LP 305 PPE TURNOUTS Flashcards
Was firefighter safety a concern for
firefighters in the early days of the fire
service?
The Los Angeles City Fire Department was
established in 1886. During the early years, the
emphasis was placed on extinguishing fires and
saving lives from the results of fires. There was
no specific concern regarding the safety
protection of the Firefighter who risked life and
limb during the “horse and buggy” days.
Where did firefighters of the early
days place safety on their list of
concerns?
The "OLD DAYS" Horse drawn apparatus, two platoons, steamer pumpers, buckets, trumpets, long hours, were some of the tools and challenges the pioneers of the profession faced.
What was the prevalent attitude in
the early days regarding firefighters
safety?
In the early days the tough guy philosophy
became a prevalent attitude for the next
century in the fire service. Was this a
correct belief? Did it serve the Firefighter
well? “Tough men were needed for a dirty
tough job”. “No sissy’s” “Protective
equipment - what is that”? “Not for me; I am
a Firefighter, I am indestructible”, “I will go
on forever”. These were some of the quotes
you might have heard around the firehouse
in the early days.
When did the most significant
improvement in Firefighter safety
protection occur?
Project F.I.R.E.S: In the late 1970’s, is
probably the most significant improvement
in Firefighter safety. Protection occurred as
a result of Project F.I.R.E.S. It brought
together the science community and the
United States Fire Administration to address
Firefighter safety and protective equipment
Why did the concerns for firefighters
safety change?
The 20th Century brought on many changes,
the biggest being better living through
chemistry. The fire ground environment that
the firefighters faced changed dramatically
during the 1900’s.
What else took place in the 1970’s
that protects workers in America?
In the 1970’s, the Federal Government began
to pass laws to protect the worker in America.
The historic law that Congress passed was the
Federal Occupational Safety and Health Act
(O.S.H.A.). Specifically addressing the fire
service was the Fire Service – O.S.H.A. Fire
Brigade Standard. This regulated private fire
brigades but not public Departments
What was recognized in the late
1900’s that made firefighter safety an
issue that needed to be addressed?
Steep High In Tradition: Before the O.S.H.A.
legislation was passed to regulate safety
issues; the fire service for the most part did
things the same way as before, because it
worked (tradition).
In what year did the California
Legislature enact CAL/OSHA?
In 1973, the California Legislature enacted
CAL/OSHA and as a result of this state law
the public sector of the work force had to be
protected as restrictive as the private sector.
This brought the Fire Department under the
criteria for the safety of its members.
What have have become the national
standards addressing all issues of fire
protection?
NFPA Standards: These standards have become the national consensus standards addressing all issues of fire protection. Specifically NFPA Standard 1500 is the primary guidelines for the fire service.
TODAYS FIREFIGHTER MUST KEEP WHAT IN MIND?
Today’s Firefighters must take responsibility
to do the right thing for not only them, but
also for their love ones. He/she must not be
cavalier towards safety and the protective
equipment provided by the Department.
The “it cannot happen to me” syndrome is
not acceptable. This is a career; not just a
job and the hazards that are faced on a
daily bases will accumulate and lead to life
threatening illnesses, if we do not take the
necessary precautions
In what ways do turnout garments
protect you?
Purpose: Firefighter Garments protect you in two ways. a) Provide limited insulation from temperatures extremes by creating air spaces between several layers. Air is the best form of insulation because heat travels through it slower than most solid materials or water. b) Garments also protect you because they are made of special heat and flame resistant textiles which can absorb moderately high levels of heat for brief periods of time without themselves combusting and burning, and there by increasing the severity of burn injuries
What are the three layers of Turnout
Protective clothing?
A-The outer shell material is constructed of
Southern Mills, Advance, Nomex / Kevlar
blend in a rip stop weave, and is treated
with a water repellant finish.
B-The Thermal insulated liner is constructed of a Southern Mills Caldura batten quilt material. The thermal layer and moisture layer are sewn together, and are completely removable for repair, cleaning or replacement.
c) The moisture barrier is constructed of
Breathe-Tex material, combined with
Nomex / Kevlar blend Laminated cloth.
What is a new safety feature
integrated into today’s modern
turnout coats
NFPA 1983 Escape Belt: should be
adjusted before use to ensure proper fit
(currently being phased out.)
Why do our turnout coats have
wristlets attached to them?
Purpose: to provide redundant protection
should separation occur between the jacket
and the glove, they are designed to help
prevent burns to wrist. They are also
designed to prevent bunching under gloves;
yet remain flexible enough to allow easy
donning
2. Sewn to LAFD Turnout Coat Liner made of
a double layer of 100% Nomex and not less
than 4” in length.
What is the purpose of the fire
helmet?
The purpose of the Fire Helmet is for personal protection and identification a) The fire fighting helmet provide protection levels that meets or exceeds requirements set by the NFPA – Standard 1972, Cal/OSHA Title 8 – General Industrial Safety Order. 1) Front brim; to provide protection to eyes and facial area. 2) Rear Brim; to provide protection to neck from debris and water run-off. 3) Raised top section; for added stability from impact from above.
