Chapter 3 - PPE and SCBA

Question 1

Air cylinder

Answer 1

The component of the SCBA that stores the compressed air supply.

Question 2

Air line

Answer 2

The hose through which air flows, either within an SCBA or from an outside source to a supplied air respirator.

Question 3

Backpack

Answer 3

The harness of the SCBA, which supports the components worn by a firefighter.

Question 4

Turnout coat

Answer 4

The protective coat worn by a firefighter for interior structural firefighting; also called a bunker coat.

Question 5

Turnout pants

Answer 5

The protective pants worn by a firefighter for interior structural firefighting; also called a bunker pants.

Question 6

Carbon monoxide (CO)

Answer 6

A toxic gas produced through incomplete combustion.

Question 7

Carcinogen

Answer 7

A cancer causing substance that is identified in one of several published lists.

Question 8

Cascade system

Answer 8

A method of piping air tanks together to allow air to be supplied to the SCBA fill station using progressive selection of tanks, each with a higher pressure level. (NFPA 1901)

Question 9

Closed-circuit breathing apparatus

Answer 9

SCBA designed to recycle the user’s exhaled air. This system removes carbon dioxide and generates fresh oxygen.

Question 10

Compressor

Answer 10

A device used for increasing the pressure and density of a gas. (NFPA 853)

Question 11

Doff

Answer 11

To take of an item of clothing or equipment.

Question 12

Don

Answer 12

To put on an item of clothing or equipment.

Question 13

Dual- path pressure reducer

Answer 13

A feature that automatically provides a backup method for air to be supplied to the regulator of an SCBA if the primary passage malfunctions.

Question 14

End-of-service-time-indicator (EOSTI)

Answer 14

A warning device on a SCBA that alerts the user that the end of the breathing air is approaching.

Question 15

Face piece

Answer 15

A component of SCBA that fits over the face.

Question 16

Fire helmet

Answer 16

Protective head covering won’t by firefighters to protect the head from falling objects, blunt trauma, and heat.

Question 17

Heads-up display

Answer 17

A visual display of information and system conditions status that is visible to the wearer of the SCBA.

Question 18

Hydrogen cyanide

Answer 18

A toxic gas produced by the combustion of materials containing cyanide.

Question 19

Hydrostatic testing

Answer 19

Pressure testing of the extinguisher to verify its strength against unwanted rupture. (NFPA 10)

Question 20

Immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH)

Answer 20

Any condition that would pose an immediate or delayed threat to life, cause irreversible adverse health effects, or interfere with an individual’s ability to escape unaided from a hazardous environment. (NFPA 1670, 2004)

Question 21

Incomplete combustion

Answer 21

A burning process in which the fuel is not completely consumed, usually due to limited supply of oxygen.

Question 22

Kevlar

Answer 22

A strong synthetic material used in construction of protective clothing and equipment.

Question 23

Light-emitting diode (LED)

Answer 23

An electronic semiconductor the emits a single-color light when activated.

Question 24

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Answer 24

The US federal agency responsible for research and development on occupational safety and health issues.

Question 25

Nomex

Answer 25

A fire-resistant synthetic material used in the construction of PPE for firefighting.

Question 26

Nose cup

Answer 26

An insert inside the face piece of an SCBA that fits over the user's mouth and nose.

Question 27

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Answer 27

The US federal agency that regulates worker safety and, in some cases, responder safety. It is part of the US Department of Labor.

Question 28

Open-circuit breathing apparatus

Answer 28

SCBA in which the exhaled air is released into the atmosphere and is not reused.

Question 29

Oxygen deficiency

Answer 29

Any atmosphere where the oxygen level is less than 19.5 percent. Low oxygen levels can have serious effects on people, including adverse reactions such as poor judgement and lack of muscle control.

Question 30

PBI

Answer 30

A fire retardant synthetic material used in the construction of personal protective equipment.

Question 31

Personal alert safety system (PASS)

Answer 31

A device that continually monitors for lack of movement of the wearer and, if no movement is detected, automatically activates an alarm signal indicating the wearer is in need of assistance. The device can also be manually activated to trigger the alarm signal. (NFPA 1982)

Question 32

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Answer 32

The basic protective equipment for wildland fire suppression includes a helmet, protective footwear, gloves and flame resistant clothing as defined in NFPA 1977

Question 33

Phosgene

Answer 33

A chemical agent that causes severe pulmonary damage; it is a byproduct of incomplete combustion.

Question 34

Pressure gauge

Answer 34

A device that measures and displays pressure readings. In an SCBA, the pressure gauges indicate the quantity of breathing air that is available at any time.

Question 35

Protective hood

Answer 35

A part of a firefighter's PPE that is designed to be worn over the head and under the helmet; it provides thermal protection for the neck and ears.

Question 36

Rapid intervention crew/company universal air connection (RIC UAC)

Answer 36

A system that allows emergency replenishment of breathing air to the SCBA of disabled or entrapped fire or emergency service personnel. (NFPA 1981)

Question 37

Respirator

Answer 37

A device that provides respiratory protection for the wearer. (NFPA 1994)

Question 38

SCBA harness

Answer 38

The part of the SCBA that allows firefighter to wear it as a "backpack."

Question 39

SCBA regulator

Answer 39

The part of the SCBA that reduces the high pressure in the cylinder to a usable lower pressure and controls the flow of air to the user.

Question 40

Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)

Answer 40

A respirator with an independent air supply that is used by firefighters to enter toxic or otherwise dangerous atmospheres.

Question 41

Smoke particles

Answer 41

Airborne solid materials consisting of ash and unburned or partially burned fuel released by a fire.

Question 42

Supplied-air respirator (SAR)

Answer 42

An atmosphere-supplying respirator for which the source of breathing air is not designed to be carried by the user. (NFPA 1404)

Question 43

Two-way radio

Answer 43

A portable communication device used by firefighters. Every firefighting team should carry at least on radio to communicate distress, progress, changes in fire conditions, and other pertinent information.