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Questions and Answers
What is the primary characteristic of body armor?
What is essential to check on the body armor's label?
Which side of the body armor must be facing the threat?
When should ballistic protective equipment (BPE) be worn?
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What responsibility does the officer in charge (OIC) have regarding BPE?
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Where should Ballistic Protective Equipment (BPE) be stored?
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What should officers do if dispatched while out of the station?
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What must be determined before entering a scene where a violent act has occurred?
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What is the primary purpose of using body armor according to the guideline?
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Which area is characterized as having a direct and immediate life threat?
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Who is responsible for ensuring compliance with the body armor usage procedure?
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What does the acronym BPE stand for in this context?
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What type of threats do Soft Armor Inserts protect against?
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What is the compliance standard for Soft Armor Inserts according to the guideline?
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What is a characteristic of a Warm Zone?
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What is the consequence of failing to follow the use and care instructions for body armor?
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Which of the following statements is true about the training of body armor care?
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What should be done if the soft body armor inserts show visible damage?
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How should the body armor system be stored to maintain its ballistic performance?
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What can happen if soft body armor inserts are used in an undersized carrier?
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What indicates that the body armor system may be considered abused?
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What is a key factor that can negatively affect the ballistic performance over time?
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Which of the following practices should be avoided with body armor systems?
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What is recommended if soft body armor inserts are found to be cracked?
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What may cause ballistic panels to shift on the user's body?
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What should a user do if they have experienced significant weight changes?
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What happens if the Soft Body Armor Inserts are not inserted in the correct direction?
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What is a potential drawback of edge impacts on body armor performance?
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Soft Body Armor Inserts are designed to protect against which type of threats?
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What does the label on the Soft Body Armor Inserts indicate?
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What impact angle poses a greater risk for projectile penetration in Soft Body Armor Inserts?
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To ensure complete understanding of protection levels, users must do what?
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What incidents require the wearing of vests?
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Under what circumstances is a helmet required during an active shooter incident?
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What should be done if damage is found on the Ballistic Protective Equipment (BPE)?
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Which cleaning method is NOT recommended for Soft Body Armor Inserts?
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What is the first step in cleaning the Body Armor Carrier?
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What should never be used when cleaning Soft Body Armor Inserts?
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What is the recommended drying method for a Body Armor Carrier after washing?
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What is a potential situation where BPE should be donned at the officer's discretion?
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What is the significance of the Cold Zone in emergency incidents?
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Which element is essential for the proper use and care of body armor?
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What defines an Active Shooter (A.S.) incident?
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What is the primary role of the Fire Chief concerning the body armor guideline?
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What characterizes a Warm Zone during an incident response?
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What is included in the Ballistic Protective Equipment (BPE)?
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Why are CAI Soft Armor Inserts significant for body armor systems?
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What is the main threat that Soft Armor Inserts are designed to protect against?
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What can happen to the ballistic performance of Soft Body Armor Inserts if they are stored in high temperatures for extended periods?
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What indicates that a body armor system has been abused?
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Why is it important to inspect Soft Body Armor Inserts regularly?
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What could be a consequence of using Soft Body Armor Inserts in an improperly sized carrier?
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What is recommended to do if Soft Body Armor Inserts are found to be cracked?
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What is the primary limitation of body armor that users must understand?
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Exposure to what conditions is known to change the ballistic performance of the Soft Body Armor Inserts?
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Why is it important to understand the threats against which body armor is designed?
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What does the presence of significant wrinkles or rolls in Soft Body Armor Inserts indicate?
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What might result from having voids in ballistic coverage due to an oversized carrier?
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What should face the user when wearing body armor according to its label?
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What should be done if an officer is dispatched to a scene with potential violence?
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What is a requirement for storing Ballistic Protective Equipment (BPE)?
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What is understood to be the officer's discretion regarding BPE?
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What does the label on body armor provide information about?
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In the context of body armor, what does the term 'strike face' refer to?
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What should be done if the Ballistic Protective Equipment (BPE) shows signs of wear or damage during inspection?
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Which statement is correct regarding the care of Soft Body Armor Inserts?
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Under what condition must a helmet be worn by officers during an active shooter incident?
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What cleaning method is not advisable for the Body Armor Carrier?
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When are vests required to be worn?
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What is a critical step after washing the Body Armor Carrier?
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What type of incidents require officers to don full ballistic protective equipment?
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What should not be done when cleaning Soft Body Armor Inserts?
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What may occur if a user experiences significant changes in body weight while using body armor?
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How can the orientation of Soft Body Armor Inserts affect their effectiveness?
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What is a key factor affecting the ballistic performance of Soft Body Armor Inserts?
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What happens when a user does not check the product data sheet or label for their Soft Body Armor Inserts?
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Which of the following statements about edge impacts on body armor is true?
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Why is it important for Soft Body Armor Inserts to fit correctly?
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What could result from the improper handling of Soft Body Armor Inserts?
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What risk is associated with using Soft Body Armor Inserts designed for specific threats against different types of threats?
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What type of threats does body armor specifically need to be designed to protect against?
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What must be the correct orientation of body armor when being worn?
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What is the officer in charge (OIC) responsible for regarding Ballistic Protective Equipment (BPE)?
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What important information does the label on body armor provide besides compliance and warranty details?
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Under what circumstances is it prefered to don the Ballistic Protective Equipment (BPE)?
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What aspect of BPE storage is critical for its maintenance?
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How should BPE be used if dispatched while out of the station?
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What should an officer do if there are visible damages on their BPE?
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What is a consequence of storing body armor in high humidity environments?
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What happens if Soft Body Armor Inserts are placed in an oversized carrier?
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How might exposure to extreme conditions affect body armor over time?
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Which of the following indicates that the body armor system has been abused?
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What should be done immediately if the Soft Body Armor Inserts show signs of damage?
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What is a warning about the use of Soft Body Armor Inserts?
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What should be avoided when inspecting Soft Body Armor Inserts?
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Failure to follow use and care instructions for body armor can lead to what?
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What should be done first if damage is detected on the Ballistic Protective Equipment (BPE)?
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Which action is NOT recommended when cleaning Soft Body Armor Inserts?
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During which scenarios should vests be mandatorily worn according to the guidelines?
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What is the prescribed orientation of Soft Body Armor Inserts when inserted into the carrier?
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In which zone of an active shooter incident is wearing a helmet required?
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What is a significant risk of not following the drying instructions for the Body Armor Carrier?
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What consequence is likely if Soft Body Armor Inserts are dry cleaned?
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What is the proper action to take if a Body Armor Carrier shows visible wear?
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Which of the following best describes the responsibilities of all personnel regarding the body armor guideline?
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What is the key distinction between Active Assailant (A.A.) and Active Shooter (A.S.) incidents?
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In relation to zones during incidents, which statement about the Cold Zone is correct?
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What is the primary purpose of the Ballistic Protective Equipment (BPE) as described in the guideline?
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Which of the following statements regarding Soft Armor Inserts is correct?
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What factors determine whether an area is defined as a Warm Zone?
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Which aspect is NOT part of the recommended care for Body Armor according to the guideline?
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Which statement accurately reflects the role of the Fire Chief regarding the body armor guideline?
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What factor can result in previously protected areas becoming exposed in a body armor system?
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What is the consequence of not properly following the orientation instructions for Soft Body Armor Inserts?
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Which of the following describes a scenario where the ballistic performance of Soft Body Armor Inserts might be compromised?
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How do Soft Body Armor Inserts dissipate kinetic energy?
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What types of threats are Soft Body Armor Inserts specifically designed to protect against?
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What physical condition in the user is likely to affect the fit and protection of Soft Body Armor Inserts?
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What is a potential risk of close-edge impacts on the armor system?
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Which maintenance activity is recommended if Soft Body Armor Inserts show visible cracks?
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Study Notes
Purpose and Scope
- This guideline aims to maximize personal safety for emergency responders by combining body armor use with safety procedures.
- It applies to all department personnel who respond to or assist in emergency incidents.
Ballistic Protective Equipment (BPE)
- Consists of an IIIA Ballistic Helmet and a Universal Plate Carrier with Level III Ballistic Plate and Soft Armor inserts.
- Soft Armor Inserts are manufactured by Covert Armor International, LLC (CAI), and comply with National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Standards.
- Soft Armor Inserts are designed to be "ballistic resistant", not "bullet proof", and only protect the area covered.
BPE Use
- BPE is assigned to each fire apparatus and stored for easy access.
- It must be worn according to manufacturer's guidelines.
- BPE should not be worn during fire suppression activities.
Situations Requiring BPE
- When dispatched to a call involving violence or potential violence, obtain information from Comm Center before committing to the location.
- Retrieve and wear BPE prior to departure from the station (preferred), or at a staging area.
- If advised to stage for law enforcement, stage well away from the scene.
- The Officer in Charge (OIC) has the discretion to determine the use of BPE for other incidents.
- BPE should be worn, but not limited to, shootings, stabbings, assaults, potential violent incidents, or entry into a residence where the occupant might be startled.
- Helmets and vests (Full BPE) are required on all Active Shooter incidents unless in the cold zone or at the officer's discretion.
- The helmet shall be worn in the warm and hot zones of an active shooter incident or at the officer's discretion.
Inspection, Care and Maintenance
- BPE and all components should be inspected for cleanliness and damage during apparatus equipment checks.
- Damaged BPE must be removed from service and logged in the apparatus equipment tracking system.
Cleaning Instructions
-
Soft Body Armor Inserts:
- Gently clean with a damp sponge and mild detergent/soap.
- Wipe dry and lay flat.
- Do not hang or line dry.
- Do not place in the sun.
- Do not dry clean, commercially launder, or expose to bleach.
-
Body Armor Carrier:
- Remove soft armor inserts.
- Wash gently in cold water with mild detergent.
- Lay flat or hang to dry.
- Do not place in the sun.
- Do not dry clean, commercially launder, or expose to bleach.
Warnings and Important Considerations
- Failure to follow use and care instructions will void all warranties and could lead to injury or death.
- The body armor system is composed of multiple parts (soft inserts, carrier, and hard inserts if applicable).
- Do not abuse the body armor system; if heavily worn, it should be deemed abused and no longer subject to any warranties.
- Damaged soft armor inserts should be inspected by an armor OEM or authorized dealer.
- Do not store body armor in extreme temperatures or humidity, as this can negatively impact ballistic performance.
- Do not use soft armor inserts in a carrier not originally designed for them.
- Soft armor inserts offer protection only to the areas they cover.
- Significant weight changes or improper fitting can affect protection.
- Soft armor inserts must be inserted correctly (facing the right way) to ensure proper protection.
- Edge impacts can negatively impact ballistic performance.
- Soft armor has specific protection levels and may not protect against all threats,
- Consult the label or product data sheet to understand the level of protection each insert provides.
Ballistic Protective Equipment (BPE) Purpose
- To ensure the safety of Spring Fire Department personnel during emergency incidents
- To establish a clear procedure for the use and care of BPE
Scope and Responsibility
- Applies to all Spring Fire Department personnel responding to or assisting in emergency incidents
- All personnel are responsible for understanding and adhering to the outlined procedure
- The Fire Chief or designee reviews the guideline annually for accuracy
BPE Components
- Consists of IIIA Ballistic Helmet, Universal Plate Carrier, Soft Armor Inserts, and Level III Ballistic Plate
- Soft Armor Inserts manufactured by Covert Armor International, LLC (CAI)
- Compliant with National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Standards
- Soft Armor Inserts protect against specific threats, such as ballistic threats, stabbing, fragmentation, and blunt force trauma
Important Considerations
- Body armor is "ballistic resistant" and not "bulletproof"
- Only provides protection when worn
- Protection limited to the area of the body covered
- Label identifies the threat type, NIJ model, compliance statement, maintenance instructions, and strike face/body side
BPE Storage
- Assigned to each apparatus and stored in designated areas within the apparatus
- Storage ensures accessibility and prevents damage
BPE Usage
- Worn in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.
- NOT worn during fire suppression activities
- Officer in charge of the apparatus responsible for ensuring BPE is worn and maintained
Determining BPE Usage
- Retrieval and use of BPE prior to departure for any incident where a violent act has occurred or there is a potential threat of violence
- If dispatched while out of the station, retrieve and don BPE in staging
- Officer in charge has discretion to determine the use of BPE for other types of incidents
Required Incident Types
- Incidents involving shootings, stabbings, assaults, potential violent incidents, and potentially dangerous entries into residences or buildings
Active Shooter Incidents
- Full BPE (helmet and vest) worn unless in the cold zone or at the officer's discretion
- Helmet always worn in the warm and hot zone or at the officer's discretion
Inspection, Care, and Maintenance
- BPE and all components inspected for cleanliness, damage, abuse, wear, or tear during equipment checks.
- Damaged BPE removed from service and logged in apparatus equipment tracking system
Proper Care of Soft Body Armor Inserts
- Remove inserts from carrier
- Gently wipe with damp sponge using mild laundry detergent or antimicrobial soap
- Wipe off excess soap with clean water
- Lay flat and wipe dry (DO NOT hang, line dry, or place in the sun)
- Ensure inserts are inserted into the carrier correctly, following "STRIKE FACE" or "BODY SIDE" markings
- DO NOT dry clean, commercially launder, or expose to bleach
Proper Care of Body Armor Carrier
- Remove inserts
- Wash carrier on gentle cycle in cold water using mild laundry detergent
- Lay flat or hang dry (DO NOT place in the sun)
- Ensure inserts are inserted back into the carrier correctly, following "STRIKE FACE" or "BODY SIDE" markings
- DO NOT dry clean, commercially launder, or expose to bleach
Use and Care Warnings
- Failure to follow instructions voids all warranties and could lead to serious injury or death
Additional Warnings
- Do Not Abuse Body Armor System: If heavily worn, deemed abused and no longer subject to warranties
- Inspect System: Broken, interrupted, cracked, or damaged inserts require immediate inspection by manufacturer
- Storage: Avoid storing in extreme conditions, as this could affect ballistic performance
- Improper Use: Using inserts in a carrier not designed for them can negatively affect performance
- Protective Areas and Coverage: Inserts protect only the areas they cover; improper fit or substantial weight changes can reduce coverage
- Orientation of Inserts: The "STRIKE FACE" and "BODY SIDE" must be correctly oriented, as failure affects protection
- Edge Impacts: Striking the edge of the system can negatively impact performance
- Obliquity Impacts: Greater impact angle increases the chance of penetration or slippage, increasing potential for injury
- Multi-Threat Protection: Inserts are designed for specific threats and may not be resistant to all threats. Check labels and data sheets for threat levels
Ballistic Protective Equipment (BPE) Guideline
- This guideline pertains to all department personnel that respond to emergencies.
- The guideline outlines the use and care of ballistic protective equipment (BPE).
- The BPE consists of an IIIA Ballistic Helmet and a Universal Plate Carrier with Soft Armor inserts and a Level III Ballistic Plate.
- The BPE is manufactured to specific guidelines and technical specifications in accordance with Quality Assurance Systems ISO 9001:2008 and BA9000.
- The BPE is assigned to each apparatus and stored in designated areas for easy accessibility and damage prevention.
BPE Use
- All BPE shall be worn in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and guidelines.
- BPE shall not be worn during fire suppression activities.
- The officer in charge of the apparatus is responsible for ensuring BPE is worn and maintained in specific situations:
- When responding to calls where a violent act has occurred or there is a potential threat of violence.
- If dispatched while out of the station, retrieve and don BPE in staging prior to move up.
- If advised to stage for law enforcement, stage well away from the scene out of the direct line-of sight from the incident location.
- The OIC has the discretion to determine the use of BPE to any other type of incident.
- Vests shall be worn, but not limited to the following incidents:
- Shootings
- Stabbings
- Assaults
- Other potential violent incidents
- Incidents involving entry into a residence or building with the potential of startling the occupant.
- Helmets and Vest (Full BPE) shall be worn on all Active Shooter incidents unless in the cold zone or officer's discretion.
- The helmet shall be worn in the warm and hot zone of an active shooter incident or at the officer's discretion.
BPE Inspection, Care and Maintenance
- The Ballistic Protective Equipment and all components will be checked for cleanliness, signs of damage, abuse, wear or tear during apparatus equipment checks.
- If damage is found, the BPE will be removed from service and logged in the apparatus equipment tracking system.
Proper Care of Soft Body Armor Inserts
- Remove the Soft Body Armor Inserts from the carrier.
- Gently wipe the Soft Body Armor Inserts with a damp sponge and a mixture of cold water and mild laundry detergent or antimicrobial soap.
- Wipe off excess soap with clean water and a damp sponge.
- Lay flat and wipe dry.
- DO NOT hang or line dry.
- DO NOT place in the sun.
- Ensure Soft Body Armor Inserts are inserted into the carrier in the correct orientation, indicated by "STRIKE FACE" OR "BODY SIDE" markings on the label.
- DO NOT dry clean Soft Body Armor Inserts.
- DO NOT commercially launder Soft Body Armor Inserts.
- DO NOT expose Soft Body Armor Inserts to bleach (liquid or vapor).
Proper Care of Body Armor Carrier
- Remove the Soft Body Armor Inserts from the carrier and place to the side.
- Wash the Body Armor Carrier on the gentle cycle in cold water using a very mild laundry detergent.
- Lay flat or hang dry.
- DO NOT place in the sun.
- Ensure Soft Body Armor Inserts are inserted back into the carrier in the correct orientation, indicated by "STRIKE FACE" OR "BODY SIDE" markings on the label.
- DO NOT dry clean Body Armor Carrier.
- DO NOT commercially launder Body Armor Carrier.
- DO NOT expose Body Armor Carrier to bleach (liquid or vapor).
Use and Care Warnings
- Failure to follow use and care instructions will [VOID] all warranties, including ballistic performance warranty, and could lead to serious injury or death.
- Do Not Abuse Your Body Armor System: Heavy wear and tear will deem the BPE abused and no longer subject to warranties.
- Inspect Your Body Armor System: If damage is found, immediately take the BPE to an armor original equipment manufacturer or authorized dealer for an inspection.
- Storing Your Body Armor System: Storing the BPE in extreme conditions (high temperatures and high humidity) may negatively impact the ballistic performance.
- Improper Use: Using the BPE in a manner that is not intended can result in serious injury or death:
- Installing Soft Body Armor Inserts into an undersized carrier can cause the inserts to buckle or fold, which may result in set wrinkles that reduce the ballistic performance.
- Installing Soft Body Armor Inserts into oversized carriers can cause voids in ballistic coverage, which may lead to serious injury or death.
- Protective Areas and Coverage: Soft Body Armor Inserts offer protection to only those areas that they cover.
- Orientation of the Soft Armor Inserts: Soft Body Armor Inserts are designed to defeat certain threats only if properly inserted into the outer carrier facing in the correct direction. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious injury or death.
- Edge Impacts and Ballistic Performance: The body armor system's ability to dissipate energy may be negatively impacted if struck by a threat close to an edge.
- Obliquity Impacts and Ballistic Performance: Soft Body Armor Inserts are designed for both frontal and angle impacts, but a greater impact angle increases the possibility of a projectile penetrating the BPE.
- Multi-Threat Protection: Soft Body Armor Inserts are designed for specific threats, and are not intended to be resistant to all threats. Review the label and/or product data sheet to understand the level of protection each insert provides.
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Description
This quiz covers the essential guidelines for using ballistic protective equipment (BPE) for emergency responders. It focuses on the specifications of BPE, proper usage protocols, and situations that necessitate wearing protective gear. Understanding these guidelines is vital for ensuring personal safety in high-risk environments.