HomeMy WebLinkAboutSOG 601.01 – Selection, Care & Maintenance of Structural Firefighting PPE
Beaumont Fire Department
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Beaumont Fire Department
Standard Operating Guideline
601.01 – Selection, Care & Maintenance of Structural Firefighting PPE
Effective: October 10, 2022 Chief Earl White
1. Purpose
1.1. The purpose of this guideline is to establish a system to regularly inspect protective
clothing and equipment, and to set standards for the maintenance of these items. This
inspection is intended to assure that all personnel are provided with a standard set of
protective clothing and equipment that is appropriately cared for and maintained in a safe
operating condition.
2. *The organization shall develop written standard operating procedures (SOPs) that shall
identity and define the various parts of the program and the various roles and responsibilities
of the organization and of the members in the program parts specified in NFPA 1851, Table
4.2.2.:
2.1. Table 4.2.2 Required Program Parts for Structural and Proximity Fire Fighting Protective
Ensembles and Elements including the following:
2.1.1. Records
2.1.2. Protecting the public and personnel from exposure to contaminated PPE
2.1.3. Selection
2.1.4. Inspection
2.1.5. Cleaning
2.1.6. Repair
2.1.7. Storage
2.1.8. Retirement, disposition, and special incident procedures
3. *Protecting the Public and Members from Contamination
3.1. *Soiled or potentially contaminated protective equipment shall not be brought into
member’s homes or washed in home or public laundries.
3.2. *The public shall not be exposed at any time, except during emergency operations, to
soiled or potentially contaminated protective clothing or equipment.
3.3. *Soiled or potentially contaminated protective clothing or equipment shall not be worn or
stored in the living areas of department facilities.
3.4. Washing PPE in sinks located in areas for food preparation, personal hygiene, sleeping,
and living is strictly prohibited.
3.5. Protective equipment routinely transported in private vehicles shall be stored in gear bags
designed for this purpose and separated from other personal items.
3.6. Commercial dry cleaning, particularly those processes using perchloroethylene or related
solvents, shall not be used as a means of cleaning ensembles and ensemble elements
unless approved by the ensemble or ensemble element manufacturer.
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4. Recordkeeping & Work Orders
4.1. *The organization shall compile and maintain records as required by 4.3.3 on fire fighting
protective ensembles with liquid and particulate contaminant protection. The records
shall include a list of specific required elements and interface components necessary for
structural firefighting protective ensembles with optional liquid and particulate
contaminant protection and proximity firefighting protective ensembles with optional
liquid and particulate contaminant protection.
4.2. As a minimum, the following records shall be maintained for each protective equipment
ensembles, to include rental or loaner PPE as well:
4.2.1. Person to whom the equipment was issued.
4.2.2. Date and condition when issued.
4.2.3. Manufacturer and model name or design.
4.2.4. Manufacturer’s identification number, lot number, or serial number.
4.2.5. Month and year of manufacture.
4.2.6. Date(s) and findings of advanced inspection(s).
4.2.6.1. Routine inspections (daily and after use) WILL NOT be documented
unless a problem is found. If a problem is discovered, a work order shall
be generated in Firehouse per this policy.
4.2.6.2. Coordination of data entry for the results of annual and/or advanced
inspections will be the responsibility of the Supply Officer and/or Support
Branch Director.
4.2.7. Date(s) and findings of advanced cleaning or decontamination, including the
reason for advanced cleaning or decontamination and who performed the service.
4.2.7.1. Routine cleaning after an incident WILL NOT be documented in
Firehouse.
4.2.7.2. Washing gear in an extractor washer WILL be documented in Firehouse
per this policy.
4.2.7.3. Coordination of data entry for the results of advanced will be the
responsibility of the Supply Officer and/or Support Branch Director.
4.2.8. Date(s) of repair(s), organization/person performing the repair(s), and a brief
description of the repair(s).
4.2.9. Date of retirement.
4.2.10. Date and method of disposal.
4.3. PPE-related problems will be reported, corrected and documented as follows (Work
Order Procedure):
4.3.1. Problems noted during inspections that can be remedied at the user level should be
performed to restore the PPE to proper condition.
4.3.2. *When the deficiency cannot be corrected by the user and repair/replacement is
necessary, the user will complete the following procedure:
4.3.2.1. Notify the Station Captain of the problem. (Section Chief for Non-
Operations Section members.)
4.3.2.2. The Station Captain/Section Chief will insure that a work order is
generated in Firehouse.
4.3.2.2.1. The work order may be entered by the individual or his/her
immediate supervisor.
4.3.2.2.2. If for any reason the item listed in Firehouse as issued to an
individual is incorrect (i.e. serial numbers do not match)
immediately call the Supply Office and follow up the call with
an email.
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4.3.2.3. The Firehouse work order number and a short explanation of the problem
will be written on a tag.
4.3.2.4. The tag will be attached to the equipment.
4.3.2.5. The Station Captain/Section Chief will insure that the equipment is
delivered to the Supply Office for repair/replacement. Since PPE relates
directly to firefighter safety, replacement of deficient PPE is considered a
high priority work order and should be processed immediately.
4.3.3. When a repair has been completed or when an item has been retired and/or
disposed of the Supply Officer and/or Support Branch Director will insure that the
details concerning the repair/retirement/disposal, issuance of replacement PPE, and
the completion of the work order is properly entered into Firehouse.
4.3.4. *Reporting Personal Protective Equipment Health and Safety Concerns to the
Element Manufacturer and Certification Organization.
4.3.4.1. The organization shall report all personal protective equipment (PPE)
health and safety concerns, if caused by a known or suspected element
failure, to the element manufacturer and certification organization.
4.3.4.2. The organization shall notify the manufacturer and the certification
organization in writing.
4.3.4.3. The organization shall request written acknowledgment that the report of
health and safety concerns was received by the element manufacturer and
certification organization. Written acknowledgment must be received
within 30 days of the date of the report of health and safety concerns.
5. Selection and Use
5.1. Chapter 5 of NFPA 1851 states that a risk assessment must be performed to justify the
department’s decisions regarding the selection of protective clothing for its personnel and
should be reflected in this SOG. The risk assessment shall be kept indefinitely and
updated and revised when necessary.
5.1.1. The most current assessment will be included as Appendix A.
5.1.2. Based on the assessment, proximity gear is not needed as structural gear meets
departmental requirements.
5.2. Protective clothing and equipment shall be designed to meet or exceed the minimum
applicable standards required by the NFPA 1971/1994, and certified as being compliant
by a third party organization.
5.3. A compliance statement shall be printed legibly on the product label which shall be
permanently and conspicuously located on the inside of the product. Members SHALL
NOT remove labels from protective clothing or equipment.
5.4. *Approval for the use of PPE or accessory items that differ from the department
specification shall only be permitted with:
5.4.1. A letter on file from the manufacturer indicating the accessory and any item(s)
used to secure it are approved for use with department-issued item(s), (mandated
per the TCFP).
5.4.2. Written permission from the Fire Chief.
5.5. Protective clothing and equipment shall be used in accordance with SOG 303.04 – Use of
PPE/SCBA/PASS.
5.6. Per Texas Administrative Code, Title 37 §435.1, as a regulated fire department, BFRS
shall:
5.6.1. Purchase, provide, and maintain a complete set of protective clothing for all fire
protection personnel who would be exposed to hazardous conditions from fire or
other emergencies or where the potential for such exposure exists. A complete set
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of protective clothing shall consist of garments including bunker coats, bunker
pants, boots, gloves, helmets, and protective hoods, worn by fire protection
personnel in the course of performing fire-fighting operations;
5.6.2. Ensure that all protective clothing which is used by fire protection personnel
assigned to fire suppression duties comply with the minimum standards of the
National Fire Protection Association suitable for the tasks the individual is
expected to perform. The National Fire Protection Association standard applicable
to protective clothing is the standard in effect at the time the entity contracts for
new, rebuilt, or used protective clothing;
5.6.2.1. Ensure that elements under consideration are certified as being compliant
with NFPA 1971 by a third-party certification organization.
5.6.2.2. Ensure the proper interface between ensemble elements, including, but not
limited to, coat-to-hood and helmet, coat-to-pant, coat-to-glove, and pants-
to-footwear. Any other specialty equipment being used shall also be
considered to ensure the equipment does not interfere with the proper
function and interface of the protective ensemble or ensemble elements.
5.6.3. Maintain and provide upon request by the commission, a departmental standard
operating procedure regarding the use, selection, care, and maintenance of
protective clothing which complies with NFPA 1851, Standard on Selection, Care,
and Maintenance of Structural Fire Fighting Protective Ensembles.
5.6.4. * The organization shall review the risk assessment or conduct a new risk
assessment at least every 2 years or under specific circumstances, including, but
not limited to, the following:
5.6.4.1. When there are changes that affect the findings of the current risk
assessment in terms of the specific identification of hazards or availability
of firefighting ensemble product technology
5.6.4.2. When there are changes in the organization's standard operating
procedures (SOPs) for the use of structural firefighting ensembles or
proximity firefighting ensembles
5.6.4.3. When any personal protective ensemble or ensemble elements are being
considered for selection and purchase
5.6.5. *The risk assessment shall include, but not be limited to, the hazards that can be
encountered by structural or proximity fire fighters based on the following:
5.6.5.1. Type of duties performed
5.6.5.2. Distinguishing response activities for different potential incidents
5.6.5.3. Organization's experiences
5.6.5.4. Incident operations
5.6.5.5. Geographic location and climate
5.6.5.6. Specific physical area of operation
5.6.5.7. Likelihood of or response to CBRN terrorism incident
5.6.5.8. Need for two sets of ensemble elements or spare ensemble elements
6. Inspection
6.1. Protective equipment shall be inspected both routinely and annually.
6.1.1. *Universal precautions shall be used, as appropriate, when handling ensemble
elements. At a minimum, individuals conducting inspections shall wear
examination gloves that are certified to NFPA 1999. Consideration shall also be
given to having individuals conducting inspections of ensemble elements wear
appropriate aprons with sleeves or respirators.
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6.1.2. *The individual member shall conduct a Routine Inspection of his/her equipment
upon issue, each morning when reporting for duty, and after each use where the
equipment is exposed or suspected to have been exposed to damage or
contamination.
6.1.3. *Ensemble elements that are found by the user to be soiled or contaminated shall
receive advanced cleaning.
6.1.4. The routine inspection shall include an examination of the coat, pants, helmet,
gloves, hood, and boots.
6.1.5. *Where ensemble elements are found to be contaminated by CBRN agents, the
ensemble shall be retired and shall not be subjected to cleaning.
6.1.6. Advanced inspections of all protective ensemble elements that are issued shall be
conducted annually and whenever a routine inspection determines potential
damage.
6.2. Routine Inspection of all ensemble components for the following:
6.2.1. Soiling
6.2.2. Contamination
6.2.3. Damage
6.2.3.1. Physical damage such as rips, tears, cuts, punctures
6.2.3.2. Thermal damage such as charring, burn holes, melting, or discoloration
6.2.4. Presence of manufacturers label indicating compliance with the appropriate
standards and date of manufacture (where applicable)
6.3. Coats and trousers shall also be checked for the following:
6.3.1. Checked for compatibility
6.3.1.1. Must have same manufacturer
6.3.1.2. NFPA certification year must match
6.3.1.3. Short and long coats must be matched with the appropriate trouser
6.3.2. Damaged or missing hardware or closure systems
6.3.3. Damaged or missing reflective trim
6.3.4. Loss of seam integrity and broken or missing stitches
6.3.5. Correct assembly and size compatibility of shell, liner and DRD
6.4. Protective hoods shall also be checked for the following:
6.4.1. Loss of face opening adjustment
6.4.2. Loss of seam integrity and broken or missing stitches
6.4.3. Label attached
6.5. Helmets shall also be inspected for the following:
6.5.1. Cracks, crazing, dents, and abrasions
6.5.2. Damaged or missing components of the suspension and retention systems
6.5.3. Damaged or missing component of the face shield/goggle system, including
discoloration, crazing, and scratches to the face shield/goggles that limit visibility
6.5.4. Physical damage to the earflaps such as rips, tears, cuts, thermal damage (charring,
burn holes, melting), loss of seam integrity and broken or missing stitches
6.6. Glove elements shall also be inspected for the following:
6.6.1. Inverted liner
6.6.2. Shrinkage
6.6.3. Loss of elasticity or flexibility
6.6.4. Loss of seam integrity and broken or missing stitches
6.7. Footwear elements shall also be inspected for:
6.7.1. Exposed or deformed steel toe, steel midsole, or shank
6.7.2. Loss of water resistance
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6.7.3. Closure system component damage and functionality (where applicable)
6.7.4. Loss of seam integrity and broken or missing stitches
6.8. The Drag Rescue Device (DRD) shall also be inspected for the following:
6.8.1. Installation in garment
6.8.2. Punctures, cracking, or splitting
6.8.3. Melting
6.8.4. Loss of seam integrity and broken or missing stitches
6.9. Interface components shall also be inspected for loss or reduction of properties that allow
component to continue as effective interface (loss of shape or inability to remain attached
to element where attachment is required).
6.10. PPE failing inspection shall be returned to the Supply Office for exchange and/or repair.
6.10.1. During regular business hours, the Officer-in-Charge will submit a work order in
Firehouse AND immediately notify Supply Office personnel concerning the need
for replacement PPE.
6.10.2. After hours, on weekends and holidays, the Officer-in-Charge will submit a work
order in Firehouse AND immediately notify Fire-EMS Communications.
6.10.3. The Dispatch Supervisor on-duty will insure that one of the following persons is
contacted to accept the defective PPE and issue temporary replacement PPE
(positions listed in priority order for call-out):
6.10.3.1. Supply Officer
6.10.3.2. Support Branch Director
6.10.3.3. Logistics Section Chief
6.10.4. The person issuing the replacement PPE will appropriately document the
transaction in Firehouse.
7. Cleaning and Decontamination
7.1. *Where the manufacturers’ instructions regarding the care or maintenance of the
protective ensembles or elements differ from a specific requirement(s) of NFPA 1851,
the manufactures’ instructions shall be followed for that requirement(s). (Manufacturers’
instructions regarding the Care, Use, and Maintenance of protective ensembles can be
found in the Shared Folder of G: Drive)
7.2. *Equipment shall be cleaned and decontaminated as necessary to provide for a
minimization of risk to the member when operating in a hazard zone. After each use,
ensemble elements shall be evaluated by the wearer for application of the appropriate
cleaning method.
7.3. *Ensembles and ensemble elements that were used in a hazardous materials incident shall
be subject to preliminary exposure reduction as specified in NFPA 1851, Section 7.2 and
then assessed on scene by the HMRT Team Leader, Program Manager, or other qualified
experts with knowledge about the specific exposures that took place. If the evaluation
indicates the protective equipment is contaminated, simple decontamination shall take
place on scene, followed as necessary by isolation, tagging, and bagging for advanced
cleaning, specialized cleaning, or retirement.
7.4. General Decontamination Actions
7.4.1. Ensembles and ensemble elements shall be evaluated by the wearer for application
of appropriate cleaning level after each use.
7.4.2. Where the form of contamination cannot be identified, contaminated ensembles
and ensemble elements shall be subject to preliminary exposure reduction, isolated,
and removed from service until the suspected contaminate(s) is identified and the
elements can receive advanced or specialized cleaning, as necessary, to remove it.
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7.4.3. Where multiple forms of contamination are present, the actions for the handling
and cleaning and disposition of ensemble and ensemble elements shall be
according to the contamination posing the highest risk.
7.5. Bulk Chemical Decontamination Actions:
7.5.1. Ensembles and ensemble elements that are known or suspected to be contaminated
with bulk chemicals shall be subject to preliminary exposure reduction then
isolated, tagged, and bagged at the incident scene.
7.5.2. The type of bulk chemical contamination shall be assessed by the organization’s
hazardous materials team or other qualified experts to determine if cleaning or
decontamination of the ensembles and ensemble elements is possible.
7.5.3. Where the contaminant and its source have been identified, the organization shall
consult the supplier of the contaminant, the manufacturer of the ensemble and
ensemble elements, a verified cleaner, or a verified ISP for an appropriate
decontamination agent and process.
7.5.4. Based on the assessment of the type of contamination conditions, if cleaning or
decontamination is not possible, then the affected ensemble and ensemble elements
shall be condemned, retired, and disposed of as hazardous waste in accordance
with federal, state, and local regulations.
7.5.5. Based on the assessment of the contamination conditions, if cleaning or
decontamination is considered possible, then the affected ensemble and ensemble
elements shall be subjected to specialized cleaning.
7.6. Asbestos and Other Designated Hazardous Substance Decontamination Actions:
7.6.1. Ensembles and ensemble elements that are known or suspected to be contaminated
with asbestos or other designated highly hazardous substances shall be subject to
preliminary exposure reduction then isolated, tagged, and bagged at the incident
scene.
7.6.2. The organization’s hazardous materials team or other qualified experts shall
determine if cleaning or decontamination of the ensemble and ensemble elements
is possible.
7.6.3. The organization’s hazardous materials team or other qualified experts shall
determine if cleaning or decontamination of the ensemble and ensemble elements
is possible.
7.6.4. Based on the assessment of the contamination conditions, if cleaning or
decontamination is considered possible, then the affected ensemble and ensemble
elements shall be subjected to specialized cleaning.
7.7. Fluid and Other Microbial Contamination Disinfection and Sanitization Actions:
7.7.1. Ensembles and ensemble elements that are known or suspected to be contaminated
with body fluids or other forms of microbial contaminants shall be subject to
preliminary exposure reduction then isolated, tagged, and bagged at the incident
scene.
7.7.2. The organization or qualified experts shall determine if disinfection or sanitization
and cleaning of the ensemble and ensemble elements is possible.
7.7.3. Based on the assessment of the contamination conditions, if disinfection or
sanitization and cleaning is not possible, then the affected ensemble and ensemble
elements shall be condemned, retired, and disposed of as biological waste in
accordance with federal, state, and local regulations.
7.7.4. Based on the assessment of the contaminant, if disinfection or sanitization is
considered possible, then the affected ensemble and ensemble elements shall be
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subjected to disinfection or sanitization procedures, followed by advanced cleaning
procedures.
7.8. Products of Combustion Cleaning Actions:
7.8.1. Ensembles and ensemble elements that have been exposed to products of
combustion shall be subject to preliminary exposure reduction at the incident
scene.
7.8.2. Following preliminary exposure reduction, ensembles and ensemble elements shall
be subject to advanced cleaning as soon as possible following the event.
7.9. Approach for Deciding Handling, Cleaning, and Disposition of Ensemble Elements
7.9.1. Ensembles and ensemble elements shall be evaluated by the wearer or a designated
individual within the organization for application of preliminary exposure
reduction, cleaning, disinfection, or sanitization after each use. The guidance
provided in Figure 7.l.l.2(a).
7.9.2. Figures 7.l.l.2(a) and 7.1.1.2(b) should be used at emergency incident scenes to
assist the decision making process for appropriate cleaning and decontamination
procedures.
7.9.3. *Ensembles and ensemble elements that are soiled but not contaminated shall be
subject to preliminary exposure reduction as specified in NFPA 1851, Section 7.2.
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7.10. Preliminary Exposure Reduction Procedures:
7.10.1. *With the exception of CBRN contamination or other forms of contamination,
where further contact with specific hazardous contaminants requires immediate
removal of ensembles or ensemble elements, preliminary exposure reduction
procedures shall be applied prior to any cleaning.
7.10.2. Preliminary exposure reduction procedures shall be carried out by the end user
after exiting the emergency scene at any incident where their protective ensemble
or ensemble elements could have become soiled or contaminated.
7.10.3. Upon exiting the scene, the end user shall remain on SCBA air.
7.10.4. If returning to the emergency scene after refilling a cylinder or an air cylinder
change, any dry debris shall be brushed off the helmet, facepiece, and SCBA prior
to refilling or changing out the cylinder.
7.10.5. 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.
7.10.6. The dry mitigation techniques shall be performed by brushing debris from the
exterior of ensembles and ensemble elements with a soft bristle brush prior to
removal.
7.10.7. The wet mitigation techniques shall be performed by gently rinsing the exterior of
ensembles and ensemble elements using low- pressure and low-volume flow water.
7.10.8. A mild detergent shall be permitted to be used to aid in the wet mitigation
technique, followed by gentle rinsing.
7.10.9. Heavy scrubbing or spraying with high-velocity water jets such as a power
washer shall not be used.
7.10.10. If used in combination, dry mitigation shall precede wet mitigation.
7.10.11. Following dry or wet mitigation, ensemble or ensemble elements shall be
isolated and bagged. Where possible, ensemble or ensemble elements, even when
bagged, shall not be transported in the passenger areas of apparatus or personal
vehicles.
7.10.12. Following preliminary exposure reduction, the ensemble or ensemble element(s)
shall be subjected to the appropriate cleaning procedures.
7.11. *Routine Cleaning:
7.11.1. Brush off any dry debris.
7.11.2. Gently rinse off other debris with a water hose.
7.11.3. If necessary, scrub gently with a soft bristle brush and rinse again. Heavy
scrubbing or high-velocity water jets such as a power washer shall not be used.
7.11.4. Where necessary, elements for routine cleaning shall be cleaned in a utility sink
designated for personal protective equipment (PPE) cleaning and decontamination.
Ensembles and element layers shall be isolated whenever possible to avoid cross
contamination. (liner and shell) Use the following procedures:
7.11.4.1. Heavily soiled or spotted areas shall be pretreated. Chlorine bleach,
chlorinated solvents, active-ingredient cleaning agents, or solvents shall
not be used without the ensemble or element manufacturer’s approval.
7.11.4.2. Water temperature shall not exceed 40C (105F)
7.11.4.3. Mild detergents with a pH range of not less than 6.0 pH and not greater
than 10.5 pH as indicated on the product MSDS or original container shall
be used. (Citrosqueeze is available at each Station and HQ)
7.11.4.4. Protective gloves, apron and eye/face splash protection shall be worn.
(these items are available at each Station and at HQ)
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7.11.4.5. Element(s) shall be gently scrubbed using a soft bristle brush. (soft bristle
brushes are available at each Station and HQ)
7.11.4.6. Element(s) shall be thoroughly rinsed.
7.11.4.7. Element(s) shall be inspected and, where necessary, shall be rewashed or
submitted to Supply for advanced cleaning.
7.11.4.8. Element(s) shall be dried in accordance with Section 7.14. of this policy.
7.11.4.9. Following the routine cleaning procedure, the utility sink shall be rinsed.
7.11.4.10. Should the above method fail to sufficiently clean protective clothing:
7.11.4.11. Transport the items to a department facility housing an extractor-washer
for more thorough cleaning. Manufacturers’ instructions are to be
followed.
7.11.5. Separate the shell and liner to prevent cross contamination and liner damage.
7.11.6. Liners shall be turned inside out so the moisture barrier is on the inside.
7.11.7. Wash shells and liners separately.
7.11.8. Hoods are permitted to be machine washed with liners.
7.11.9. Gloves and DRD may be washed separately OR placed in a mesh laundry bag and
washed with shells.
7.11.10. Ensure that all closures, including hooks, loops, snaps, zippers, hooks, and dees,
are fastened and Velcro is secured before washing.
7.11.11. Use the appropriate washer setting for the desired level of cleaning.
7.12. Ensemble elements known or suspected of being contaminated (with blood, body fluids
or hazardous materials) shall be placed in sealed, leak proof bags prior to being
transported.
7.12.1. If contamination is suspected, universal precautions shall be utilized when
handling protective clothing.
7.12.2. If the equipment can be decontaminated, the bag will be transported to the nearest
Station with an extractor washer for decontamination. The Officer-in-Charge will
notify Dispatch of the need for replacement PPE.
7.12.3. If the equipment cannot be decontaminated, the bag will be placed in a hazardous
waste drum located at one of the district stations. The Officer-in-Charge will insure
the location of the contaminated equipment and the need for replacement PPE is
communicated to Dispatch.
7.12.4. The procedures outlined in Section 5.10 of this policy (PPE failing inspection)
shall be used to issue temporary replacement PPE due to suspected contamination.
PPE suspected of being contaminated should not be transported to Supply or Fire
HQ.
7.13. Ensemble elements not designed for machine washing shall be cleaned in a utility sink
designed for this purpose.
7.13.1. If it is necessary to totally immerse a helmet, the impact cap shall be separated
from the helmet shell. Each element component shall be washed and dried
separately before reassembly.
7.13.2. Solvents shall not be used to clean or decontaminate helmets.
7.14. The following procedures shall be used for drying ensemble elements:
7.14.1. Only dryers designed for protective equipment shall be used.
7.14.2. If air drying is preferred, place in an area with good ventilation.
7.14.3. DO NOT dry in direct sunlight.
8. Testing and Repair
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8.1. All testing and repairs shall be performed by the original manufacturer, an ISP, or a
member of the Department who has received training by the manufacturer in the repair of
ensembles or ensemble elements.
8.1.1. The entity conducting the training shall provide documentation that the
organization has received the required training.
8.1.2. Organizations shall obtain and complete the required training within one year of a
new edition of NFPA 1851 being issued, or there is a change in personnel
overseeing or performing the required aspects of an organization's program.
8.2. Where an organization or ISP is verified for conducting repairs, the organization or ISP
shall also be verified for advanced cleaning, sanitization, and advanced inspection.
8.2.1. Verified organizations and verified ISPs shall receive written verification from the
third-party certification organization to conduct garment element advanced
cleaning, advanced inspection, and advanced repair services.
8.2.2. The verified organization, verified ISP, manufacturer verified in cleaning, or
verified cleaner shall be listed.
8.3. All repairs and alterations to the ensemble or ensemble element shall be completed using
like materials and components that are compliant with NFPA 1971, Standard on
Proximity Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting.
8.4. Replacement interface components shall be installed in a manner consistent with the
ensemble or ensemble element manufacturer’s method of construction.
8.5. Small scratches on the helmet shell shall be removed by using mildly abrasive
compounds recommended by the helmet manufacturer.
8.6. Helmet face shield and goggle components that become cracked or badly scratched shall
be replaced.
8.7. Unauthorized accessories or stickers will be removed prior to cleaning.
9. Storage
9.1. Ensembles or ensemble elements shall not be stored in direct sunlight or exposed to direct
sunlight while not being worn.
9.2. Ensembles and ensemble elements shall be clean and dry before storage.
9.3. Ensembles and ensemble elements shall not be stored at temperatures below -25°F or
above 180°F.
9.4. Ensembles and ensemble elements shall not be stored or transported in compartments or
trunks with sharp objects, tools, or other equipment that could damage the protective
equipment. When not possible to prevent this storage issue, protective equipment shall be
placed in a protective bag or container.
9.5. Soiled ensembles or ensemble elements shall not be stored in living quarters or with
personal belongings or transported in the passenger compartment of personal vehicles.
When not possible to prevent this issue, protective equipment shall be placed in a
protective case or bag separated from other personal items to prevent cross
contamination.
9.6. Ensembles and ensemble elements shall not be stored in contact with contaminants such
as, but not limited to, oils, solvents, acids, or alkalis.
9.7. Ensemble and ensemble element storage areas shall be clean, dry, and well ventilated.
10. Retirement, Disposition, and Special Incident Procedure
10.1. Ensemble elements shall be retired when reaching ten years of age from the date of
manufacture (TCFP mandated).
10.2. Protective equipment that is worn, damaged, or contaminated and cost prohibitive to
repair or clean shall be retired from service.
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10.3. Retired equipment shall be destroyed or disposed of in a manner that assures it will not
be used in any firefighting or emergency activities, including live fire training.
10.4. Retired equipment that is not contaminated, defective, or damaged may be used for
training or other purposes as long as it does not involve live fire training. The equipment
shall be marked as being for “Non-Live Fire Training Only”.
10.5. In the absence of other prevailing rules of evidence, protective equipment utilized by
personnel that are injured or die in the line of duty shall be immediately impounded,
tagged, and stored.
10.5.1. Protective equipment evidence will be stored in paper or cardboard containers
ONLY. Plastic or airtight containers shall not be used for storage of this
equipment.
10.5.2. Protective equipment associated with firefighter injury or death shall be
maintained in a secure location with controlled, documented access, until turned
over to investigative personnel.
10.5.3. Review of this protective equipment shall be by qualified members of the
department or outside experts.
10.5.4. Ensemble elements associated with firefighter injury or death shall be retained in
custody until such time as legal authorities advise (in writing) that it may be
disposed of.
11. Program Evaluation
11.1. The Logistics Section Chief shall annually review this program to determine the need to
upgrade or improve particular areas.
11.2. The review shall ensure that the guidelines and procedures are being followed, and
make necessary adjustments for the effective operation of the program.
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