It is the intent of this policy to specify the use and care of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

DATE Revised June 5, 2009 SARASOTA COUNTY GOVERNMENT EMERGENCY SERVICES DIRECTIVE VOLUME #2 FIRE OPERATIONS NUMBER #217 CATEGORY POLICY SUBJECT PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) PURPOSE: It is the intent of this policy to specify the use and care of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). POLICY: Only Sarasota County Fire Department issued PPE is to be utilized by personnel. Personnel wishing to utilize PPE items other than that which is supplied by the Department must submit their request (in writing) to the Fire PDQI Committee. Once a request is received, the committee will research the brands of equipment being requested and make a recommendation to the Department Administration as to their findings. The Fire Department Administration will then approve or deny the recommendation. For example; if someone requests to wear extrication gloves, the PDQI Committee will research extrication gloves and make a recommendation on which gloves should be the Department standard. If the Department Administration approves the PDQI recommendation, anyone who wishes to utilize extrication gloves must use the Department Approved brand. Any PPE that is to be utilized by personnel other than that which is issued by the Department will be the sole responsibility of the user for purchase, maintenance and replacement. The Department will keep on file the manufacturer and model of any equipment approved for use. In some instances such as with boots, personnel will be required to have a Training Officer inspect their equipment for NFPA compliance. A form is then completed which will be kept in their personnel file. Test equipment will be worn by personnel when requested by the Fire PDQI committee. This test equipment will be utilized for a pre-determined period of time during which frequent written evaluations must be provided. At the conclusion of the test period, personnel are to return the test equipment to logistics and resume using their department issued equipment. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 1

PPE for Fire Alarms: Personnel entering a structure to investigate the cause of the fire alarm shall wear full PPE, including Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus. At the discretion of the Officer in-charge, full PPE, minus Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, may be worn by personnel entering a structure to investigate the cause of the fire alarm activation provided: The structure to be entered is not more than one story in height. The building to be entered is less than 5000 sq. ft., there is no indication of smoke or fire visible, and the personnel entering the building will be in line of sight of personnel remaining outside. A reliable source on the premises has already investigated the building and found no problem. Full PPE is not required when the alarm is reported as the result of activity at the facility other than fire. Examples include construction in progress, repair of the system, burned toast, etc. Full PPE, excluding SCBA, shall be worn by all personnel that are engaged in vehicle extrication or stabilization activities. If fire or a contaminated atmosphere is present then SCBA will also be worn. PPE for Fire and Hazardous Incidents: Full PPE, including Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, shall be worn by all personnel that are engaged in suppression activities, working in a contaminated atmosphere, during the stabilization of a hazardous condition, and overhaul. Pump operators operating in relative safety, while engaged in initial activities to support fire suppression shall wear a minimum of a helmet, bunker pants, boots and gloves. Eye Protection: Eye protection will be worn whenever the potential for eye injury exists. Examples of operations requiring eye protection include, but are not limited to, the following: A) Ventilation B) Forcible Entry C) Vehicle Extrication D) Working underneath a stabilized vehicle. E) Raising ladders, etc. Fire Fighting Gloves: Fire gloves shall be worn by personnel when engaged in fire suppression, overhaul, training with hose and ladders, when using hand or power tools, and any other situation where injuries to the hand are likely to occur. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 2

Helmet: Helmets shall be worn by personnel when engaged in fire suppression, overhaul, training with hose and ladders, when using hand or power tools, and any other situation where injuries to the head are likely to occur. Boots: All personnel will be issued two (2) pair of combination Structural/Wildland Fire boots. These boots shall be worn during all Structural and Wildland fire operations. Personnel who are unable to wear the issued combination boots due to fit or comfort issues will contact the Training Division for direction on obtaining other boots. Personnel are responsible for the purchase, maintenance and replacement of these boots. Replacement boots will either be dual NFPA certified for Structural and Wildland use or the person will be responsible for purchasing one set of NFPA certified Structural boots and one set of NFPA certified Wildland boots. Structural Firefighting PPE Care: All Fire and EMS Operations personnel will be issued 2 complete sets of PPE. Each set will consist of Helmet, Hood, Gloves, Combination Structural/Wildland Boots, Bunker Coat and Bunker Pants. All personnel employed prior to April 1, 2009 will be issued a complete second set of PPE. This set will include Helmet, Hood, Coat, Pants, Gloves and Boots. Upon receiving the new PPE, this will become the primary set of PPE to be used for daily operations. The older set will become the secondary set of PPE. All personnel employed after April 1, 2009 will be issued 2 sets of PPE. The owner shall select one (1) set of PPE and identify that as the primary set, and identify the other set as the secondary set. Components of the two (2) sets will not be mixed. The secondary PPE will be used only to replace primary PPE for one of the following reasons: 1. The primary set has been sent to a vendor for cleaning or repair. Only those items sent out will be replaced by the secondary PPE with the exception of the Coat/Pants ensemble. The Coat and Pants will always be worn as a set. 2. The primary set is being cleaned by the owner during the shift due to an incident that occurred during that shift. This PPE swap will not exceed the duration of the shift during which the incident occurred. Only those items being cleaned by the owner will be replaced by the secondary gear with the exception of the Coat/Pants ensemble. The Coat and Pants will always be worn as a set. 3. In order to expedite response times, stations that have 2 personnel assigned on duty at the station and 2 or more response apparatus assigned to the station are allowed to place their primary PPE on the most active apparatus and their secondary PPE on the next most active apparatus. Since each person is issued only one SCBA Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 3

facepiece, care must be taken to ensure that the facepiece is retrieved and brought with the owner on each call. At this time the stations meeting this criterion are Station 10, 15, 18 and 19. It is the owner s responsibility to ensure the immediate availability of both sets of PPE during their duty shift. While assigned to their regular station, immediate availability means both sets of PPE will be on site. During float or hireback operations, the primary PPE will be with the employee and the secondary PPE will be with the employee or at their home station. Bunker Pants and Coats are considered an ensemble and must be worn together as a matched set. They cannot be mixed between manufacturers or styles. This restriction includes mixing the pre-april 2009 pants and coats with the post-april 2009 pants and coats. Personnel issued 2 sets of post-april 2009 gear will not mix the components of the two sets in order to maintain the inspection/cleaning schedule and record keeping. Replacement gear issued by the Logistics Warehouse will always match the manufacturer and style or both components will be replaced. Personnel are responsible for inspecting their PPE at the beginning of each shift and after each use. Inspection will be carried out as detailed in the NFPA Routine Inspection instructions attached as Appendix A. Personnel are responsible for Routine cleaning of their gear after each use and as needed. Cleaning will be carried out as detailed in the NFPA Routine Cleaning instructions -Appendix B (Hand cleaned and dried. Do not machine wash or dry.). Interim cleaning of heavily soiled gear and/or repair of damaged PPE will be accomplished by tagging and delivering the PPE to the Logistics Warehouse. PPE that is contaminated with Bio Hazards will have each individual piece red bagged and the tag affixed to the outside of the bag. PPE that is contaminated with chemicals will be grossly decontaminated under the direction of Special Operations, have each piece individually bagged and the tag affixed to the outside of the bag. Contaminated PPE will be delivered to the Logistics Warehouse for cleaning or disposal as needed. Each set of PPE will be inspected and cleaned annually in accordance with NFPA 1851. The Logistics Warehouse will publish a schedule designating the date to submit the primary PPE or the secondary PPE for annual maintenance. It is the responsibility of the PPE owner to deliver the PPE to the warehouse as scheduled with the appropriate tags completed and attached to each piece of PPE. Anytime the PPE with the DRD Device and integrated harness is returned from cleaning and/or repair, the owner must inspect the DRD and integrated harness for proper installation. Additionally, one additional person (preferably the supervisor) shall inspect the devices for proper installation. In accordance with NFPA 1851, Section 4.2.3.1, any alteration of any issued PPE is strictly prohibited. This prohibition includes attaching or adding accessories, changing color or reflectivity (including but not limited to decals, pins, patches, embroidery or paint) or altering the original configuration of gear, including helmets, without written authorization of the Training Division or subsequent revision of this document. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 4

PPE will be stored as follows: A. Out of direct sunlight B. Away from artificial heat sources C. Clean and dry D. Protected against abrasion, sharp objects, oils, acids and alkali E. In a ventilated area or permeable gear bag In the event of the injury or death of any employee where PPE may have contributed to the injury or where the PPE was damaged, the PPE will be immediately removed from service, individually bagged and tagged and delivered to the Logistics warehouse with specific instructions to hold the gear until further notification. Safety Vests: The following requirement will be adhered to in order to comply with 23 CFR Part 634, the Federal Highway Administration s Worker Visibility rule. Department issued Safety Vests will be worn under the following conditions: 1. During emergency operations on a roadway or the adjacent shoulder. 2. During non-emergency operations on a roadway or adjacent shoulder. Examples include, but are not limited to, when acting as a back-up person for apparatus. 3. When operating in the Landing Zone of a helicopter. 4. Any other time the need for high visibility is needed or at the direction of a higher ranking officer, the Safety Officer or Incident Commander. 5. Winter jackets may not be substituted for the Safety Vests. If jackets are worn, the Safety Vests must be worn over top of the jacket. 6. PPE may not be substituted for safety vests unless the wearer is engaged in emergency operations that directly expose them to flame, fire, heat and/or hazardous materials. At all other times the Safety Vest must be worn over top of the bunker gear Hearing Protection: Personnel assigned to apparatus that have radio/intercom headsets installed shall utilize the headsets. Personnel assigned to apparatus that do not have radio/intercom headsets installed will utilize the hearing protectors that have been issued to their apparatus. Hearing protectors or radio/intercom headsets shall be utilized under the following circumstances: A) When responding red lights and siren. B) While operating the pump. C) During the operation of power tools, i.e., Hurst tools, saws, generators. D) While operating around helicopters. E) Anytime Supervisors determine conditions warrant their use. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 5

Wildland Gear: The Sarasota County Emergency Services Operations Division has recognized the need for safer operations on the scene of wildfires. This protective equipment meets the NFPA 1977 standard "Protective Clothing and Equipment for Wildland Fire Fighting". Each individual will receive the following Wildland equipment: 1 pair leather boots (see boot section above) 1 jacket 1 pair pants 1 helmet 1 pair goggles 1 canteen 1 Nomex ear, neck, and face protector 1 equipment bag Fire Shelters will no longer be issued as personal gear. They shall be carried in small duffle bags and distributed as follows: 4 Shelters in each Engine and Truck 2 Shelters in each Rescue 2 Shelters in each Brush Truck Upon arrival at the scene of a Wildland fire, all personnel will remove a fire shelter from the duffle bag and secure it to their person prior to engaging in any firefighting activities. Upon completion of the assignment the unused fire shelter will be returned to the appropriate duffle bag. If a fire shelter is used during an incident, replacement(s) will be ordered from the Logistics warehouse. The used fire shelter will be returned to the Logistics warehouse for proper disposal. ****SAFETY ADVISORY**** 800 MHZ RADIO AND FIRE SHELTER USE It has come to our attention that the 800 MHZ radio signal will not penetrate the material of the fire shelter. The material of the fire shelter won t let you transmit to the outside of the shelter or receive messages while inside the shelter. In effect, the material of the shelter blocks all 800 MHZ radio waves. The radio waves will bounce around inside the shelter. Further more, this bouncing waves can cause harm (burn) to the retina of your eyes by keeping the signal inside the shelter. Additionally, this bounce effect can damage the transmitter function of the radio rendering it inoperable. You are directed to take the following actions when fire shelter deployment is imminent: Notify your immediate supervisor of the situation, your position and plan. Notify your supervisor when you have reached your safety zone. Report your deployment position to your immediate supervisor, number of personnel deploying, prepare the ground and order deployment. Ensure all personnel are sheltered and make a final check of the area for personnel in distress or in need of assistance. Announce to your immediate supervisor that you are sheltering and that this will be your last transmission until danger has passed. Turn the radio off. Don t attempt to use your 800 MHZ radio while inside the fire shelter. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 6

Wildland Gear Use: Wildland protective gear is only to be worn for wildland fire fighting. It is not to be used during any other emergency response. The wildland gear shall be carried on your assigned unit. This gear shall be donned after arriving on scene (in staging) or as appropriate before beginning wildland suppression activities. Cleaning / Maintenance and Inspection: The procedure for cleaning and maintaining this equipment is outlined in the data sheet that is enclosed with your equipment. Each user will be responsible for Routine cleaning of their gear (Hand cleaned and dried. Do not machine wash or dry.) in accordance with the manufacturer s instructions. Inspection of the gear shall be done at the beginning of each wildland fire season and after each use. Cleaning of heavily soiled gear and repair will be done as needed by submitting it to the Logistics Warehouse with properly completed tags. Due to the lack of loaner Wildland gear, vendor cleaning and repair should be done during extended leave or off-season (August November). Storage: Wildland gear will be stored dry in the issued equipment bag and protected as outlined above for Structural Firefighting Gear. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 7

APPENDIX A NFPA ROUTINE INSPECTION INSTRUCTIONS 6.2.1 Individual members shall conduct a routine inspection of their protective ensembles and ensemble elements after each use. 6.2.2 The routine inspection shall include, as a minimum, the inspections specified in 6.2.2.1 through 6.2.2.7. 6.2.2.1 Coat and trouser garment elements shall be inspected for the following: (1) Soiling (2) Contamination (3) Physical damage such as the following: (a) Rips, tears, and cuts (b) Damaged or missing hardware and closure systems (c) Thermal damage (charring, burn holes, melting, discoloration of any layer) (4) Damaged or missing reflective trim (5) Loss of seam integrity and broken or missing stitches (6) Correct assembly and size compatibility of shell, liner, and the drag rescue device (DRD) 6.2.2.2 Hood elements shall be inspected for the following: (1) Soiling (2) Contamination (3) Physical damage such as the following: (a) Rips, tears, and cuts (b) Thermal damage (charring, burn holes, melting, discoloration of any layer) (4) Loss of face opening adjustment (5) Loss of seam integrity and broken or missing stitches 6.2.2.3 Helmet elements shall be inspected for the following: (1) Soiling (2) Contamination (3) Physical damage to the shell such as the following: (a) Cracks, crazing, dents, and abrasions (b) Thermal damage to the shell (bubbling, soft spots, warping, discoloration) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 8

(4) Physical damage to the earflaps such as the following: (a) Rips, tears, and cuts (b) Thermal damage (charring, burn holes, melting) (5) Damaged or missing components of the suspension and retention systems (6)*Damaged or missing components of the faceshield/goggle system, including discoloration, crazing, and scratches to the faceshield/goggle lens limiting visibility (7) Damaged or missing reflective trim (8) Loss of seam integrity and broken or missing stitches 6.2.2.4 Glove elements shall be inspected for the following: (1) Soiling (2) Contamination (3) Physical damage such as the following: (a) Rips, tears, and cuts (b) Thermal damage (charring, burn holes, melting, discoloration of any layer) (c) Inverted liner (4) Shrinkage (5) Loss of elasticity or flexibility (6) Loss of seam integrity and broken or missing stitches 6.2.2.5 Footwear elements shall be inspected for the following: (1) Soiling (2) Contamination (3) Physical damage such as the following: (a) Cuts, tears, and punctures (b) Thermal damage (charring, burn holes, melting, discoloration of any layer) (c) Exposed or deformed steel toe, steel midsole, or shank (4) Loss of water resistance (5) Closure system component damage and functionality (6) Loss of seam integrity and broken or missing stitches 6.2.2.6 Drag rescue device (DRD) components shall be inspected for the following: (1) Installation in garment (2) Soiling Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 9

(3) Contamination (4) Physical damage such as the following: (a) Cuts, tears, punctures, cracking, or splitting (b) Thermal damage (charring, burn holes, melting, discoloration) (c) Loss of seam integrity and broken or missing stitches Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 10

APPENDIX B NFPA ROUTINE CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS 7.2 Routine Cleaning. 7.2.1 The end users shall be responsible for the routine cleaning of their issued ensemble and ensemble elements. 7.2.2 Organizations shall examine the manufacturer s label and user information for instructions on cleaning and drying that the manufacturer provided with the ensemble or ensemble element. In the absence of manufacturer s instructions or manufacturer s approval of alternative procedures for the ensemble or ensemble element, the routine cleaning and drying procedures provided in this section shall be used. 7.2.3 Routine Cleaning Process. 7.2.3.1 Where possible, the contamination levels shall be evaluated and cleaning shall be initiated at the emergency scene. 7.2.3.2 Ensembles and element layers shall be isolated whenever possible to avoid cross contamination. 7.2.3.3 Any dry debris shall be brushed off. 7.2.3.4 Other debris shall be gently rinsed off with water. Heavy scrubbing or spraying with high-velocity water jets such as a power washer shall not be used. 7.2.3.5 Where necessary, a soft bristle brush shall be used to gently scrub, and the ensemble or element shall be rinsed off again. 7.2.3.6 Where necessary, elements for routine cleaning shall be cleaned in a utility sink designated for personal protective equipment (PPE) cleaning and decontamination using the following procedures: (1) Heavily soiled or spotted areas shall be pre treated. Chlorine bleach, chlorinated solvents, activeingredient cleaning agents, or solvents shall not be used without the ensemble or element manufacturer s approval. (2) Water temperature shall not exceed 40 C (105 F). (3) Mild detergents with a ph range of not less than 6.0 ph and not greater than 10.5 ph as indicated on the product MSDS or original product container shall be used. (4) Protective gloves and eye/face splash protection shall be worn. (5) Element(s) shall be gently scrubbed using a soft bristle brush. (6) Element(s) shall be thoroughly rinsed. (7) Element(s) shall be inspected and, where necessary, shall be rewashed or submitted for advanced cleaning procedures. The manufacturer shall be consulted if stronger cleaning agents are required. (8) Elements shall be dried in accordance with Section 7.4. (9) Following the routine cleaning procedure, the utility sink shall be rinsed. 7.2.4 Additional Requirements for Routine Cleaning of Garment Elements. 7.2.4.1 Routine cleaning procedures for cleaning garment elements shall be used only for spot cleaning of the element and shall be performed in a utility sink. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 11

7.2.4.2 To avoid cross contamination, garment element layers shall be isolated whenever possible. 7.2.4.3 Cleaning of the entire garment element shall be accomplished using advanced cleaning procedures. 7.2.5 Additional Requirements for Routine Cleaning of Helmet Elements. 7.2.5.1 If it is necessary to totally immerse the helmet, the impact cap shall be separated from the helmet shell. Each element component shall be washed and dried separately before reassembly. 7.2.5.2 Solvents shall not be used to clean or decontaminate helmets or helmet components. The manufacturer shall be consulted if stronger cleaning agents are required. 7.2.5.3 Helmets shall not be machine dried using equipment that produces mechanical action from tumbling or agitation. 7.2.6 Additional Requirements for Routine Cleaning of Glove Elements. Glove elements shall not be machine dried using equipment that produces mechanical action from tumbling or agitation. 7.2.7 Additional Requirements for Routine Cleaning of Footwear Elements. Footwear elements shall not be machine dried using equipment that produces mechanical action from tumbling or agitation. 7.4 Drying Procedures. 7.4.1 Organizations shall examine the manufacturer s label and user information for instructions on drying procedures that the manufacturer provided with the ensemble or ensemble element. In the absence of manufacturer s instructions or manufacturer s approval of alternative procedures, the drying procedures provided in this section shall be used. 7.4.2 The following procedures shall be used for air drying: (1) Place elements in an area with good ventilation. (2) Do not dry in direct sunlight. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 12