General Orders 102.02: Protective Clothing

Question 1

What is the purpose of General Order 102.02: Protective Clothing?

Answer 1

To inform the users of the firefighter protective clothing of the proper procedures for laundering. This will insure unnecessary wear and allow maximums life for the intended use and protection of the user.

Question 2

When should protective clothing be inspected for contaminants?

Answer 2

After each use and cleaned when dirty/contaminated, twice a year or more often if subjected to heavy use.

Question 3

Who is responsible for the cleaning of their firefighter garments?

Answer 3

Each individual fire department member is responsible.

Question 4

T or F: The GFD will provide cleaning materials and tools to launder firefighting garments at the stations?

Answer 4

TRUE

Question 5

Who is required to inspect firefighting garments on a monthly basis?

Answer 5

The company officer. However, this does not exclude necessary inspections between monthly reports.

Question 6

Can the company officer require cleaning of firefighting garments?

Answer 6

Yes, anytime they feel it is necessary.

Question 7

During annual station inspection, who will inspect all firefighting garments?

Answer 7

The shift commander

Question 8

What should not be used to clean firefighting garments?

Answer 8

Chlorine bleaches!

Question 9

What are approved cleaning agents for firefighting garments?

Answer 9

Use of oxygenated bleaches such as liquid Clorox 2, Liquid Vivid or oxygenated Comet cleanser.

Question 10

T or F: Firefighting garments may be dry cleaned?

Answer 10

FALSE! Dry cleaning may damage moisture barriers.

Question 11

T or F: Fabric softeners may be used on firefighting garments?

Answer 11

FALSE! Fabric softeners are oil based and can contribute to fabric flammability.

Question 12

Why are soap cleansers prohibited when laundering firefighting garments?

Answer 12

Soap fats will contribute to flammability and clog the permeability of moisture barriers.

Question 13

What is the maximum water temperature when laundering firefighting garments?

Answer 13

140 degrees Fahrenheit. Hotter water may cause shrinkage.

Question 14

T or F: Firefighting garments may be used in automatic dyers?

Answer 14

FALSE! Automatic dryers may damager moisture barriers and reflective trim which will negate their effectiveness.

Question 15

Where should turnouts be placed if contaminated with blood or body fluids?

Answer 15

Turnouts should be placed in bio-hazard bag until cleaned. Use universal precautions during cleaning procedures.

Question 16

How often should protective clothing be inspected and cleaned?

Answer 16

Protective clothing should be inspected for contaminants after each use and cleaned a minimum of once every six months or more often if subjected to heavy use.

Question 17

What helps increase the life expectancy of firefighting garments?

Answer 17

The removal of abrasive, flammable dirt and contaminants.

Question 18

What should be done to firefighting garments prior to laundering?

Answer 18

All hooks and dees should be fastened and the garment turned inside out or placed in a large laundry bag that can be tied shut to avoid damage to the wash tub.

Question 19

T or F: Liners shall be removed and the shells of both coat and pants can be washed together.

Answer 19

TRUE

Question 20

While the washing machine is filling with warm water (between 110 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit) what is the amount of oxygenated bleach or other approved cleansers to be added for proper cleansing?

Answer 20

Add 1/2 cup (4oz) of oxygenated bleach and 1 cup (8oz) of liquid detergent. Turnout cleanser as provided by the department may also be used as directed.

Question 21

T or F: Firefighting garments may be dried hung out to dry in direct sun?

Answer 21

FALSE. Garments should be dried by hanging in a shaded area that receives good cross ventilation.

Question 22

What are the pre-cleaning agents approved for spot cleaning firefighting garments?

Answer 22

Oxygenated comet cleanser, Micro Blaze, liquid spray and wash, liquid shout, liquid tide, liquid dishwashing detergent or tar remover.

Question 23

What are the steps for spot cleaning firefighting garments?

Answer 23

Squirt pre-cleaners one or two times onto the soiled area, rub fabric together until light foam appears on the surface, carefully rinse with cool water.

Question 24

What can be done to heavy soiled garments prior to laundering?

Answer 24

Use a liquid detergent or pre-cleaner prior to laundering.

Question 25

When firefighting garments are contaminated with hydrocarbon, how many times must the liners and outer shells be washed?

Answer 25

Two times.

Question 26

When firefighting garments are contaminated with hydrocarbons, what are the steps to decontaminate on scene?

Answer 26

While on scene, wash as much of the contaminants with water and apply Micro Blaze to the area, and let sit for one hour.

Question 27

Who must be contacted when turnouts are contaminated heavily with tar?

Answer 27

Contact the department personal protective equipment representatives.

Question 28

What must be done before any repairs are made to protective clothing?

Answer 28

Garments must be cleaned in accordance with cleaning instructions. IT is against OSHA guidelines to expect workers to alter or repair soiled and possibly contaminated protective clothing.