is out of date or the test date cannot be read for any reason, the bottle needs to be taken out of service and tagged for testing. 4.12.3. Check air bottle valve operation with air bottle connected to an air-pack. Open the valve fully allowing the air-packs PASS device, and if available, pack tracker device to arm. Operation of the valve should be smooth. If valve does not operate correctly, it must be taken out of service, tagged and returned to Station 1 out of service area. 4.12.4. Check air bottle gauge accuracy. Operate the air bottle valve fully open while attached to an air-pack. The gauge on the bottle should read within 100 PSI with the gauge on the air-pack. If the gauge reads outside this range, connect the air bottle to another air-pack and perform the same check to isolate which gauge is faulty. Tag the equipment with the faulty gauge and return to Station 1 out of service area. 4.13. Low Pressure Regulator Heads-up Display 4.13.1. The low pressure regulator heads-up display must be checked for functionality. Activate the display by turning the air bottle valve fully on. All display lights should illuminate then go out leaving just the green indicator lights illuminated. Close the air bottle valve fully and operate the purge valve allowing air to escape the system slowly. As the air escapes, you should see the green lights go out, yellow illuminate and go out, then finally red illuminate. If the heads-up display fails to operate correctly, it must be tagged and returned to Station 1 out of service area. 4.14. Pack Tracker 4.14.1. Pack tracker operation must be checked as it interacts with our PPE. Energize the pack tracker wand by depressing the Scroll and Enter buttons simultaneously. Activate the air pack by operating the air bottle valve fully on. Allow the PASS device to alarm. The pack trackers display screen should display the air packs identification number and the signal strength. An example of an air packs tracking number is as follows WF-E3-A 99. WF-E3-A is the packs identification number and the 99 is the signal strength. If the air pack does not report to the pack tracker wand
PPE Page 9 of 11 WAKE FOREST FIRE DEPARTMENT STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINE 200-03 display, isolate the problem by activating another air packs pass device. Tag the item with the reporting problem and return to Station 1 out of service area.
APPROPRIATE PPE RESPONSE
Turnout Helmet Turnout Pants and with Eye Flash Type of Incident Coat Boots SCBA Protection Gloves Hood Other Structure Fire Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Vehicle Fire Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Brush Fire I.C. Yes I.C. Yes Yes I.C. Dumpster/Trash Fire Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes CO Alarms Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Electrical Incidents Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Fire Alarms Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Haz-Mat Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Tree Removal I.C. Yes NO Yes Yes NO Auto Accidents Yes Yes I.C. Yes Yes I.C. Harness Plus Rescue Rope Rescue I.C. I.C. I.C. I.C. I.C. I.C. Equipment Harness Plus Rescue Trench Rescue I.C. I.C. I.C. I.C. I.C. I.C. Equipment Harness Plus Rescue Confined Space I.C. I.C. I.C. I.C. I.C. I.C. Equipment Harness Plus Heavy Machinery Rescue rescue I.C. I.C. I.C. I.C. I.C. I.C. Equipment Flotation Device and Water Rescue Water Rescue NO NO NO NO NO NO Helmet
Where “IC” appears the Incident Commander shall have discretion.
Note: Traffic vests supplied on each apparatus shall be worn by personnel at emergency scenes to increase visibility when not wearing a turnout coat. Examples include, but are not limited to, motor vehicle accidents and by driver/pump operators at fire calls. PPE Page 10 of 11 WAKE FOREST FIRE DEPARTMENT STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINE 200-03
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