Personal Protective Equipment

• PPE includes the turnout coat and pants, SCBA, Helmet, Nomex hood, gloves and boots.

• When arriving at the scene of an emergency, the appropriate level of PPE shall be worn.

• Any emergency where smoke, flame or suspected hazardous materials are present, full PPE, including SCBA will be donned.  Doffing instructions will come from a line officer, as the situation dictates.

• Members riding in the jump seats will initially have SCBA and mask in a ready position upon arrival at the scene or as soon as possible after arrival if conditions do not permit donning while enroute.

• The use of earflaps on helmets is optional when Nomex hood is worn.

• Chinstraps on helmets will be worn snug.

• Face shields will be down when raising or lowering ladders, using equipment, operating power saws, or performing interior overhaul work that creates airborne hazards.

• Air pressure in SCBA will not be less than 90% of max. capacity at time of entry into any hazardous atmosphere.

• All mask straps will be fastened when wearing SCBA, and all face piece and head harness straps will be worn under the Nomex hood.

• SCBA will not be removed during overhaul phased of interior operations due to the accumulation of carbon monoxide and other fire gases after extinguishments.

• PASS devices will be armed prior to entry into any hazardous area.

July 2003