Personal Protective Equipment

Structural Protective Ensemble

Purpose
 This training segment will review the
basic components of the Structural
Fire Fighting Protective Ensemble,
including each components purpose
and correct use.
PPE Components
 Helmet
 Helmets come in an array of
models and styles. Helmets must
be used in accordance with
manufacturer recommendations.
Helmet Key Components
Hard Cover
Reflective Striping
Eye Protection
(Goggles)

Flame Retardant Neck

Cover Chin Strap

Fold Down Eye

Protection

Helmet Adjustment
 Eye Protection
 Face Shields & Goggles

Face shields will only provide limited eye

protection. Goggles or safety glasses
should be used when there is an increased
exposure to flying particles.
Structural Fire Fighting Protective Coat

 The element of the protective ensemble that provides

protection to the upper torso and arms, excluding the
hands and head.
Structural Fire Fighting Protective Coat (Outer Shell)

The outer layer of structural fire fighting protective coats

are made from flame retardant material such as Nomex,
PBI, or Kevlar. It also has numerous reflective markers
so that a firefighter can be seen in the dark.
Structural Fire Fighting Protective Coat (Outer Shell)

The outer layer has several key components such as an

inner zipper & an outer flap, a neck flap, and wristlets.
Structural Fire Fighting Protective Coat (Outer Shell)

The outer layer may be equipped with a fire fighter rescue

strap as shown below.
Structural Fire Fighting Protective Coat (Inner Shell)

The inner shell consists of a moister barrier attached to a

thermal layer.

Moister Barrier Thermal Layer

Structural Fire Fighting Protective Trousers

 The element of the protective ensemble that

provides protection to the lower torso and legs,
excluding the ankles and feet.
Structural Fire Fighting Protective Trousers
Outer Shell

 Trousers are made from the same material as

protective coats. They may be constructed in a
bib like configuration or waist design.

The outer shell repels

water and resists
abrasion.

The outer shell usually

has reinforced knees to
provide additional
protection in areas subject
to extreme abrasion.
Structural Fire Fighting Protective Trousers
Inner Shell

 The inner shell provides a moisture barrier and

thermal protection.
Structural Fire Fighting Protective Footwear

 The element of the protective ensemble that

provides protection to the foot, ankle, and lower
leg.

The fire fighters boot may

be constructed of rubber or
leather and can be a slip-on
or laced style.

Footwear should be water

proof; cut resistant; slip
resistant; and made with a
heavy sole and reinforced
toe to prevent injury.
Structural Fire Fighting Protective Glove

 The element of the protective ensemble that

provides protection to the hand and wrist.
Structural Fire Fighting Protective Glove

Gloves play an important role to

the protection of a fire fighter in
that they must provide thermal
protection, and in addition provide
suitable dexterity for the fire
fighter so they can work with their
hands effectively.

Gloves may be short or long,

depending on whether wristlets
are used with the fire fighters
protective coat.
Each piece of the firefighters structural protective ensemble is
important.