FR-O-601 CARE AND CLEANING OF FIRE FIGHTING PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of the policy regarding personal protective equipment (PPE)?

To mandate a specific uniform for all Fire Rescue personnel

To simplify the distribution process of personal protective equipment

To ensure financial accountability of Fire Rescue personnel

To enhance firefighter safety through maintenance procedures (correct)

Which NFPA standards are referenced in this policy for the care and cleaning of PPE?

NFPA 1500 and NFPA 2001

NFPA 1300 and NFPA 1600

NFPA 60 and NFPA 70

NFPA 1851 and NFPA 1977 (correct)

What is the consequence of wearing personal protective equipment not issued by Fire Rescue?

Increased risk of injury during operations

Termination of employment

Eligibility for additional training

Violation of policy, impacting Workers’ Compensation claims (correct)

Who is responsible for making future updates to this policy?

The Deputy Chief of Operations with the PPM Committee Signup and view all the answers

What are 'Structural Fire Fighting Protective Ensembles' commonly referred to as?

Bunker gear Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of Fire Rescue personnel regarding personal protective equipment?

To secure all issued personal protective equipment at all times Signup and view all the answers

Which attachment would NOT be related to the cleaning procedures of PPE?

Emergency Response Protocol Signup and view all the answers

What could happen if a Fire Rescue employee is injured while not wearing the appropriate PPE?

Their injury claim could be denied Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the retirement of bunker gear is NOT true?

Bunker gear can be used for live fire training if it is in good condition. Signup and view all the answers

What must Fire Rescue personnel do before utilizing equipment from the Field Evaluation Program?

Be selected to participate in the evaluation program. Signup and view all the answers

What is required when bunker gear is lost or stolen?

A police report must be obtained and submitted with an incident report. Signup and view all the answers

What procedure must Internal Affairs follow regarding bunker gear related to serious injuries or fatalities?

Ensure the gear is tagged and stored in paper or cardboard containers. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a valid action for certified bunker gear after retirement?

Employ it for live fire training activities. Signup and view all the answers

How long must the bunker gear or personal protective equipment be secured by Internal Affairs?

For a minimum of five years. Signup and view all the answers

When sending bunker gear for repair, what must Fire Rescue personnel receive?

A loaner set of bunker gear. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum service duration for Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Ensembles?

5 years from the date of manufacture. Signup and view all the answers

In what manner should bunker gear and similar equipment be disposed of after retirement?

In a manner ensuring it cannot be reused in firefighting. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of the Field Evaluation Program is accurately stated?

It assesses the need for specific equipment objectively. Signup and view all the answers

What is required of Fire Rescue personnel before they use extractor washers for cleaning bunker gear?

They must demonstrate proficiency in using the washers. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with personal leather helmets before the annual advanced cleaning?

They need to have a Personal Leather Helmet Affidavit on file. Signup and view all the answers

How should Fire Rescue personnel prepare their bunker gear for annual advanced cleaning?

Place it in a plastic bag for pickup by the ISP. Signup and view all the answers

What must firefighters do if they report for duty without their bunker gear?

Immediately notify their immediate supervisor. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a personal leather helmet fails inspection?

It will be returned to the employee for disposal. Signup and view all the answers

What action is taken if bunker gear is found to be non-serviceable during inspection?

The Safety Gear Warehouse coordinates the delivery of new or loaner gear. Signup and view all the answers

How should bunker gear that is biohazardous be handled?

It must be bagged in a red biohazard bag and labeled. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum time frame for personnel to receive their primary set of bunker gear after it has been picked up for cleaning?

36 hours. Signup and view all the answers

What must accompanied repairs to bunker gear include?

A Fire Rescue Equipment Repair Tag. Signup and view all the answers

Which document must be consulted for fire rescue issued helmet availability requirements?

Leather Structural Firefighting Helmets (PPM FR-O-603). Signup and view all the answers

What should the Inventory and Stores Manager do if personnel are found non-compliant at the end of the cleaning cycle?

Submit a non-compliance list to the Division Chief of Operations. Signup and view all the answers

What information must be included in the return receipt after the advanced inspection and cleaning of bunker gear?

Names of personnel and total number of items cleaned. Signup and view all the answers

Which procedure must be followed if bunker gear or SCBA is exposed to hazardous agents?

It shall be retired immediately. Signup and view all the answers

What must firefighters do immediately after discovering any deficiencies or damage to their bunker gear?

Inform their supervisor Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following items is not included in the standard bunker gear provided to certified firefighters?

Safety Harness Signup and view all the answers

What should firefighters avoid using when cleaning their bunker gear?

Chlorine bleach Signup and view all the answers

When must firefighters conduct a routine inspection of their bunker gear?

At the beginning of each shift and after use Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the colors and lettering on a firefighter's helmet shield is true?

It should not be obstructed or obscured Signup and view all the answers

In which conditions is wearing wildland gear permitted according to the guidelines?

Only during brush fires Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of the District Chief regarding wildland gear?

To determine quantities and sizes for stocking Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the routine inspection procedures for bunker gear?

To check for damage or contamination Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is specifically mentioned for verification?

PASS (Personal Alert Safety System) Signup and view all the answers

When is bunker gear required to receive an annual inspection and cleaning by an Independent Service Provider (ISP)?

Annually, regardless of use Signup and view all the answers

What is required for firefighters assigned to fire stations with wildland apparatus in terms of gear?

They shall be assigned wildland gear Signup and view all the answers

What is required for the reflective material on the firefighter's helmet?

It must not be obscured or obstructed Signup and view all the answers

During damage inspections, what must be done if bunker gear is damaged during cleaning?

Report it to the immediate supervisor Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for managing the fire rescue approved compliance program?

The Training & Safety Compliance Officer Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Firefighter PPE Care and Cleaning Policy (FR-O-601)

Purpose: Ensure firefighter safety through preventative maintenance of structural, wildland, and proximity fire-fighting gear.
Updates: Deputy Chief of Operations, in conjunction with the PPM Committee, is responsible for future updates.
Scope: Applies to all Palm Beach County Fire Rescue personnel and reservists. Refers to NFPA 1851 and 1977 standards.
Responsibility: Firefighters are responsible for securing, inspecting, and cleaning issued PPE (personal protective equipment) on and off-duty; wearing appropriate PPE at incidents. Workers' Compensation is responsible for on-duty injuries while wearing approved gear. Wearing non-approved gear jeopardizes Workers' Compensation claims.

Bunker Gear (Structural Fire Fighting Protective Ensembles)

Issue: One set of certified bunker gear (including suit, pants, suspenders, belt, boots, gloves, hood, helmet, SCBA face piece) per firefighter. Cairns and Lion sets are not interchangeable.
Maintenance: Routine inspections upon issue, shift start, and after each use. Cleaning after each fire. No permanent attachments allowed. Helmet reflective material must be clear and unobscured. Last name only on high-quality 3M reflective strip. Personal decals require Battalion Chief approval.
Damage/Deficiencies: Report all damage immediately to supervisor. District Chief or Battalion Chief reports damage to Logistics Warehouse for repair or replacement. All bunker gear must receive an annual advanced inspection and cleaning by an independent service provider (ISP).

Wildland Gear

Issue: Provided to firefighters assigned to fire stations with wildland apparatus. Includes brush jacket, pants, and forestry helmet. Station apparatus must have extra gear for use when not assigned to personnel.
Use: For brush fires only.
Disposition: Return gear when assignment or bid to a wildland apparatus-less station changes.

SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus)

Requirement: NIOSH-approved SCBA in IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health) atmospheres.
Inspection: Daily check on apparatus.

Routine Inspection

Frequency: After every use where PPE has been exposed to damage or contamination.
Annual Inspections: Operational Captains inspect all assigned bunker gear per Routine Inspection Procedures. Record inspection date in the Fire Rescue Compliance Program. Report any discrepancies to Inventory and Stores Manager. Specific stations have annual inspection schedules (August-November).

Cleaning and Care of Bunker Gear

Instructions: Follow manufacturer instructions.
Methods: Fire station or Chief Herman W. Brice Fire Rescue Complex. Do not use chlorine bleach, detergents with chlorine, or fabric softeners when cleaning.
Damage during cleaning: Report damage to Battalion Chief and Safety Gear Warehouse for repair or replacement.

Biohazardous Contamination

Handling: Bag in red biohazard bags, clearly labeled with employee name, location, and type of contamination. Notify the Safety Gear Warehouse for collection. Replacement gear is provided while the contaminated gear is cleaned.
Chemical/Biological/Radiological/Nuclear Exposure: Retired immediately.

Bunker Gear Repair

Process: Mark with Fire Rescue Equipment Repair Tag. Employee notifies the station for repair. Loaner gear is provided.

Field Safety Evaluations

Purpose: Equipment evaluation.
Scope: Only personnel in evaluation program allowed to use non-approved equipment.

Bunker Gear Retirement

Timeframe: Retired from front-line service no more than 10 years from manufacture date.
Proximity Gear: Radiant reflective outer shell maximum 5 years.
Uses After Retirement: Suitable for training without live fire, public education events, and as determined by Fire Rescue. Destroy or dispose of unfit gear appropriately.

Special Incident Procedures (Injuries / Fatalities)

PPE Custody: Incident Commander secures involved PPE (including SCBA).
Post-Incident Management: Internal Affairs takes custody, maintains in secured location, tags nondestructuively, avoids plastic/airtight containers. Qualified personnel inspect equipment condition.

Reimbursement for Lost/Stolen Gear

Employee Responsibility: Complete a police report and property damage incident report.
Repayment Options: Check to Board of County Commissioners, or biweekly payroll deduction.
Employee Insurance: Seek insurance claims yourself.

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Test your knowledge on the Firefighter PPE Care and Cleaning Policy including the responsibilities of personnel, updates, and related standards like NFPA 1851 and 1977. This quiz is essential for ensuring compliance and safety in firefighting practices.