1. Overview

This policy shall provide the minimum criteria for the creation and implementation of a “PPE Program” for the proper selection, handling, care, maintenance and retirement of PPE (Personal Protective Ensembles) and ensemble elements used by District personnel.

2. Purpose

1. The program objective is to provide appropriate ensembles and ensemble elements for their intended use.
2. It is also the intent of this program to establish procedures for the handling of any ensemble and ensemble elements involved in an event resulting in the injury or death of a member.
3. This policy is in accordance with State OSHA and District Standard.
4. This policy is in accordance with all manufacturer use and maintenance guidelines for each element of the ensemble.

3. Policy

1. Through the guidance of the nationally recognized NFPA 1851:  Selection, Care and Maintenance Program for Structural Firefighting Protective Ensembles, it is the goal of the District to protect our members by providing a Personal Protective Ensemble appropriate for hazards they are expected to encounter.
2. It is the objective of this program to identify and reduce the safety and health risks associated with the improper handling, care, maintenance and retirement of protective ensembles and ensemble elements.
3. It is the goal of the District to be compliant with Cal OSHA’s minimum standards for PPE through the guidance of NFPA 1851 within a 5-year time period.

4. Standard

1. he mission of PPE is to provide the user an envelope of protection from multiple hazards and repeated exposures.  For structural firefighting, PPE is a system of components and elements comprised to make up an Ensemble.  Present day firefighting PPE consists of a helmet, hood, jacket, trousers, gloves, wristlets and footwear.
2. The Selection, Care and Maintenance Program consists of:

• Selection of PPE
• Terminology/Training
• Record keeping
• Inspection
• Cleaning
• Repair
• Issuing and Storage
• Retirement and Disposition
• Procedures for Events Involving Injury or Death to a Firefighter

1. Selection of PPE

1. The Selection of PPE will be the responsibility of the designated PPE Program Manager assigned to managing the Districts PPE Program.  The PPE Program Committee will be made up of the personnel who completed the 7 hour Advanced PPE Training.
2. Prior to obtaining the Districts PPE a Risk Assessment will be written that will include:  (in the process of being written)

• Climate
• Types of incidents responding to
• Frequency of use of equipment
• Past experiences

3. The Risk Assessment shall be reviewed on an annual basis or as deemed necessary.  The selection process will evaluate comparative information on all equipment elements to ensure they will perform based on the risk assessment.  The process will consider:

• PPE performance expectations to include thermal and physiological affects
• Style/design for user comfort and wear performance
• Construction for quality, durability and garment life
• Manufacturer capabilities to meet performance demands, technical information, service, warranty and customer support

2. Terminology

1. Elements – the parts or items that comprise the protective ensemble.  The protective ensemble elements are coats, trousers, coveralls, helmets, gloves and footwear.
2. Ensemble – Multiple elements of clothing and equipment designed to provide a degree of protection for the firefighters from adverse exposures to the inherent risks of structural firefighting operations and certain other emergency operations.  The elements of the protective ensemble are coats, trousers, coveralls, helmets, gloves and footwear.
3. Inspections

1. Routine Inspection – All members of the District who have been issued a protective ensemble or ensemble elements have been trained to perform a Routine Inspection as directed in this document.  A Routine Inspection is a brief inspection of all elements/components of PPE.  Training on Routine Inspections may be performed by any member of the District who participated in the PPE training provided annually.
2. Advanced Inspection – Advanced Inspections are performed by the PPE Program Manager who has been trained to perform Advanced Inspections as directed by this document.  An Advanced Inspection is a thorough inspection of all elements/components of PPE.  Training on Advanced Inspections may be performed by the PPE Program Manager.

4. Cleaning

1. Routine Cleaning – Routine Cleaning is a light cleaning of PPE performed by the end user without taking the equipment out of service.  All members of this organization who have been issued PPE have been trained to perform a Routine Cleaning.  Training on Routine Cleaning may be performed by any member of the District who participated in the PPE Training provided annually.
2. Advanced Cleaning – Advanced Cleaning is the thorough cleaning of ensembles or ensemble elements by washing with cleaning agents.  Advanced Cleaning shall be performed by the individuals on the PPE Program Committee or by any other member of the District as long as they are under the direction of the PPE Program Manager.  All training shall be documented in Firehouse.

3. Record Keeping

1. The PPE Program Manager shall maintain and/or require contracted vendor(s) (ECMS) to maintain records on all structural firefighting ensembles or ensemble elements.
2. At a minimum, the following data shall be recorded:

• Person to whom element is issued
• Date and condition when issued
• Manufacturer and model name or design
• Manufacturer’s identification number, lot number, or serial number
• Month and year of manufacture
• Date of and findings of Advanced Inspection (required at least every 12 months)
• Date of Advanced Cleaning (required at least every 12 months)
• Date of Specialized Cleaning (required when decontamination is necessary)
• Reason for Advanced Cleaning or Specialized Cleaning and who performed the task.
• Date of repairs, who performed repairs, and brief description of all repairs.
• Date of retirement
• Date and method of disposal

3. The records may be collected and stored as hard paper copies or collected and stored electronically.  Records shall be maintained until the element is retired and disposition has occurred.  If resources permit, records should be kept for at least 12 months past retirement.

4. Inspection

1. General Information

1. The purpose of the inspection process is to determine the serviceability of the PPE by identifying damage that, if left unnoticed, could result in a failure of that element.
2. Elements that are found to be damaged shall be immediately removed from service and evaluated by a member of this organization, who is specially trained and qualified, to determine if the element is to be repaired or retired.
3. Inspections shall be classified as Routine Inspection or Advanced Inspection

2. Routine Inspection

1. Routine Inspection is the responsibility of each member of the District who has been issued a protective ensemble or ensemble elements.
2. Routine Inspections shall be completed after each use, after exposure to an event that could have resulted in damage to the element or as warranted.
3. The District encourages each member to periodically conduct a routine on his/her PPE.

3. Routine Inspection Procedures

The routine Inspection shall include the following minimum criteria:

1. Jacket and Trouser

• Soiling or contamination physical damage such as rips, tears and cuts
• Damaged/ missing hardware and closure systems
• Thermal damage such as charring, burn holes and melting
• Damaged or missing reflective trim

2. Hood

• Soiling or contamination
• Physical damage such as rips, tears and cuts
• Thermal damage such as charring, burn holes and melting
• Loss of face opening adjustment

3. Helmet

• Soiling or contamination
• Physical damage to the shell such as cracks, crazing, dents, soft spots and abrasions
• Thermal damage to the shell such as bubbling, soft spots, warping or discoloration
• Physical damage to the ear flaps such as rips, tears and cuts
• Thermal damage such as charring, burn holes and melting
• Damaged or missing components of the suspension and retention systems
• Damaged or missing components of the face shield/goggle lens limiting visibility
• Damaged or missing reflective trim

4. Gloves

• Soiling or contamination
• Physical damage such as cuts, tears and cuts
• Thermal damage such as charring, burn holes and melting
• Inverted liner
• Shrinkage
• Loss of elasticity/flexibility

5. Footwear

• Soiling or contamination
• Physical damage such as cuts, tears and punctures
• Thermal damage such as charring, burn holes and melting
• Exposed/deformed steel toe, steel midsole and shank
• Loss of water resistance

4. Advanced Inspection

1. Advanced Inspections of all ensembles or ensemble elements shall be conducted at a minimum of every 12 months or whenever Routine Inspections indicate that a problem may exist.
2. Advanced Inspections shall be conducted by members of the PPE Committee that received Advanced PPE Training in the inspection of structural firefighting protective clothing and equipment or from a manufacturer approved repair facility (ECMS) certified to conduct Advanced Inspections.
3. The findings of the Advanced Inspection shall be documented on an inspection/repair form.
4. Universal Precautions shall be utilized when handling elements.
5. An Advanced Inspection shall be completed prior to any element being returned to service from Advanced Cleaning, Specialized Cleaning or Repair.

5. Cleaning

1. General Information

1. Universal Precautions (latex gloves & mask) shall always be utilized when handling soiled and contaminated elements.
2. Soiled or contaminated PPE elements shall not be brought into the home, washed in home laundries or washed in public laundries.
3. Chlorine bleach or chlorinated solvents shall never be used to clean or decontaminate ensembles or ensemble elements.
4. Protective ensembles and ensemble elements shall be cleaned separately from non-protective items.
5. To prevent damage to components and cross contamination, the shells and liners of protective garment elements shall be separated and cleaned with like items (shells with shells and liners with liners, etc.)
6. Cleaning shall be classified as Routine Cleaning, Advanced Cleaning and Specialized Cleaning.

2. Routine Cleaning

1. Routine cleaning is the responsibility of each member of the District who has been issued a protective ensemble or ensemble elements.
2. Routine Cleaning shall be completed following an event that results in soiling or contamination to the element or as warranted.

3. Routine Cleaning Procedures

1. When possible, initiate cleaning at the incident scene.
2. Brush off any dry debris.
3. Gently rinse off any dry debris with a water hose.
4. If necessary, scrub gently with a soft bristle brush and rinse off again.
5. If necessary spot clean using a utility sink.
6. Inspect for soiling and contamination and repeat process if necessary.
7. All elements shall be air dried in an area with good ventilation.

Should Routine Cleaning fail to render the element(s) sufficiently clean for service, the element(s) shall receive Advanced Cleaning.

4. Advanced Cleaning

1. Advanced Cleaning shall be performed by machine washing only, no hand washing.
2. Advanced Cleaning shall be performed by a member of the PPE Committee that completed the Advanced PPE Training, or by an individual who is under the supervision of a member of the PPE Committee.
3. Advanced Cleaning can also be performed by a certified repair facility.
4. Advanced Cleaning is required every 12 months or after an event that results in soiling to the extent that Routine Cleaning can not handle.
5. All Advanced Cleanings shall be documented on the PPE Cleaning Log located with the extractor at Station 49.
6. Under no circumstances shall turnouts be taken home to be cleaned.

5. Advanced Cleaning Procedures (extractor station 49)

1. Check all pockets for items and remove them.
2. Brush off any debris.
3. Separate each element (jacket & trouser) into individual components (shell & liner).  Make sure liner is labeled with your name.  If the jacket contains a removable DRD, (Drag Rescue Device) remove it from the jacket.  Wash the DRD only if necessary.
4. For washing the outer shell components, secure all closures, pocket flaps, collar flaps, etc
5. For washing the liner component, turn liner inside out.  Do not wash with outer shell components.
6. Load Components (e.g. shell or liner) into the extractor.  Outer shell components shall be washed separate from liner.  Extractor must have a full load for proper cleaning, 10-12 pieces.  Utilize towels from container to create a full load if not enough shells and liners are available.  Close door and confirm secure.
7. Select the proper wash formula (Extractor display only!  Do not touch the blue Tri-Star display).  See following page for wash formulas.

RUN FORMULA

FORMULA NUMBER 07

This is the run formula display.  From this display, the operator can select a formula to run, as directed below.

▲Moves forward through the formulas

▼Moves backward through the formulas

8. Begin the wash cycle.  1 (start button) Starts the machine with the selected formula.
9. When washing is complete hang dry all components.  To open door depress black button on the machine control while pushing on the door latch.  Return extractor display to Run Formula by depressing the cancel button (4th button on the display).
10. Record all Advanced Cleanings on the PPE Log located in the cleaning program guide binder (kept with the extractor).

6. Specialized Cleaning (Hazardous Material Exposure)

1. Specialized Cleaning shall be performed when ensembles or ensemble elements are known or suspected to be contaminated with hazardous materials or biological agents.
2. Specialized Cleaning shall be performed by a certified repair facility (ECMS).
3. Ensembles or ensemble elements that are known or suspected to be contaminated with hazardous materials or biological agents shall be isolated, tagged, bagged and removed from service.  The PPE Program manager shall be notified so that arrangements can be made for Specialized Cleaning.

6. Repairs

1. All PPE repairs shall be organized by the PPE Program Manager and sent to an authorized vendor as posed by the PPE Program Manager.
2. All elements shall be subjected to an Advanced or Specialized Cleaning before any repair work is done.

7. Issuing and Storage

1. Issuing

1. All new or previously issued PPE ensembles or elements shall be issued through the PPE Program Manager.
2. All fittings of new ensembles shall be conducted by a representative of an authorized vendor as posed by the PPE Program Manager.
3. Only fire department issued PPE shall be used.  All vendors mentioned in this policy shall be reassessed when this policy is reviewed for certification compliance and market comparability.
4. Fire Department personnel shall make every effort not to wear PPE inside station living quarters.  Exceptions may be made at the company officers discretion.  Exceptions may include move-ups (middle of the night).
5. While on duty PPE shall be kept on or near the apparatus when not in use.

2. Storage

1. PPE ensembles or elements shall:

• Not be stored in direct sunlight or exposed to direct sunlight while not being worn.
• Be clean and dry before storage
• Not stored in air tight containers unless new and unissued
• Not stored at temperatures below -40 F or above 180 F
• Not be subjected to sharp objects, tools or other equipment that could damage the ensemble or elements
• Not be stored in contact with fluids, solvents, fuels, fuel vapors or other contaminants
• Not be stored inside Fire Department living quarters

8. Retirement and Disposition

1. Retirement

1. Ensembles or ensemble elements shall be retired and remo
2. ved from service when they are worn or damaged to the extent that they can no longer be repaired.Ensembles or ensemble elements shall be retired and removed from service when they have exceeded 10 years of service.
3. Ensembles or ensemble elements shall be retired and removed from service when they are contaminated to the extent that decontamination is not possible, unsafe, or not effective.
4. Retirement shall be determined by the PPE Program Manager or by any member of the PPE Committee who received specialized training in the inspection and repair of ensembles and ensemble elements.
5. Recommendations for retirement can also be made by a certified repair facility.

2. Disposition

1. Ensembles or ensemble elements that have been retired shall be destroyed or disposed of in such a manner that prevents their use in firefighting or other emergencies.
2. Ensembles or ensemble elements that have been retired but are still serviceable may be used for training provided that the training does not involve live firefighting.

9. Procedures for events involving injury or death

1. If any member(s) of the District suffers serious injury or death while wearing PPE:

• The PPE will immediately be removed from service.
• Custody will be maintained by the Fire Chief or his/her designee and the PPE shall be kept in a secure location with controlled and documented access.
• All PPE shall be nondestructively tagged and stored only in paper or cardboard contain
• ers to prevent further degradation or damage.  Plastic or airtight containers shall not be used.The PPE will be made available  to qualified members of the department or outside experts as approved by the Fire Chief, to determine the condition thereof.
• Retention time for the custody of the PPE shall be determined by the Chief having authority.