5firefighter Personal Protective Equipment

Firefighter I Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment
Chapter 5
Firefighter Personal Protective
Equipment
Lesson Goal
After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to identify, use, and
maintain various articles of protective clothing and equipment following the
policies and procedures set forth by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this lesson, the student shall be able to:
1. Describe the purpose of protective clothing and equipment.
(NFPA® 1001, 5.1.1)
2. Describe characteristics of protective clothing and equipment.
(NFPA® 1001, 5.1.1)
3. Summarize guidelines for the care of personal protective clothing.
(NFPA® 1001, 5.1.1)
4. List the four common respiratory hazards associated with fires and
other emergencies. (NFPA® 1001, 5.3.1)
5. Distinguish among characteristics of respiratory hazards. (NFPA®
1001, 5.3.1)
6. Describe physical, medical, and mental factors that affect the
firefighter’s ability to use respiratory protection effectively. (NFPA®
1001, 5.3.1)
7. Describe equipment and air-supply limitations of SCBA. (NFPA®
1001, 5.3.1)
8. Discuss effective air management. (NFPA® 1001, 5.3.1)
9. Distinguish among characteristics of air-purifying respirators,
open-circuit SCBA, and closed-circuit SCBA. (NFPA® 1001, 5.3.1)
10. Describe basic SCBA component assemblies. (NFPA® 1001, 5.3.1)
Fire Protection Publications 5-1

Oklahoma State University
11. Discuss storing protective breathing apparatus. (NFPA® 1001,

5.5.1)
12. Summarize recommendations for the use of PASS devices. (NFPA®
1001, 5.3.5)
13. Describe precautionary safety checks for SCBA. (NFPA® 1001,
5.3.1)
14. Discuss general donning and doffing considerations for SCBA.
(NFPA® 1001, 5.3.1)
15. Summarize general items to check in daily, weekly, monthly, and
annual SCBA inspections. (NFPA® 1001, 5.5.1)
16. Summarize safety precautions for refilling SCBA cylinders. (NFPA®
1001, 5.3.1)
17. Discuss safety precautions for SCBA use. (NFPA® 1001, 5.3.1)
18. Describe actions to take in emergency situations using SCBA.
(NFPA® 1001, 5.3.1)
19. Discuss operating in areas of limited visibility while wearing SCBA.
(NFPA® 1001, 5.3.5)
20. Discuss exiting areas with restricted openings under emergency
conditions while wearing SCBA. (NFPA® 1001, 5.3.1)
21. Don PPE and SCBA for use at an emergency. (NFPA® 1001,
5.1.1.2, 5.3.1, Skill Sheet 5-I-1)
22. Doff PPE and SCBA and prepare for reuse. (NFPA® 1001, 5.1.1.2,
Skill Sheet 5-I-2)
23. Inspect PPE and SCBA for use at an emergency incident. (NFPA®
1001, 5.5.1, Skill Sheet 5-I-3)
24. Clean and sanitize PPE and SCBA. (NFPA® 1001, 5.5.1, Skill Sheet
5-I-4)
25. Fill an SCBA cylinder from a cascade system. (NFPA® 1001, 5.3.1,
Skill Sheet 5-I-5)
26. Fill an SCBA cylinder from a compressor/purifier. (NFPA® 1001,
5.3.1, Skill Sheet 5-I-6)
27. Perform emergency operations procedures for an SCBA. (NFPA®
1001, 5.3.1, Skill Sheet 5-I-7)

28. Exit a constricted opening while wearing standard SCBA. (NFPA®

1001, 5.3.9, Skill Sheet 5-I-8)
29. Change an SCBA cylinder — One-person method. (NFPA® 1001,
30. Change an SCBA cylinder — Two-person method. (NFPA® 1001,

Instructor Information
This is the lesson covering firefighter personal protective equipment for the
Firefighter I course. The purpose of this lesson is to provide the student
with an understanding of the clothing and equipment needed in their
profession. This lesson also provides maintenance guidelines applicable to
the clothing and equipment that all firefighters should know.
Important instructor information is provided in shaded boxes throughout

the lesson plan. Carefully review the instructor information before
presenting the lesson. Use this lesson to initiate discussion on types of
protective clothing and equipment needed in various situations in the fire
service.
This chapter has ten skill sheets related to firefighter personal protective
equipment. Review the skills evaluation checklists for these skills before
teaching this lesson. Ensure that all needed equipment is prepared before
students practice the skills or are evaluated. To review more in-depth
photographs and graphics of the skills refer to the IFSTA Firefighter I and
II Skills Handbook.

Methodology
This lesson uses lecture, discussion, and skills practice. The level of
learning is application.
Estimated Total Time: 14 hours

Classroom teaching/written evaluation: 6 hours
Skills Practice: 8 hours
Time Section/Activity Pages
10 min. Section I: Introduction to Chapter 5
45 min. Section II: Introduction to Personal Protective 167-180

Clothing
30 min. Section III: Respiratory Hazards 180-187
30 min. Section IV: Use and Limitations of Respiratory 187-190

Protection
30 min. Section V: Air-purifying Respirators and SCBA 190-198
30 min. Section VI: PASS Devices and Other Safety 198-200

Considerations
45 min. Section VII: SCBA Use and Maintenance 200-206
20 min. Section VIII: SCBA Safety Precautions 206-208
30 min. Section IX: Emergency Operations and Limited 208-212

Visibility
15 min. Section X: Summary and Review
15 min. Chapter 5 Quiz
60 min. Chapter 5 Test
8 hours Skills Practice

Audiovisuals/Handouts
 Visuals 5.1 to 5.112 (PowerPoint® Presentation)
 Components of an SCBA assembly, including the harness, facepiece, air
cylinder, and regulator
Evaluation
 Lesson 5 Quiz
 Lesson 5 Test
 Skill Sheets 5-I-1 through 5-I-10

Section I: Introduction to Chapter 5 10 min.
I. INTRODUCTION TO CHAPTER 5
A. Lesson goal
Instructor Note: Briefly review the lesson goal.

Answer any questions about the goal.
1. Chapter 5 lesson goal — After

completing this lesson, the student
shall be able to identify, use, and
maintain various articles of
protective clothing and equipment
following the policies and procedures
set forth by the authority having
jurisdiction (AHJ).
B. Objectives
1. Describe the purpose of articles of

protective clothing and equipment.
2. Describe characteristics of protective

clothing and equipment.
3. Summarize guidelines for the care of

personal protective clothing.
4. List the four common respiratory

hazards associated with fires and
other emergencies.
5. Distinguish among characteristics of

respiratory hazards.

6. Describe physical, medical, and

mental factors that affect the
firefighter's ability to use respiratory
protection effectively.
7. Describe equipment and air-supply

limitations of SCBA.
8. Discuss effective air management.
9. Distinguish among characteristics of

air-purifying respirators, open-circuit
SCBA, and closed-circuit SCBA.
10. Describe basic SCBA component

assemblies.
11. Discuss storing protective breathing

apparatus.
12. Summarize recommendations for the

use of PASS devices.
13. Describe precautionary safety checks

for SCBA.
14. Discuss general donning and doffing

considerations for SCBA.
15. Summarize general items to check

for in daily, weekly, monthly, and
annual SCBA inspections.
16. Summarize safety precautions for

refilling SCBA cylinders.

17. Discuss safety precautions for SCBA

use.
18. Describe actions to take in

emergency situations using SCBA.
19. Discuss operating in areas of limited

visibility while wearing SCBA.
20. Discuss exiting areas with restricted

openings under emergency
conditions while wearing SCBA.
21. Don PPE and SCBA for use at an

emergency. (Skill Sheet 5-I-1)
22. Doff PPE and SCBA and prepare for

reuse. (Skill Sheet 5-I-2)
23. Inspect PPE and SCBA for use at an

emergency incident. (Skill Sheet 5-I-
3)
24. Clean and sanitize PPE and SCBA.

(Skill Sheet 5-I-4)
25. Fill an SCBA cylinder from a cascade

system. (Skill Sheet 5-I-5)
26. Fill an SCBA cylinder from a

compressor/purifier. (Skill Sheet 5-I-
6)
27. Perform emergency operations

procedures for an SCBA. (Skill Sheet
5-I-7)
28. Exit a constricted opening while

wearing standard SCBA. (Skill Sheet
5-I-8)

29. Change an SCBA cylinder — One-

person method. (Skill Sheet 5-I-9)
30. Change an SCBA cylinder — Two-

person method. (Skill Sheet 5-I-10)

Section II: Introduction to Personal Protective Clothing 45 min.
II. INTRODUCTION TO PERSONAL

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
Instructor Note: The purpose of this section is to
introduce students to protective clothing and
equipment. Provide examples of the protective
clothing and equipment for students to examine.
pp. 167-169 Objective 1 — Describe the purpose of

articles of protective clothing and
equipment.
A. Protective clothing
1. Helmet
a. Protects the head from impact
b. Protects the head from scalding

water and products of
combustion
2. Protective hood — Protects portions

of the firefighter's face, ears, and
neck not covered by the helmet or
coat collar from heat
3. Protective coat and trousers
a. Protect trunk and limbs against

cuts, abrasions, and burn injuries
b. Protect from heat and cold
c. Provide limited protection from

corrosive liquids

4. Gloves — Protect hands from cuts,

abrasions, and burn injuries
5. Safety shoes or boots — Protect feet

from burn injuries and puncture
wounds
6. Eye protection — Protects the

wearer's eyes from hazards
encountered during structural fire
operations
7. Hearing protection — Limits noise-

induced hearing loss when
firefighters must work in extremely
loud environments
8. Self-contained breathing apparatus

(SCBA)
a. Protects face and lungs from

heat, smoke and other toxic
products of combustion and
airborne contaminants
b. Provides some eye protection

9. Personal alert safety system (PASS)

— Provides an audible means by
which a lost, trapped, or
incapacitated firefighter can be
located
Ask Students: How do you feel about wearing

personal protective clothing and equipment?
Briefly discuss the answers with students.

Emphasize the importance of wearing protective
clothing and equipment. Being uncomfortable or not
wanting to take time is NEVER an excuse for not
wearing proper PPE.

pp. 169-178 Objective 2 — Describe characteristics

of protective clothing and equipment.
Instructor Note: It is common practice in the fire

service for larger departments to donate used
structural fire fighting ensembles (personal
protective clothing) to small departments with
limited budgets and resources. Although protective
clothing may appear serviceable after many years of
use, there may be damage to the fabric and other
materials that is not readily apparent. This
protective clothing may pose a risk to the user
during fire fighting and other emergency
operations. According to NFPA® 1581, protective
clothing that has been retired by a department may
only be used for training that does not involve live
fire. This requirement limits the use of donated
protective clothing to training purposes.
A. Helmets
1. Benefits
a. Prevent hot water and embers

from reaching the ears and neck
b. Protect the head from impact
c. Protection from heat and cold
d. Secondary protection of the face

and eyes with a faceshield when
SCBA or goggles are not required
e. Colored helmets and removable

shields can provide unit
identification, rank identification,
and help with accountability

2. Structural fire fighting helmets must

have ear flaps or neck covers.
3. Chin straps ensure that helmets stay

in place upon impact.
4. For secondary face and eye

protection, faceshields are attached
to the helmet; faceshields are
intended to be used in combination
with some other form of eye
protection.
B. Eye protection
1. Several styles of safety glasses and

goggles are available, including
some that fit over prescription
glasses.
2. Firefighters who wear prescription

safety eyeglasses should select
frames and lenses that meet ANSI
Standard Z87.1 for severe exposure
to impact and heat.

C. Hearing protection
Instructor Note: Explain that noise-induced

hearing loss is permanent hearing loss.
1. The most common use is for

firefighters who ride apparatus that
exceed maximum noise exposure
levels of 90 dB in the U.S. (85 dB in
Canada).
2. Intercom/ear protection systems

provide a dual benefit because of
their ability to reduce the amount of
noise that the ear is exposed to and
at the same time allow the crew to
communicate or monitor the radio.
3. Earplugs or earmuffs may be used
a. If single-use disposable earplugs

are not available, each firefighter
should be issued a personal set.
b. Potential hazard of
earplugs/earmuffs — They can
interfere with the ability to
communicate with crew members
or hear faint cries for help, the
hiss of escaping gas, evacuation
signals, etc.

D. Protective hoods
1. Hoods are typically made of fire-

resistant material and are available
in long or short styles.
2. When used in conjunction with the

SCBA facepiece, hoods provide a
higher level of protection than
facepieces alone.
3. Be careful to pull the hood up after

the SCBA mask is secure so that it
does not compromise the facepiece-
to-face seal.
E. Turnout coats
1. As required by NFPA® 1971; must be

made of three components
a. Outer shell
b. Moisture barrier
c. Thermal barrier
2. Barriers
a. Trap insulating air that slows the

transfer of heat from the outside
to the body
b. Provide limited protection from

direct flame contact, hot water
and steam, cold temperatures,
and any other number of
environmental hazards

Instructor Note: Explain that all layers of the

protective coat must be in place during any fire
fighting operation. Remind students that failure to
wear the entire coat and liner system during a fire
may expose them to severe heat that could result in
serious injury or death.
3. Turnout coat features that provide

additional protection and
convenience
a. Collars must be turned up to

protect the wearer's neck and
throat.
b. Wristlets prevent water, embers,

and other foreign debris from
entering the sleeves and provide
protection for wrists when gloves
are not sealed properly.
c. Closure system on the front

prevents water or fire products
from entering through gaps
between the snaps or clips.
d. New coats are equipped with a

Drag Rescue Device (DRD),
which is a built-in harness and
hand loop at the back of the
neck. The DRD permits a rescuer
to grasp and drag a downed
firefighter.
4. Coats should be cleaned according

to manufacturer's specifications;
reflective trim should be maintained
according to NFPA® standards.

F. Turnout pants
1. Turnout pants are an integral part of

the protective ensemble and are the
only NFPA®-compliant lower-
extremity covering.
2. Fabric, moisture barrier, layering,

and other considerations used in
protective coats apply equally to
protective trousers.
3. Options, such as leather-reinforced

knees and cuffs, may increase the
durability of protective trousers
4. Suspenders should be the heavy-

duty type so that pants do not sag
when they become wet.
5. Turnout clothing must fit properly.
a. Turnout pants that are too tight

may increase the risk of injury by
restricting movement.
b. Those that are too large will

affect mobility, add extra weight,
and may decrease the thermal
protection of the clothing.
6. Protective trousers that meet NFPA®

standards should be cleaned
according to manufacturer’s
specifications. Reflective trim should
be maintained according to NFPA®
standards.

G. Hand protection (gloves)
1. Protects against heat, steam, or cold

penetration and provides resistance
to cuts, punctures, and liquid
absorption
2. Must allow enough dexterity and

tactile feel for the firefighter to
perform the job effectively
3. Must also fit properly and be

designed to provide protection as
well as allow dexterity
H. Foot protection
1. Available in a variety of styles and

materials
a. Leather safety boots
b. Traditional rubber fire fighting

boots for interior structural fire
fighting
2. Must fit well because ill-fitting boots

can cause abrasions, blisters, and
other painful and debilitating injuries
3. Protects from potential hazards
a. Hot, contaminated water that

accumulates on floors of burning
buildings
b. Hot embers, nails, broken glass,

and other sharp objects

c. Imbedded glass shards

contaminated with blood or other
bodily fluids and heavy objects
that can fall on a firefighter's foot
4. Firefighters should have the two

following kinds of foot protection:
a. Protective boots for fire fighting

and similar activities
b. Safety shoes for station wear and

other fire department tasks that
include inspections, emergency
medical responses, and similar
tasks
5. Many safety boots incorporate a

stainless steel soleplate to protect
against punctures; others have a
steel insert. They provide good ankle
support and are generally lighter in
weight and less cumbersome than
traditional rubber fire fighting boots.
6. Most rubber fire fighting boots have

insulation bonded to the shell of the
boots.
I. Wildland personal protective

clothing
1. Ensemble includes gloves, goggles,

brush jackets/pants or one-piece
jumpsuits, long-sleeve shirts, head
and neck protection, and footwear
as well as different forms of
respiratory protection.

2. Wildland fire fighting gloves are

made of leather or other suitable
materials and must provide wrist
protection.
3. Cuffs of the sleeves and pants legs

of protective clothing are closed
snugly around the wrists and ankles.
4. Fabric is treated cotton or some

other inherently flame-resistant
material; underwear should be made
of 100 percent cotton; socks should
be made of a natural fiber such as
wool or cotton.
Ask Students: Why should firefighters never wear

clothing made of synthetic materials, such as nylon
or polyester, when fighting a fire?
Briefly discuss the answers with students. Explain

that these materials melt when heated and stick to
the wearer’s skin. This greatly increases the
likelihood of major burn injuries.
5. Hard hats or helmets with chin

straps must be worn for head
protection. They should be equipped
with a protective shroud for face and
neck protection.
6. Goggles with clear lenses should be

worn.

7. Acceptable footwear varies in

different geographical regions, but
some standard guidelines apply in all
areas:
a. Lace-up safety boots with lug or

grip-tread soles are most often
used.
b. Boots should be at least 8 to 10

inches (200 mm to 250 mm) high
to prevent the lower leg from
burns, snakebites, and cuts and
abrasions.
c. Steel toes are NOT

recommended for wildland fire
fighting because they tend to
absorb and retain heat.
J. Station/work uniforms
1. Uniforms should meet requirements

set forth in NFPA® 1975
a. No garment components will

ignite, melt, drip, or separate
when exposed to heat at 500°F
(260°C) for 5 minutes.
b. Garments meeting all

requirements of the standard will
have a notice to that effect
permanently attached.

2. While this clothing is designed to be

fire-resistant, it is not designed to be
worn for fire operations; standard
fire fighting clothing must always be
worn over these garments when a
firefighter is engaged in structural
fire fighting activities.
Ask Students: Why is it important that the

manufacturer’s recommendations for the care and
maintenance of personal protective clothing be
followed whenever cleaning or repairing protective
clothing?
Briefly discuss the answers with students. Remind

them that failure to follow the recommendations
may cause damage to the clothing, placing the
firefighter at risk when working in hazardous
environments, especially interior fire suppression
operations.
K. Considerations for the use and

limitations of PPE
1. Removing the liner of a turnout coat

compromises its effectiveness.
2. Wearing PPE may increase risk of

heat stress.
3. Firefighters may suffer burns with no

warning.

4. Structural PPE provides no chemical,

biological, radiological, nuclear, or
explosive (CBRNE) protection.
5. PPE will decrease ability to feel

ambient heat.
6. Damaged PPE will put firefighter at

greater risk than undamaged PPE.
7. Using all appropriate PPE (according

to manufacturer’s recommendations)
is the only way to be properly
protected.
pp. 179-180 Objective 3 — Summarize guidelines for

the care of personal protective clothing.
A. General considerations
1. Protective clothing must be

maintained according to
manufacturer’s specifications.
2. If any protective clothing becomes

contaminated, it should not be worn
until properly laundered according to
the manufacturer's recommended
maintenance procedure.

B. Guidelines for care of helmets
1. Remove dirt and soot from the shell.
2. Remove chemicals, oils, and

petroleum products from the shell as
soon as possible.
3. Replace helmets that do not fit

properly.
4. Replace helmets that are damaged.
5. Replace cracked, scratched, crazed,

or cloudy faceshields.
6. Inspect suspension systems

frequently to detect deterioration.
7. Consult the helmet manufacturer if a

helmet needs repainting.
8. Remove from service any

polycarbonate helmets that have
come into contact with hydraulic oil.
C. Cleaning considerations
1. Clean outer shells regularly and

decontaminate them after interior
fire fighting.
2. Clean liners to remove

contamination, grime, and
perspiration.
3. After PPE has been washed, hang it

to dry in an area with adequate
ventilation but not in direct sunlight

4. Follow manufacturer’s directions for

cleaning any articles of PPE.
5. NFPA® 1500 requires that protective

clothing be cleaned through either a
cleaning service or fire department
facility that is equipped to handle
contaminated clothing.
Ask Students: How should contaminated

protective clothing be washed and handled?
Briefly discuss answers with students. Remind them

that contaminated protective clothing should not be
washed in washing machines used for other
garments or items. Also, contaminated protective
clothing should not be taken into the living or
sleeping quarters of the fire station. PPE that is
carried in personal vehicles should be placed in
closable garment bags intended for that purpose.
Emphasize that contamination can be transferred to
others through skin contact.
6. NFPA® 1581 further requires that

personal protective clothing be
cleaned and dried at least every six
months in accordance with the
manufacturer's recommendations.

Section III: Respiratory Hazards 30 min.
III. RESPIRATORY HAZARDS

p. 180 Objective 4 — List the four common
respiratory hazards associated with
fires and other emergencies.
A. Respiratory hazards
1. Toxic atmospheres described as

immediately dangerous to life or
health are known as IDLH
atmospheres.
2. OSHA considers the interior of a

burning building to be an IDLH
atmosphere.
B. Four common respiratory hazards

associated with fires and other
emergencies:
1. Oxygen deficiency
2. Elevated temperatures
3. Smoke
4. Toxic atmosphere (with and without

fire)

pp. 180-187 Objective 5 — Distinguish among

characteristics of respiratory hazards.
A. Oxygen deficiency
1. The combustion process consumes

oxygen while producing toxic gases
that either physically displace oxygen
or dilute its concentration.
2. Deficiencies can also occur in below-

grade locations, chemical storage
tanks, grain bins, silos, and other
confined spaces as well as in rooms
protected by total-flooding carbon
dioxide extinguishing systems after
discharge.
3. Oxygen-deficient atmosphere — One

containing less than 19.5 percent
oxygen. When oxygen
concentrations are below 18 percent,
the human body responds by
increasing its respiratory rate.
Instructor Note: Refer students to Table 5.1 on

page 181 of the manual and discuss the
physiological effects of hypoxia (lack of oxygen).
4. Some departments are equipped to

monitor atmospheres and measure
these hazards directly.
5. Where monitoring is not possible or

monitor readings are questionable,
self-contained breathing apparatus
should be worn.

B. Elevated temperatures
1. Exposure to heated air can damage

the respiratory tract, and if the air is
moist, the damage can be much
worse.
2. Excessive heat taken quickly into the

lungs can cause a serious decrease
in blood pressure and failure of the
circulatory system.
3. Inhaling heated gases can cause

pulmonary edema (accumulation of
fluids in the lungs and associated
swelling), which can cause death
from asphyxiation.
4. Tissue damage from inhaling hot air

is not immediately reversible by
introducing fresh, cool air. Prompt
medical treatment is needed.
Instructor Note: Remind students that inhaling

superheated air can cause serious injury or death.
C. Smoke
1. Smoke from a typical structure fire

consists of a mixture of oxygen,
nitrogen, carbon dioxide, carbon
monoxide, finely divided carbon
particles, and an assortment of
products that have been released
from the materials involved.

2. Suspended particles provide a

location for the condensation of
some of the gaseous products of
combustion, especially aldehydes
and organic acids formed from
carbon.
3. Some of the suspended particles in

smoke are merely irritating, but
others may be lethal; the size of the
particle determines how deeply into
the unprotected lungs it will be
inhaled.
Instructor Note: Remind students that they are

never to breathe smoke!
D. Toxic atmospheres associated with

fire
1. Inhaled toxic gases may have

several harmful effects on the
human body.
2. Some gases cause impaired lung

function, either immediately or
delayed by hours or days.
3. Other gases, such as carbon

monoxide, have no directly harmful
effect on the lungs but pass into the
bloodstream and to other parts of
the body, impairing the oxygen-
carrying capacity of red blood cells.

4. Type and amount of toxic gases

released at a fire vary according to
four factors:
a. Nature of the combustible
b. Rate of heating
c. Temperature of the evolved

gases
d. Oxygen concentration
Instructor Note: Review with students Table 5.2

on page 183 of the manual, which lists some of the
most commonly found gases in fires.
5. Carbon monoxide
a. Poisoning causes more fire

deaths than any other toxic
product of combustion
b. Colorless, odorless and present

with virtually every fire
c. The result of incomplete

combustion
d. In most cases, the darker the

smoke, the higher the carbon
monoxide content
Instructor Note: Explain that in addition to being

toxic, products of incomplete combustion are fuel
and can reignite.

e. Most significant characteristic is

that it combines with the blood's
hemoglobin so readily that the
available oxygen is excluded
f. Does not act on the body, but

excludes oxygen from the blood
and leads to eventual hypoxia
(decreased oxygen levels) of the
brain and tissues, followed by
death if the process is not
reversed
g. Signs and symptoms of exposure

include headaches, dizziness,
nausea, vomiting, and cherry-red
skin.
h. Signs and symptoms can occur at

many concentrations, so they
should not be relied upon to
provide a margin of safety.
Instructor Note: Refer students to Table 5.3 on

page 184 of the manual, which shows the toxic
effects of different levels of carbon monoxide in air.
i. People frequently exposed (like

firefighters) develop a tolerance
and can function without
symptoms while still being in
danger from exposure.

j. The stable combination of carbon

monoxide with blood is only
slowly eliminated by normal
breathing — administering pure
oxygen is the most important
element in immediate care.
k. Signs of nerve or brain injury can

take up to three weeks, so an
overcome firefighter who quickly
revives should not be allowed to
reenter a smoky atmosphere.
E. Toxic atmospheres not associated

with fire
1. Many industrial processes use

extremely dangerous chemicals to
make ordinary items.
2. Because of the likelihood of the

presence of toxic gas, rescues in
sewers, storm drains, etc., require
the use of self-contained breathing
apparatus.

3. Hazardous materials
a. Are defined by the United States

Department of Transportation
(DOT) as "any substance which
may pose an unreasonable risk to
health and safety of operating or
emergency personnel, the public,
and/or the environment if it is
not properly controlled during
handling, storage, manufacture,
processing, packaging, use,
disposal, or transportation."
b. Can range from chemicals in

liquid or gaseous form to
radioactive materials to etiologic
(disease-causing) agents
c. Use of SCBA should be

mandatory when dealing with
hazardous materials situations
4. Common calls, such as natural gas

leaks or carbon monoxide
poisonings, may also require the use
of self-contained breathing
apparatus.
5. When in doubt, wear self-contained

breathing apparatus.

Section IV: Use and Limitations of Respiratory 30 min.

Protection
IV. USE AND LIMITATIONS OF

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
pp. 187-188 Objective 6 — Describe physical,
medical, and mental factors that affect
the firefighter's ability to use
respiratory protection effectively.
A. Physical factors
1. Physical condition — Firefighters

must be in sound physical condition
in order to maximize the work that
can be performed and to extend the
air supply.
Ask Students: What is the impact of poor physical

condition on SCBA use?

Emphasize that a firefighter in poor physical
condition has a respiratory system that is much less
efficient than that of someone in excellent
condition.
2. Agility — Wearing some respiratory

protection restricts firefighters'
movements and can affect balance.
Good agility will minimize these
effects.

3. Facial features — The shape and

contour of the face can affect the
wearer's ability to get a good
facepiece-to-face seal.
B. Medical factors
1. Neurological functioning — Good

motor coordination is necessary for
operating in a protective breathing
environment.
2. Muscular/skeletal condition —
Firefighters must have the physical
strength and size required to wear
the protective equipment properly,
and the strength and stamina to
perform effectively while wearing the
equipment.
3. Cardiovascular conditioning — Good

cardiovascular conditioning is
needed to prevent heart attacks,
strokes, or other related problems
during strenuous activity.
4. Respiratory functioning — Proper

respiratory functioning will maximize
the wearer's operation time in a self-
contained breathing apparatus.
C. Mental factors
1. Adequate training in equipment use

— Firefighters must be
knowledgeable in every aspect of
respiratory protection use.

2. Self-confidence — A belief in
themselves and their abilities helps
firefighters adapt to the changing
conditions that sometimes occur
when wearing protective breathing
apparatus.
3. Emotional stability — The ability to

maintain control in claustrophobic
and stressful environments will
reduce the chances of serious
mistakes being made.
pp. 188-189 Objective 7 — Describe equipment and

air-supply limitations of SCBA.
A. Limitations of equipment
1. Limited visibility
2. Decreased ability to communicate
3. Increased weight
4. Decreased mobility
B. Limitations of air supply
1. Physical condition of user
2. Degree of physical exertion
3. Emotional stability of user
4. Condition of apparatus
5. Cylinder pressure before use
6. Training and experience of user

Ask Students: How can training and experience be

a limited factor for SCBA use?
Briefly discuss the answers with students. Explain

that training and experience provides the firefighter
with confidence and increases the firefighter’s
effectiveness with SCBA. Every firefighter must
know how to use SCBA and have a high level of
confidence when using it.
pp. 189-190 Objective 8 — Discuss effective air

management.
A. Air management
1. The air supply left after low-air alarm

sounds may not allow enough time
to exit.
2. Firefighters should comply with the

accountability system in use,
maintain situational awareness, and
manage air supply.
3. The ultimate responsibility for safety

rests with the firefighter. Firefighters
are responsible for managing their
own air supply.

B. Three basic elements to effective

air management
1. Know the point of no return (beyond

50 percent of the air supply of the
team member with the lowest gauge
reading).
2. Know how much air is available.
3. Make a conscious decision to stay or

leave when air is down to 50
percent.
C. The decision to stay or leave
1. The decision is always made by the

supervisor and is a team decision
except for a catastrophic event.
2. A firefighter should never leave the

team in the hazard zone unless
permitted to do so by their
supervisor.
D. To maximize air supply, check air

supply status regularly at the
following points:
1. At the beginning of shift
2. When donning the SCBA and

opening the cylinder valve
3. While working
4. During egress from the hazard zone
5. When refilling or replacing a cylinder

Section V: Air-Purifying Respirators and SCBA 30 min.
V. AIR-PURIFYING RESPIRATORS
AND SCBA
p. 190 Objective 9 — Distinguish among
characteristics of air-purifying
respirators, open-circuit SCBA, and
closed-circuit SCBA.
A. Air-purifying respirators
1. Also known as filter masks; used in

atmospheres that contain normal
levels of oxygen but are
contaminated with airborne
particulates such as a variety of
dusts
2. Most basic types are simple surgical-

type filter masks such as those used
in emergency medical service.
3. More sophisticated models have an

air-purifying filter, canister, or
cartridge.
B. Self-contained breathing apparatus

(SCBA)
1. For atmospheres that are oxygen

deficient, contaminated with smoke
or other toxic materials, or both,
SCBA must be used.

2. Two types are open-circuit and

closed-circuit SCBA
a. Open-circuit
i. Uses compressed air
ii. Exhaled air is vented to the

outside atmosphere.
iii. Is used more frequently than

closed-circuit SCBA
b. Closed-circuit
i. Uses compressed oxygen
ii. Exhaled air stays within the

system and is reused.
iii. Available with durations of 30

minutes to 4 hours
iv. Usually weighs less than

open-circuit units of similarly
rated service time
3. Closed-circuit SCBA and open-circuit

airline equipment are most often
used in shipboard operations,
extended hazardous materials
incidents, and some rescue
operations.

4. Open-circuit airline equipment
a. An air hose from a large air

supply is connected to a standard
open-circuit SCBA regulator and
facepiece.
b. These systems are called

supplied-air respirators
c. Include a 5- to 10-minute
emergency egress cylinder called
an emergency breathing support
system (EBSS)
d. Airline systems enable firefighters

to travel up to 300 feet (90 m)
from the air supply source.
e. Airline systems are used when

personnel must remain in a
contaminated atmosphere for
extended periods.
pp. 190-198 Objective 10 — Describe basic SCBA

component assemblies.
Instructor Note: Show students a basic SCBA

component assembly. Discuss common sizes of air
cylinders used in the fire service.
A. Harness assembly
1. A rigid frame with straps that hold

the air cylinder on the firefighter's
back

2. Adjustable shoulder straps help to

stabilize the unit and carry part of its
weight.
3. Waist straps are designed to help

properly distribute the weight of the
cylinder or pack to the hips.
4. Common problem — Some

firefighters fail to buckle the waist
straps
B. Air cylinder assembly
1. Includes cylinder, valve, pressure

gauge, and PASS device in some
units
2. Constitutes the main weight of the

breathing apparatus
3. Manufacturers offer cylinders of

various sizes, capacities, and
features to correspond to their
varied uses in responses.
4. The weight of an SCBA cylinder

increases physical stress during
emergency operations.
C. Regulator assembly
1. Includes high-pressure hose with

low-pressure alarm, bypass valve,
and a pressure-reducing device

2. The regulator reduces the pressure

of the cylinder air to slightly above
atmospheric pressure and controls
the flow of air to meet the
respiratory requirements of the
wearer.
3. When the wearer inhales, a pressure

differential is created in the
regulator.
4. Depending upon SCBA model, it will

have control valves for normal and
emergency operations
a. Mainline valve
b. Bypass valve
5. A remote pressure gauge that shows

the air pressure remaining in the
cylinder is mounted in a position
visible to the user.
a. The remote pressure gauge

should read within 100 psi (700
kPa) of the cylinder gauge if
increments are in psi (kPa).
b. If increments are in other

measurements, both
measurements should be the
same.

6. According to NFPA® 1981, all new

SCBA must be equipped with a rapid
intervention crew universal air
connection (RIC UAC) to allow a
cylinder that is low on air to be
transfilled from another cylinder
regardless of manufacturer.
D. Facepiece assembly
1. Includes facepiece lens, an

exhalation valve, and a low-pressure
hose (breathing tube) if the
regulator is separate; in some cases,
also includes voice amplification,
head harness, or helmet mounting
bracket.
2. A facepiece provides some

protection from facial and respiratory
burns and holds in the cool
breathing air.
3. The facepiece lens is made of clear

safety plastic and is mounted in a
flexible rubber facepiece.
4. The mask is held snugly against the

face by a head harness with
adjustable straps, net, or some other
arrangement.

p. 198 Objective 11 — Discuss storing

protective breathing apparatus.
A. Methods of storing protective
breathing apparatus
1. Methods vary from department to

department.
2. Each department should use the

most appropriate method to facilitate
quick and easy donning.
3. Ways that SCBA can be placed on

the apparatus
a. Seat mounts
b. Side mounts
c. Compartment mounts
d. Stored in carrying cases
4. If placed in seat mounts, SCBA

should be arranged so it may be
donned without the firefighter
having to unbuckle the seatbelt.

Section VI: PASS Devices and Other Safety 30 min.

Considerations
VI. PASS DEVICES AND OTHER

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
discuss the use of PASS devices and describe safety
checks for SCBA. Instructors should show students
a PASS and explain how it works and functions.
pp. 198-200 Objective 12 — Summarize

recommendations for the use of PASS
devices.
A. PASS devices
1. Use is mandatory under NFPA® 1500
2. Designed to alert others that a

firefighter has stopped moving and
may be in distress
B. Recommendations for the use of

PASS devices
1. Use only PASS devices that meet the

requirements of NFPA® 1982,
Standard on Personal Alert Safety
Systems (PASS).
2. Maintain the PASS device according
to manufacturer's instructions and
test it daily.

3. Conduct realistic training with the

PASS to teach firefighters how to
initiate an alert signal and how to
react appropriately to alert signals
from others.
4. Retrain semiannually with PASS

devices.
5. Check SCBA and PASS devices when

coming on duty or before use to
ensure proper operation.
6. Train rescuers to listen for the

distress sound by stopping in unison,
controlling breathing, and lifting
earflaps away from ears.
7. Silence the PASS device to facilitate

communications when a downed
firefighter is located.
Instructor Note: Explain to students that scientific

testing done by NIST has shown that alarm signals
may be significantly decreased when exposed to
high temperatures. Discuss these studies and the
information that has been circulating recently about
the decreased effects of PASS devices.
C. PASS device warnings
1. Alarm signals produced may be

significantly reduced at temperatures
as low as 300°F (150°C).

p. 200 Objective 13 — Describe precautionary

safety checks for SCBA.
A. Precautionary safety checks for
SCBA
Instructor Note: Demonstrate these safety checks

on an actual SCBA.
1. Check the air cylinder gauge to

ensure that the cylinder is full.
NFPA® 1404, Standard for Fire
Service Respiratory Protection
Training, recommends no less than
90 percent of cylinder capacity.
2. Check the remote gauge and

cylinder gauge to ensure that they
read within 100 psi (700 kPa) of the
same pressure. Gauges not marked
in increments of 100 psi (700 kPa)
should be the same.
3. Check the harness assembly and

facepiece to ensure that all straps
are fully extended.
4. Operate all valves to ensure that

they function properly and are left in
the correct position.
5. Check PASS device.

Section VII: SCBA Use and Maintenance 45 min.
VII. SCBA USE AND MAINTENANCE

describe the donning and doffing considerations for
SCBA and the inspections to be done on SCBA.
pp. 200-205 Objective 14 — Discuss general donning

and doffing considerations for SCBA.
A. Donning SCBA stored in a case —
Both of the following methods
require SCBA to be positioned in
front of the firefighter with all
straps extended, ready to don
1. Over-the-head-method
2. Coat method — Most commonly

used to don SCBA that is mounted
vertically in an apparatus
compartment
B. Donning from a seat mount
1. Enables firefighters to don SCBA

while en route to an incident
2. Should only be done if it can safely

be performed without the firefighter
having to unbuckle the seatbelt

3. Hardware comes in three main

types:
a. Lever clamp
b. Spring clamp
c. Flat hook
4. Seat mounts make checking

equipment more convenient.
5. Necessitates more care when exiting

fire apparatus due to extra weight
on firefighter’s back, making slips
and falls more likely
Instructor Note: Remind students that they

should never breathe cylinder air when seated in
the apparatus. This will deplete air supply prior to
entering the hazard zone.
6. Firefighters should never stand to

don SCBA while the vehicle is
moving. Standing places both
everyone in danger of serious injury
in the event of a fall.
Instructor Note: Emphasize the preceding point,

reminding students that NFPA® 1500 requires
firefighters to remain seated and belted at all times
while the vehicle is in motion.

C. Donning from a side or rear mount
1. Does not permit donning en route
2. Requires a bit more time than seat-

mounted SCBA but reduces chance
of slips and falls
3. Saves time over SCBA stored in

carrying case because it eliminates
some steps
a. Removing the equipment case

from the fire apparatus
b. Placing equipment case on the

ground
c. Opening the equipment case
d. Picking up the unit
4. Because units are exposed to

weather and physical damage,
waterproof covers are desirable
5. If mounted at the right height,

firefighters can don with little effort.
D. Donning from a compartment or

backup mount
1. Can be ready for rapid donning
2. Presents the same advantages as

side- or rear-mounted equipment
while also being protected from
weather

3. Some compartment doors may

interfere with firefighters donning
SCBA.
4. Other compartments may be too

high and make donning SCBA
difficult.
5. Some mounts feature a telescoping

frame that extends equipment out of
compartment when needed.
6. The backup mount provides quick

access to SCBA.
E. Donning the facepiece
Instructor Note: Demonstrate the use of a

facepiece in the students while discussing this
section.
1. The steps involved in donning most

SCBA facepieces are very similar.
2. One important difference in

facepieces is that some use a rubber
harness with adjusting straps while
others use a mesh skullcap with
adjusting straps.
3. General considerations for donning

all SCBA facepieces
a. No hair should come between the

skin and sealing surface of the
facepiece.
b. The chin should be centered in

the chin cup, and the harness
centered at the rear of the head.

c. Facepiece straps should be

tightened by pulling them evenly
and simultaneously to the rear.
d. The facepiece should be checked

for proper seal and operation.
e. Positive pressure should be

checked by gently breaking the
facepiece seal.
f. The hood must be worn over the

facepiece harness or straps. All
exposed skin must be covered,
and vision must not be obscured.
g. The helmet should be worn with

the chin strap secured.
F. Doffing SCBA
1. Firefighters should make sure they

are out of the contaminated area
and that SCBA is no longer required.
2. Discontinue the flow of air from the

regulator to the facepiece.
3. Disconnect the low-pressure hose

from the regulator or remove the
regulator from the facepiece,
depending upon the type of SCBA.
4. Remove the facepiece.
5. Remove the backpack assembly

while protecting the regulator.
6. Close the cylinder valve.

7. Relieve pressure from the regulator

in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions.
8. Extend all straps.
9. Refill and replace the cylinder.
10. Clean and disinfect the facepiece.
pp. 205-206 Objective 15 — Summarize general

items to check for in daily, weekly,
monthly, and annual SCBA inspections.
A. Daily/weekly care
Ask Students: Why should a firefighter check their

SCBA daily?

Emphasize that the SCBA is one of the most
importance pieces of protective equipment. Any
problem with the SCBA during an operation can
result in serious injury or death. By checking the
SCBA daily, the firefighter will identify any potential
operational problems before it is time to use the
SCBA on the fireground.
1. Daily/weekly check
a. Cylinder pressure — Cylinder

should be filled to at least 90
percent of capacity.

b. All gauges — The cylinder gauge

and the remote gauge should
read within 100 psi (700 kPa) of
each other. Gauges not marked
in increments of 100 psi (700
kPa) should read the same.
c. Low-pressure alarm — The alarm

should sound briefly when the
cylinder valve is turned on and
again as the pressure is relieved.
d. All hose connections — Check to

see that they are tight and free
of leaks.
e. Facepiece — Check to see that it

is clean and in good condition.
f. Harness system — Check to see

that it is in good condition and
the straps are in the fully
extended position.
g. All valves — After checking the

bypass valve, make sure it is fully
closed.
h. Built-in PASS devices should be

checked for proper operation.

2. General considerations
a. Breathing apparatus should be

cleaned and sanitized
immediately after each use.
b. Facepiece should be thoroughly

washed with warm water
containing any mild commercial
disinfectant and then rinsed with
clear, warm water
c. Dry facepiece with a lint-free

cloth or air dry
d. Actions to avoid that can damage

SCBA
i. Do not use paper towels to

dry the facepiece lens
because the paper towel will
scratch the plastic lens.
ii. Do not put water in or

submerge low-pressure hoses
on SCBA units with harness-
mounted regulators.

B. Monthly inspections — Should

include removing the equipment
from service and checking the
following:
1. All components for deterioration
2. Leaks around valves and hose

connections
3. Operation of all gauges, valves,

regulator, exhalation valve, and low-
air alarm
C. Annual inspection, testing, and

maintenance
1. Should be done in accordance with

manufacturer's recommendations
2. Requires specialized training
3. The service provider must be able to

disassemble the apparatus into its
basic components and conduct tests
using specialized tools and
equipment generally not available to
every fire department.

4. Air cylinders must be stamped or

labeled with the date of manufacture
and the date of the last hydrostatic
test.
5. Steel and aluminum cylinders must

be tested every five years;
composite cylinders every three
years.
6. Always empty cylinders before

returning them for servicing and
testing.
Section VIII: SCBA Safety Precautions 20 min.
VIII. SCBA SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

discuss with students the safety precautions that
should be taken when using SCBA.
pp. 206-207 Objective 16 — Summarize safety

precautions for refilling SCBA cylinders.
A. Filling air cylinders
1. From a cascade system
2. Directly from a compressor

purification system

B. No matter how the cylinders are

filled, the same safety precautions
apply.
1. Place the cylinder in a shielded fill

station.
2. Prevent the cylinder from

overheating by filling slowly.
3. Ensure that the cylinder is

completely full but not
overpressurized.
pp. 207-208 Objective 17— Discuss safety

precautions for SCBA use.
A. When using self-contained
breathing apparatus, the following
items should be remembered and
observed for maximum safety:
1. All firefighters who wear SCBA must

be fit-tested annually or when new
facepieces are issued to determine
proper fit of the facepiece.
2. Firefighters should closely monitor

how they are feeling while wearing
SCBA and rest when they become
fatigued.

3. Air-supply duration will vary with the

following:
a. Size of cylinder and beginning

pressure
b. Firefighter conditioning
c. Task being performed
d. Level of training
e. Operational environment
f. Degree of stress
g. Other variables
4. After entering a contaminated area,

firefighters should not remove their
breathing apparatus until they leave
the contaminated area.
5. While in any IDLH atmosphere,

firefighters must work in teams of
two or more.
a. Team members must remain in

physical, voice, or visual contact
with each other while in the
hazardous area.
b. Radio contact is not sufficient!
6. While in the IDLH atmosphere,

firefighters should check their air
supply status frequently.

Section IX: Emergency Operations and Limited Visibility 30 min.
IX. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS AND

LIMITED VISIBILITY
describe the actions to be taken when using SCBA
in emergency situations and in areas of limited
visibility.
pp. 208-210 Objective 18 — Describe actions to take

in emergency situations using SCBA.
A. Important considerations for
emergencies created by
malfunctioning protective
breathing apparatus
1. The conservation of air
2. Immediate withdrawal from the

hazardous atmosphere
B. Using SCBA when regulators

malfunction
1. Intermittently open and close the

bypass valve to allow air into the
facepiece.
2. Because the air is bypassing the

regulator, it is under full cylinder
pressure, so the bypass valve should
be closed after each breath and then
opened each time another breath is
needed.

C. Recommended actions in the event

of an SCBA malfunction
1. Follow departmental SOP for this

type of situation.
2. Do not panic!
a. Control breathing.
b. Alert other team members of

situation.
3. Withdraw to a clear atmosphere.
D. While it is imperative that

firefighters stay in contact with the
other members of their team, if
they should become separated and
are lost or disoriented, the
following actions are
recommended:
1. Declare a Mayday!

type of situation.
3. Stop and think.
4. Hold breath and listen.
5. Remember the different ways to find

a way out.
6. Lie flat on the floor close to a wall. It

is easier to find a firefighter in this
position if they become exhausted or
lose consciousness.

E. If separated from team and

trapped in a room or area, the
following actions should be taken:

type of situation.
2. Use a portable radio to declare a

Mayday and announce last known
location.
3. Activate PASS device.
4. Escape through any available

opening or breach a wall to create a
new one.
5. Use personal escape rope if a

window is available.
6. Control the door – close it or keep it

closed.
7. Place a flashlight on the floor with

the light shining toward the ceiling.
8. Slow breathing as much as possible

to conserve breathing air.
F. Emergency evacuation signals
1. Signals are used when the IC

decides that all firefighters should
immediately abandon a burning
building or other hazard zone
because conditions have
deteriorated beyond the point of
reasonable safety.

2. All firefighters must be familiar with

their department's method of
sounding an evacuation signal.
3. The two most common ways are to

broadcast a radio message ordering
interior crews to evacuate or to
sound the audible warning devices
on the apparatus at the fire scene in
a designated manner.

4. An evacuation signal is one of the

actions that triggers a personnel
accountability report from all units
on scene.
Instructor Note: Discuss current cases in which

firefighters have been in distress.
pp. 210-211 Objective 19 — Discuss operating in

areas of limited visibility while wearing
SCBA.
A. Methods of moving in areas of
limited visibility
1. Crawling
a. Allows firefighters to remain

close to the floor and avoid the
higher heat found closer to
ceiling level and may allow them
to get below the thermal layer
and increase visibility
b. Allows firefighters to feel the

floor in front of them (probe)
with a tool as they move along,
which prevents them from falling
through holes, falling down stairs
or into elevator shafts, or running
into furniture or other objects in
their path
c. Crawling and probing also allows

firefighters to feel for victims.

2. If firefighters can see the floor, they

may be able to move about using a
crouched or "duck" walk. This
method is more dangerous than
crawling unless firefighters can see
the floor in front of them.
B. Any area of limited visibility is

likely to also be an IDLH
atmosphere.
1. Firefighters must always operate in

teams of two or more.
2. Firefighters should always have

some sort of tag line.
pp. 211-212 Objective 20 — Discuss exiting areas

with restricted openings under
emergency conditions while wearing
SCBA.
A. In an emergency, firefighters may
need to exit through a restricted
opening (one that is too small to
allow them to pass through while
wearing SCBA in the normal
manner).
B. It may be necessary to slip out of

the SCBA harness assembly while
leaving the facepiece in place, exit
the restricted area, and put the
harness assembly back on.

C. Considerations when exiting

restricted areas
1. Maintain contact with belt-mounted

regulators at all times.
2. Loosen straps as necessary to

reduce profile.
3. Reduce profile further by removing

one or both backpack harness straps
if absolutely necessary.
4. Push the SCBA in front as necessary,

maintaining control of the SCBA at
all times.

Section X: Summary and Review 15 min.
X. SUMMARY AND REVIEW

summarize the lesson and review key points.
Answer any questions students may have about the
lesson or course in general.
A. Chapter Summary
1. Firefighters must have the best

protective clothing and equipment
available.
2. Even if departments furnish

firefighters with the latest protective
gear and they use it consistently and
conscientiously, their safety is not
guaranteed because safety clothing
and equipment have limitations.
3. Firefighters must be thoroughly

trained in the use of their protective
gear and must be capable of
maintaining their protective clothing
and equipment so that they are
ready when needed.




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Firefighter I Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment

Fire Protection Publications 5-1

11. Discuss storing protective breathing apparatus. (NFPA® 1001,

Fire Protection Publications 5-2

28. Exit a constricted opening while wearing standard SCBA. (NFPA®

Fire Protection Publications 5-3

Important instructor information is provided in shaded boxes throughout

Fire Protection Publications 5-4

Estimated Total Time: 14 hours

Time Section/Activity Pages

10 min. Section I: Introduction to Chapter 5

45 min. Section II: Introduction to Personal Protective 167-180

30 min. Section III: Respiratory Hazards 180-187

30 min. Section IV: Use and Limitations of Respiratory 187-190

30 min. Section V: Air-purifying Respirators and SCBA 190-198

30 min. Section VI: PASS Devices and Other Safety 198-200

45 min. Section VII: SCBA Use and Maintenance 200-206

20 min. Section VIII: SCBA Safety Precautions 206-208

30 min. Section IX: Emergency Operations and Limited 208-212

15 min. Section X: Summary and Review

15 min. Chapter 5 Quiz

60 min. Chapter 5 Test

8 hours Skills Practice

Fire Protection Publications 5-5

Fire Protection Publications 5-6

Section I: Introduction to Chapter 5 10 min.

Instructor Note: Briefly review the lesson goal.

1. Chapter 5 lesson goal — After

1. Describe the purpose of articles of

2. Describe characteristics of protective

3. Summarize guidelines for the care of

4. List the four common respiratory

5. Distinguish among characteristics of

Fire Protection Publications 5-7

6. Describe physical, medical, and

7. Describe equipment and air-supply

8. Discuss effective air management.

9. Distinguish among characteristics of

10. Describe basic SCBA component

11. Discuss storing protective breathing

12. Summarize recommendations for the

13. Describe precautionary safety checks

14. Discuss general donning and doffing

15. Summarize general items to check

16. Summarize safety precautions for

Fire Protection Publications 5-8

17. Discuss safety precautions for SCBA

18. Describe actions to take in

19. Discuss operating in areas of limited

20. Discuss exiting areas with restricted

21. Don PPE and SCBA for use at an

22. Doff PPE and SCBA and prepare for

23. Inspect PPE and SCBA for use at an

24. Clean and sanitize PPE and SCBA.

25. Fill an SCBA cylinder from a cascade

26. Fill an SCBA cylinder from a

27. Perform emergency operations

28. Exit a constricted opening while

Fire Protection Publications 5-9

29. Change an SCBA cylinder — One-

30. Change an SCBA cylinder — Two-

Fire Protection Publications 5-10

Section II: Introduction to Personal Protective Clothing 45 min.