Clearwater Fire & Rescue Department SOP 605 Personal Protective Equipment 04/08/22 PDF

CLEARWATER FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE S.O.P. 605 SUBJECT: Personal Protective Equipment PAGE 1 of 8 CATEGORY:...

CLEARWATER FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE S.O.P. 605 SUBJECT: Personal Protective Equipment PAGE 1 of 8 CATEGORY: SUBCATEGORY: Operations APPROVED BY: EFFECTIVE DATE: 08/31/99 REVISION DATE: 04/08/22 REVIEWED DATE: SIGNATURE ON FILE, APPROVED TO FORM THIS DATE BY SCOTT EHLERS, FIRE CHIEF, FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT FORMS REQUIRED: Request to use non-issued PPE CFR Form # CFR-036 NOTE: Current forms are located on the Department’s SharePoint. PURPOSE: To ensure that the members of the Clearwater Fire & Rescue Department receive the best possible protection provided by the complete protective clothing ensemble. This ensemble shall be worn in accordance with this standard operating procedure. All issued and non-issued PPE shall be inspected daily by the user, monthly by the officer in charge of the station and or the respective District Commander of Suppression. PPE will also be inspected at each station inspection. 605.1 Identification A. The protective ensemble shall be marked in the following fashion. These markings apply to personal issue of the ensemble. Loaner gear will not be marked with your identification. Coat: Last name on back of coat provided by manufacturer (also identified by bar code) Pants: Last name in black or silver marker inside the pants flap (also identified by bar code) Suspenders: Initials on white tag on shoulder strap Helmets: Last name will be placed on the back of the helmet with 1” white letters. Chief Officers lettering will be red 1” lettering. Boots: Initials on the inside label Gloves: Last name inside cuff Nomex Hoods: Last name will be marked on bib portion Personal Issue Light: Last name marked on light with permanent magic marker Personal Escape Devices: Carabineers and Decent device will be labeled with last name; escape rope will be tagged with your last name Traffic Safety Vest: Last name inside back of vest over an area of the back of the reflective stripe B. Employees having the same last name shall use the first initial of their first name before the last name. C. When marking gear, DO NOT mark over the bar codes.  SUBJECT: EFFECTIVE DATE: 08/31/99 S.O.P. 605 Personal Protective Equipment REVISION DATE: 04/08/22 CATEGORY: Operations SUBCATEGORY: PAGE 2 OF 8 605.2 Required Use During Emergency Responses A. Initial Response 1. All personnel shall wear protective clothing and seat belt when responding to emergency incidents on Clearwater Fire & Rescue apparatus. Drivers of the apparatus have the option to not don their PPE until they arrive at the scene. B. Exceptions 1. Personnel responding to assist an emergency medical service (EMS) unit on extrication incidents, automobile accidents with injury, construction accidents, etc. shall be required to wear full protective clothing enroute to the incident and through the completion of the on-the-scene operations, unless the incident commander reduces the level of protection. Drivers of the apparatus have the option to not don their PPE until they arrive on the scene but must be in PPE when operating within proximity of the work zone. 2. All personnel operating at incidents on roads or highways shall wear their structural coat or their safety vests to enhance visibility. 3. Personnel shall not be required to wear protective clothing enroute to or at the scene of a medical emergency or public service call where a hazardous condition or exposure is not expected. All personnel shall have the complete turnout ensemble with them on the apparatus. 4. Personnel responding to a suppression-related incident in an EMS unit may delay donning the protective clothing ensemble until after they arrive at the scene. 5. Personnel involved in patient care on advanced life support (ALS) units are not required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) with the exception of exposure protection components. Personnel providing patient care during vehicle extrication operations shall wear appropriate protection. (i.e., helmet, eye protection, coat, pants, etc.) C. Street Response 1. There will be times when suppression units are dispatched to a call while they are available on the radio. If personnel are not wearing the proper protective clothing for the dispatched incident, the driver must pull the vehicle to a safe location, allow personnel to don protective clothing, and then respond to the incident. 605.3 Fireground and Emergency Incident Use A. All personnel shall wear full structural protective clothing when they are engaged in fire suppression activities or when they encounter IDLH or potential IDLH conditions.  SUBJECT: EFFECTIVE DATE: 08/31/99 S.O.P. 605 Personal Protective Equipment REVISION DATE: 04/08/22 CATEGORY: Operations SUBCATEGORY: PAGE 3 OF 8 B. When operating during hot weather conditions, the incident commander, in conjunction with the safety officer, shall have the option of allowing operating personnel to remove select items of their structural gear. During certain situations (e.g., trench rescue), the incident commander may reduce the level of protective clothing worn. When operating during water rescue incidents (e.g., on boats, etc.), the turnout ensemble shall not be used. Standard work uniforms and personal flotation devices shall be worn. C. Command personnel shall utilize protective clothing that is appropriate for the conditions and location from which they are operating. Command personnel shall don full protective clothing when they enter a fire or hazardous area (e.g., inside a burning building). Once the incident is declared under control, or at the discretion of the incident commander, in conjunction with the safety officer, a safe zone shall be established, and protective clothing requirements may be reduced. Fire boat operations will require all personnel on board to have their structural PPE along with SCBA. 605.4 Standards for Protective Clothing A. Only PPE issued by the Clearwater Fire & Rescue shall allowed to be worn while performing duties requiring the use of PPE. B. The use of non-issued helmets or suspenders must be approved by the Deputy Chief and the Health and Safety Chief. The employee shall fill out the form requesting such use and provide the documentation that the item is NFPA compliant. Clearwater Fire & Rescue will not accept any claims or shall not be expected to replace or purchase these items if they are damaged or destroyed during emergency or non-emergency incidents. These items must be used within the scope of the Department’s S.O.P’s and policies and will be subjected to cleaning standards set by the department. C. No alterations or additions of any type are allowed to be made to the PPE without written consent from the Deputy Chief and the Health and Safety Chief. These alterations or additions must be completed by an approved vendor to ensure the Department and its personnel follow applicable NFPA recommendations. D. Any additions to the issued PPE by an employee after consent is given shall not be the responsibility of the Department if the PPE has to be taken out of service or destroyed. E. The use of Clearwater Fire & Rescue issued PPE outside the scope of employment with the City of Clearwater is prohibited. The employee may be granted permission for use after obtaining written permission from the Deputy Chief. F. The outer shell of the helmet shall be kept free of any unauthorized decals or other markings. Authorized decals and markings will be sent thru the chain of command to the Deputy Chief of Operations for approval. G. Helmets shall be affixed with the proper shield indicating the correct rank and the appropriate unit identifier in the center area. The shield and identifier shall be legible.  SUBJECT: EFFECTIVE DATE: 08/31/99 S.O.P. 605 Personal Protective Equipment REVISION DATE: 04/08/22 CATEGORY: Operations SUBCATEGORY: PAGE 4 OF 8 H. Goggles or safety glasses shall be used in any instance whenever there is a danger of an eye injury. These instances include, but are not limited to auto extrications, saw operations, technical rescues, and equipment repairs. 605.5 Replacements, Repairs, Turn-ins A. Logistics will be contacted for any personal protective equipment replacement or repairs. Those items are: 1. Bunker Coats 2. Bunker Pants 3. Fire Helmets 4. Suspenders 5. Hoods 6. Boots 7. Fire Gloves 8. Personal issued flashlights 9. Personal Escape Rope Kit 10. Traffic Safety Vest 1. B. Should a personal protective equipment issue occur during non-business hours, notify the on-duty District Commander. The District Commander will make arrangements for replacement and/or spare gear. C. Gear should be turned into the Logistics Division in the event a member resigns, retires, or is terminated, in accordance with the IAFF Bargaining Agreement, City Policies, and Department policies and procedures. D. Special Teams personal protective equipment must be returned in the event a member resigns, takes leave of absence, or retires. E. All spare gear is to be returned to Logistics when not in use and not kept at the fire station. 605.6 Station Maintenance and Cleaning A. The wearing of any PPE in any living space within any fire and rescue station is prohibited; this includes day rooms, bunk rooms, kitchens, offices, etc. B. PPE shall not be folded or stored while they are wet. The action of some chemicals under these conditions increases the corrosion rate of the fabrics. PPE should be hung until they are dry before they are stored on gear racks. C. Soiled or contaminated protective garments reflect less heat, are less isolative, and are overall less protective than clean garments. Therefore, personal protective clothing should be as clean as possible. D. The Department will, at a minimum, provide annual cleaning of all issued PPE. Schedules for this cleaning will be detailed in an Informational Bulletin. SUBJECT: EFFECTIVE DATE: 08/31/99 S.O.P. 605 Personal Protective Equipment REVISION DATE: 04/08/22 CATEGORY: Operations SUBCATEGORY: PAGE 5 OF 8 E. Any personal clothing sent into be decontaminated shall have “Clearwater Fire” written in permanent marker on the tag to be visible to the cleaning company. F. Arrangements shall be made to pick up spare gear before dropping off soiled gear. G. Spare gear shall be returned to Logistics before the pickup of cleaned gear. H. Specific cleaning instructions: Bunker Coats and Pants 1. Following a working fire, any soiled protective clothing shall be placed on a hard surface, such as a clean cement floor. a. Clean using a mild soap solution b. Warm water c. A soft brush or cloth d. Avoid heavy scrubbing and/or abrasives e. Hang and drip dry 2. DO NOT DRY CLEAN 3. DO NOT USE BLEACH 4. DO NOT USE CLEANING SOLUTIONS WITH A Ph GREATER THAN 10.5 5. DO NOT DRY or store IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT 6. When extremely soiled, contact Logistics. 7. Logistics will arrange for spare personal protective clothing and have the soiled items laundered and inspected at approved facilities that follow N.F.P.A. guidelines. 8. Place your contaminated gear in the bins located under the lanai, to allow the gear to off gas. Bags can be used to transport but needs to be removed from bags and placed in the bins. Gear is to be broken down, separating shells from liners. Notify Logistics to insure they know gear was dropped off. 9. If after hours or the warehouse is closed contact the on-duty District Commander for entry into the warehouse. 10. All bunker gear dropped off at Logistics shall be placed in the PPE drop off bin located in the dumpster enclosure at Logistics. 11. At no time will contaminated gear in any form be allowed inside the offices or break area of Logistics. Helmet Shell 1. Wash with warm water and a mild detergent using a soft brush 2. DO NOT USE LIQUID HYDROCARBONS 3. DO NOT USE SOLVENT-TYPE PRODUCTS 4. DO NOT USE WAXES 5. DO NOT USE POLISHES SUBJECT: EFFECTIVE DATE: 08/31/99 S.O.P. 605 Personal Protective Equipment REVISION DATE: 04/08/22 CATEGORY: Operations SUBCATEGORY: PAGE 6 OF 8 Hoods 1. Wash hood in department provided 5-gallon bucket 2. Wash in warm water with a mild detergent (pH between 6.0 and 10.5) 3. DO NOT USE BLEACH 4. Scrub the hood gently using a soft-bristle brush 5. Rinse the hood well 6. Air dry the hood by hanging it in a well-ventilated area, but not in direct sunlight. DO NOT DRY IN DRYER Boots 1. Wash boots with warm water and a mild detergent using a soft brush 2. DO NOT USE LIQUID HYDROCARBONS 3. DO NOT USE SOLVENT-TYPE PRODUCTS 4. DO NOT USE WAXES 5. DO NOT USE POLISHES 6. Disinfect the inside of footwear with a spray disinfectant Gloves 1. Wash gloves in department provided 5-gallon bucket 2. Wash in warm water with a mild detergent (pH between 6.0 and 10.5) 3. DO NOT USE BLEACH 4. Scrub the gloves gently using a soft-bristle brush 5. Rinse the gloves well 6. Dry the gloves by gently squeezing them dry: do not tightly wring gloves as this may compromise the liquid barrier 7. Hang gloves for drying by the loop provided inside the cuff in a well-ventilated area but not in direct sunlight. DO NOT DRY IN DRYER 2. 3. Traffic Safety Vest 1. Machine wash cold with mild detergent 2. Tumble dry on low or hang dry 3. DO NOT bleach, iron or dry clean 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.  SUBJECT: EFFECTIVE DATE: 08/31/99 S.O.P. 605 Personal Protective Equipment REVISION DATE: 04/08/22 CATEGORY: Operations SUBCATEGORY: PAGE 7 OF 8 9. 605.7 Biohazard Cleaning 10. A. Safely place biohazard (blood, body fluids) contaminated bunker gear in DOUBLE YELLOW plastic bag marked with your name, shift, and station, and bring it to the Logistics Division. B. DO NOT PLACE IN BIOHAZARD RED BAG. C. The Logistics Division will have the gear laundered at a facility that follows N.F.P.A. guidelines and make notification when gear is returned and ready for pickup. D. Protective gloves are recommended for this procedure. E. If after hours or the Logistics Division is closed, contact the on-duty District Commander for entry into the warehouse. F. At no time will contaminated gear in any form be allowed inside the offices or break area of the Logistics Division. 605.8 Haz-Mat Cleaning Hazardous materials contamination will be handled on a case-by-case basis with consultation from the Pinellas County Hazardous Materials Team. 605.9 Transporting PPE in Personal Vehicles A. The department has provided gear bags for use by members transporting their firefighting protective ensemble in their personal vehicles when being moved from one station to another while on duty. There will be (5) gear bags assigned to each station for this purpose. Each bag will be marked with the appropriate station assignment. B. To prevent cross contamination due to sharing of gear bags, the following provisions shall be enacted: 1. Prior to placement in the gear bag, PPE shall be placed in a plastic bag supplied by the department. 2. The plastic bag containing the PPE shall then be securely closed before being placed into the gear bag. C. Once a member has completed transporting the PPE, the plastic bag that served as the protective liner shall be disposed of in the regular trash. D. Due to the possibility of contamination of personal items, the department does not advocate a member transporting their gear home in their personal vehicle or storing the PPE at their residence. If a member wishes to take their PPE home due to working outside their normal assignment, the member will be responsible for the purchase of an appropriate container or gear bag for this purpose.  SUBJECT: EFFECTIVE DATE: 08/31/99 S.O.P. 605 Personal Protective Equipment REVISION DATE: 04/08/22 CATEGORY: Operations SUBCATEGORY: PAGE 8 OF 8 E. All members shall comply with the following: 1. Members are responsible to use the gear bag with the plastic liner anytime they transport their PPE inside their personal vehicle. 2. Members are responsible for returning or arranging the return of the gear bag to the assigned station after completing the transportation of the PPE. Should an employee be unable to return the bag to their original assignment, alternate arrangements will be made through a shift District Commander or LR for assistance in returning the bag. 3. Gear bags are the property of the department and are for official use only. Gear bags shall not be used for any purpose other than transporting the members PPE in personal vehicles. 605.10 Personal Issued Flashlights A. Clearwater Fire & Rescue will issue a standard personal flashlight manufactured by Streamlight Inc.; type will be the “Survivor” series. B. Each member of the Fire & Rescue Department who is involved in operations will be issued one Survivor light. This light will be part of the initial issue of personal protective equipment (i.e., helmet, gloves, Survivor light). Each employee will be held accountable for this light. Upon issue, the employee shall sign that he or she received the light and then it will be engraved with their last name on the front of the light. Any damaged lights should be reported to the Logistics Division. Lost or stolen lights shall be reported to the Station Officer, respective District Commander, and the appropriate police agency for a report. C. Upon issue of the light, it shall be affixed to the turnout coat of the employee in the approved snap and strap that is on all PPE. The light should always be affixed to the turnout coat except when being charged. D. Each front line and reserve piece of apparatus will have two chargers installed for these lights so members can recharge them. Any maintenance problems shall be reported to the Logistics Division for resolution. E. When personnel separate from the Department for any reason, the personal issued light shall be returned to the Department.