1.2 Members assigned to the Bureau of Fire Investigation are only issued one bunker coat and one pair of bunker pants.

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1 June 21, 2007 (PPC) 1. STATEMENT OF POLICY In an effort to reduce the number and severity of firefighters burn injuries, especially those to the lower extremities, the Department has outfitted all members with Personal Protective Clothing (PPC). 1.1 All members (except Bureau of Fire Investigation personnel) must be equipped with two bunker coats and two bunker pants. Members that were issued less than two bunker coats or two bunker pants must report to the Quartermaster at Fort Totten for issuance of a second bunker coat and/or bunker pants if they need a different size than when originally measured. Members that require a second bunker coat and/or bunker pants in the same measurements can forward a report through the chain of command to the Quartermaster. If the Quartermaster records indicate that this member was only issued one bunker coat or bunker pants, they will deliver the second piece(s) to the firehouse. If the Quartermaster records indicate that this member was issued two full sets of bunker gear, the member will need to forward a Lost Property Report (FS-112) through regular channels. 1.2 Members assigned to the Bureau of Fire Investigation are only issued one bunker coat and one pair of bunker pants. 1.3 Members are prohibited from wearing older style turnout coats, including the Model TC DESCRIPTION 2.1 The PPC consists of: Bunker Gear A. Bunker Coat B. Bunker Pants Bunker Boots (Rubber, Leather or Chauffeur boots) Station Uniform Gloves and Helmet Protective hoods

2 2.1.1 Company Commanders are directed to ensure that all members comply with the procedures for marking bunker gear as follows: Bunker Coat - shall be marked with a permanent black marker. Initials and surname shall be printed in one inch (1 ) letters on the gray quilted liner inside the right edge of the coat, between the snap for the liner and the coat edge. Bunker Pants - Shall be marked with a permanent black marker. Initials and surname shall be printed in one inch (1 ) letters on the gray quilted liner on the right side of the fly, between the Velcro closure and the manufacturer s label. 2.2 To effectively furnish the desired level of protection, all elements of the PPC must be worn. In particular, the thermal liners of the Bunker Gear must be in place at all times. 2.3 Bunker Gear should be kept clean. Dirty Bunker Gear can absorb more heat, causing the degree of protection to become questionable, and may actually cause the material to ignite. 2.4 Bunker Gear when properly used and maintained will afford a limited period of protection to exit an area which has become or is about to become untenable. It is not a "Close Proximity Entry Suit" such as that used in Airport Crash and Fire Rescues. In a flashover situation, a Bunker equipped member must be within 5 to 10 feet of an exit in order to survive. 2.5 FDNY Bunker Pants are provided with either of two different kinds of knee protection. Level II Morning Pride Heat Channel Knee Pads are issued to members already assigned to Ladders, Rescues, and Squad members. Members assigned to Engine companies and Probationary Firefighters are issued Level II Morning Pride Heat Channel Knee Pads covered with Arashield. Level I Knee Pads (without heat channels) are no longer acceptable as they do not offer the necessary levels of protection for members. When knee pads wear out, they shall be replaced through the Quartermaster. Bunker pants shall never be worn without knee pads in place. 2.6 The wearing of Bunker Pants Suspenders is an essential part of the Bunker Pants function in protection of the lower extremities. The wearing of the suspenders is not optional, but mandatory. When members are not wearing the suspenders during fire operations, the Bunker Pants have a tendency to slide down especially when wet, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the knee pads in fully protecting the knee area from burns. 2.7 The hood is part of your personal protective clothing (PPC) and its use is mandated by the Department. It is anticipated that the use of protective hoods will have the same positive results as bunker gear, further reducing burn injuries to our members. The hood shall be worn whether dry, damp, or saturated with moisture. 2.8 If the protective hood is not available, the Officer on Duty (OOD) shall instruct the member to have his/her helmet ear flaps down and coat collar up and secured by the neck strap prior to entering the fire area. 2

3 2.9 It must be understood that wearing the hood in a hostile environment somewhat reduces your ability to note changing fire conditions in the immediate area. Therefore, you must leave the area immediately upon feeling any pain or discomfort through the hood, unless the area can be immediately cooled by a hoseline. Remember; always stay alert to deteriorating conditions. 3. DONNING OF BUNKER GEAR 3.1 Bunker Gear must be donned in the following order: Pants and Boots (Personal Safety System in place) NOTE: Members are advised to use boot jacks when doffing their PRO boots. When used properly, PRO Boot jacks will extend the life of the PRO boots significantly Handie-Talkie (remote speaker clipped to outside of coat) Protective Hood*- The Protective Hood must be donned in the following manner to ensure a proper seal of the SCBA facepiece. Don the hood completely over your head before putting on the Bunker Coat. Don the Bunker Coat. Push back the hood from your head onto the back of your neck to store the hood in the ready position. Before entering a smoke filled environment, the SCBA facepiece is to be donned, followed by the pulling up of the hood over the head and around the facepiece. WARNING: Failure to don the SCBA facepiece first, before the hood, will result in an improper seal of the facepiece resulting in the loss of air from the positive pressure facepiece. *NOTE: The procedures for the proper donning, use, and care of the Protective Hood are found in the training video, "Protective Hoods", issued to each firehouse. All units shall periodically incorporate the viewing of this video into drill periods Bunker Coat 3.2 Responding Structural Fires - Due to the possibility of members operating without full PPC and also due to the negative perception by the public, all members except chauffeurs shall don their PPC prior to responding. In hot weather, if the apparatus is not equipped with a functioning air conditioning unit, coats and protective hoods may be dispensed with while responding. 3

4 June 21, Non-Structural Fires and Response to BARS Alarms, Non-Fire Responses, ERS NC, and Class E Alarms - In hot weather, coats and protective hoods may be dispensed with while responding. Responding without PPC is permissible. This would also include CPR and CFR-D runs When responding from other than quarters the above rules apply Members shall not drive Department apparatus while wearing rubber boots. Driving with bunker pants and the Chauffeur boots or leather boots is optional Department Chauffeurs and Tiller operators should not insert their thumbs through the wristlet loops of bunker coat prior to driving apparatus. The wristlet material may prevent members from getting a firm grip on the steering wheel, which could result in loss of control of the apparatus. After the apparatus is positioned, members can easily insert their thumbs through the wristlet loops at that time. 4. OPERATING AT FIRES AND EMERGENCIES 4.1 Chief and Company Officers shall ensure that all members wear the proper level of protective equipment while operating at the scene of fires and emergencies. Any member entering the fire building must have all PPC donned. 4.2 Chief Officers when operating in a command capacity outside the fire building, may dispense with wearing the complete bunker ensemble when, in the exercise of their best judgment, wearing the bunker gear is not necessary. The helmet must be worn at all times. However, Chief Officers required to enter the fire building, must have all PPC donned. 5. OPERATIONAL FACTORS AND LIMITATIONS 5.1 Members wearing Bunker Gear must be alert to rising heat levels and heat buildup. The thermal protection provided by Bunker Gear can mask signs of high heat conditions, allowing members to over-commit or delay backing out when conditions warrant. This can greatly increase the member s risk of incurring a serious burn injury. A bunker equipped member exposed to moderate heat conditions for a prolonged period can eventually be burned through the clothing. 5.2 When a Unit has some members wearing protective hoods and other members operating without hoods, additional pre-cautions must be observed, particularly by the Officer in Charge Members operating without protective hoods may be overextended and exposed to injury producing heat levels than members wearing protective hoods. In this case the operating limit of heat exposure is the level that members without hoods can continue to safely operate Members wearing Bunker Gear and protective hoods retain more body heat and 4

5 are more readily subjected to exhaustion than members operating without hoods. The operating limit is the maximum safe period of operation for Bunker and hood clad members. 6. OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS 6.1 The removal of pent up heat and humidity within the Bunker Garment is a high priority. As soon as operations permit, members should start ventilating their bodies by removing the coat and opening the front flap of the pants. This is of particular importance during the summer months. Because of the debilitating effect of operating while in Bunker Gear, Chief and Company Officers must be more keenly aware of the need for relief of units that have been engaged in firefighting Units shall be promptly relieved. Additional units should be utilized to perform overhaul and salvage functions, where necessary Lack of oxygen contributes to heat stress; therefore a greater emphasis on SCBA usage during extinguishment and overhaul is essential. Rotation and relief of personnel during the firefighting periods are an essential part of good fire management when companies have been engaged in operations that are unusually demanding. 6.2 The fire environment must be continuously monitored to detect elevated heat levels. The use of the technique known as the duckwalk is recommended when members encounter heat conditions which are felt through the bunker pants or where operations involve areas where water has accumulated Chief Officers and Company Officers must be aware that due to the weight and restrictive nature of bunker gear, operations in both engines and ladders will be performed in a less rapid fashion and will require a greater period of time to complete. 6.3 Chief Officers shall personally evaluate the condition of the members operating under their command and provide appropriate periods of rest and rehabilitation when indicated. Officers must be proactive and consider the following factors: Members age and physical condition Weather conditions Type/duration of operations Number of responses Number of hours member has been on duty 5

6 6.4 An attitude of mandatory early relief and rehabilitation must be adopted To allow for the early relief of fatigued units, Chief Officers should consider special calling additional units for this purpose, and when necessary, transmitting additional alarms Incident Commanders shall establish a Rehabilitation Area when conditions indicate that rest and rehabilitation at the scene may be required. Chief and Company Officers shall be guided by A.U.C. 230R - Medical Recuperation and Care Procedures Battalion Chiefs may authorize up to 2 hours of rest and rehabilitation and Deputy Chiefs up to 3 hours of rest and rehabilitation. 7. CARE AND MAINTENANCE Advanced cleaning of bunker coat and pants is performed by a private contractor. Upon return of bunker gear, the member must inspect bunker gear for serviceability. If there are any doubts on the serviceability of the gear, an evaluation shall be made at the Quartermaster. 7.1 Routine Cleaning Easily removed dirt particles should be brushed off of the coat and pants at the scene of operations. Other debris can be rinsed off with a stream of water When necessary, the bunker gear can be washed in the decontamination sink in quarters using the following procedures: Water temperature shall not exceed 105º F. Only mild detergents shall be used. Never use chlorine or bleach. Only a soft bristled brush shall be used for lightly scrubbing away any dirt or stains. The cleaned item shall be thoroughly rinsed The protective hood shall be washed in lukewarm water using liquid detergent. Do not use soap or chlorine bleach. They are harmful to the hood s stitching Never wring water out of the protective hood, this can stretch the material, instead squeeze the water out. When washing the protective hood, it is necessary to follow the guidelines stated in the training video. 7.2 Drying Requirements Wet bunkers and protective hoods should be hung up to dry in a well ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Knee pads should be removed during drying. 6

7 7.3 Second Set of Bunker Gear This will consist of member s second bunker coat and bunker pants. The two sets of bunker gear shall be worn alternately by members between advanced cleanings. Members shall commence wearing the one set of bunker gear continuously from tour to tour when the other set of gear is picked up for advanced cleaning. On return from advanced cleaning, this second set of gear shall be stored and worn only when the first set of gear is drying or being repaired. After the first set of gear is dry or repaired, the member shall place the second set back in storage and wear the first set of gear. Approximately six months later, when the first set of gear is picked up for advanced cleaning, the member shall start wearing the second set of bunker gear continuously from tour to tour for the next six months, except when it is drying or being repaired. Members shall continue on the schedule, alternating use of each set of bunker gear approximately every six months, with the advanced cleaning cycle indicating when to switch wearing the sets of gear. The purpose of alternating the wearing of the two sets of bunker gear on a six month cycle is to ensure that neither set is subjected to more advanced cleanings than necessary. At this cycle, each set of gear would undergo advanced cleaning 10 times over the ten year cycle of bunker gear. This is to prevent various elements of the bunker gear from wearing out prematurely and lowering the levels of protection afforded to members. This also allows for each garment piece to annually undergo an advanced inspection to identify unserviceable gear that requires repair or replacement. 7.4 Gloves Brush debris from your gloves. When necessary, hand or machine wash with a mild detergent/soap and water. Do not use bleach. An alternative washing method is to wear your gloves and wash them while they are on your hands. Wring the water from the gloves. Allow the gloves to dry naturally, inside and out. Provide a means to permit air to circulate within the interior of your gloves. Do not machine dry or dry gloves on radiator. Soft brushing will help maintain the suppleness of the glove. When gloves are wet they can cause steam burns if holding hot objects. gloves will also keep members hands warm in cold weather. Dry 8. EXAMINATION AND REPAIR 8.1 Bunker Gear Integrity Examination When bunker gear has been ripped, torn, or subject to severe heat (thermal loading), its effectiveness as personal protective equipment may be significantly compromised. Members must routinely examine their bunker gear for rips, tears and the signs of thermal loading: a charring, burning, or brown discoloration of the bunker gear fabric. Whenever a member's Bunker Gear has been ripped, torn, or displays any signs of thermal loading the garment(s) must be examined at the Quartermaster to determine whether repair or replacement is necessary. 7

8 8.1.2 Bunker Gear Integrity Examinations will be conducted at the Quartermaster by representatives of the Quartermaster and Total Fire Group in conjunction with the FDNY Liaison Officer The FDNY Liaison Officer will make the final determination as to whether the garment will be condemned and replaced or repaired Loaner gear is available for members with burned, discolored and/or damaged bunker gear for use pending evaluation, repair and/or replacement. Loaner gear may be obtained from Special Operations Command (SOC). Call SOC via telephone, SOC will fax a Loaner Gear Form to the company who will complete the form and fax the form back to SOC. The Unit must then contact their Division messenger to pickup loaner gear at SOC. Loaner must be returned to SOC by the Division messenger. 8.2 Protective Hood Examination At the start of each tour and after each use, inspect your hood for tears, discoloration, stretching or open seams. If you find any problems notify the officer on duty Members shall be guided by the department guidelines as stated in sections 2.9, and of this AUC if members are unable to use their protective hood due to: Damage detected during a serviceability inspection. Contamination resulting from bodily fluids or hazardous materials which require cleaning. Any others reasons or conditions which result in the hood being unserviceable. 8.3 Delivery of Bunker Gear to the Quartermaster There are two separate procedures for delivering bunker gear to the Quartermaster for an integrity examination. The procedure to be used depends on whether or not the member who had been wearing the bunker gear has incurred a burn injury which requires medical leave to be granted. A. When the affected member does not require medical leave for a burn injury the Division messenger of member s assigned Division shall deliver his/her bunker gear to the Quartermaster at the Fort Totten location only. If necessary, the member can obtain loaner gear from SOC. 8

9 B. When the affected member does require medical leave for a burn injury, the Officer on Duty must comply with section of the Regulations by tagging the bunker gear, placing it Out of Service, and contacting the Safety Battalion for instructions. The Safety Battalion will arrange for the collection of the bunker gear for its own investigation. At the conclusion of its investigation, the Safety Battalion will determine if the garment should be examined at the Quartermaster for repair or replacement due to thermal damage. Safety will deliver the garment to the Quartermaster for this evaluation. NOTE: If the Safety Battalion will be retaining control of the bunker gear for an extended period, pending completion of the investigation, they shall forward a report to the Chief of Safety and a copy to the member s unit indicating that loaner gear shall be issued to the affected member. 8.4 Repair or Replacement of Bunker Gear If a determination is made that the bunker gear is to be repaired, the Quartermaster will arrange for the gear to be cleaned and repaired. A. The Quartermaster will notify the officer on duty of the member s assigned unit when the repairs have been completed. The member s assigned Division messenger shall report to SOC to return any loaner gear that has been issued and obtain a signed receipt. The Division messenger then proceeds to the Quartermaster with signed receipt and picks up member s repaired gear and signs Quartermaster s voucher If a determination is made that the bunker gear is to be condemned and replaced, the Quartermaster will either issue new bunker gear, if the member is present, or notify the officer on duty of the member s assigned unit to notify the Division that the affected member s new gear is ready to be picked-up by the member s assigned Division messenger. A. The member s assigned Division messenger shall report to SOC to return any loaner gear that has been issued and obtain a signed receipt. The Division messenger then proceeds to the Quartermaster with signed receipt and picks up member s replacement bunker gear and signs Quartermaster voucher. 8.5 Contamination from Bodily Fluids and Blood Borne Pathogens The following procedures shall be followed for the collection, bagging, temporary replacement, transporting and cleaning of contaminated non-disposable personal protective equipment and work duty uniform. 9 Rev. 02/15/08

10 8.5.2 When personal protective equipment or work duty uniforms are contaminated with large amounts of body fluids: A. The Incident Commander shall have all items requiring decontamination bagged using a double-sealed clear plastic bag with a biohazard label attached. Bagged items shall be placed on the apparatus in an appropriate location to preserve the integrity of the bag and transported to quarters. The bagged items shall be placed in a light traffic area (remote location) on apparatus floor pending collection by SOC. The bag shall be marked with the member's name, assigned unit, and nature of the contamination. Contaminated PPC must not be forwarded to the Quartermaster. B. If in the opinion of the Incident Commander a member(s) must remove their personal protective equipment and/or work duty uniform at the scene of a fire or emergency, the Incident Commander shall select a suitable location where a member shall change into a coverall. The Incident Commander shall ensure the members PPE and/or work duty uniforms are bagged for decontamination. C. Body Substance Isolation shall be followed when handling bagged items. D. Distribution of replacement equipment and collection points for bagged items shall be established by the Incident Commander. E. The Incident Commander shall notify SOC of the need for temporary replacement equipment if necessary Bagging of Personal Protective Equipment/Work Duty Uniforms A. Disposable gloves and eye shield/face mask shall be worn by the member bagging the contaminated items. B. Place all contaminated non-disposable personal protective equipment or work duty uniforms in a double-sealed clear plastic bag with a biohazard label attached. The bag shall be marked with the member's name, assigned unit, and nature of contamination Contaminated Articles A. Place contaminated disposable articles that are not intended for re-use into red biohazard bags Officers and members are reminded to review and consult with the CFR Manual for any additional information or questions in regards to contamination by bodily fluids and blood borne pathogens 10

11 8.6 Contaminated Gear - Hazardous Materials Incidents A member of Special Operation Command will identify apparatus, equipment and clothing to be decontaminated. All clothing, personal items, apparatus, tools and equipment will remain at the site pending this determination. SOC cleans equipment and gear and issues loaner bunker gear. SOC doesn t issue replacement equipment. On receipt of members original clothing, Company Commanders will contact their assigned Division to arrange return of loaner gear. *The officers of the units who require loaner gear due to a Hazardous Materials incident shall notify SOC Decon Unit and their assigned Division. The Division messenger for those affected units will pick-up the required loaner gear from SOC and deliver the appropriate loaner gear to the affected units. SOC will pick-up the contaminated equipment and gear. After decontamination, the assigned Division messenger will pick-up and return clean equipment and bunker gear. **Officers and members are reminded to be guided by the procedures outlined in Hazardous Materials TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE OF BUNKER GEAR 9.1 In order to prevent the possibility of bringing fireground contaminants or bloodborne pathogens into the living areas of the firehouse, members are prohibited from wearing or bringing their firefighting protective ensemble or ensemble elements into any such areas. Living areas are kitchens, sitting rooms, television rooms, housewatch areas, offices, bunkrooms, gym areas, and other such areas where firefighting protective ensembles are not routinely stored or worn for protective purposes. The firefighter protective ensemble includes the bunker coat and pants, helmet, gloves, and the protective hood. 9.2 In order to comply with the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard (CFR ), while in quarters the firefighter protective ensemble shall only be kept at the designated storage area on the clothing rack, at the designated location on or near the apparatus for rapid donning by on-duty members, or in a separate area designated for such storage. Firefighting protective ensembles shall not be stored in personal lockers. 9.3 The Department has provided gear bags for the use of members transporting their firefighting protective ensemble. Under the OSHA Standards for Hazardous Materials and Bloodborne Pathogens, when members are required to transport any of the elements comprising the firefighting protective ensemble, such items must be transported in the gear bag to prevent hazardous material and bloodborne pathogen exposure. Gear bags shall be utilized by all members to transport their firefighting protective ensemble. When transporting the firefighting protective ensemble in a private vehicle, such items shall be placed in the gear bag before being placed in the passenger compartment or the trunk of the vehicle. Furthermore, the firefighting protective ensemble shall be kept within the gear bag at all times when such items are stored in the living quarters of a home. 11

12 9.4 Gear bags have been provided as follows: Seven gear bags issued to each Engine, Ladder, Rescue, Squad, and Haz-Mat Company that shares quarters with another unit. Nine gear bags to each Engine and Ladder Company that is quartered alone. Four gear bags issued to each Marine Company. These gear bags are assigned to the unit and are will be used by members of the unit to transport their firefighting protective ensemble. Gear bags assigned to units shall be marked as in the following example: E-217 #1, E-217 #2, E-217 #3, etc. 9.5 Gear bags shall be stored in the company office, and shall be readily available to members in the event that the unit is out of quarters and a company officer is not available to issue the gear bag. 9.6 Every Covering Officer has been issued a personal gear bag. Officers in Until Further Orders (UFO) positions are presently excluded from receiving a personal gear bag. They will draw upon the unit supply when necessary. 9.7 To prevent cross contamination due to sharing the gear bag, the following provisions are enacted: Prior to placement into the gear bag, the firefighting protective ensemble shall be placed into a plastic bag supplied by the Department The plastic bag containing the firefighting protective ensemble shall then be securely closed before being placed into the gear bag. 9.8 Once a member has completed transporting the firefighting protective ensemble the plastic bag that served as a protective liner shall be disposed of in the regular trash unless it is heavily soiled with blood or body fluids. In this event, the plastic bag liner would be disposed of as per section A of this Bulletin Grossly contaminated gear bags shall not be cleaned by members. If the gear bag becomes slightly contaminated, the member shall clean the bag following the guidelines in the CFR-D Manual, Chapter 3, Section All members shall comply with the following: Members are responsible to use the gear bag with the plastic bag liner anytime they transport their firefighting protective ensemble Members are responsible to return gear bags to the assigned unit immediately after completing the transportation of the bunker gear Gear bags are the property of the Department and are for official use only. Gear bags shall not be used for any purpose other then transporting the firefighting protective ensemble. 12

13 9.10 Officers on duty shall ensure that gear bags with the plastic bag liners are used anytime a member transports his or her firefighting protective ensemble. Company Commanders shall set up controls to account for the use of gear bags. A Gear Bag Log (attached) shall be established as follows: A binder shall be kept in the company office to account for gear bag use The officer on duty shall make proper entries in the log when a member is issued a gear bag for transporting his or her firefighting protective ensemble A member requiring a gear bag shall make the proper entries in the log when the unit is out of quarters and a company officer is not available The officer on duty shall initial and date the log when the gear bag is returned The member issued the gear bag shall complete the log entry when the unit is out of quarters and a company officer is not available The Company Commander shall review and sign the log in red pen monthly The Gear Bag Log shall be retained for 2 years Chief Officers shall examine the log for compliance Chief Officers shall audit usage via inspectional visits When a unit does not have enough gear bags available to provide a member with a gear bag, that unit shall obtain a gear bag assigned to another unit in the same quarters, or obtain a gear bag from another unit in the Battalion via the chain of command. Units shall track the use of that gear bag via the Gear Bag Log and ensure the prompt return of the gear bag to the original assigned unit upon completion of its use During times of unusual activity, there may be a need for a number of members to utilize gear bags. The Bureau of Operations shall provide gear bags for the use of the members involved. 13

14 Gear Bag Log Unit: Gear OOD Date Bag OOD Date Initial on Issued # Initial Member Name Returned Return