Personal Protective Equipment

FF Structural Protective Ensemble

Review

NFPA 1001, Firefighter I

JPRs 5.3.2, 5.3.3, 5.3.4

Provided by the Research & Program Development

section of the North Carolina Department of
Insurance, Office of State Fire Marshal
Purpose

This training segment will review the
basic components of the Structural
Fire Fighting Protective Ensemble,
including each components purpose
and correct use.
Why Should an Experienced Firefighter Review PPE?

What’s wrong in the pictures below?

What’s Wrong?

SCBA is on
upside down!
What’s Wrong?

Short gloves
being worn
without use
of wristlets!
What’s Wrong?
Suspenders
hanging down!
What’s Wrong?
Hood is outside
of coat!
 NFPA 1971
 NFPA 1971 Standard on Protective
Ensembles for Structural Fire
Fighting & Proximity Fire Fighting
2007 Edition sets minimum
guidelines for the construction and
design of fire service protective
equipment. In addition, NFPA 1971
requires certain labeling for
compliance. You should make sure
each piece of your PPE is NFPA
compliant.
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
 Protective Hoods
 NFPA 1971, 3.3.127 The interface element of the
protective ensemble that provides limited protection to
the coat/helmet/SCBA face piece interface area.
 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


NFPA 1971, 3.3.119 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 Coat (Inner Shell)

The inner shell should have a label attached ensuring it’s

compliance to the current edition of NFPA 1971.
Structural Fire Fighting Protective Trousers

 NFPA 1971 3.3.128 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. NFPA 1971 requires a label
to be affixed to the inner shell stating compliance
to NFPA 1971.
Structural Fire Fighting Protective Footwear


NFPA 1971, 3.3.123 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


NFPA 1971, 3.3.125 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. Always wear your PPE in accordance with NFPA and
manufactures recommendations. .