SFD.005.a Personal Protective Equipment Issuance & Maintenance PDF

# Fire Department / Harris County ESD No. 7 - Standard Operating Guideline: Personal Protective Equipment: Issuance & Maintenance ## SFD.005.a - Revision: 0/1 - Issue Date: 30 July 2024 - Effective Date: 30 July 2024 - Review Date: 1 Aug 2025 - Reviewed by: Support Services - Approved by: Scott C....

# Fire Department / Harris County ESD No. 7 - Standard Operating Guideline: Personal Protective Equipment: Issuance & Maintenance ## SFD.005.a - Revision: 0/1 - Issue Date: 30 July 2024 - Effective Date: 30 July 2024 - Review Date: 1 Aug 2025 - Reviewed by: Support Services - Approved by: Scott C. Seifert ## 1. Executive Summary - **Procedures and Responsibilities**: NFPA 1851 program includes selection, record keeping, protection from contaminated PPE, inspection, cleaning, repair, issue and storage, retirement and disposition, and special incident procedures. - **Selection**: Only NFPA 1851 compliant PPE will be purchased and maintained, with gear inspected by the issued member before use. - **Record Keeping**: Gear records are maintained by the District, with detailed information on each garment's issue, inspection, cleaning, repair, and disposal. - **Risk Assessment**: Considers the frequency and severity of exposure to hazards, including duties, experiences, operations, location, and response to CBRN incidents. - **Issued PPE**: Members receive a complete set of protective clothing including bunker coats, pants, boots, gloves, helmets, and hoods, with specific items listed for initial issue. - **Inspection**: PPE must be inspected upon issue, at the beginning of work shifts, after use, and periodically, with routine and advanced inspections outlined. - **Cleaning**: Members are responsible for routine cleaning of PPE, with advanced and specialized cleaning defined, following manufacturer recommendations. ## 2. Purpose This guideline provides specific guidance concerning the selection, maintenance, initial issue, use, replacement, inspection and cleaning program for Structural Fire Fighting Protective Ensembles that is used by members of the Spring Fire Department. This guideline will follow the latest adoption of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1851, and other standards as they relate. It is the objective of the program to reduce the safety and health risks associated with improper selection, poor maintenance, inadequate care, excess wear and improper use of PPE. This guideline will also establish what levels of protective clothing are acceptable in most situations. ## 3. Policy Statement All members must comply with this guideline regarding any personal protective equipment. ## 4. Scope This guideline applies to all members. ## 5. Definitions See Glossary. ## 6. Procedures and Responsibilities The NFPA 1851 program consists of: - Selection - Record Keeping - Protecting the public and personnel from exposure of contaminated PPE - Inspection - Cleaning and Decontamination - Repair - Issue and Storage - Retirement and disposition - Special incident procedures for events involving firefighter injury or death ## 7. References & Related Policies - This section provides references to applicable laws, standards, or other related internal policies or guidelines. | Applicable State or Federal Statutes | OSHA | Spring FD | |---|---|---| | NFPA 1851 | ISO | TFCA | | NFPA 1971 | | | | TCFP | | | | CPSE PI | | | | Other: A.N.S.I. Z87.1 Standard | | | | Other: Helmet Placard Descriptions | | | ## 8. Contact Office The appropriate contact office for questions or comments on this SOG is: - Company Officer - District Chief - Chief of Support Services - Assistant Chief - Fire Chief ## 9. List of Changes | Revision No. | Description of Changes | Approve d by | Effective Date | |---|---|---|---| | 1 | Removed operational instructions, add helmet placard information, reformatted. | Schoono ver | 7/30/2024 | ## 10. Errors See something wrong? Click here or use this QR code to submit an error or inconsistency. ## 11. Routine Inspection The member shall conduct a routine inspection of their PPE each time the element(s) is exposed or suspected to have been exposed to damage or contamination. Routine inspection shall include the following: - Coat and pants - Soiling - Contamination from hazardous materials or biological agents - Physical damage a. Rips, tears, and cuts - b. Damaged/missing hardware and closure systems - c. Thermal damage - d. Damaged Velcro - e. Damaged Clasps - Drag Rescue Device (DRD) inspection - Hood - Soiling - Contamination from hazardous materials or biological agents - Physical damage - Rips, tears, and cuts - Damaged/missing hardware and closure systems - Thermal damage - Helmet - Soiling - Contamination from hazardous materials or biological agents - Physical damage - Cracks, crazing, dents and abrasions - Thermal damage to shell (bubbling, soft spots, warping, or discoloration) - Damage Ear Flaps - Rips, tears, cuts - Thermal Damage - Suspension and retention system - Missing or damaged components - Eye protection systems - Discoloration - Crazing - Scratches limiting visibility - Reflective trim - Damaged or missing - Gloves - Soiling - Contamination from hazardous materials or Biological agents - Physical Damage - Rips, tears, cuts - Thermal damage (charring, burn holes, melting) - Damaged inner lining - Shrinkage - Operation of retention system and strap - Footwear - Soiling - Contamination from hazardous materials or biological agents - Physical Damage - Cuts, Tears and punctures - Thermal damage (charring, burn holes or melting) - Exposed or deformed steel toe, shank or mid sole. - Leaks (water tight integrity) ## 12. Advanced Inspection Advanced inspection of PPE ensembles shall be conducted at a minimum of twice every 12 months or whenever routine inspection indicate a problem may exist. ## 13. Cleaning All members who are assigned PPE are responsible for the routine cleaning of soiled or contaminated PPE. NFPA 1851 defines three types of cleaning for PPE. The three types are: Routine Cleaning, Advanced Cleaning, and Specialized Cleaning. Ensembles shall be evaluated by the wearer or a designated individual within he organization for application of preliminary exposure reduction, cleaning, disinfection or sanitization after each use based on NFPA 1851 Ch. 7.1.2. - Any form of cleaning shall always follow the manufactures recommendation. - Chlorine bleach, or Chlorinated solvents shall not be used to clean or decontaminate PPE. - Heavy scrubbing or spraying with high velocity water jets (pressure washer) shall not be used. - Contaminated PPE shall be evaluated at the incident scene to determine if isolation is required ## 14. Routine Cleaning This does not require the PPE to be removed from service and is the responsibility of the assigned member. When possible, routine cleaning should be completed at the incident scene, the process for routine cleaning includes: - Brushing off loose debris with broom or soft bristle brush - Using a gentle spray of water to rinse off debris and soil. - A mild detergent is permitted to be used to aid in removal of soil. - Should routine cleaning fail to sufficiently clean for service, advanced cleaning is required. - Drying of cleaned gear shall follow manufacture's recommendation. ## 15. Advanced Cleaning This process must be done by dedicated washing machine or the manufacture to clean the PPE so that heavy soils and debris can be removed. Advanced cleaning shall be in accordance with manufacture's recommendations. This process can be performed at the firefighter level with proper knowledge of the use of the specialized washing machine. - Soiled PPE shall receive advanced cleaning prior to reuse. - All PPE that is issued and used shall receive advanced cleaning at least every six months, resulting in a minimum of two advanced cleanings in a 12-month period, with one of the two advanced cleanings occurring at the time of annual advanced inspection. - Only approved gear extractors may be used for the washing process. - Soiled gear shall not be washed in home laundries, or washed in public laundries. - Only specialized detergent may be used in the cleaning process. - Universal precautions shall be used during the washing process. - Outer shell and inner liner should be washed in separate loads. Hoods should not be washed with outer shell, as the Velcro will damage the material. - DRD may be washed with the outer liner. - All closures including pocket closures, hooks, clasps, snaps shall be fastened while in the extractor. - During the drying process, gear should not be dried in direct sunlight. ## 16. Specialized Cleaning Requires PPE that is contaminated with hazardous materials or bodily fluids and not able to be removed by routine or advanced cleaning, to be taken out of service until decontamination can be completed by a trained representative. This process will be handled by the Quartermasters department. ## 17. Biannual PPE Cleaning and Inspection It is the responsibility of each member to maintain the cleanliness and ensure proper care of all issued PPE according to manufacturer's recommendations. The Quartermaster will be responsible for the scheduling of the required biannual PPE cleaning and inspections, the member will be responsible for adhering to that scheduled cleaning and inspection. If a member fails to comply with the biannual PPE cleaning and inspection, they will be subject to disciplinary action. ## 18. Preliminary Exposure Reduction Members shall carry out preliminary exposure reduction immediately after exiting the emergency scene at any incident where their protective ensemble or ensemble elements could have become soiled or contaminated. The only exception is PPE exposed to CBRN, or hazardous contaminants, in which case the PPE will be deemed out of service. It is the responsibility of the wearer to ensure the application of preliminary exposure reduction cleaning, disinfection or sanitization. - Upon exiting the emergency scene, the end user shall remain on self-contained breathing apparatus air. - If returning to the emergency scene after an air cylinder change, any dry debris shall be brushed off the helmet, facepiece, and SCBA prior to changing out the cylinder. - If the end user is completing their time on scene, dry or wet mitigation techniques shall be conducted prior to the removal of any ensemble or ensemble elements. - Dry mitigation techniques shall be performed by brushing debris from the exterior of ensembles with a soft bristle brush prior to removal. - Wet Mitigation techniques shall be performed by gently rinsing the exterior ensemble elements using low pressure, low volume flow water. - A mild detergent (Dawn soap) is permitted to aid in wet mitigation. - If using wet and dry techniques in combination, dry mitigation shall precede mitigation. - Following mitigation, all ensemble elements shall be isolated and bagged. Where possible, ensemble elements shall not be transported in the passenger areas of the apparatus. ## 19. Ensembles exposed to the following contaminants shall be subjected to preliminary Exposure Reduction - Bulk chemicals - Asbestos - Bodily substances - Microbial contamination - Products of combustion from a structural or other fire or any ensemble soiled but not contaminated. ## 20. Approach for Deciding the Handling, Cleaning and Disposition of Ensemble Elements Ensemble and Ensemble elements shall be evaluated by the wearer or a designated individual (Company Officer, District Chief, or Quartermaster) for application of preliminary exposure reduction, cleaning, disinfection or sanitization after each use based on the flow charts below. ## 21. Ensembles contaminated by CBRN terrorism agents shall be immediately retired after confirmed exposure and shall not be subjected to cleaning. CBRN contaminated ensemble elements shall be doffed as soon as possible, bagged, and disposed of as hazardous waste in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations. ## 22. Ensembles used in hazardous materials incident: The ensemble shall be subject to preliminary exposure reduction and then assessed by a Company Officer, District Chief, or Quartermaster with knowledge about the specific exposures that took place. Information gained from the quartermaster shall be used to determined if cleaning is possible. If cleaning is not possible, the ensemble must be disposed of as hazardous waste in accordance with federal, state and local regulations. ## 23. General Decontamination Where the form of contamination can not be identified, contaminated ensembles and ensemble elements shall be subject to preliminary exposure reduction, isolated and removed from service until the contaminant can be identified and the elements can receive advanced or specialized cleaning, as necessary to remove it. ## 24. Handling, cleaning and disposition of the ensemble and ensemble elements shall be according to the contamination posing the highest risk. ## 25. Maintenance and Repair The Quartermaster division will coordinate and manage all basic PPE and advanced repairs utilizing manufactured approved techniques, equipment, and materials. All elements shall be subjected to an advanced or specialized cleaning before any repair work is done. ## 26. Loaner PPE Will be issued to members while repairs are being made. All repairs must meet NFPA 1971. ## 27. Maintenance Maintenance or repairs will be done by a specially trained person(s) with parts designed for the PPE. No attempt will be made to replace components or to make repairs beyond the manufacturer's recommendations ## 28. Training Upon issue, all members shall be provided with the manufacturer written instructions on the care, use and maintenance of their PPE. New Firefighters will receive training on the care, use and maintenance of their PPE before participating in live fire training and responding to actual incidents. All members will receive training as needed when PPE elements are upgraded or changed. ## 29. Storage and Transport - Issued PPE shall not be stored in direct sunlight or exposed to direct sunlight - PPE should clean and dry before storage - Not to be stored at temperatures below -40F or above 180F - PPE shall be stored in areas that are not subject to sharp objects, tools or other equipment that could damage the ensemble or elements. Where ensemble or ensemble elements must be transported or stored in such environments, the ensemble shall be placed in a protective case. - PPE shall not be stored or worn inside living quarters. - Members of the public shall not be exposed at any time, except during emergency operations, to soiled or potentially soiled contaminated protective ensembles or ensemble elements - Keep NON-CONTAMINATED PPE in a gear bag out of your vehicles interior compartment. Use of a tool box in a pick-up or trunk for equipped vehicles is preferred. - Soiled or potentially contaminated ensembles or ensemble elements shall not be brought into the home, taken into public facilities, or or transported in private vehicles. ## 30. Contaminated or soiled clothing shall not be transported in the cab of the apparatus when not being worn for operational duties unless placed in an airtight protective case or bag to prevent cross contamination. ## 31. PPE should never be stored in contact with hydraulic fluids, solvents, hydrocarbons, hydrocarbon vapors or other contaminates. ## 32. PPE coat and trouser shall be stored by hanging to limit the damage caused by creasing and shall not be stored folded. ## 33. Retirement - Structural PPE will be retired when it is determined under the following conditions: - PPE is more than 10 years from the manufacture date. - Ensemble is worn or damaged to the extent it is not possible or feasible to repair. - PPE that is no longer NFPA compliant. - PPE that has been contaminated with CBRN. - Radiant Reflective outer shell is more than 5 years from manufacture date. ## 34. Special Incident Procedure - If any member(s) of the Spring Fire Department suffer(s) serious injury or death while wearing PPE: - The PPE will be immediately removed from service ## 35. Replacement PPE - PPE will be replaced when determined by a Quartermaster to be unserviceable due to normal wear and tear. Furthermore, replacement PPE will also be made available when it is accidentally damaged while performing various firefighting tasks through no fault of the fire fighter as determined by a Quartermaster. This also includes any gear that may be damaged during training sessions. If an individual discovers a piece of their issued PPE is damaged or needs replacement, they must immediately notify a Spring Fire Department Officer or District Chief on duty upon the discovery. The Officer or District Chief on duty will notify the Quartermaster group via email to obtain a replacement item(s). ## 36. Lost or Misplaced PPE - If an individual loses or misplaces any piece of their issued PPE they must immediately notify an Officer or District Chief on duty upon the discovery. The Officer or District Chief on duty will notify the Quartermaster group via email to obtain a replacement item(s). It is the responsibility of each individual member to maintain control and proper maintenance of all issued gear. If an item is lost or misplaced, the member can be held responsible for the replacement cost of the item. The member can also be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination for not adhering to this guideline. During the time between the item(s) being lost and the issuance of replacement item(s), the firefighter will not be authorized to respond to any emergency incidents. After the individual, has been issued the replacement PPE needed, he/she will resume participation at emergency responses. ## 37. Stolen PPE - If an individual's PPE is stolen from a residence, automobile, fire station or any other place that the individual may store their PPE, they must immediately notify a Spring Fire Department Officer or District Chief on duty, and file an official police report. After the report has been filed with a local law enforcement agency, the case number must be given to the Spring Fire Department Officer or District Chief on duty. Spring Fire Department Officer or District Chief on duty shall turn in the Case number to the Quartermaster and Deputy Chief of Support Services. After the case number is received, the department will secure a copy of the report and, at that time, the individual will receive a replacement of the item(s) stolen. The Spring Fire Department Officer or District Chief on duty must make the request for replacement item(s) through the Quartermasters group, via email. During the time between the item(s) being stolen and the issuance of replacement item(s), the firefighter will not be authorized to respond to any emergency incidents. After the individual has been issued the replacement PPE needed, he/she will resume participation at emergency responses. If an individual does not have an official police report turned in, they will revert to the section titled Lost or Misplaced PPE. ## 38. Misuse/Destruction of PPE or Equipment: - The Spring Fire Department will not tolerate any member misusing or destroying their department issued PPE or any other department issued equipment. The individual could face disciplinary action including, but not limited to suspension and/or termination. The individual that recklessly damages department issued PPE or equipment can be held responsible to pay for the cost of replacing the item(s). ## 39. This policy is for internal use only and does not enlarge a member's legal duty or civil liability in any way. - This policy should not be construed as creating a duty to act or a higher duty of care, with respect to third-party civil claims against members or the department. - A violation of this policy, if proven, can only form the basis of a complaint by this department for non-judicial administrative action in accordance with the laws governing member discipline.