Chapter 6: Firefighter PPE Flashcards
Airborne Pathogens
Disease-causing microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, or fungi) that are suspended in the air.
Air-Purifying Respirator (APR)
Respirator that removes contaminants by passing ambient air through a filter, cartridge, or canister; may have a full or partial facepiece.
Asphyxiation
Fatal condition caused by severe oxygen deficiency and an excess of carbon monoxide and/or other gases in the blood.
Cascade System
Three or more large, interconnected air cylinders, from which smaller SCBA cylinders are recharged; the largest cylinders typically have a capacity of 300 cubic feet (8 490 L).
Closed-Circuit SCBA
SCBA that recycles exhaled air; removes carbon dioxide and restores compressed, chemical, or liquid oxygen. Not approved for fire fighter ops. Also known as O2-Breathing Apparatus (OBA) or O2-Generating Apparatus.
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
Rules and regulations published by executive agencies of the US federal government. These administrative laws are just as enforceable as statutory laws (known collectively as federal law), which must be passed by Congress.
Fire Fighting Boots
Protective footwear meeting the design requirements of NFPA, OSHA, and CAN/CSA Z195-02 (R2008).
Gas
Compressible substance, with no specific volume, that tends to assume that shape of the container. Molecules move about most rapidly in this state.
Hearing Protection
Device that limits noise-induced hearing loss when firefighters are exposed to extremely loud environments, such as apparatus engine noise, audible warning devices, and the use of power tools and equipment.
Helmet
Headgear worn by firefighters that provides protection from falling objects, side blows, elevated temperatures, and heated water.
High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filter
Respiratory filter that is certified to remove at least 99.97% of monodisperse particles of 0.3 micrometers in diameter.
Hydrostatic Test
Testing method that uses water under pressure to check the integrity of pressure vessels.
Hypoxia
Potentially fatal condition caused by lack of oxygen.
Open-Circuit SCBA
SCBA that allows exhaled air to be discharged or vented into the atmosphere.
Oxygen-Deficient Atmosphere
Atmosphere containing less than the normal 19.5% O2. At least 16% O2 is needed to produce flames or sustain human life.
Particulate
Very small particle of solid material, such as dust, that is suspended in the atmosphere.
Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL)
Legal term for the max amount of a chemical substance or other hazard that an employee can be exposed to; typically expressed in ppm (part per million) or milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). If exposed to this concentration for an entire 40-hour work week, 95% of healthy adults would not suffer health consequences.
Personal Alert Safety System (PASS)
Electronic lack-of-motion sensor that sounds a loud alarm when a firefighter becomes motionless. It can also be manually activated.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
General term for the equipment worn by fire and emergency service responders; includes helmets, coats, trousers, boots, eye protection, hearing protection, protective gloves, protective hoods, SCBA, and PASS devise. Also known as Bunker clothes, full structural protective clothing, Protective clothing, turnout clothing, or turnout gear.
Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR)
Motorized respirator that uses a filter to clean surrounding air, then delivers it to the wearer to breathe; typically includes a headpiece, breathing tube, and a blower/battery box that is worn on the belt.
Protective Coat
Coat worn during fire fighting, rescue, and extrication operations.
Protective Gloves
Protective clothing designed to protect the hands.
Protective Hoods
Hood designed to protect the firefighter’s ears, neck, and face from heat and debris; typically made of Nomex, Kevlar, or PBI, and available in long or short styles.
Protective Trousers
Trousers worn to protect the lower torso and legs during emergency ops. Also known as bunker pants or turnout pants.
