IFSTA CH 5 PPE Flashcards
Two basic functions of stations and work uniforms
they identify the wearer as a member of the organization
they provide a layer of protection against direct flame contact
NFPA 1971
all PPE designed for structural and proximity FF must meet the requirements of NFPA 1971
helmets can also help identify personnel
colour indicates rank
marking indicates the unit
removable identification labels indicate accountability
trousers/hitch
constructed from the same fabric, moisture barrier and thermal layering used in protective coats
Structure fire coats be made of 3 layers
outer shell
moisture barrier
thermal barrier
FF should never alter the protective clothing
clothing, adding or removing components may endanger your life, void manufacturers warranty and/or affect your workers compensation benefit
Temperature limit of structure gear
400 degrees fahrenheit (200 degrees celcius)
Fahrenheit to Celsius conversion
°F =°C * 1.8000+ 32.00
PASS
personal alert safety system
emit a loud alarm to alert other personnel that a FF is in danger
PASS activates
when a FF is motionless for more than 30 seconds or when a FF presses the emergency button
PASS devices assist rescuers
trying to locate trapped, unconscious or incapacitated FF, they are useful in:
total darkness
dense smoke
confined space
PASS devices have at least three settings
off
alarming
sensing
Must wear hearing protection when operating
power tools
apparatus pump
generators
PASS device test
in some situations hearing protection is impractical and may prevent you from
communicating with other FF
hearing changes in fire behaviour
hearing radio transmissions
hearing calls from a trapped victim
best protection with roadway operations
being visible to motorists ad working behind a barrier formed by your apparatus
NFPA 1851 Defines four types of cleaning for PPE
Routine cleaning
advanced cleaning
specialized cleaning
contract cleaning
Routine cleaning
does not require that the clothing be removed from service
at an incident scene, the process for routine cleaning includes:
brushing off loose debris with a broom or soft bristle brush
using a gentle spray of water to rinse off debris and soil
advance cleaning
those personnel should use a washing machine dedicated to cleaning protective clothing that is designed to handle heavy loads
specialized cleaning
is required when clothing is contaminated with hazardous materials or body fluid that cannot be removed by routine or advance cleaning
contract cleaning
typically removes accumulated grime or contaminants
two types of respiratory protection equipment
atmospheric-supplying respirators (ASRs)
Air-Purifying respirators (APRs)
respiratory hazards
oxygen deficiency
elevated temperatures
particulate contaminates
gases and vapors
airborne pathogens
oxygen deficiency
atmosphere containing less than 19.5% oxygen
combustion is the most common cause of oxygen-deficiency atmospheres
- it consumes oxygen and produces toxic gases, which typically displaces oxygen or dilute its concentration
elevated temperatures
excessive heat inhaled quickly into the lungs can cause serious decrease in BP and failure of the circulatory system
inhaling heated gases can cause pulmonary edema which can cause asphyxiation
Particulate Contaminants
small particles that may be suspended in the air and are harmful to the respiratory system
sources of these particulates include
- vehicle exhaust
- chemical reactions
- heated metals or metal compounds
- combustion
gases and vapors
gases exist at standard temperatures and pressure
vapors result from temperature or pressure changes that affect a solid or liquid
Airborne pathogens
are disease-causing micro-organisms suspended in the air, cause infection through inhalation or direct contact
open-circuit SCBA
uses compressed air
Exhaled air is vented to the outside atmosphere
qualitative fit test (QLFT) + Quantitative fit test (QNFT)
provide an adequate assessment of a facepiece ability to maintain a complete seal to the face
closed-circuit SCBA
uses compressed oxygen
exhaled air stays within the system for reuse
End-of-service-time-indicator (EOSTI)
require two alarms must be installed on all SCBAs
alarm warns the user that the system is reaching the end of its air supply, typically when it reaches 33 percent of the cylinders capacity
SCBA Wearer limitations
lack of physical condition
lack of agility
impaired balance
inadequate pulmonary capacity
weakened cardiovascular ability
psychological limitations
unique facial features
SCBA equipment limitations
limited visibility
decreased ability to communicate
decreased endurance
decreased mobility
poor condition of apparatus
low air cylinder pressure
SCBA donning methods
over-the-head
coat method
donning from a seat
donning from side/rear external mount
your SCBA requires ongoing inspections and maintenance to protect you properly, you mist clean and inspect it:
after each use
at the start of every duty shift
every week
three breathing air sources to refill depleted SCBA cylinders
stationary fill stations
mobile fill stations
firefighting breathing air replenishment system (FBARS) - system installed in high-rise buildings
stationary fill stations
cascade system
auto-cascade system
storing respiratory protection equipment
stored for quick and easy donning
protect from contamination, temperature changes and ultraviolet light
Exit indicators
situations or events that signal the need to exit
Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL)
the IC issues orders to change the required level of respiratory protection or withdraw from the area completely
buddy system
each team member is responsible for the safety of the other member
the only time a member may work alone is in a confined space where two members cannot fit
(second team member remains outside monitoring the search line, ready to enter the space if need be)
Controlled breathing
inhale naturally through the nose then forcefully exhale through the mouth, reducing air consumption
Reilly emergency breathing method
involves inhaling deeply through the nostrils, fill lungs fully then hum while exhaling
egress paths
when you exit an IDLH area, it is important to use the same path that you used to enter
you should also be aware of other means of egress in case your entry route is blocked
