Chapter 3 - PPE and SCBA Flashcards
Air cylinder
The component of the SCBA that stores the compressed air supply.
Air line
The hose through which air flows, either within an SCBA or from an outside source to a supplied air respirator.
Backpack
The harness of the SCBA, which supports the components worn by a firefighter.
Turnout coat
The protective coat worn by a firefighter for interior structural firefighting; also called a bunker coat.
Turnout pants
The protective pants worn by a firefighter for interior structural firefighting; also called a bunker pants.
Carbon monoxide (CO)
A toxic gas produced through incomplete combustion.
Carcinogen
A cancer causing substance that is identified in one of several published lists.
Cascade system
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)
Closed-circuit breathing apparatus
SCBA designed to recycle the user’s exhaled air. This system removes carbon dioxide and generates fresh oxygen.
Compressor
A device used for increasing the pressure and density of a gas. (NFPA 853)
Doff
To take of an item of clothing or equipment.
Don
To put on an item of clothing or equipment.
Dual- path pressure reducer
A feature that automatically provides a backup method for air to be supplied to the regulator of an SCBA if the primary passage malfunctions.
End-of-service-time-indicator (EOSTI)
A warning device on a SCBA that alerts the user that the end of the breathing air is approaching.
Face piece
A component of SCBA that fits over the face.
Fire helmet
Protective head covering won’t by firefighters to protect the head from falling objects, blunt trauma, and heat.
Heads-up display
A visual display of information and system conditions status that is visible to the wearer of the SCBA.
Hydrogen cyanide
A toxic gas produced by the combustion of materials containing cyanide.
Hydrostatic testing
Pressure testing of the extinguisher to verify its strength against unwanted rupture. (NFPA 10)
Immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH)
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)
Incomplete combustion
A burning process in which the fuel is not completely consumed, usually due to limited supply of oxygen.
Kevlar
A strong synthetic material used in construction of protective clothing and equipment.
Light-emitting diode (LED)
An electronic semiconductor the emits a single-color light when activated.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
The US federal agency responsible for research and development on occupational safety and health issues.
Nomex
A fire-resistant synthetic material used in the construction of PPE for firefighting.
Nose cup
An insert inside the face piece of an SCBA that fits over the user’s mouth and nose.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
The US federal agency that regulates worker safety and, in some cases, responder safety. It is part of the US Department of Labor.
Open-circuit breathing apparatus
SCBA in which the exhaled air is released into the atmosphere and is not reused.
Oxygen deficiency
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.
PBI
A fire retardant synthetic material used in the construction of personal protective equipment.
Personal alert safety system (PASS)
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)
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
The basic protective equipment for wildland fire suppression includes a helmet, protective footwear, gloves and flame resistant clothing as defined in NFPA 1977
Phosgene
A chemical agent that causes severe pulmonary damage; it is a byproduct of incomplete combustion.
Pressure gauge
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.
Protective hood
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.
Rapid intervention crew/company universal air connection (RIC UAC)
A system that allows emergency replenishment of breathing air to the SCBA of disabled or entrapped fire or emergency service personnel. (NFPA 1981)
Respirator
A device that provides respiratory protection for the wearer. (NFPA 1994)
SCBA harness
The part of the SCBA that allows firefighter to wear it as a “backpack.”
SCBA regulator
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.
Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
A respirator with an independent air supply that is used by firefighters to enter toxic or otherwise dangerous atmospheres.
Smoke particles
Airborne solid materials consisting of ash and unburned or partially burned fuel released by a fire.
Supplied-air respirator (SAR)
An atmosphere-supplying respirator for which the source of breathing air is not designed to be carried by the user. (NFPA 1404)
Two-way radio
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.
