Ontario Fire Service Section 21 Advisory Committee Ministry of Labour Ministére du Travail

FIRE FIGHTERS GUIDANCE NOTE # 4- 1

ISSUE: Firefighters – Protective Equipment Regulation (consolidation of GN # 4-1,3,5,6, and 12)

Ontario Regulation 714/94 “Firefighters – Protective Equipment” requires that firefighters who may be required to perform interior structural fire suppression duties be equipped with structural firefighting protective garments that meet or exceed the requirements of certain standards. If the garment was manufactured before March 1, 2007, it must meet the requirements of CAN/CGSB 155.1-M88 “Firefighters’ Protective Clothing for Protection Against Heat and Flame”. If the garment was manufactured after this date, it must meet NFPA 1971, “Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting”, 2007 edition. This protective clothing, commonly referred to as bunker gear (coat, trousers, and coverall elements of the protective ensemble), is primarily designed to protect firefighters during structural fire fighting operations.

There are good reasons at times for wearing bunker gear for auto extrications, grass fires, medical emergencies and other responses. However, bunker gear may not be the most suitable protection for some activities, particularly during the summer months. Employers in consultation with their Joint Health and Safety Committees or Health and Safety Representatives should evaluate the appropriateness of using bunker gear as PPE for non-fire incidents, considering the potential for heat stress, reduced mobility and added weight. Where there is a regular need for PPE for which bunker gear is adequate but not the most suitable, Joint Health and Safety Committees or Health and Safety Representatives may make recommendations to the employer for alternative protection and guidelines for use.

It is not the intent of this Guidance Note to prohibit wearing of bunker gear during all non-fire fighting exercises. It is the intent of this Guidance Note to encourage Fire Departments to sit in consultation with their local Joint Health and Safety Committees or Health and Safety Representatives and agree on operational guidelines outlining when and where bunker gear is to be worn and under what guidelines the Company Officer could exercise his/her discretion.

Firefighters exposed to the hazards of foot, hand or head injury must wear protective equipment appropriate in the circumstance. Boots, gloves and helmets that meet or

Application of Firefighter – Protective Page 1 of 2 Equipment Regulation Effective: June 2002 Revised: April 2014

Ontario Fire Service Section 21 Advisory Committee Ministry of Labour Ministére du Travail

exceed the requirements of NFPA 1971 – 2007edition (Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting) are acceptable.

A fire helmet is not designed to protect the wearer from all conditions or hazards. It is designed to provide limited protection to the head when worn during structural firefighting activities. Other types of emergency calls may require head protection designed for that activity, for example water rescue.

Fire helmets are not designed for crash protection and should not be worn by persons riding in the enclosed cab and crew area of fire apparatus. Wearing fire fighting helmets in an apparatus may interfere with head clearance and put the occupant at greater risk of neck or back injury should there be an apparatus rollover or other motor vehicle incident.

Protective hoods form part of the protective ensemble and should be worn whenever there is a risk of injury from heat and or flame to exposed skin. Protective hoods that meet or exceed the requirements of NFPA 1971 – 2007 edition (Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting) are acceptable. Protective hoods do not eliminate the requirement for helmet liners.

When purchasing any personal protective equipment item, it is important that the item be appropriately sized to the fire fighter to ensure a proper fit.

Reference: GN # 4-2 Eye Protection GN # 4-8 Inspection and Replacement of Structural Fire Fighting Bunker Gear Occupational Health and Safety Act – clauses 25(1)(b) and 25(2)(h)

Application of Firefighter – Protective Page 2 of 2 Equipment Regulation Effective: June 2002 Revised: April 2014