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.
How are the helmets that are used by
the LAFD identified?
Identification through color and numbering system: 1) White = Chief Officers 2) Orange = Captains 3) Yellow = Firefighters 4) Blue = EMS 5) Red = Arson 6) Black = Explorers
HOW TO ID HELMET
All helmet numbers shall be 2 ¼” high
by 2” wide block numbers, red in
color.
COLOR REFLECTIVE BANDS USED TO IDENTIFY ?
Colored reflective band, 3M 580 Scotchlight or equivalent, 1-inch by 4- inch, in color Red Captain II Blue Captain I White EMS Captain, A / O, Engineer and Single Function FF or FF / PM and 800 Series RA Green Specialized (Boat, Crash, HR-56)
WHAT DOES A HELMET WITHOUT A SHIELD REPRESENT?
No leather shield represents
probationary firefighters
What are the four components that
make up the helmet assembly?
The Fire Helmet Assembly is made up of
four components and weighs 29 ½ oz
complete:
a) Helmet Shell offers a well-balanced and
lightweight system providing maximum
protection for the user.
b) It is equipped with a 3/8” thick by 2 ½”
wide closed cell sponge rubber impact
ring to attenuate impact energy.
c) Helmet Liner is high-density polyethylene
plastic covered in part by triethylene
nylon, fire retardant cotton and Nomex.
It is completely adjustable to fit any size
head. Nape Strap is adjustable with
Velcro to firmly cradle the head in a
comfortable position.
d) Chinstrap is ¾” wide black nylon with
Velcro fastener on the loose end.
Leather-backed postman’s slide buckle
for easy adjustment.
What are the purposes of gloves?
Purpose of the firefighting glove is to protect
the hands from heat during structure
firefighting. Puncture wounds or cut when
handling sharp objects
WHAT GRIP STRENGTH IS IMPORTANT?
Satisfactory grip when handling halyards
1) Evaluated with a 3/8” diameter
halyard by establishing a baseline
using barehanded lift.
Pulling capacity dry must be 80% and wet
must be 70% of baseline
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF FIREFIGHTING HOOD?
Purpose: The firefighting hood is designed
to provide protection to the ears, face and
neck.
Specification: Must meet or exceed NFPA specifications, Standard 1975 “Station / Work Uniform for Firefighters”, and Cal / OSHA General Industry Safety Order Title 8
WHAT IS THE FIREFIGHTING HOOD MADE OF?
Construction: Made of all Nomex Knit Fabric
weighing 6oz. Per square yard. They are
beige in color and shall be double ply with
only one seam running from top-center of
the face opening, over the top and down to
the bottom center of the bib.
a) Size: Overall length is 21 ½” long with a
face opening of 4 ½” top to bottom by 5”
width and a shoulder indention of 3”.
What type of protection does the
turnout boot offer to the wearer?
Purpose: Provide additional safety measures for your feet. They have steel toes and steel shanks. They are water proof and offer additional protection from Puncture injuries b) Electrical hazards c) Burns d) Crushing
Who decides when protective
clothing shall be worn?
Description: Personal Protective Clothing and
Equipment shall be used whenever members
may be subjected to a hazardous environment
encountered during fire fighting and other
emergencies or while participating in training
activities.
Helmet shall be worn:
During all emergency operations or as deemed appropriate by Company Commander, with chinstrap properly in place under the chin. Exception: Not required during nonhazardous EMS operations.
b) While driving or riding on any emergency
apparatus
Exception: With Company Commander
approval, members may dispense with
the wearing of the helmet when sitting in
the front or jumpseat of enclosed or fully
enclosed apparatus or when riding inside
light vehicle
c) At “outside” firefighting drills
d) On hazardous work details
e) In hazardous areas or occupancies
where safety hats are required.
When shall gloves be worn?
Gloves shall be worn: a) Fire fighting gloves shall be worn during all firefighting operations Exception: During brush firefighting brush gloves shall be used. b) Work gloves shall be worn during overhaul operations, or any time protection of the hands is necessary.
When shall turnout clothing be worn?
ALL EMERGENCECIES AND STILL ALARMS
