HomeMy WebLinkAboutSOG 601.01A – PPE Advanced Cleaning and Inspection Procedures
Beaumont Fire Department
Services
Beaumont Fire Department
Standard Operating Guideline
601.01A – PPE Advanced Cleaning and Inspection Procedures
Chief Earl White
Effective: October 10, 2022
1. Purpose
1.1. The purpose of this policy is to communicate advanced inspection procedures required by
the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, as detailed in NFPA 1851.
2. Criteria for How and When Advanced Inspection Should be Performed
2.1. Prior to Advanced Inspection, all elements shall receive Advanced Cleaning in
accordance with the manufacturers’ recommendations.
2.2. Extractor washers shall be used for advanced cleaning of protective ensembles in
accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations unless prohibited.
2.3. 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).
2.4. Advanced inspections of all protective ensembles for structural firefighting elements shall
be conducted at a minimum of every 12 months.
2.5. Advanced inspections should also be performed any time a routine inspection indicates
that a problem could exist. Routine inspections are to be performed by individual
members per SOG 601.01 – Inspection & Maintenance of Structural Firefighting PPE.
2.6. Reserve ensemble elements that have been properly stored and have not been issued since
the last advanced inspection are not subject to inspection.
2.6.1. Once reserve ensemble elements have been issued, the element will be subject to
the advanced inspection requirement.
3. Advanced Cleaning
3.1. *Ensembles and ensemble elements that are issued and used shall receive advanced
cleaning at least every six months, resulting in at least one of two advanced cleanings
occurring at the time of annual advanced inspection.
3.2. *Ensembles or ensemble elements that have been exposed to bulk chemicals, unusual
biological contaminants, asbestos, or other substances of a highly hazardous or unusual
nature shall be subjected to specialized cleaning as specified in NFPA 1851, Section 7.5
in lieu of advanced cleaning.
3.3. The manufacturers’ label and user information that the manufacturer provided with the
element shall be examined for instructions on cleaning and drying. In the absence of
manufacturers’ approval of alternate procedures for the ensemble or ensemble element,
the advanced cleaning and drying procedures in Chapter 7.3 of NFPA 1851 shall be used.
3.3.1. *Universal precautions shall be applied in the washing of all soiled or
contaminated ensembles or ensemble elements.
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3.3.2. *Soiled or contaminated PPE shall be cleaned before inspection or reuse.
3.4. Advanced cleaning of ensembles and ensemble elements shall be conducted by machine
unless specifically prohibited.
3.5. *Where the use of machine cleaning is specified for ensembles and ensemble elements,
advanced cleaning shall be conducted using a washer/extractor with the following
characteristics unless specifically prohibited:
3.5.1. Garment elements shall be subjected to advanced cleaning using a washer/extractor
with an appropriate formulation.
3.5.2. The washer/extractor shall be programmable to permit multiple formulations for
adjustments of detergent application, water temperature, water level, cycle
type/function, and cycle time.
3.5.3. The washer/extractor shall not have a g-force that exceeds 100 G or shall have the
capability of drum revolutions per minute (RPM) adjustment such that the g-force
can be adjusted to not exceed 100 G for all washed ensembles and ensemble
elements.
3.5.4. *Top-loading washing machines with or without a center post agitator shall not be
used for advanced cleaning of ensembles and ensemble elements or components.
3.5.5. The machine shall not be overloaded.
3.5.6. 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 ensemble element manufacturers’ approval.
3.5.7. All closures, including pocket closures, hooks and loops, snaps, zippers, and hooks
and dees shall be fastened.
3.5.8. Water temperature shall not exceed 40C/105F.
3.5.9. The specific formulation for the washer/extractor shall include a series of steps for
filling the wash basket, adding detergent, performing multiple rinses, and including
separate extractions between wash and rinse steps.
3.5.10. A mild detergent 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 product container shall be
used.
3.5.11. Machine manufacturers’ instructions shall be followed for proper setting for the
specific elements being washed.
3.5.12. The element shall be inspected and rewashed if necessary.
3.5.13. Where the machine is also used to wash items other than protective ensembles, it
shall be rinsed out by running the machine without a laundry load through a
complete cycle with the detergent and filled to the maximum level with water at a
temperature of 49C to 52C (120F to 125F)
3.5.14. *Before using any cleaning device other than a washer/ extractor, the element
manufacturer, verified cleaner, or verified ISP shall' be contacted for instructions
on how to best clean the ensemble(s) or ensemble element(s) using the respective
cleaning device.
3.5.15. If the coat element has a removable drag rescue device (DRD), the DRD shall be
removed prior to laundering. If the DRD also requires cleaning, it shall be placed
in a separate mesh bag for washing and drying.
3.5.16. Shells and liners shall be separated and cleaned and decontaminated only with
like items.
3.5.17. Liners shall be turned inside out so the moisture barrier is on the inside for both
washing and drying.
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3.5.18. Hoods may be machine washed and machine dried with liners.
3.6. Additional Requirements for Advanced Cleaning of Helmet Elements
3.6.1. Detachable or separate components, such as ear covers, suspensions covers, and
goggles, shall be removed from helmets and shall be washed and dried separately.
3.6.2. Detachable components that are textile based shall either be separately hand
washed or washed in a washer/extractor with other components such as garments
or hoods as specified in NFPA 1851, 7.3.11.
3.6.3. Unless otherwise specified, helmets shall be hand washed in a utility sink using the
following procedures:
3.6.3.1. The individual washing the helmet shall observe universal precautions and
put on a pair of examination gloves, an apron and protective sleeves or
coveralls, and a pair of safety glasses or goggles.
3.6.3.2. The utility sink shall be filled with warm water at temperature no warmer
than 40°C (105oF) and a mild detergent having a pH of not less than 6.0 or
more than 10.5 at the detergent manufacturer's recommended ratio of
detergent to water.
3.6.3.3. The individual shall use a soft bristle brush to reach between components
and scrub both the exterior and interior of the helmet.
3.6.3.4. The helmet shall be thoroughly rinsed following washing.
3.6.3.5. Following rinsing, the helmet shall be air dried. It shall be permitted to use
a soft towel to aid in drying the helmet after cleaning.
3.7. Additional Requirements for Advanced Cleaning of Glove Elements
3.7.1. Gloves shall not be machine dried using equipment that produces mechanical
action by tumbling or agitation.
3.7.2. Unless otherwise specified, gloves shall be hand washed in a utility sink or other
container of sufficient size using the following procedures:
3.7.2.1. The individual washing the gloves shall observe universal precautions and
shall put on a pair of examination gloves, an apron and protective sleeves
or coveralls, and a pair of safety glasses or goggles.
3.7.2.2. The utility sink shall be filled with warm water at temperature no warmer
than 40°C (105oF) and a mild detergent having a pH of not less than 6.0 or
more than 10.5 at the detergent manufacturer's recommended ratio of
detergent to water.
3.7.2.3. The individual shall then don the fire-fighting gloves over the examination
gloves and shall briskly rub the gloves together, ensuring the cleaning of
all surfaces. A soft bristle brush shall be permitted to scrub the exterior of
the gloves.
3.7.2.4. The individual shall then remove the fire-fighting gloves and refill the
utility sink with clean water.
3.7.2.5. The interior and exterior of the gloves shall be thoroughly rinsed with
clean water.
3.7.2.6. Gloves shall not be wrung out, but instead slightly squeezed to remove
excess water.
3.7.2.7. Gloves shall be dried using ambient or slightly raised temperatures no
warmer than 40°C (105°F). Equipment that provides airflow into the
interiors of gloves shall be permitted to aid the faster drying of gloves.
3.8. Additional Requirements for Advanced Cleaning of Footwear Elements.
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3.8.1. Footwear shall not be machine cleaned or dried using equipment that produces
mechanical action by tumbling or agitation.
3.8.2. Unless otherwise specified, footwear shall be hand washed in a utility sink or other
container of sufficient size using the following procedures:
3.8.2.1. The individual washing the footwear shall observe universal precautions
and put on a pair of examination gloves, an apron and protective sleeves or
coveralls, and a pair of safety glasses or goggles.
3.8.2.2. The utility sink shall be filled with warm water at a temperature no warmer
than 40°C (105°F) and a mild detergent having a pH of not less than 6.0 or
more than 10.5 at the detergent manufacturer's recommended ratio of
detergent to water.
3.8.2.3. The individual shall first scrub the interior of the footwear with a soft
bristle brush.
3.8.2.4. The individual shall then scrub the exterior of the footwear with a soft
bristle brush, ensuring the cleaning of all exterior surfaces.
3.8.2.5. The interior and exterior of the footwear shall be thoroughly rinsed with
clean water.
3.8.2.6. In the absence of specialized drying equipment, the footwear shall be
suspended upside down to dry, with attention that water runoff does not
create a slip hazard.
3.8.2.7. If specified by the manufacturer, a sealant, conditioning, or polish shall be
applied to leather footwear after the footwear has completely dried.
3.9. Additional Requirements for Advanced Cleaning of Hood Elements
3.9.1. Hoods shall be permitted to be hand or machine washed, independently or with
garment liners, as allowed by the hood manufacturer. The hood manufacturer's
instructions shall be consulted for further cleaning instructions.
3.9.2. If hoods are hand washed in a utility sink or other suitable container, hoods shall
not be wrung out to dry, but instead slightly squeezed to remove excess water after
rinsing.
3.9.3. Special care shall be applied to the advanced cleaning of particulate-blocking
hoods. Advanced cleaning of particulate-blocking hoods shall be in accordance
with procedures provided by the manufacturer.
3.9.4. Hoods shall be permitted to be air dried or machine dried.
3.9.5. Where hoods are subjected to hand cleaning and unless otherwise specified, hoods
shall be hand washed in a utility sink or other container of sufficient size using the
following procedures:
3.9.5.1. The individual washing the hood shall observe universal precautions and
put on a pair of examination gloves, an apron and protective sleeves or
coveralls, and a pair of safety glasses or goggles.
3.9.5.2. The utility sink shall be filled with warm water at temperature no warmer
than 40°C (105°F) and a mild detergent having a pH of not less than 6.0 or
more than 10.5 at the detergent manufacturer's recommended ratio of
detergent to water.
3.9.5.3. After allowing the hood to presoak for a period of at least 10 minutes, the
individual shall lightly rub the hood material together, starting with the
exterior and then turning the hood inside out and similarly rubbing the
material against itself. A soft wash cloth shall be permitted for washing the
hoods.
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3.9.5.4. Stretching or wringing the hood out shall be avoided during hand washing.
3.9.5.5. The hood shall be thoroughly rinsed following washing.
3.9.5.6. Following rinsing, if using air drying, the hood shall be air dried by laying
on a drying rack or other surface that helps promote draining of water from
the hood.
3.10. Disinfection or Sanitization and Biological Decontamination
3.10.1. Protective ensembles and ensemble elements that are contaminated with body
fluids and other potentially infectious materials shall be subject to either
disinfection or sanitization.
3.10.2. If not already part of an advanced cleaning process, disinfection or sanitization
shall be followed by advanced cleaning depending on the type of disinfection or
sanitization, the cleaning agents and processes that are available, and the type and
composition of the ensemble or ensemble element.
3.10.3. Disinfectants and sanitizers shall be registered with the EPA for efficacy for hard
surfaces or fabrics and textiles, whichever is applicable.
3.10.4. Where disinfectants and sanitizers are used, they shall not degrade the
performance properties of the protective ensemble or ensemble elements.
3.10.5. Disinfectants and sanitizers shall be used in accordance with the instructions
provided by the supplier.
3.10.6. In cases where the area of contamination is limited and clearly visible, spot
sanitization or disinfection followed by spot cleaning shall be permitted for the
sanitization or disinfection of the affected contaminated area of the ensemble or
ensemble element.
3.10.7. Handling of garment elements shall be kept to a minimum prior to sanitization.
3.10.8. Where specific components such as the DRD or full protection devices are
provided as part of garment elements, these items shall only be removed from the
garment if their presence will interfere with the sanitization process.
3.10.9. Advanced cleaning or specialized cleaning shall be performed after sanitization.
3.10.10. Additional Requirements for Disinfection or Sanitization and Cleaning of
Helmet Elements:
3.10.10.1. Detachable or separate components shall be removed from the helmet
and shall be sanitized or disinfected separately.
3.10.10.2. Hard surface components of the helmet shall be subject to disinfection
using an appropriate disinfection process.
3.10.11. Ensemble elements that cannot be adequately cleaned with advanced cleaning
will be subject to specialized cleaning performed by a manufacturer verified in
cleaning, a manufacturer-trained organization, a verified organization, a verified
cleaner, or a verified ISP.
3.11. Ensembles and ensemble elements shall be dried in accordance with following:
3.11.1. Organizations shall examine the manufacturer’s label and user information for
instructions on drying procedures that the manufacturer provided with the
ensemble or ensemble element. In the absence of manufacturer’s instructions or
manufacturer’s approval of alternative procedures, the drying procedures provided
in this section shall be used.
3.11.2. *The following procedures shall be used for Air Drying:
3.11.2.1. Elements shall be placed in an area with good ventilation.
3.11.2.2. Do not dry ensembles or ensemble elements in direct or indirect sunlight,
under fluorescent light, or under UV light.
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3.11.2.3. Do not allow the area used for drying to exceed 40°C (105oF).
3.11.3. The following procedures shall be used for Drying Cabinet:
3.11.3.1. Place ensembles or ensemble elements in the drying cabinet to allow
good air circulation between each ensemble or ensemble element.
3.11.3.2. Use a specific drying time and drying temperature to provide sufficient
drying of the ensembles or ensemble elements.
3.11.3.3. Do not allow the area used for drying to exceed 40°C (105°F).
3.11.4. The following procedures shall be used for Machine Drying:
3.11.4.1. The recommended capacity of the machine shall not be exceeded.
3.11.4.2. All closures, including pocket closures, hooks and loops, snaps, zippers,
and hooks and dees shall be fastened.
3.11.4.3. A “no heat” or “air dry” option shall be used if available.
3.11.4.4. In the absence of “no heat” or “air dry” option, the basket temperature
shall not exceed 49C (105F).
3.11.4.5. The use of a heat cycle shall be discontinued prior to the removal of all
moisture from the ensemble or ensemble elements.
3.11.4.6. The remainder of the drying process shall be accomplished by a “no heat”
machine setting or removal of the ensemble or ensemble elements from the
machine dryer to air dry.
3.11.4.7. Gloves shall not be machine dried using equipment that produces
mechanical action by tumbling or agitation.
4. Qualification, Documentation, and Testing Requirements
4.1. Advanced cleaning, inspection, repairs, and any necessary testing of ensembles and
ensemble elements shall be performed by a verified ISP or trained personnel within the
department.
4.1.1. The ensemble or ensemble element manufacturer or a verified ISP shall determine
the level of training required to perform advanced inspections. The manufacturer
or ISP shall provide written verification of training.
4.1.2. The member(s) of Beaumont Fire-Rescue who has received training in the
advanced inspection of ensembles or ensemble elements shall be responsible for
performing and/or managing advanced cleanings and/or inspections.
4.2. The condition of the PPE elements shall be graded on the following scale:
4.2.1. New or As New – Newly purchased items or items that are in like-new
condition.
4.2.2. Good – Items in good serviceable condition; might show wear, but replacement or
repair is not necessary.
4.2.3. Maintenance Needed – Items in need of repair.
4.2.4. Immediate Replacement – Unsafe items that should be removed from service.
4.3. The findings of the inspection will be documented on an inspection form and then entered
into Firehouse. (to include reserve/loaner gear)
4.4. The advanced inspection shall include, as a minimum, the inspections specified in
following sections. The garment elements should be put through only the testing
procedures specified in the following sections.
5. Inspection Checklist for the Protective Ensemble
5.1. All separable layers of the garment elements shall be individually inspected for:
5.1.1. Soiling
5.1.2. Contamination
5.1.3. Physical damage to all layers, such as:
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5.1.3.1. Rips, tears, cuts, and abrasions
5.1.3.2. Damaged or missing hardware
5.1.3.3. Thermal damage (charring, burn holes, melting, discoloration of any layer)
NOTE:
All charred, burned, or discolored areas should be thoroughly
checked for strength and integrity by aggressive flexing of the
material and attempts to push a finger or thumb through the fabric.
Any loss of strength or weakening of the materials to the degree
that the material can be torn with manual pressure is a sign of
deterioration, and the garment should be removed from service.
5.1.4. Loss of moisture barrier integrity as indicated by:
5.1.4.1. Rips, tears, cuts, or abrasions
5.1.4.2. Discoloration
5.1.4.3. Thermal damage
5.1.5. Evaluation of system fit and coat/trouser overlap.
5.1.6. Loss of Seam Integrity
5.1.6.1. Broken stitches
5.1.6.2. Missing stitches
5.1.7. Loss of Physical Integrity of Material (i.e. ultraviolet or chemical degradation) as
evidenced by:
5.1.7.1. Discoloration
5.1.7.2. Significant changes in material texture
5.1.7.3. Loss of material strength
5.1.7.4. Loss of liner material
5.1.7.5. Shifting of liner material
5.1.8. Loss of Wristlet Integrity:
5.1.8.1. Loss of elasticity
5.1.8.2. Stretching, runs, cuts, or burn holes
5.1.9. Loss of Reflective Trim Integrity:
5.1.9.1. Damage
5.1.9.2. Attachment to garment
5.1.9.3. Reflectivity
5.1.10. Label Integrity and Legibility. (If a label problem is identified, the manufacturer
should be contacted.)
5.1.11. Hook and loop functionality.
5.1.12. Liner attachment systems functionality.
5.1.13. Closure system functionality.
5.1.14. Accessory compliance.
5.1.15. Correct assembly and size compatibility of shell, liner, and DRD.
5.2. Interface components shall be inspected for:
5.2.1. Soiling
5.2.2. Contamination
5.2.3. Physical damage
5.2.4. Loss of reduction of properties that allow component to continue as effective
interface, such as loss of shape or inability to remain attached to respective
element(s), if attachment is required.
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5.2.5. Loss of seam integrity and broken or missing stitches.
5.3. DRD components shall be inspected for the following:
5.3.1. Installation in garment
5.3.2. Soiling
5.3.3. Contamination
5.3.4. Physical damage such as:
5.3.4.1. Cuts, tears, punctures, cracking, or splitting
5.3.4.2. Thermal damage (charring, burn holes, melting, or discoloration)
5.3.4.3. Loss of seam integrity and broken or missing stitches.
5.3.5. Hood elements shall be inspected for:
5.3.5.1. Soiling
5.3.5.2. Contamination
5.3.5.3. Physical damage such as:
5.3.5.3.1. Rips, tears and cuts
5.3.5.3.2. Thermal damage (charring, burn holes, melting, discoloration of
any layer)
5.3.5.4. Shrinkage
5.3.5.5. Loss of material elasticity or stretching out of shape
5.3.5.6. Loss of seam integrity or broken or missing stitches
5.3.5.7. Loss of face opening adjustment
5.3.5.8. Label – integrity and legibility
5.3.6. Helmet elements should be inspected for:
5.3.6.1. Soiling
5.3.6.2. Contamination
5.3.6.3. Physical damage to the shell such as:
5.3.6.4. Cracks, dents, and abrasions
5.3.6.5. Thermal damage to the shell (bubbling, soft spots, warping, or
discoloration)
5.3.6.6. Physical damage to the ear flaps such as:
5.3.6.7. Rips, tears, and cuts
5.3.6.8. Thermal damage (charring, burn holes, melting or discoloration of any
layer)
5.3.6.9. Damaged or missing components of the suspension and retention systems.
5.3.6.10. Functionality of suspension and retention systems.
5.3.6.11. Damaged or missing components of the face shield system, including
discoloration or scratches to the lens limiting visibility.
5.3.6.12. Functionality of face shield system.
5.3.6.13. Damage to the impact cap.
5.3.6.14. Damaged or missing reflective trim.
5.3.6.15. Accessory compliance.
5.3.6.16. Loss of seam integrity and broken or missing stitches.
5.3.7. Gloves elements shall be inspected for:
5.3.7.1. Soiling
5.3.7.2. Contamination
5.3.7.3. Physical damage such as:
5.3.7.3.1. Rips, tears and cuts
5.3.7.3.2. Thermal damage (charring, burn holes, melting, or discoloration
of any layer)
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5.3.7.3.3. Inverted liner
5.3.7.3.4. Loss of seam integrity or broken or missing stitches.
5.3.7.4. Shrinkage
5.3.7.5. Loss of flexibility
5.3.7.6. Loss of elasticity and shape in wristlets
5.3.7.7. Accessory compliance
5.3.8. Footwear elements shall be inspected for:
5.3.8.1. Soiling
5.3.8.2. Contamination
5.3.8.3. Physical damage such as:
5.3.8.3.1. Cuts, tears, punctures, cracking, or splitting
5.3.8.3.2. Thermal damage (charring, burn holes, melting, or discoloration
of any layer)
5.3.8.3.3. Exposed or deformed steel toe, steel midsole, or shank
5.3.8.3.4. Loss of seam integrity, delamination, or broken or missing
stitches
5.3.8.4. Loss of water resistance
5.3.8.5. Excessive tread wear
5.3.8.6. Condition of lining such as the following:
5.3.8.6.1. Tears
5.3.8.6.2. Excessive wear
5.3.8.6.3. Separation from outer layer
5.3.8.7. Heel counter failure
5.3.8.8. Accessory compliance
6. Complete Liner Inspection Requirements
6.1. Complete liner inspection of all garment elements shall be performed by a verified ISP or
the department’s trained personnel.
6.2. Members of the department who have received training in the complete liner inspection
of the garment element shall be responsible for properly performing, managing and
documenting the complete liner inspection.
6.3. The garment element manufacturer or a verified ISP and the department shall determine
the level of training required to perform complete liner inspections. Written verification
of training will be maintained by Logistics-Certification & Training Group.
6.4. *Complete liner inspection of all garments shall be conducted annually, and whenever a
routine or advanced inspection indicate that a problem might exist.
6.5. After replacement of the barrier, a complete liner inspection of all garment elements will
be conducted after 2 years in service and annually there-after following the replacement
of the moisture barrier, the CBRN barrier, or both.
6.6. The liner system shall be opened to expose all layers for inspecting and testing.
6.7. *The inspection shall include:
6.7.1. The moisture barrier and thermal barrier shall be inspected for:
6.7.1.1. Physical damage to all layers and sides of each layer such as rips, tears,
cuts, abrasions, and thermal damage (charring, burn holes, melting, or
discoloration of any layer).
6.7.1.2. Loss of seam integrity, broken or missing stitches, and loose or missing
moisture barrier seam tape.
6.7.1.3. Material physical integrity; UV or chemical degradation (as evidenced by
discoloration, significant changes in material texture, loss of material
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strength, loss of liner material, or shifting of liner material).When it is
found or suspected that an area of the quilt batt has shifted or migrated, to
further investigate, a complete liner inspection shall be performed.
6.7.1.4. Delamination as evidenced by separation of film from substrate fabric,
flaking, or powdering.
7. Water Penetration Barrier Evaluation
7.1. This evaluation shall apply to seams of the moisture and thermal barrier liners found in
structural firefighting protective garment elements that are in service.
7.2. Evaluation areas
7.2.1. A minimum of three moisture barrier material areas with a seam shall be tested on
each garment element.
7.2.2. Moisture barrier material areas shall be from high abrasion areas of the garment
elements, including, but not limited to:
7.2.2.1. Broadest part of the shoulders
7.2.2.2. Back waist area of the coat
7.2.2.3. Knees
7.2.2.4. Crotch area
7.2.2.5. Seat area
7.2.3. In addition to the areas listed above, where potential damage to the garment outer
shell or the thermal barrier has been detected, the evaluation shall be conducted on
the corresponding area of the moisture barrier. Where potential damage to the
garment moisture barrier has been detected, the evaluation shall also be conducted
on that area.
7.2.4. Moisture barrier material areas shall be positioned in the evaluation apparatus such
that the side of the barrier that is against the outer shell faces the water in the
evaluation apparatus.
7.2.5. Moisture barrier material areas with seams shall be positioned on the evaluation
apparatus so that the seam divides the specimen into two equal halves.
7.3. Evaluation Apparatus
7.3.1. The moisture barrier shall be tested using hydrostatic testing to evaluate the water
penetration barrier and shall show no leakage.
7.3.2. The apparatus used to evaluate water penetration shall have the following
characteristics:
7.3.2.1. Consist of a means of clamping the area to be evaluated in a horizontal
position, providing a watertight seal with the pressurized portion of the
apparatus and water reservoir;
7.3.2.2. Accommodate evaluations of moisture barriers and seams without the
removal of the specimens;
7.3.2.3. Have a clamping area that provides a water exposure and viewing area that
is at least 50 mm (2 in.) in diameter;
7.3.2.4. Have a water reservoir containing sufficient water for carrying out the
evaluation;
7.3.2.5. Provide for the pressurization of water against the garment element
moisture barrier area at a pressure of 6.9 kPa (1 psi) for at least 15
seconds. The 6.9 kPa (1 psi) pressure shall be achieved within 10 seconds;
7.3.2.6. Be equipped with a pressure gauge that is accurate to the nearest 0.2 kPa
(0.1 psi);
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7.3.2.7. Be equipped with a means of bleeding air pressure and permit the drainage
of water from the pressurized portion of the apparatus;
7.3.2.8. A stop watch or other timer shall be used to ensure that the pressure is
applied for the specified duration of 15 seconds.
7.4. Procedure
7.4.1. Place the selected area of the moisture barrier in the apparatus and clamp to
provide a watertight seal with the apparatus.
7.4.2. Introduce a water pressure of 1 psi against the moisture barrier for a period of not
less than 15 seconds.
7.4.3. Visually inspect the visible side of the moisture barrier after 15 seconds to
determine if water penetration has occurred.
7.5. Results
7.5.1. If any water passes through the moisture barrier or moisture barrier seam, the liner
shall be removed from service and repaired or replaced.
7.5.2. If no water passed through the moisture barrier or moisture barrier seam, the liner
shall be allowed to dry completely before being returned to service.
7.5.3. *The result of each water penetration barrier evaluation shall be recorded.
8. Repair
8.1. *PPE contaminated with CBRN agents shall be immediately retired.
8.2. All repairs/alterations shall be done by the manufacturer, or a verified ISP, with like
materials.
8.3. Original or replacement product labels shall be retained on ensemble elements after
repairs are completed.
8.4. *All repairs must meet NFPA 1971/1994 standards.
8.5. All PPE repairs shall be documented in Fire House.
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. * Ensemble and ensemble elements may not be stored in air tight containers unless new
and unused.
9.4. *Ensembles and ensemble elements shall not be stored at temperatures below -25°F or
above 180°F.
9.5. *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.
9.6. *Issued ensembles and ensemble elements shall not be allowed in living quarters.
Contaminated or soiled clothing shall not be transported in the cab of fire department
apparatus when not being worn for operational duties unless placed in an airtight
protective case or bag to prevent cross contamination. If placed in a protective case or
bag, the ensemble(s) or ensemble element(s) shall be removed from such environments as
soon as possible following transport. Wet ensembles or ensemble elements shall not be
stored in a protective case or bag used for transport.
9.7. 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
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protective case or bag separated from other personal items to prevent cross
contamination.
9.8. Eye and face protection shall be readily accessible to the user and, when not in use, shall
be stored in such a manner so as to prevent at least the following:
9.8.1. Thermal damage
9.8.2. Mechanical damage
9.8.3. Hazardous materials contamination
9.9. Ensembles and ensemble elements shall not be stored in contact with contaminants such
as, but not limited to, oils, solvents, acids, or alkalis.
9.10. Ensemble and ensemble element storage areas shall be clean, dry, and well ventilated.
10. Retirement, Disposition, and Special Incident Procedure
10.1. Where ensemble elements are found to be contaminated by CBRN agents, the ensemble
shall be retired.
10.2. *Ensemble elements shall be retired when reaching ten years of age from the date of
manufacture (TCFP mandated).
10.3. Protective equipment that is worn, damaged, or contaminated and cost prohibitive to
repair or clean shall be retired from service.
10.4. *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.
10.5. *Retired equipment that is not contaminated, defective, or damaged may be used for
training purposes as long as it does not involve live fire training. The equipment shall be
marked as being for “Non-Live Fire Training Only”.
10.6. *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,
nondestructively tagged, and stored.
10.6.1. 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.
10.6.2. 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.
10.6.3. Review of this protective equipment shall be by qualified members of the
department or outside experts.
10.6.4. 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.
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