Chapter 5: Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment Flashcards
(113 cards)
1
Q
what is PPE
A
designed to protect you from hazards and minimize the risk of injury or fatality
2
Q
PPE usually consist of the following:
A
o Respiratory protective equipment
o Personal alert safety system PASS
o Helmets, coats, trousers, boots, protective gloves and protective hoods
o Eye protection
o Hearing protection
3
Q
Types of ppe include:
A
o Station and work uniforms
o Structural firefighters protective clothing
o Wildland firefighting protective clothing
o Roadway operations protective clothing
o Emergency medical protective clothing
o Special protective clothing such as chemical protective clothing
4
Q
Station and work uniforms
A
- They identify the wearer as a member of the organization
- Provide a layer of protection against direct flame contact
- Types of non-fire resistant synthetic materials include
o Nylon
o Iron on patches
o Polyester
o Transfer deckles - Call station work uniform should meet NFPA 1975 requirements
5
Q
Structural firefighting PPE must meet what NFPA?
A
- All PPE designed for structural and proximity firefighting must meet the required standards of NFPA 1971
6
Q
NFPA 1971
A
- This standard address is the requirements for: helmets, trousers, eye protection, protective hoods, coats, boots, protective gloves
- NFPA 1971 requires that all components must include a permanent label that shows the compliance with the standard
7
Q
PPE Labels must include the following information:
A
Manufactures name, identification or designation
Country of manufacture
Month and year manufacture
Size or size range
Footwear size and width
Manufactures address
Manufacturers lot or serial number
Model name, number or design
Principal materials of construction
Cleaning precautions
8
Q
Firefighters should never alter their protective clothing
o Alterations include:
A
removing the moisture barrier liner of coats and trousers, sewing hooks loops or clasps on the outer shell, adding combustible deckles to the helmet
9
Q
The usual temperature limit of structural PPE is
A
somewhere above 400°F or 200°C
10
Q
Protective clothing also prevents heat from being transferred away from your body this may significantly increase the following conditions:
A
o Breathing at heart rate
o Core temperature
o Skin temperature
o Phsychological stress
11
Q
Helmet is designed to provide multiple benefits during structural firefighting operations including:
A
o Preventing heated or scolding water numbers from reaching the ears or neck
o Protecting the head from impact injuries caused by objects or falls
o Providing protection from heat and cold
12
Q
Eye protection: comes in many forms including:
A
o SCBA face pieces
o Helmet mounted face shields
o Goggles
o Safety glasses
13
Q
Protective coats
A
NFPA 1971 requires that all structural firefighting protective coats be made of three components: outer shell, moisture barrier, thermal barrier
o Protective barriers also provide limited protection from: direct flame contact, hot water, steam, cold temperatures, other environmental hazards
14
Q
Protective hoods
A
are fire resistant fabric coverings that protect your ears, neck and face from exposure to heat, embers and debris
o They covered areas that may not be productive by the SBA such as: face peace, earflaps, helmet, coat collar
o Pull the hood on before the protective coat to help the hoods skirt under the coat
o To ensure secure seal between the hood on the SCB a face peace, secure the face peace first before pulling up the hood
15
Q
Design features required by NFPA 1971 include:
A
retrospective trim
wristlets
collar
close your systems
drag rescue device
16
Q
Retroreflective trim
A
strips of reflective trim on the torso and sleeves that make the coat more visible at night
17
Q
wristlets
A
fabric interface between a sleeves end and a firefighters palm that protects the wrist from water, embers and other debris
18
Q
Collar
A
protects the neck from water, embers and other debris
19
Q
Close your system
A
snaps, clips, zippers or Velcro fasteners at secure the coats front
20
Q
Drag rescue device
A
harness and hand loop at the back of the neck that enables a rescuer to grab and drag a down fire fighter
21
Q
Protective trousers
A
are constructed from the same fabric, moisture barrier, and thermal layering used in protective coats
22
Q
Protective gloves
A
protect hands and wrists from heat, steam or cold penetration, and resist cuts punctures in liquid absorption
23
Q
Protective footwear
A
they protect the foot, ankle and lower leg from: puncture wounds to the soul, crushing wounds to the toes, scalding water contaminated liquids, burns from members of debri
24
Q
Personal alert safety systems (PASS):
A
Past devices assist rescuers trying to locate trapped, unconscious or incapacitated firefighters. They emit allowed alarm to alert other personal letter firefighters in danger
o The alarm activates with a firefighter is motionless for more than 30 seconds or when a firefighter presses the emergency button
In some models this system I activate when the temperature exceeds a preset limit
25
Personal alert safety systems (PASS) DB min requirement and setting requirements
o The alarm must be at least 95 dB and must go off continuously for at least one h
o Have at least three settings off, alarm, and sensing. They also have a pre-alarm mode that activates if you were emotionless for 30 seconds. The pre-alarm tone is different from the full alarm tone
26
Hearing protection
- NFPA 1500 requires hearing protection devices
- Firefighters should use hearing protection when riding on an apparatus
- You must also we’re hearing protection when operating: power tools, apparatus pump, generators, pass device tests
- In some situation hearing protection is impractical may even be dangerous for example during a structural firefighting it prevents you from communicating with other firefighters, hearing changes in fire behavior, hearing radio transmissions, hearing calls from a trapped victim
27
Wildland PPE
- What my PPE and equipment includes:
- Gloves: made of leather or inherently flame resistant materials
- Goggles
- Jackets made of high strength flame resistant fabric such as Aramid or treated cotton
- Trousers
- One piece jumpsuits
- Long sleeve shirts
- Helemets
- Face/neck shrouds
- Footwear typically lace up safety boots with lug or grip treated souls
- Fire shelter: fire resistant aluminized fabric covers that protect the fire fighter from convected and radiant heat
- Load carrying or loadbearing equipment
- Respiratory protection: APR air purifying respirators, powered air purifiying respirators PAPR
- Chainsaw protection
- Wildland protective garments will not protect you from extreme heat
28
Roadway operations clothing
must have reflective trim and five. Breakaway fasteners at the shoulders, side and waste to meet NFPA safety standards in the US and the CSAZ1006 series of regulations in Canada
29
Safety considerations for PPE- actually read
o Always consider the designed purpose of your PPE and its limits
o Moisture in the shell in liner material can transfer heat rapidly resulting in serious steam burns always ensure that the garment is dry before wearing into a fire
o PPE insulates you from the heat of a fire, this will protect your life but it will also delay your awareness of temperature increases
o Never wear protective clothing that does not fit
o Make sure that the overlap between coat and trousers is a minimum of 2 inches at the waist when you bend over at a 90° angle
o Donning standard protective clothing will significantly impair your balance and g
o Thermal burns may occur at compression points where the garment layers are pressed together such as under the SCBA shoulder harness, along sleeves in contact with the hose lines, and on knees when kneeling on hot debris and embers
o The thermal environment will heat the exterior of the PPE resulting in thermal saturation that can cause contact burns
o Prolonged exposure to hot environments will cause your body to sweat in order to cool itself the protective clothing liner will retain the moisture produced by sweating which may cause heat stress or burns
o PPE is designed to protect you but it is not designed to protect against fire condition such as backdraft flashover or other rapid fire development
o PPE observes heat which delays he transferred to the where this he can build up until the PPE is hotter than the ambient temperature
o Heating a PPE’s Velcro fastener confused the Velcro components together
o Eventually build up a heat with penetrate through all the layers of PPE and can cause burns and raise a firefighters temperature
o RIT and rescue personnel must exercise caution and where the fire fighting gloves when trying to remove firefighters from superheated PPE
30
PPE and Hydrocarbon contamination
will reduce the fire resistance of your PPE
31
Inspecting PPE for damage or contamination:
o At the start of your work shift
o After every use
o After washing, repair or decontamination
o On a periodic basis such as weekly or monthly
32
Conditions that you should look for during inspection: actually read all
o Soiling
o Contaminations
o Missing or damaged hardware and closure systems
o Physical damage including rips, tears, fraying hems and cuffs, and damage stitching on the seams
o Wear due to friction under arms, in the crotch and at the knee and elbow joints
o Thermal damage including charring, melting, discolouration and burn holes
o Shrinkage
o Damaged or missing retroreflective trim
o Loss of reflectivity of show on proximity equipment
o Cracks, meltng, abrasion or dents in helmet shell
o Missing or damaged face shield or hardware
o Missing or damaged ear flops or neck shroud
o Loss of water tight integrity in footwear
o Damage to or faulty installation of drag rescue device
o Date of manufacture to determine time and service
33
NFPA 1851
defines four types of cleaning for PPE: routine cleaning, advance cleaning,speacilize cleaning,contract cleaning
34
Routine cleaning
does not require the clothing to be removed from service the process for routine cleaning includes
Brushing off loose debris with a broom or soft bristle brush
Using a gentle spray of water to rinse off debris and soil
35
Advanced cleaning
should be performed by trained personnel and includes using a washing machine
36
Specialize cleaning
is required when clothing is contaminated with hazardous materials or body fluids I cannot be removed by routine or advance cleaning
37
Contract cleaning:
contract cleaning typically removes accumulated grime or contaminants and done by contractors who perform specialized cleaning
38
SCBA
Self contained breathing apparatus
- SCBA protection include any activities that may take place in or near a potentially immediately dangerous to life and health IDLH environment as defined in the AHJ’s policy
- SCBA should be worn during overhaul operations
39
Atmosphere supplying respirators (ASRs)
provide breathable air when working in oxygen deficient, toxic or gasfield atmospheres
o Only filter particulates out of the surrounding air
o Primary type of respiratory protection that you will use in the fire service
40
Common respiratory hazards include:
oxygen deficiencies
elevated temperatures
particulate contaminates
gas and vapours
fire and gas vapours
non fire and gas vapours
airborne pathogens
41
Oxygen deficiency
one containing less than 19.5% oxygen
o When oxygen concentrations fall below 18% the human body increases its respiratory rate
o Combustion is the most common cause of oxygen deficient atmospheres
o Oxygen deficient atmospheres also current confined spaces such a sewers, chemical storage tanks, grain beans, underground caverns
Or where carbon dioxide total flooding extinguishing systems have discharged
42
Elevated temperatures
inhaling heated gases can cause pulmonary oedema which can cause asphyxiation
43
Particulate contaminates
small particles that may be suspended in the air and are harmful to the respiratory system
44
Sources of particulate contaminates include:
Vehicle exhaust emissions, chemical reactions, heated metals or metal compounds, combustion
45
exposure to particulate contaminates can cause:
Asthma, lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, COPD, premature death
46
Firefighters main incounter particulate contaminants in a variety of operations including the following:
Walmart fires, welding and metal cutting, operation of fire apparatus, operations following an explosion or building collapse, structural fires especially during the overhaul phase
47
Air purifying respirators and powered air purifying respirators are generally sufficient to protect you from
particulate contaminates
but do not protect against toxic gases are heated or oxygen deficient atmospheres
48
Gas and vapours
can be inhaled, ingested or absorbed into the body resulting in illnesses and deaths exposures may cause:
o Cancer, thyroid damage, irritation, cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems
49
Fire and gas vapours
combustion creates harmful gases and vapours including:
o Carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen sulfide, phosgene, ammonia, carbon dioxide, hydrogen chloride, nitrous gases, sulphur dioxide, formaldehyde
50
hazardous materials can produce potentially hazardous gases in vapours in non-fire emergencies such as the following:
Incidents involving industrial commercial or warehouse occupancies
Spells resulting from transportation accidents
Leaks from storage containers or pipelines
51
Always remain at a safe distance upwind, uphill and upstream until the completion of a risk analysis
52
Common non fire gas and vapour types include:
Carbon dioxide(fire suppression systems), ammonia (AC systems, hockey rinks, agricultural applications), sulphur dioxide(AC and cooling systems), chlorine, pesticides
53
non fire Toxic gases may also be found in:
Sewers, caves, storage tanks, bins, storm drains, trenches, tank cars, other confined spaces
54
Airborne pathogens
our disease causing micro organisms (viruses bacteria fungi) suspended in the air
o Cause infection through and inhalation or direct contact
o Protection against airborne pathogens include high-efficiency particular air HEPA filters, a PR/PAPRs and SCBA
55
Open circuit SCBA
uses compressed air
o Exhaled air is vented to the outside atmosphere
56
Closed circuit SCBA
uses compressed oxygen
o Exhaled air stays within the system for reuse
o Much less common and are mainly used:
Shipboard operations, extended hazardous material incidents, at some rescue operations, by industrial fire brigades
57
Open circuit SCB a consist of four basic components
back plate and harness assembly, regulator assembly, air cylinder assembly, face piece assembly
58
Backplate and harness assembly
rigid frame with adjustable straps holding the breathing air cylinder on the back plate
59
Air cylander assembly
the air cylinder contains breathing air under pressure
o Maybe constructive steel aluminum or aluminum wrapped fibreglass
o Weigh from 8 to 20 pounds
o The cylinder has a control valve, threaded stem and or quick connect fitting, and a pressure gauge attached to one end
o Air from the cylinder travels through the high pressure hose to the regulator
o The pressure gauge displays an estimate of the amount of air in the cylinder in pounds per square inch psi
60
Regulator
the regulator reduces the high pressure of the cylinder air to slightly above atmospheric pressure and controls airflow to the wearer
When the wearer inhales a pressure differential occurs in the regulator
61
Regulator assembly
Regulator may be located on the face piecee, the shoulder harness, or the waist belt harness
62
The regulator will have control valves for normal an emergency operations
The mainline valve in the bypass valve
The mainline valve locks in the open position during normal operations and the bypass valve is closed
The bypass valve controls a direct airline from the cylinder in the event that the regulator fails
o The current generation of regulators include only the bypass valve
63
SCBA face piece assembly
provides fresh breathing air while protecting the eyes and face from injury
64
SCBA face piece assembly consists of:
Facepiece frame and lens
Head harness and straps
Exhalation valve
Nose cup
Speaking diaphragm
Regulator fitting or hose connection
65
OSHA currently excepts two types of tests for SCBA face pieces
qualitative fit tests and quantitative fit test
Fit tests annually or on a regular schedule
66
SCBA Remote pressure gauge
: must be mounted in visible position to display the air pressure within the cylinder
o Lower pressure are less accurate
o Assume that the lowest reading is correct
67
SCBA End of service time indicator- what percentage
two EOSTI or redundant low pressure alarms installed on all SCBAs
o Typically when it reaches 33 percent of the cylinders capacity
o The alarm cannot be turned off until the air cylinder valve is closed in the system is bled of all remaining pressure
68
SCBA Rapid intervention crew universal air coupling:
disallows any cylinder that has low on air to be trans filled from another cylinder, regardless of its manufacturer
o All new SCBA are equipped with a rapid intervention crew universal air coupling within 4 inches of the cylinder outlet
o When the cylinders are connected the air supply equalizes between them
69
SCBA Emergency escape breathing support systems
allow firefighters to share air from one cylinder without removing their facepieces
70
SCBA Integrated PASS control module
contain analog or digital displays to provide info about operations of the SCBA and PASS device
o The displays are required to show remaining breathing aire cylinder content
o Manufactures may also include info such as : cylinder pressure, alarms, remaining battery life, estimates for remaining operational time
71
SCBA Heads up display (HUD)
shows vital equipment information on the inside of the face piece
o According to NFPA 1581 the HUD must display the breathing cylinder content at least in 100, 75, 50, and 33% increments
72
SCBA Alerting light systems
all pass devices are designed to emit an alarm when they activate some manufactures have also included a lighting system into the SCBA harness that flashes emergency signals when the pass device is activate
73
Voice communication systems
show manufactures integrate voice communication systems into SCBA to supplement radio communications
o Firefighters can turn the system on or off as needed and the NFPA 1581 allows the system to have a volume control
74
SCBA Wearer limitations
the limitations that you have the greatest control over include
o Lack of physical condition
o Lack of agility
o Impaired balance
o Inadequate pulmonary capacity
o Weekend cardiovascular ability
o Psychological limitations
o Unique facial features
75
SCBA Equipment limitations
SCBA units have limitations including
o Limited visibility
o Decreased ability to communicate
o Decreased endurance
o Decrease mobility
o Poor condition of apparatus
o Low air cylinder pressure
76
Donning and doffing breathing apparatus
- The most common method include:
o Overhead method
o Coat method
o Donning from a seat
o Donning from aside/rear external mount or back up Mount
77
Daily checks/inspections that should be performed immediately prior to donning the SCBA
o Check the air cylinder gauge to make sure the cylinder is full no less than 90%
o Check the remote gauge and cylinder gauge to sure that they read within manufacturers recommended limit
o Check the harness assembly and face piece to ensure that all straps are fully extended
o Operate all valves to ensure that they function properly and are left in the correct position
o Test the low pressure alarm
o Test the past device to ensure that it is working
o Check all battery powered functions
78
Donning an unmounted SCBA
- Can be done using the over the head method and the coat method
- SCBA must be positioned on the ground in front of the firefighter with all straps extended ready to don see skill sheet 5–1 and skill sheet 5–2
79
Donning from a seat mount
- Seat mounted SCVA permit firefighters to Dawn the unit while seated in the apparatus
- Only if you can do so without removing the apparatus seatbelt
- NFPA 1901 standard for automotive fire apparatus requires at the SEBA be held in place by mechanical latching device
80
Donning from a side or rear external mount
- Side or rear mounted SCBA are mounted on the exterior of the apparatus
- Faster than Donning and SCBA stored in carrying cas
- Disadvantages of exterior mounting include exposing me a CBA to weather and other physical hazards, the waterproof covers will minimize the risk of damage
81
Donning from a backup mount
- Back up mounts located inside a compartment are protected from the weather and provide the same advantages as side or rear mounted equipment
82
The following are general considerations for dining all SCBA face pieces:
o Fully extend all straps
o And sure that no hair is between the skin and the face piece ceiling surfac
o Center the chin in the chin cup and the harness at the rear of the head
o Tighten the face piece straps by pulling opposing straps evenly and simultaneously to the rear
Pulling the straps outward to the sides may damage stomach prevent proper engagement
Tighten the lower straps first then the temple straps and finally the top straps
o Always checked that the face piece is completely sealed to the face and that the exhalation valve is functionin
o Ensure that the protective hood is over the face piece harness or straps also ensure that the hood is covering all expose skin and that your vision is not obscured
o Where the helmet with the chinstrap secured adjust helmets equipped with a ratchet adjustment so that the helmet fits properly
83
differences between SCBA face pieces
- One important difference is that some face pieces use of rubber harness while others use a mesh skullcap
- Another difference is the location of the regulator it may be attached to the face piece or mounted on the waist belt or shoulder harness
84
The following actions apply when doffing any brand or model
o Make sure you are out of the contaminated area and that the SCBA is no longer require
o Discontinue the flow of air from the regulator to the face piece
o Discontinue the regulator from the face peace and secure it
o Remove the protective hood or pull it down your neck
o Remove the face piece by loosening the straps and lifting it from your chin
o Remove the backpack assembly while protecting the regulator
o Close the cylinder valv
o Relieve pressure from the regulator according to manufacturer instructions
o Turn off the past device and or control module
o Extend all face piece and harness straps
o Check air pressure to determine if the air cylinder needs to be refilled
o Clean and disinfect the face peace
o Clean the SVA back plate and harness if necessary
o Secure the complete unit in its case, seat bracket, or storage bracket
85
NFPA 1852
establishes the frequency of SCBA inspections
86
You must clean and inspect SCBA's when?
after each use, at the start of every duty shift, every week
87
a daily/weekly inspection should include the following SCBA components
o Facepiece
o Breathing air cylinder assembly
o low pressure alarm
o Pressure indicator gauges
o Back plate and harness assembly
o Hoses
o Regulator
o Integrated PASS
88
you should clean and sanitize the SCBA face piece when?
after each used to prevent debris from collecting in the exhalation valve and regulator fitting
89
how to clean an SCBA face piece
o Wash the face piece thoroughly with warm water containing a mild commercial disinfectant and then rinse with clear warm water
o Do not use paper towels to dry the face piece because they will scratch the face piece lens
o You must not submerged regulators and low pressure hoses in water for cleaning
o Sanitize the face peace seal and interior of face piece to prevent you from inhaling or coming in contact with contaminants
90
Firefighters may use three breathing air sources to refill depleted SCBA air cylinders:
- Stationary fill
-mobile fill
-Firefighter breathing air replenishment systems
91
Stationary fill systems
Systems installed at stations
92
Mobile filll systems
Systems mounted on an apparatus or trailers
93
Fire fighter breathing air replenishment systems
Systems installed in high-rise buildings might also be referred to as fire fighter air replenishment systems
94
what type of air in SCBA
type one grade D quality air
95
The following safety precautions apply when refilling an SCBA cylinder:
o Check the hydrostatic test state of the cylinder
o Perform required inspection of cylinders before filling
o Check the working pressure
o Where they required hearing an eye protection during fill operations
o Place the cylinder in a shielded fill station
o Fill the cylinder slowly to prevent it from overheating
o Ensure that the cylinder is completely full but not over pressurized
o Only allowed train professionals operate the fill equipment
96
Filling on shielded cylinders while a firefighter is wearing the SCBA is prohibited except when
rapid intervention crew rescuing a trapped or incapacitated firefighter may be granted an exception to this rule following criteria must be met before filling a worn SCBA:
NIOSH approved RIC Universal Air connection Phil options are used
A risk assessment has been conducted to limit safety hazards and ensure the necessary equipment is fully operational
There is an eminent threat to the safety of the downed fire fighter and immediate action is required to prevent loss of life or serious injury
97
Stationary fill systems
Connect to a fill station that holds the SCBA cylinders in rupture proof sleeves during the filling process
98
Auto cascade system
is a type of stationary fill station that is completely automated
The system opens and closes valves automatically to complete the fill process with a programmed desired pressure
99
Mobile fill systems
are designed to refill air cylinders at emergency incidents
o Fill station equipment with a breathing air compressor or cascade fill station are mounted on a trailer or the apparatus chassis
o This just doesn’t also be designed to support us supplied air respirator system or a firefighter breathing air replenishment system installed in a high-rise structure
100
Firefighter breathing air replenishment systems
provide an endless source of breathing air to any floor within the structure from a ground level connection
o Many municipalities now require that all newly constructed buildings taller than 75 feet install FBARS
101
Firefighter breathing air replenishment systems typically consist of:
The fire department air connection panel containing connection fittings, control valves and gauges located on the exterior of the structure
An emergency air storage system that provides breathing air if a mobile system is not available to supply the external connection
Remote air fill panels containing a certified rupture proof containment fill station, connection and control valves, engages located in protected stairwells on specific floors
Interconnected piping certified to carry breathing air under pressure through the system
Low air pressure monitoring switches and alarms, use to maintain a minimum air pressure and worn of pressure loss or system failure
102
When using a SCBA, you should follow the safety precautions (read them all)
o Only enter an ITLH atmosphere if you were certified to wear a SCBA and have been properly fit tested for the face peace
o Closely monitor how you feel while wearing it
o Remember that your air supply duration can vary depending on cylinder size and pressure, your physical conditioning, the task being performed, your level of training, the operation environment, your level of stress, air management techniques
o Before entering the IDLH atmosphere check the cylinder pressure and estimate your point of no return based upon your air supply, pressure and mission objective
o Use your training to establish a personal baseline for individual air usage
o After entering an IDLH atmosphere keep your SEBA on and activated until you leave the contaminated area
o In any IDLH atmosphere work and teams of two or more
o While in the IDLH atmosphere check your air supply status frequently
o Exit the I DLH atmosphere before the low air alarm activates to avoid using the reserve air supply
102
You may be required to replace the breathing air cylinder under the following circumstances:
o During the daily/weekly inspection if the cylinder contains less than 90% of its capacity
o During training exercises
o During long duration emergency operations
o After any emergency operations
103
Emergency exit procedures definition
these are used in life-threatening situations such as SCBA failures and catastrophic changes during the incident
104
Non-emergency exit indicators occur when:
o The situation is stabilized
o There is a change in operational strategy
o It is necessary to replace an air cylinder
o The incident commander orders and nonemergency withdrawal
o The assignment is completed
105
Emergency exit indicators include:
o Activation of SCB a low pressure air alarm
o SCB a failure
o Withdrawal orders issued by the IC or safety officer
o Changes in the environmental conditions such as temperature, wind direction and speed, water level and speed, either with or around the side of the incident
o Changes in oxygen level
o Indications of new hazards
106
If you experience any of the following symptoms of oxygen deficiency report the on radio and evacuate the area immediately:
o Lightheadedness
o Loss of coordination
o Rapid fatigue
o Disorientation
o Increased breathing rates
107
Nonemergency exit techniques
- You must be trained in nonemergency exit techniques including
o Buddy system, entry/egress paths, controlled breathing
108
Buddy system
in all hazardous atmospheres are situations firefighters work in teams of at least two members
o Team members must leave as a group or in pairs
o Individual members must never be left alone in the IDLH atmosphere
o The only time one member may work alone is in a confined space
The second team member should remain outside the area monitoring the search line ready to enter the space if the need for rescue arises
109
Controlled breathing
techniques allow for efficient air use in IDLH atmospheres
o In one method firefighters inhale naturally through the nose then forcefully exhale through the mouth reducing air consumption
110
Reilly emergency breathing method:
o Inhaling deeply through the nostrils expanding the diaphragm to fill the lungs fully when the lungs are full the SCBA wearer hums while exhaling in a slow consistent manner
111
eggress paths:
it is important to use the same path you entered
This method reduces the possibility that you will become lost her disorientated and allows you to calculate the time it will take to exit the area
o You should also be aware of other means of egress in case your entry route is blocked
o One exit technique is to follow hose lines or search lines out of an area
o Look for other possible exit points note any potential obstructions and observe the fire conditions visible at the time you enter the IDLH area
112
Permissible exposure limit
maximum time weighted concentration at which 95 percent of exposed, healthy adults suffer no adverse effects over 40 hr work week; an 8 hour time weighted average unless otherwise noted
