SOG 1-5-08 Protective Clothing

Question 1

Purpose

Answer 1

AFD guidelines for use of protective clothing. Full protective clothing minimum is turnout coat and pants (with liners in), nomex hood, firefighting boots, firefighting gloves, a helmet with face shield, and goggles

Question 2

Guideline

Answer 2

Goal of AFD to provide highest level of personal protection to all members operating on the fireground. Responsibility of each company officer to ensure that those under their command are fully equipped in ppe.

Question 3

I. Tactical Considerations

Answer 3

A. Full protective clothing shall be worn while responding to structural fire alarms. Optional for drivers not assigned to RIT duties, command, and/or command staff.

B. Intent of this guideline that no member shall cause delay in fire fighting operations by not being fully prepared to engage in fire fighting activities in a safe manner

C. Full protective clothing shall be worn at all times when operating on the fireground, or other incidents requiring full protective clothing, whether actual or potential hazards exist

Question 4

II. Special Operations

Answer 4

A. Face shield and approved goggles shall be utilized at any time the need for eye protection seems apparent, such as during overhaul, operating hand or power tools, and when fighting trash fires, grass fires, and other fires where SCBA face piece is not being worn

B. Appropriate wildland firefighting ensemble utilized by all personnel engaged in fighting wildlad or urban/wildland interface fires

C. Gloves shall be worn when engaged in firefighting, overhaul, training with hose and ladders, when using hand or power tools, and any other situation where injuries are likely to occur

D. While operating at EMS incidents, all members shall wear protective clothing required to afford complete personal protection per the Exposure Control Plan

E. Full protective clothing shall be worn when personnel are operating forcible entry equipment and tools

Question 5

Command Responsibility

Answer 5

A. In specific situations where no guidelines are provided, the proper protective clothing shall be worn to protect against foreseeable hazards.

B. Crew members should inspect each other’s protective ensemble for proper donning

C. Company officers may use their discretion to regulate the “suit up” criteria in terms of any unusual circumstance

D. Use of turnout coats and nomex hoods during overhaul operations will be at the discretion of Command and Safety Officer