Chapter Overview
Fire fighting is risky business. The fire fighter’s most important responsibility is to finish the shift or the call in the
same (or better) condition than he or she began it. Coming home safely means knowing one’s job, understanding
the risks one faces as a fire fighter, and taking steps to prevent injuries by reducing or eliminating those risks.
In this chapter, fire fighters will learn about the general knowledge requirements of fire fighters and general
principles of safety that should be followed throughout one’s career in the fire service. Self-contained breathing
apparatus (SCBA) and fire fighter personal protective equipment (PPE) are central to ensuring the safety of fire
fighters operating at a fire ground. In this chapter, the fire fighter will become familiar with the proper use of
both SCBA and PPE.
After students complete this chapter and the related course work, they will understand the basic entry requirements to become a fire fighter, what general knowledge fire fighters are expected to have, and what skills
they are expected to be able to perform. Students will also know about safe operating practices.
NFPA Standards
NFPA 1001 Standard
Fire Fighter I
General Skill Requirements. The ability to don personal protective clothing within one minute; doff
personal protective clothing and prepare for
reuse; hoist tools and equipment using ropes and
the correct knot; tie a bowline, clove hitch, figure
eight on a bight, half hitch, becket or sheet bend,
and safety knots; and locate information in departmental documents and standard or code materials.
5.3.1
Use SCBA during emergency operations, given
SCBA and other personal protective equipment,
so that the SCBA is correctly donned and activated within one minute, the SCBA is correctly
worn, controlled breathing techniques are used,
emergency procedures are enacted if the SCBA fails,
all low-air warnings are recognized, respiratory protection is not intentionally compromised, and hazardous areas are exited prior to air depletion.
5.3.1(A) Requisite Knowledge. Conditions that require respiratory protection, uses, and limitations of SCBA,
components of SCBA, donning procedures,
breathing techniques, indications for and emergency procedures used with SCBA, and physical
requirements of the SCBA wearer.
5.3.1 (B) Requisite Skills. The ability to control breathing, replace SCBA air cylinders, use SCBA to exit through
restricted passages, initiate and complete emer5.1.1.2
5.5.3
gency procedures in the event of SCBA failure or
air depletion, and complete donning procedures.
Clean and check ladders, ventilation equipment,
self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), ropes,
salvage equipment, and hand tools, given cleaning
tools, cleaning supplies, and an assignment, so that
equipment is clean and maintained according to
the manufacturer’s or departmental guidelines,
maintenance is recorded, and equipment is placed
in a ready state or reported otherwise.
Fire Fighter II
6.1.1.1
For certification at Level II, the Fire Fighter I shall
meet the general knowledge requirements in
6.1.1.1, the general skill requirements in 6.1.1.2,
and the job performance requirements defined in
Sections 6.2 through 6.5 of this standard and the
requirements defined in Chapter 5, Competencies
for the First Responder at the Operational Level of
NFPA 472, Standard for Professional Competence of
Responders to Hazardous Materials Incidents.
Additional NFPA Standards
NFPA 1404, Standard for Fire Service Respiratory Protection
Training
NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational
Safety and Health Program
NFPA 1582, Standard on Medical Requirements for Fire
Fighters and Information for Fire Department Physicians
NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Ensemble for
Structural Firefighting
NFPA 1975, Standard on Station/Work Uniforms for
Fire and Emergency Services
NFPA 1976, Standard on Protective Ensemble for
Proximity Firefighting
NFPA 1977, Standard on Protective Clothing and
Equipment for Wildland Firefighting
NFPA 1981, Standard on Open-Circuit Self-Contained
Breathing Apparatus for Fire and Emergency Services
NFPA 1982, Standard on Personal Alert Safety Systems (PASS)
Knowledge Objectives
• Discuss the educational, age, medical, physical fitness, and emergency medical care requirements
for becoming a fire fighter.
• Describe how standards and procedures, personnel, training, and equipment are related to the
prevention of fire fighter injuries and deaths.
• List safety precautions you need to take during
training, during emergency responses, at emergency incidents, at the fire station, and outside
your workplace.
• Describe the protection provided by personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Explain the importance of standards for PPE.
• Describe the limitations of PPE.
• Describe how to properly maintain PPE.
• Describe the hazards of smoke and other toxic
environments.
• Explain why respiratory protection is needed in
the fire service.
• Describe the differences between open-circuit
breathing apparatus and closed-circuit breathing
apparatus.
• Describe the limitations associated with selfcontained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
• List and describe the major components of SCBA.
• Explain the skip-breathing technique.
• Explain the safety precautions you should remember when using SCBA.
• Describe the importance of daily, monthly, and
annual SCBA inspections.
• Explain the procedures for refilling SCBA cylinders.
• List the steps for donning a complete PPE ensemble.
Skills Objectives
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Don approved personal protective clothing.
Doff approved personal protective clothing.
Don an SCBA from a seat-mounted bracket.
Don an SCBA from a side-mounted compartment.
Don an SCBA from a storage case using the overthe-head method.
Don an SCBA from a storage case using the coat
method.
Don a face piece.
Doff an SCBA.
Perform daily SCBA inspections.
Perform monthly SCBA inspections.
Replace an SCBA cylinder.
Clean and sanitize an SCBA.
Support Materials
• Dry erase board and markers or chalkboard and
chalk
• LCD projector, slide projector, or overhead projector, and projection screen
• PowerPoint® presentation, overhead transparencies, or slides
• Digital camera with downloading or projection
capabilities
• Personnel accountability system equipment in use
by the department, including tags, passports, accountability status boards, and signaling systems
• Full set of fire fighter PPE. If available, PPE that
has been cut away to expose interior construction
(i.e., cross-sectioned) will assist students in understanding how PPE is constructed to protect
them.
• Newspaper articles or videos that depict failures
of fireground safety practices that have led to injuries, deaths, or near-misses
• Copies of local departmental standard operating
procedures (SOPs) relating to personnel accountability, rapid intervention teams, rehabilitation,
and other safety-related practices
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Enhancements
• Direct the students to visit the Internet at www.FireFighter.jbpub.com for online activities.
• Direct the students to relevant sections in the Student
Workbook for application of the content introduced in
this chapter.
• Direct the students to relevant sections in the Student
Review Manual to prepare for examinations.
• Direct the students to the corresponding online FireLearn module to study the knowledge and critical
thinking skills presented online.
Teaching Tips
• It is important for the instructor to dispel the myth of
fire fighter indestructibility. New fire fighters may operate under a false sense of security about their PPE.
They can quickly develop an “it-can’t-happen-to-me”
mentality that can lead them to take unacceptable risks
on the fireground. Instructors should use videotapes,
newspaper articles, or in-person guests to relate the stories of fire fighters who have had close brushes with injury or death.
• Have each student research one fire fighter fatality that
occurred within the previous year. Documentation of
fire fighter fatalities is available yearly from both the
National Fire Protection Association and the U.S. Fire
Administration. Select a few students at random to relate to the class the circumstances of the fatality incident they researched.
• Hand out a copy of each safety-related SOP to every
student. Assign students to read each SOP thoroughly.
Reading and Preparation
• Review all instructional materials, including Fundamentals of Fire Fighter Skills, Chapter 2, and all related presentation support materials.
• Gather several examples of fire fighter PPE and personnel accountability system equipment to use for presentation support.
• Review your syllabus to confirm the sequence of this
chapter for classroom delivery.
• Review local firefighting SOPs for personnel accountability, rapid intervention teams, rehabilitation, and
other safety-related practices.
Fire Fighter Qualifications and Safety
25
Presentation Overview
Total time: 415 minutes
Pre-Lecture
I. You Are the Fire Fighter
Small Group Activity/Discussion
5 minutes
Notes
Lecture
I. Introduction
Lecture/Discussion
5 minutes
Notes
II. Fire Fighter Qualifications
Lecture/Discussion
10 minutes
Notes
III. Fire Fighter Safety
Lecture/Discussion
10 minutes
Notes
IV. Safety and Health
Lecture/Discussion
30 minutes
Notes
V. Personal Protective Equipment
Lecture/Discussion/Demonstration
45 minutes
Notes
VI. Respiratory Protection
Lecture/Discussion/Demonstration
45 minutes
Notes
VII. Summary
Lecture/Discussion
Notes
VIII. Skill Drills
A. Donning Personal Protective Clothing (Skill Drill 2-1)
B. Doffing Personal Protective Clothing (Skill Drill 2-2)
C. Donning SCBA from a Seat-Mounted Bracket (Skill Drill 2-3)
D. Donning SCBA from a Side-Mounted Compartment or
Bracket (Skill Drill 2-4)
E. Donning SCBA Using the Over-the-Head Method
(Skill Drill 2-5)
F. Donning SCBA Using the Coat Method (Skill Drill 2-6)
G. Donning a Face Piece (Skill Drill 2-7)
H. Doffing SCBA (Skill Drill 2-8)
I. Daily SCBA Inspection (Skill Drill 2-9)
J. Monthly SCBA Inspection (Skill Drill 2-10)
K. Replacing an SCBA Cylinder (Skill Drill 2-11)
L. Cleaning and Sanitizing SCBA (Skill Drill 2-12)
Notes
Post-Lecture
I. Wrap-Up
A. Fire Fighter in Action
B. Technology Resources (www.FireFighter.jbpub.com)
II. Lesson Review
III. Assignments
IV. Chapter 2 Instructor Keyed Quiz
Notes
Demonstration/Group Activity
Small Group Activity/Individual Activity/Discussion
Small Group/Individual Activity
Discussion
Lecture
Individual Activity
5 minutes
180 minutes
20 minutes
20 minutes
15 minutes
5 minutes
20 minutes
26
FUNDAMENTALS
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Lesson Plan
Pre-Lecture
You Are the Fire Fighter
Time: 5 minutes
Small Group Activity/Discussion
Use this activity to motivate students to learn the knowledge and skills needed to perform their duties as a fire fighter
safely and correctly.
Purpose
To allow students an opportunity to explore the significance and concerns associated with basic fireground safety.
Instructor Directions
1. Direct students to read the “You Are the Fire Fighter” scenario found in the beginning of Chapter 2.
2. You may assign students to a partner or a group. Direct them to review the discussion questions at the end of the scenario and
prepare a response to each question. Facilitate a class dialogue centered on the discussion questions.
3. You may also assign this as an individual activity and ask students to turn in their comments on a separate piece of paper.
Lesson Plan
Lecture
SLIDE TEXT
LECTURE NOTES
I. Introduction
Time: 5 minutes
Slides: 1-9
Lecture/Discussion
Slides 1-7
Chapter Objectives
Slide 8
Introduction
(1 of 2)
• Fire fighters must meet certain qualifications
to perform their jobs adequately and safely.
A. Fire fighters must meet certain qualifications in order to
perform their jobs adequately and safely.
B. National, state, and local laws and standards govern the
knowledge, training, performance capabilities, and other
qualifications required of fire fighters.
• National, state, and local standards govern the knowledge, training, performance
capabilities, and other qualifications.
Slide 9
Introduction
(2 of 2)
• Fire fighter safety is paramount in all
operations.
• Fire fighters must be trained and proficient
in the use of personal protective clothing
and respiratory protection equipment.
C. Fire fighter safety is paramount in all operations.
D. Fire fighters must be trained and proficient in the use of
fire fighter personal protective clothing and respiratory
protection equipment.
Fire Fighter Qualifications and Safety
SLIDE TEXT
27
LECTURE NOTES
II. Fire Fighter Qualifications
Time: 10 minutes
Slides: 10-12
Lecture/Discussion
Slide 10
Fire Fighter Qualifications
(1 of 3)
• NFPA 1001 outlines training and performance qualifications.
• Age, education requirements, medical requirements, and other criteria established locally
Slide 11
A. NFPA 1001, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional
Qualifications spells out training and performance
qualifications for fire fighters.
B. Age, education requirements, medical requirements, and
other criteria are established locally.
C. Age Requirements
Fire Fighter Qualifications
1. Generally 18, although some departments require 21.
(2 of 3)
• Age requirements:
2. In some volunteer departments, junior members can join at 16.
– Generally 18, but some departments
require 21
• Education requirements:
– Most career departments require high
school diploma.
D. Education Requirements
1. Most career departments require at least a high school diploma.
2. Some departments require college-level classes.
3. Additional classes are required for promotion or extra responsibility.
– Some departments require collegelevel classes.
Slide 12
Fire Fighter Qualifications
(3 of 3)
• Medical requirements:
– NFPA 1582 requires pre-training
medical evaluation.
• Emergency medical care requirements:
– Under NFPA 1001, departments may
specify a minimum level of emergency medical care training.
E. Medical Requirements
1. A pre-training medical evaluation is required by NFPA 1582, Standard on Medical
Requirements for Fire Fighters and Information for Fire Department Physicians.
F. Emergency Medical Care Requirements
1. Under NFPA 1001, fire departments may specify a minimum level of emergency
medical care training required for entry into the department.
III. Fire Fighter Safety
Time: 10 minutes
Slides: 13-27
Lecture/Discussion
Slide 13
Fire Fighter Safety
(1 of 2)
• Firefighting is inherently dangerous.
• Departments must do what they can to
reduce known hazards and dangers.
A. Introduction to Fire Fighter Safety
1. Common sense tells us firefighting is inherently dangerous.
2. Fire departments must do what they can to reduce the hazards and dangers of
the job.
28
FUNDAMENTALS
SLIDE TEXT
OF
FIRE FIGHTER SKILLS
LECTURE NOTES
Slide 14
Fire Fighter Safety
(2 of 2)
• IC has ultimate responsibility for the
overall safety of every operation.
• Safety officer is responsible for evaluating hazards and recommending appropriate safety measures.
• Final responsibility for personal safety
falls to the individual fire fighter.
Slide 15
Causes of Fire Fighter Deaths and
Injuries
(1 of 5)
• Each year about 100 fire fighters are
killed in the line of duty in the U.S.
• Deaths occur:
– At emergency incidents
a. The incident commander has ultimate responsibility for the overall safety of
every fireground operation.
b. The safety officer is responsible for evaluating the hazards of various situations and recommending appropriate safety measures to the incident commander.
c. Fire departments should review and revise their safety procedures regularly.
d. Safety must be fully integrated in every activity, procedure, and job description.
e. The final responsibility for personal safety falls to the individual fire fighter.
B. Causes of Fire Fighter Deaths and Injuries
1. Each year about 100 fire fighters are killed in the line of duty in the United
States.
2. Deaths occur:
a. At emergency incident scenes
b. In the station
c. During training
d. Responding to or returning from emergencies
– In the station
– During training
– Responding to or returning from
emergencies
Slide 16
Causes of Fire Fighter Deaths and
Injuries
3. Heart attacks (on and off the fireground) are the leading cause of fire fighter
deaths.
(2 of 5)
• Heart attacks are the leading cause of fire
fighter deaths.
– Both on and off the fireground
Slide 17
Causes of Fire Fighter Deaths and
Injuries
(3 of 5)
• Vehicle collisions
4. Vehicle collisions are a major cause of fire fighter fatalities
a. Nationally there is one emergency vehicle collision per 1,000 responses
b. 27% of fire fighter fatalities in vehicle collisions involved ejections from the
vehicle. Seatbelt usage is key!
– One emergency vehicle collision per
1,000 responses
– 27% of fatalities involved ejections
– Seatbelt usage is key!
Slide 18
Causes of Fire Fighter Deaths
and Injuries
(4 of 5)
• 82,250 line of duty injuries in 2001
(Source: NFPA)
• Strains, sprains, and soft-tissue injuries
most common
• Burns and smoke and gas inhalation only
a small percentage
5. According to the NPFA, 82,250 fire fighters were injured in the line of duty in
2001. That works out to slightly more than nine injuries per hour, every hour of
every day, nationwide.
a. Half of these injuries occurred while fighting fires.
b. 17 percent occurred at other emergencies.
c. One-third of injuries occurred in the station or while doing non-emergency
department-related activities.
d. Strains, sprains, and soft-tissue injuries were most common.
e. Burns and smoke and gas inhalation were only a small percentage.
Fire Fighter Qualifications and Safety
SLIDE TEXT
29
LECTURE NOTES
Slide 19
Causes of Fire Fighter Deaths
and Injuries
(5 of 5)
Figure 2-2
Table 2-1
Slide 20
Injury Prevention
(1 of 2)
• Every team member is responsible to
prevent injuries.
• Priority of safety on the fireground is:
– Self (personal safety)
– Other team members
– Everyone else
Slide 21
Injury Prevention
C. Injury Prevention
1. Every member of the team has the responsibility to prevent injuries. An injured
fire fighter becomes a safety liability for everyone because team strength is
diminished, the injured person may need rescue and medical care, and a fire
fighter injury becomes a psychological distraction for all emergency personnel.
2. The relative priority of safety on the fireground is:
a. Self (personal safety)
b. Other team members
c. Everyone else present at the emergency scene
3. A successful safety program will address standards and procedures, personnel,
training, and equipment.
(2 of 2)
• A successful safety program will address:
– standards and procedures
– personnel
– training
– equipment
Slide 22
Standards and Procedures
(1 of 2)
• Fire service safety is governed by:
– NFPA 1500
– State and federal agencies or programs
• Every department should have SOPs
Slide 23
Standards and Procedures
(2 of 2)
• IMS used in the command and control of
emergency incidents to ensure safe operations.
• Each department should have (or consider
having) a health and safety committee.
D. Standards and Procedures
1. Fire service safety is governed by NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department
Occupational Safety and Health Program, and state and federal agencies or
programs, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
2. Every fire department should have a set of standard operating procedures (SOPs)
or standard operating guidelines (SOGs).
a. SOPs or SOGs cover a range of topics from uniform and grooming standards
to emergency scene operations.
b. Every fire fighter is responsible for understanding and following applicable
SOPs or SOGs.
3. The Incident Management System (IMS) is used in the command and control of
emergency incidents. Using the IMS helps ensure safe operations, so it should be
implemented at every scene.
4. Each department should have (or consider having) a health and safety
committee.
30
FUNDAMENTALS
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FIRE FIGHTER SKILLS
SLIDE TEXT
Slide 24
Personnel
(1 of 2)
• A safety program is only as effective as
the individuals who implement it.
LECTURE NOTES
E. Personnel
1. A safety program is only as effective as the individuals who implement it.
2. Working as part of a team is essential to safe operations.
• Teamwork is essential to safe operations.
3. Freelancing, or acting independently of orders or SOPs, is extremely dangerous
and has no place on the fireground.
• “Freelancing” is acting independently of
orders or SOPs or SOGs.
4. A fire fighter who freelances endangers not only him- or herself, but everyone
else at the scene who may need to rescue that fire fighter.
• Freelancing is extremely dangerous and
has no place on the fireground.
Slide 25
Personnel
(2 of 2)
• Safety officer
– Designated member of the fire
department
5. A safety officer is a designated member of the fire department whose primary
responsibility is safety.
a. Safety officers report directly to the incident commander.
b. Safety officers have the authority to stop any action that they judge to be
unsafe.
– Primary responsibility is safety.
– Reports directly to the IC.
– Has the authority to stop any action
deemed to be unsafe.
Slide 26
Training
• Knowledge and skills from training are
essential for safety.
• Fire fighters must continually seek out
additional courses and work to keep
their skills current.
Slide 27
Equipment
• Fire fighters must know how to use
equipment properly and operate it safely.
• Equipment must be properly maintained.
• Follow manufacturers’ operating instructions and safety procedures.
F. Training
1. The knowledge and skills developed during training classes are essential for
safety.
2. Fire fighters must continually seek out additional courses and work to keep their
skills current to ensure personal and team safety.
G. Equipment
1. Fire fighters must know how to use equipment properly and operate it safely.
2. Equipment also must be properly maintained.
3. Follow manufacturers’ operating instructions and safety procedures.
a. Use equipment for its intended purpose.
b. Do not exceed manufacturers’ safety parameters for chosen equipment.
c. Ensure equipment purchased meets applicable standards for its intended use.
Fire Fighter Qualifications and Safety
SLIDE TEXT
31
LECTURE NOTES
IV. Safety and Health
Time: 30 minutes
Slides: 28-57
Lecture/Discussion
Slide 28
Safety and Health
(1 of 4)
• A healthful lifestyle includes:
A. Personal Safety and Health
1. A healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, weight training, and
cardiovascular exercises helps reduce many risk factors for heart disease and
enables fire fighters to meet the physical demands of the job.
– a balanced diet
– weight training
– cardiovascular exercises
• A healthful lifestyle:
– helps reduce risk factors for heart
disease
– enables fire fighters to meet the physical demands of the job
Slide 29
2. Each department member is responsible for personal conditioning and nutrition.
Safety and Health
3. All fire fighters, whether paid or volunteer, should spend at least an hour a day in
physical fitness training.
(2 of 4)
• Each department member is responsible
for personal conditioning and nutrition.
• All fire fighters should spend at least one
hour a day in physical fitness training.
Slide 30
Safety and Health
(3 of 4)
• Drink up to a gallon of water each day to
keep properly hydrated.
• Diet is an important aspect of physical
fitness.
4. Fire fighters should drink up to a gallon of water each day to keep properly
hydrated.
5. Diet is an important aspect of physical fitness.
6. Fire fighters should avoid tobacco products entirely for both health and
insurance reasons.
• Avoid tobacco products entirely for both
health and insurance reasons.
Slide 31
7. Fire fighters should never work under the effects of alcohol or drugs.
Safety and Health
8. Fire fighters who use drugs endanger their lives, the lives of their team members,
and the lives of the public they serve.
(4 of 4)
• Never work under the effects of alcohol
or drugs.
– Ensure off duty alcohol consumption
is within reason and never more than
eight hours before going on duty.
32
FUNDAMENTALS
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SLIDE TEXT
Slide 32
Employee Assistance Programs
• Provide help with a wide range of
problems.
• Fire fighters who use an EAP can do so
with complete confidentiality and without fear of retribution.
LECTURE NOTES
C. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
1. EAPs provide help with a wide range of problems that might affect performance,
including:
a. Physical problems
b. Financial problems
c. Emotional problems
d. Substance abuse problems
2. Fire fighters who use an EAP can do so with complete confidentiality and
without fear of retribution.
Slide 33
Safety During Training
(1 of 3)
• Average of nine fire fighters are fatally injured during training exercises every
year. (Source: NFPA)
• Proper protective gear and teamwork are
as important during training as they are
on the fireground.
D. Safety During Training
1. According to the NFPA, an average of nine fire fighters are fatally injured during
training exercises every year.
2. Proper protective gear and teamwork are as important during training as they
are on the fireground.
3. Developing the proper (i.e., safe) working habits during training courses helps
ensure safety later (on the fireground).
• Following safe working habits during training helps ensure safety on the fireground.
Slide 34
4. Do not attempt anything you feel is beyond your ability or knowledge.
Safety During Training
5. If you see something that you feel is an unsafe practice, bring it to the attention
of your instructors or a designated safety officer.
(2 of 3)
• Do not attempt anything you feel is beyond your ability or knowledge.
• Bring unsafe practices to the attention
of your instructors or designated safety
officer.
Slide 35
6. Do not freelance during training (or any other time)!
Safety During Training
7. Work as a team!
(3 of 3)
• No freelancing during training (or any
other time)!
8. A fire fighter injured during training should not return until medically cleared for
duty.
• Work as a team!
• A fire fighter injured during training
should not return until medically cleared
for duty.
Slide 36
Safety During Emergency Response
(1 of 2)
• Walk quickly to the apparatus; do not run.
• Personal protective gear should be properly positioned so you can don it quickly
before getting into the apparatus.
E. Safety During Emergency Response
1. Walk quickly to the apparatus; do not run. You do not want to slip and become
injured.
2. Personal protective gear should be properly positioned so you can don it quickly
before getting into the apparatus.
Fire Fighter Qualifications and Safety
SLIDE TEXT
Slide 37
Safety During Emergency Response
(2 of 2)
• Be sure that seat belts are properly fastened before the apparatus begins to move.
• Know how to don seat-mounted SCBA
without compromising safety.
33
LECTURE NOTES
3. Be sure that seat belts are properly fastened before the apparatus begins to
move.
4. Know how to don seat-mounted SCBA without compromising safety.
5. The few seconds gained by speeding are not worth the risk created.
6. Comply with all applicable traffic laws.
• Do not speed!
• Comply with all applicable traffic laws.
Slide 38
Safety at Emergency Incidents
(1 of 2)
• Wait for the officer in command to “sizeup” the situation.
• Use the buddy system.
• Adhere to a personnel accountability
system.
F. Safety at Emergency Incidents
1. Fire fighters should never charge blindly into action.
2. The commanding officer will “size-up” the situation and evaluate conditions.
3. Wait for the officer in command to “size-up” the situation before acting.
a. Follow the officer’s instructions.
b. Do not freelance.
• Understand incident scene hazards.
• Use tools and equipment safely.
Slide 39
Safety at Emergency Incidents
(2 of 2)
• Take precautions for electrical safety.
• Practice good lifting and moving
techniques.
• Use caution in adverse weather.
• Ensure sufficient time is spent in
rehabilitation.
• Know how to cope with violent scenes.
Slide 40
The Buddy System
(1 of 2)
• Never work alone.
• If one team member needs to leave the
structure, the entire team must leave together.
4. Use the buddy system.
a. Maintain a minimum of two fire fighters in each team.
b. Never work alone.
c. If one member of the team needs to leave the structure, the entire team must
leave together.
d. Maintain visual, vocal, or physical contact with each other at all times.
• Maintain visual, vocal, or physical contact with each other at all times.
Slide 41
The Buddy System
(2 of 2)
• Buddies check each other’s PPE to ensure
it is on and working correctly.
• At least one team member should have a
portable two-way radio.
• Have a back-up team ready.
e. Team members should check each other’s PPE to ensure it is on and working
correctly before they enter a hazardous area.
f. At least one member of each team should have a portable two-way radio.
g. A back-up team needs to be in place anytime fire fighters are in a hazardous
area in case the entry team has to be rescued.
h. A designated rapid intervention team should be established and positioned
outside the hazardous area.
34
FUNDAMENTALS
SLIDE TEXT
Slide 42
Accountability
(1 of 2)
• Personnel accountability system:
• Provides an up-to-date accounting of
everyone at the incident and how they
are organized.
• Fire fighters must learn their department’s system, how to work within it,
and how it works within IMS.
Slide 43
Accountability
(2 of 2)
• Acceptable systems include:
– Paper-based systems
– Display boards
OF
FIRE FIGHTER SKILLS
LECTURE NOTES
5. Adhere to the personnel accountability system.
a. Every fire department should have a personnel accountability system to track
personnel and assignments on the emergency scene.
b. The system should record:
i. The individuals assigned to each team
ii. The assignments for each team
iii. The team’s current activities
c. The purpose of a personnel accountability system is to provide an up-todate accounting of everyone who is working at the incident and how they
are organized.
d. Fire fighters must learn their department’s accountability system, how to
work within it, and how it works within the IMS.
e. Acceptable personnel accountability systems include:
i. Paper-based systems
ii. Display boards
iii. Laptop computer systems
iv. “Passport”-type systems
v. Accountability tag systems
– Laptop computer systems
– “Passport” systems
– Accountability tag systems
Slide 44
Incident Scene Hazards
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Always operate within established boundaries and protected work areas.
• Changing fire conditions will affect
safety.
6. Understand incident scene hazards.
a. Fire fighters must be aware of their surroundings when performing their assigned tasks at an emergency scene.
b. Always operate within established boundaries and protected work areas.
c. Changing fire conditions will also affect safety.
d. Because the chance for injury increases when you are tired, do not let down
your safety guard even though the main part of the fire is over.
• Do not let down your safety guard even
though the main part of the fire is over.
Slide 45
Using Tools and Equipment Safely
(1 of 2)
• Learn to use tools and equipment properly and safely before using them at an
emergency incident.
7. Use tools and equipment safely.
a. Learn how to use tools and equipment properly and safely before using them
at an emergency incident.
b. Use protective gear such as PPE, safety glasses, and hearing protection when
they are required.
• Use protective gear such as PPE, safety
glasses, and hearing protection.
Slide 46
Using Tools and Equipment Safely
(2 of 2)
• Equipment should always be in excellent
condition and ready for use.
• Practice doing basic repairs on tools and
equipment at the fire station.
c. Equipment should always be in excellent condition and ready for use.
d. Practice doing basic repairs on tools and equipment at the fire station until
you can perform them quickly and safely on the emergency scene.
Fire Fighter Qualifications and Safety
SLIDE TEXT
Slide 47
Electrical Safety
(1 of 2)
• Energized power lines may be present on
the fireground.
35
LECTURE NOTES
8. Take precautions for electrical safety.
a. Energized power lines may be present on the fireground.
b. Always check for overhead power lines when raising ladders.
c. During any firefighting operations, the electric power supply to the building
should be turned off.
• Always check for overhead power lines
when raising ladders.
• Electric power supply to the building
should be turned off.
Slide 48
Electrical Safety
(2 of 2)
• Park apparatus outside the area and away
from power lines.
d. Park apparatus outside the area and away from power lines when responding
to a call for an electrical emergency.
e. A downed power line should be considered energized until the power company confirms that it is dead.
f. Do not use water to suppress fires near downed power lines.
• A downed power line should be considered energized until the power company
confirms that it is dead.
• Do not use water to suppress fires near
downed power lines.
Slide 49
Lifting and Moving
• Do not try to move something that is too
heavy alone—ask for help.
9. Practice good lifting and moving techniques.
a. Do not try to move something that is too heavy alone—ask for help.
b. Prevent back injuries by always bending at the knees and using the legs to
lift.
• Prevent back injuries by always bending
at the knees and using the legs to lift.
Slide 50
Working in Adverse Weather
Conditions
• Dress appropriately for adverse weather
conditions.
10. Use caution in adverse weather conditions.
a. Dress appropriately for adverse weather conditions.
b. Watch your footing on slippery surfaces.
• Watch your footing on slippery surfaces.
Slide 51
Rehabilitation
(1 of 3)
• Fatigued fire fighters are more prone to
making mistakes and becoming injured.
11. Ensure sufficient time is spent in rehabilitation.
a. Fatigued fire fighters are more prone to making mistakes and becoming injured.
b. Rehabilitation is a systematic process to provide periods of rest and recovery
for emergency workers during an incident.
• Rehabilitation is a systematic process to
provide periods of rest and recovery for
emergency workers during an incident.
Slide 52
Rehabilitation
(2 of 3)
• “Rehab” time can be used to:
– replace SCBA cylinders
– obtain new batteries for portable radios
– make repairs or adjustments to tools
or equipment
c. Rehabilitation time can be used to replace SCBA cylinders, obtain new
batteries for portable radios, and make repairs or adjustments to tools or
equipment.
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FUNDAMENTALS
SLIDE TEXT
Slide 53
Rehabilitation
(3 of 3)
• Personnel should not return to duty until they are rested and refreshed.
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FIRE FIGHTER SKILLS
LECTURE NOTES
d. Personnel should not be released from rehabilitation until they are rested, refreshed, and ready for another work cycle.
e. Any fire fighter exhibiting signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion, or chest
pain or discomfort should stop and seek medical attention immediately.
• Any fire fighter exhibiting signs and
symptoms of heat exhaustion, chest pain
or discomfort should stop and seek medical attention immediately.
Slide 54
Violence at the Scene
• Fire fighters must sometimes contend
with violent scenes.
• Do not proceed to the scene until the police have declared it safe.
• If confronted with a potentially violent
situation, do not respond violently.
Slide 55
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing
• CISD provides a forum for personnel to
discuss anxieties, stress, and emotions
triggered by difficult calls.
• Most departments have CISD staff available 24 hours a day.
Slide 56
12. Know how to cope with violence at the scene.
a. Fire fighters must sometimes contend with violent scenes.
b. Do not proceed to the scene until the police have declared it safe.
c. If the scene is not secure and there is any threat to personal safety, slowly
back away from the emergency scene to a safe distance and request the police
to secure the scene.
d. If you are confronted with a potentially violent situation, do not respond
violently.
13. Critical Incident Stress Debriefing
a. Fire fighters involved in difficult or emotionally traumatic calls may be required to attend a critical incident stress debriefing (CISD).
b. CISD provides a forum for firefighting and EMS personnel to discuss the
anxieties, stress, and emotions triggered by a difficult call.
c. Most departments have qualified, designated CISD staff available 24 hours a
day.
G. Safety at the Fire Station
Safety at the Fire Station
1. Fire fighters will spend much of their shift time at the fire station.
• Be careful when working with power
tools, ladders, electrical appliances, pressurized cylinders, and hot surfaces.
2. Injuries that occur at the firehouse can be just as devastating as those that occur
at an emergency incident scene.
• Injuries that occur at the firehouse can
be just as devastating as those that occur
at an emergency incident scene.
Slide 57
Safety Outside Your Workplace
• Follow safe practices when you are offduty.
• An accident or injury, regardless of
where it happens, can end your career as
a fire fighter.
3. Be careful when working with power tools, ladders, electrical appliances,
pressurized cylinders, and hot surfaces.
H. Safety Outside Your Workplace
1. An accident or injury, regardless of where it happens, can end your career as a
fire fighter.
2. Follow safe practices when you are off-duty.
Fire Fighter Qualifications and Safety
SLIDE TEXT
37
LECTURE NOTES
V. Personal Protective Equipment
Time: 45 minutes
Slides: 58-85
Lecture/Discussion/Demonstration
Slide 58
Personal Protective Equipment
• PPE is an essential component of a fire
fighter’s safety system.
• PPE must provide full body coverage and
protection from a variety of hazards.
Slide 59
Structural Firefighting Ensemble
• Structural firefighting PPE is designed to
be worn with SCBA.
A. Structural Firefighting Ensemble
1. Introduction to PPE
a. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is an essential component of a fire
fighter’s safety system.
b. The more you know about the protection your PPE can provide, the better
you will be able to judge conditions that exceed its limitations.
c. A fire fighter’s PPE must provide full body coverage and protection from a
variety of hazards.
d. Structural firefighting PPE is designed to be worn with self-contained breathing apparatus, which provides respiratory protection.
e. To be effective, the entire ensemble must be worn whenever potential exposure to those hazards exists.
• To be effective, the entire ensemble must
be worn whenever potential exposure to
those hazards exists.
2. Protection Provided
a. Coat and trousers have tough outer shells that can withstand high temperatures, repel water, and provide protection from abrasions and sharp objects.
b. Knees may be reinforced with leather pads for greater protection when
crawling.
c. Fluorescent/reflective trim adds visibility.
d. Insulating layers of fire-resistant materials protect the skin from high temperatures.
e. A moisture barrier between the layers keeps liquids and vapors, such as hot
water or steam, from reaching the skin.
Slide 60
3. Helmet
a. Helmet design must meet the requirements specified in NFPA 1971, Standard
on Protective Ensemble for Structural Firefighting.
b. The helmet provides protection from trauma to the head and includes ear
coverings.
c. The hard outer shell is lined with energy-absorbing material and has a suspension system to provide impact protection against falling objects.
d. The shape of the helmet helps to deflect water away from the head and neck.
Protection Provided by the Helmet
(1 of 3)
• Protects against blunt trauma and includes ear coverings.
• A hard outer shell is lined with energyabsorbing material and a suspension system protects against impact from falling
objects.
• The shape of the helmet deflects water
from the head and neck.
Slide 61
Protection Provided by the Helmet
(2 of 3)
• A face shield, goggles, or both, protect
the eyes.
• A chin strap keeps the helmet in the
proper position.
e. Face and eye protection can be provided by a face shield, goggles, or both,
which are generally attached to the helmet.
f. A chin strap is also required and must be worn to keep the helmet in the
proper position.
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FUNDAMENTALS
SLIDE TEXT
Slide 62
Protection Provided by the Helmet
(3 of 3)
• When entering a burning building, the
fire fighter should pull down the ear tabs
for maximum protection.
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FIRE FIGHTER SKILLS
LECTURE NOTES
g. When entering a burning building, the fire fighter should pull down the ear
tabs for maximum protection.
h. Helmet shells are often color-coded according to the fire fighter’s rank and
function.
• Helmet shells are often color-coded according to the fire fighter’s rank and function.
Slide 63
Protection Provided by the Protective
Hood
• Covers any exposed skin between the
coat collar and the helmet.
• Constructed of flame-resistant materials
such as Nomex® or PBI®.
4. Protective Hood
a. A fire-retardant hood covers any exposed skin between the coat collar and
the helmet.
b. Hoods are constructed of flame-resistant materials such as Nomex® or PBI®.
c. Protective hoods are worn over the face piece but under the helmet.
d. Carefully fit the hood around the face piece so that no areas of bare skin are
left exposed.
• Worn over the face piece but under the
helmet.
Slide 64
Protection Provided by Turnout Gear
(1 of 4)
• Turnout coat and bunker pants have
tough outer shells.
– Can withstand high temperatures
– Repel water
5. Turnout Coat
a. Turnout coats have three layers:
i. Protective outer shell, constructed of a sturdy, flame-resistant, waterrepellant material such as Nomex, Kevlar®, or PBI.
ii. Moisture barrier, which helps prevent the transfer of water, steam, and
other fluids to the skin.
iii. Thermal barrier, which insulates the body from external temperatures.
– Protect against abrasions and sharp
objects
• Leather pads on knees for protection
when crawling.
Slide 65
Protection Provided by Turnout Gear
(2 of 4)
• Reflective trim adds visibility.
• Insulating layers of fire-resistant materials protect from high heat.
• Moisture barrier keeps hot liquids and
vapors from reaching the skin.
Slide 66
Protection Provided by Turnout Gear
(3 of 4)
• Sleeves have wristlets to keep out liquids
or hot embers.
• Both long and short style turnout coats
will protect the body as long as the
matching style of pants or coveralls are
also worn.
b. The coat’s sleeves have wristlets that prevent liquids or hot embers from getting between the sleeves and the skin.
c. Both long and short style turnout coats will protect the body as long as the
matching style of pants or coveralls are also worn.
Fire Fighter Qualifications and Safety
SLIDE TEXT
Slide 67
Protection Provided by Turnout Gear
(4 of 4)
• Bunker pants can have a waist-length or
bib-overall design.
• Manufactured with a double fastener system at the waist.
39
LECTURE NOTES
6. Bunker Pants
a. Bunker pants have the same three-layer protective system as is found in
turnout coats.
b. Constructed in a waist-length design or bib-overall configuration to match
long and short turnout coats, respectively.
c. Pants should be large enough to allow you to don them quickly.
• Should be big enough to allow you to
crawl and bend your knees.
Slide 68
Protection Provided by Boots
(1 of 2)
• Boots protect the feet and ankles from
the fire, keep them dry, prevent puncture
injuries, and protect the toes from crushing injuries.
7. Boots
a. Boots protect the feet and ankles from the fire, keep them dry, prevent puncture injuries, and protect the toes from crushing injuries.
b. Boots can be constructed of rubber or leather.
c. The outer layer repels water and must be both flame- and cut-resistant.
• Boots can be rubber or leather.
• The outer layer repels water and must be
both flame- and cut-resistant.
Slide 69
Protection Provided by Boots
(2 of 2)
• Boots must have:
– a heavy sole with a slip-resistant design,
– a puncture-resistant sole, and
d. Boots must have:
i. a heavy sole with a slip-resistant design,
ii. a puncture-resistant sole, and
iii. a reinforced toe to prevent injury from falling objects.
e. An inner liner constructed of materials such as Nomex or Kelvar adds thermal protection.
– a reinforced toe to prevent injury
from falling objects.
• An inner liner constructed of materials
such as Nomex® or Kelvar® adds thermal
protection.
Slide 70
Protection Provided by Gloves
(1 of 2)
• Gloves protect the hands from heat, cuts,
and abrasions.
8. Gloves
a. Gloves protect the hands from heat, cuts, and abrasions.
b. Firefighting gloves are usually constructed of heat-resistant leather.
c. Required wristlets prevent skin exposure during normal firefighting activities
and are usually made of knitted Nomex or Kevlar.
• Firefighting gloves are usually constructed of heat-resistant leather.
• Required wristlets prevent skin exposure
and are usually made of knitted Nomex®
or Kelvar®.
Slide 71
Protection Provided by Gloves
(2 of 2)
• A liner adds thermal protection and
serves as a moisture barrier.
• Fire fighters need to practice manual
skills while wearing gloves to become accustomed to them and to adjust movement accordingly.
d. The liner adds thermal protection and serves as a moisture barrier.
e. Fire fighters need to practice manual skills while wearing gloves to become
accustomed to them and to adjust movement accordingly.
40
FUNDAMENTALS
SLIDE TEXT
Slide 72
Respiratory Protection
• Self-contained breathing apparatus
(SCBA) provides respiratory protection
through an independent air supply.
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FIRE FIGHTER SKILLS
LECTURE NOTES
9. Respiratory Protection
a. Self-contained breathing apparatus provides respiratory protection through
an independent air supply.
b. The PPE ensemble for structural firefighting is not complete without adequate respiratory protection.
• PPE ensemble for structural firefighting
is not complete without respiratory protection.
Slide 73
Personal Alert Safety System (PASS)
(1 of 2)
• A PASS is an electronic device that
sounds a loud audible signal if a fire
fighter is motionless for a set time period
or if activated by the fire fighter.
Slide 74
Personal Alert Safety System (PASS)
(2 of 2)
• A PASS can be separate from or integrated into the SCBA unit.
10. Personal Alert Safety System (PASS)
a. A PASS is an electronic device that sounds a loud audible signal if a fire
fighter is motionless for a set time period or if activated by the fire fighter.
b. A PASS can be separate from or integrated into the SCBA unit.
c. Intergrated PASS devices automatically turn on when the SCBA is activated.
d. Separate PASS devices are often worn on the SCBA harness and must be
turned on manually.
– Intergrated—automatically turns on
when the SCBA is activated.
– Separate—often worn on the SCBA
harness and must be turned on
manually.
Slide 75
Additional Personal Protective
Equipment
(1 of 2)
• Goggles provide additional eye protection.
• An apparatus intercom facilitates team
communication while protecting hearing
from sirens.
Slide 76
Additional Personal Protective
Equipment
(2 of 2)
• Flexible ear plugs are useful in other situations involving loud sounds.
• A fire fighter should always carry a hand
light.
• At least one member of each team in a
hazardous area should have a radio.
11. Additional Personal Protective Equipment
a. When additional eye protection (beyond that provided by a helmet face
shield) is needed, such as when using power saws or hydraulic rescue tools,
fire fighters can use approved goggles.
b. An intercom system on the apparatus can provide hearing protection from
sirens.
c. Flexible ear plugs are useful in other situations involving loud sounds.
d. A fire fighter should always carry a hand light, as most interior firefighting is
done in near-dark, zero-visibility conditions.
e. At least one member of each team working inside a burning building or in
any hazardous area should always have a radio.
Fire Fighter Qualifications and Safety
SLIDE TEXT
Slide 77
Limitations of the Structural
Firefighting Ensemble
(1 of 3)
• Each component must be properly
donned and worn to provide complete
protection.
41
LECTURE NOTES
12. Limitations of the Structural Firefighting Ensemble
a. Each component must be properly donned and worn to provide complete
protection.
b. Components must be put on in the proper order and correctly secured.
• Components must be put on in the
proper order and correctly secured.
Slide 78
Limitations of the Structural
Firefighting Ensemble
(2 of 3)
• PPE is heavy and can cause fatigue.
c. PPE is heavy–nearly 50 pounds–which means that everything you do requires more energy and strength.
d. Because of the vapor barrier, PPE retains body heat and perspiration.
e. Fire fighters in full protective gear can rapidly develop elevated body temperatures, even when the ambient temperature is cool.
• PPE retains body heat and perspiration.
– Fire fighters in full PPE can rapidly
develop elevated body temperatures.
Slide 79
Limitations of the Structural
Firefighting Ensemble
f. PPE limits mobility and range of motion.
g. PPE also decreases normal sensory abilities.
(3 of 3)
• PPE limits mobility and range of
motion.
• PPE also decreases normal sensory
abilities.
Slide 80
Work Uniforms
• A work uniform is also part of the personal protective package.
• Clothing containing nylon or polyester
may melt.
13. Work Uniforms
a. A fire fighter’s work uniform is also part of the personal protective package.
b. Clothing containing nylon or polyester, even if blended with natural fibers,
should not be worn in a firefighting environment because it may melt.
c. Volunteer fire fighters, who often wear PPE over their normal clothing,
should consider these fabric properties when selecting their wardrobe.
• Volunteer fire fighters should consider
these fabric properties when selecting
their wardrobe.
Slide 81
Donning and Doffing PPE
• Donning and Doffing PPE
• Donning PPE must be done in a specific
order to obtain maximum protection.
• Fire fighters should be able to don PPE
in one minute or less.
• To doff PPE, reverse the procedure used
in getting dressed.
B. Donning Personal Protective Clothing
1. Fire fighters should be able to don personal protective clothing in one minute or less.
a. This requires practice.
b. Donning protective clothing must be done in a specific order to obtain maximum protection.
c. Donning PPE will be practiced in Skill Drill 2-1.
C. Doffing Personal Protective Clothing
1. Reverse the procedure used in getting dressed.
2. If necessary, PPE should be cleaned after it is used, and then kept in a convenient
location for the next response.
3. PPE may be kept close to the apparatus, on the apparatus, or in an equipment locker.
a. Follow your department’s policies on this.
b. Doffing PPE will be practiced in Skill Drill 2-2.
42
FUNDAMENTALS
SLIDE TEXT
Slide 82
Care of Personal Protective Clothing
(1 of 2)
• A complete set of PPE (excluding SCBA)
costs more than $1,000.
• Check the condition of PPE regularly.
• Repair worn or damaged PPE at once.
Slide 83
Care of Personal Protective Clothing
(2 of 2)
• Clean PPE when necessary.
– When badly soiled by exposure to
smoke or other contaminants.
– PPE exposed to chemicals or hazardous
materials may have to be impounded
for decontamination or disposal.
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FIRE FIGHTER SKILLS
LECTURE NOTES
D. Care of Personal Protective Clothing
1. A complete set of approved turnout clothing (excluding SCBA) costs more than
$1,000.
2. PPE is the only thing that stands between you and fire or a dangerous
environment.
3. Check the condition of PPE on a regular basis.
4. Repair worn or damaged PPE at once.
5. Clean PPE when necessary.
a. PPE that has been badly soiled by exposure to smoke, other products of combustion, melted tar, petroleum products, or other contaminants needs to be
cleaned as soon as possible.
b. Items that have been exposed to chemicals or hazardous materials may have
to be impounded for decontamination or disposal.
c. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions (on a tag attached to the inside of the PPE).
– Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning
instructions.
Slide 84
Specialized Personal Protective
Clothing
(1 of 2)
• Vehicle Extrication PPE
– Most fire fighters will wear full
turnout gear.
– Some PPE is specifically designed for
vehicle extrication and is generally
lighter in weight and more flexible
than structural firefighting PPE.
E. Specialized Protective Clothing
1. Vehicle Extrication
a. Most members of the emergency team will wear full turnout gear.
b. Some protective clothing, such as special gloves and coveralls or jumpsuits,
is specifically designed for vehicle extrication and is generally lighter in
weight and more flexible than structural firefighting PPE.
c. Latex gloves should be worn when providing patient treatment.
d. Eye protection also should be worn, due to the possibilities of breaking glass,
contact with body fluids, metal debris, and accidents with tools.
– Latex gloves should be worn when
providing patient treatment.
– Eye protection also should be worn.
Slide 85
Specialized Protective Clothing
(2 of 2)
• Wildland Fires
– PPE must meet NFPA 1977.
– Wildland PPE is made of fireresistant materials and designed for
comfort and maneuverability.
– Fire fighters wear a helmet, eye protection, gloves, and boots designed
for comfort and sure footing while
hiking.
2. Wildland Fires
a. Firefighting gear designed specially for fighting wildland or brush fires must
meet NFPA 1977, Standard on Protective Clothing and Equipment for Wildland
Fire Fighting.
b. The jacket and pants are made of fire-resistant materials, such as Nomex or
specially treated cotton, which are designed for comfort and maneuverability
while working in the wilderness.
c. Wildland fire fighters wear a helmet of a thermo-resistant plastic, eye protection, pigskin or leather gloves, and boots designed for comfort and sure footing while hiking.
Fire Fighter Qualifications and Safety
SLIDE TEXT
43
LECTURE NOTES
VI. Respiratory Protection
Time: 45 minutes
Slides: 86-135
Lecture/Discussion/Demonstration
Slide 86
Respiratory Protection
• The interior atmosphere of a burning
building is considered immediately dangerous to life and health.
• Fire fighters must be proficient in using
SCBA before engaging in interior fire
suppression activities.
A. Introduction to Respiratory Protection
1. The interior atmosphere of a burning building is considered to be immediately
dangerous to life and health (IDLH).
2. Fire fighters must be proficient in using SCBA before they engage in interior fire
suppression activities.
3. A self-contained breathing apparatus is both expensive and complicated; using
one confidently requires practice.
• Using SCBA confidently requires practice.
Slide 87
Respiratory Hazards of Fires
• Three primary respiratory hazards of fires:
– Superheated air and gases
– Smoke and by-products of combustion
– Oxygen-deficient atmospheres
Slide 88
Smoke
• Smoke particles are unburned, partially
burned, and completely burned substances which can be toxic or irritating.
• Smoke vapors, or small droplets of liquids, can be toxic or irritating.
• Toxic gases in smoke include:
– Carbon monoxide
– Hydrogen cyanide
– Phosgene
Slide 89
Oxygen Deficiency
(1 of 2)
• Air is normally about 21% oxygen.
• Oxygen deficiency in an enclosed area
occurs in two ways:
– Fire consumes large quantities of the
available oxygen, decreasing the concentration of oxygen.
– Fire produces large quantities of other
gases, which displace the oxygen that
would otherwise be present.
B. Respiratory Hazards of Fires
1. Visible smoke contains many different substances, some of which are dangerous
if inhaled.
2. Smoke also contains invisible, highly toxic products of combustion.
3. Combustion consumes oxygen and can lower the oxygen concentration in the
atmosphere below the level necessary to support life.
4. Smoke
a. Smoke has three major components: particles, vapors, and gases.
b. Smoke particles consist of unburned, partially burned, and completely
burned substances, which can be toxic or irritating.
c. Many smoke particles are so small that they can pass through the natural
protective mechanisms of the respiratory system and enter the lungs.
d. Smoke also contains small droplets of liquids, which can be toxic or irritating.
e. Many of the gases commonly produced by residential or commercial fires are
very toxic.
f. Examples of gases often present in smoke include:
i. Carbon monoxide, which preferentially binds with hemoglobin, displacing oxygen from the bloodstream.
ii. Hydrogen cyanide, which is a narcotic gas, formed when plastic products
burn, that can render a person unconscious.
iii. Phosgene, which is an irritant gas, formed when common household
products burn incompletely, that can cause fluid retention in the lungs
and death.
5. Oxygen Deficiency
a. Normal outside or room air contains about 21% oxygen.
b. Oxygen deficiency in an enclosed area occurs in two ways:
i. The fire consumes large quantities of the available oxygen, decreasing the
concentration of oxygen.
ii. The fire produces large quantities of other gases, which decrease the
oxygen concentration by displacing the oxygen that would otherwise be
present.
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FUNDAMENTALS
SLIDE TEXT
Slide 90
Oxygen Deficiency
(2 of 2)
Table 2-3
Slide 91
Other Toxic Environments
• Fire fighters will encounter toxic gases
or oxygen-deficient atmospheres in many
emergency situations, including:
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FIRE FIGHTER SKILLS
LECTURE NOTES
c. Atmosphere with an oxygen concentration of 19.5% or less is considered
oxygen-deficient.
d. If the oxygen level drops below 17%, people can experience disorientation,
an inability to control their muscles, and irrational thinking, which can make
escaping a fire much more difficult.
e. When oxygen levels go below 10.6%, brain damage begins and breathing
stops, leading to death due to asphyxiation within 10 minutes.
C. Other Toxic Environments
1. Fire fighters will encounter toxic gases or oxygen-deficient atmospheres in many
emergency situations, including:
a. Hazardous materials releases
b. Confined-space or below-grade structures
– Hazardous materials releases
– Confined-space or below-grade
structures
Slide 92
Conditions that Require Respiratory
Protection
• SCBA must be used:
– in enclosed areas where there is smoke
– during overhaul until the air has been
tested and deemed safe by the safety
officer
– whenever toxic gases or an oxygendeficient atmosphere is possible
• Golden rule: Always assume that the atmosphere is hazardous until it has been
tested and proven to be safe!
Slide 93
Types of Breathing Apparatus
(1 of 3)
• Open-circuit breathing apparatus
– Most common type of SCBA used for
structural firefighting
– Tank of compressed air provides the
breathing air supply for the user.
D. Conditions that Require Respiratory Protection
1. Fire fighters frequently must operate in atmospheres that are immediately
dangerous to life or health because they contain toxic smoke or gases or
because they are oxygen deficient.
2. Adequate respiratory protection is essential to fire fighter safety.
3. Anytime you are in an enclosed area where there is smoke, SCBA must be used.
4. SCBA should be worn during overhaul until the air has been tested and deemed
safe by your safety officer.
5. SCBA must also be used in any situation where there is a possibility of toxic
gases being present or oxygen deficiency, such as a confined space.
6. Always assume that the atmosphere is hazardous until it has been tested and
proven to be safe.
E. Types of Breathing Apparatus
1. The two main types of self-contained breathing apparatus are open-circuit
breathing apparatus and closed-circuit breathing apparatus.
a. Open-circuit breathing apparatus
i. Open-circuit apparatus is usually used for structural firefighting.
ii. A tank of compressed air provides the breathing air supply for the user.
iii. Exhaled air is released into the atmosphere through a one-way valve.
– Exhaled air is released into the atmosphere through a one-way valve.
Slide 94
Types of Breathing Apparatus
(2 of 3)
• Closed-circuit breathing apparatus
– Seldom used for structural firefighting
– Air passes through a mechanism that
removes carbon dioxide and adds
oxygen within a closed system.
b. Closed-circuit breathing apparatus
i. Closed-circuit apparatus is more often used for extended operations, such
as mine rescue work, where breathing apparatus must be worn for a long
time.
ii. The air passes through a mechanism that removes carbon dioxide and
adds oxygen within a closed system.
Fire Fighter Qualifications and Safety
SLIDE TEXT
Slide 95
Types of Breathing Apparatus
(3 of 3)
• Supplied-air respirator:
– Uses a hose line connected to a
breathing-air compressor or to compressed air cylinders located outside
the hazardous area
45
LECTURE NOTES
2. A supplied-air respirator uses a hose line that is connected to a breathing-air
compressor or to compressed air cylinders located outside the hazardous area.
a. Supplied-air respirators are not used by fire fighters for structural firefighting.
b. Hazardous materials teams and confined space rescue teams sometimes use
supplied-air respirators for specialized operations.
– Not used for structural firefighting
– Sometimes used for specialized
operations
Slide 96
SCBA Standards and Regulations
(1 of 2)
• NIOSH
– sets the design, testing, and certification requirements for SCBA
F. SCBA Standards and Regulations
1. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) sets the
design, testing, and certification requirements for SCBA.
2. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and state
agencies are responsible for establishing and enforcing regulations for
respiratory protection programs.
• OSHA and state agencies
– are responsible for establishing and
enforcing regulations for respiratory
protection programs
Slide 97
SCBA Standards and Regulations
(2 of 2)
• NFPA standards related to SCBA:
– NFPA 1500: basic requirements
– NFPA 1404: requirements for SCBA
training
– NFPA 1981: requirements for design,
performance, testing, and certification
of open-circuit SCBA
Slide 98
Limitations of SCBA
(1 of 3)
• Duration of work using SCBA limited by
the capacity of the cylinder
– SCBA for structural firefighting must
carry enough air for a minimum of
30 minutes.
– Duration ratings based on ideal laboratory conditions.
3. The NFPA has developed three standards directly related to SCBA:
a. NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program, includes the basic requirements for SCBA use and program management.
b. NFPA 1404, Standard for Fire Service Respiratory Protection Training, sets requirements for an SCBA training program within a fire department.
c. NFPA 1981, Standard on Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus for
Fire and Emergency Services, includes requirements for the design, performance, testing, and certification of open-circuit SCBA for the fire service.
G. Uses and Limitations of SCBA
1. Limitations of the Equipment
a. Because an SCBA carries its own air supply in a pressurized cylinder, its use
is limited by the amount of air in the cylinder.
i. SCBA for structural firefighting must carry enough air for a minimum
of 30 minutes. Cylinders rated for 45 minutes and 60 minutes are also
available.
ii. Duration ratings are based on ideal laboratory conditions.
iii. An SCBA cylinder will generally have a realistic useful life of 50% of its
rated time.
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SLIDE TEXT
Slide 99
Limitations of SCBA
(2 of 3)
• Generally, an SCBA weighs at least 25
pounds.
LECTURE NOTES
b. Generally, an SCBA weighs at least 25 pounds.
c. The size of the unit also makes it more difficult for the user to fit into small
places.
d. Added weight and bulk decrease the user’s flexibility and mobility, and shift
the user’s center of gravity.
• Size of unit makes it more difficult for
user to fit into small places.
• Added weight and bulk decrease user’s
flexibility and mobility, and shift user’s
center of gravity.
Slide 100
Limitations of SCBA
(3 of 3)
• Face piece can limit visibility, particularly peripheral vision.
e.
f.
g.
h.
The SCBA face piece can limit visibility, particularly peripheral vision.
The face piece may fog up under some conditions.
SCBA also may affect the user’s ability to communicate.
SCBA is noisy during inhalation and exhalation, which may limit the user’s
hearing.
• Face piece may fog up under some conditions.
• SCBA also may affect the user’s ability to
communicate.
• SCBA is noisy during breathing, which
may limit the user’s hearing.
Slide 101
Physical Limitations of the User
• Moving with the extra weight of SCBA
and PPE requires additional energy,
which increases air consumption and
body temperature.
Slide 102
Psychological Limitations of the User
• Breathing through an SCBA is different
from normal breathing and can be very
stressful.
• The surrounding environment, which is
often dark and filled with smoke, is foreign as well.
2. Physical Limitations of the User
a. The weight and bulk of the complete PPE ensemble limits a fire fighter’s ability to walk, climb ladders, lift weight, and crawl through restricted spaces.
b. Moving with this extra weight requires additional energy, which increases air
consumption and body temperature.
3. Psychological Limitations of the User
a. Breathing through an SCBA is different from normal breathing and can be
very stressful.
b. The surrounding environment, which is often dark and filled with smoke, is
foreign as well.
c. Fire fighters must adjust to these stressful conditions.
• Fire fighters must adjust to these stressful conditions.
Slide 103
Components of SCBA
(1 of 3)
• Backpack
– Frame for mounting the other working parts of the SCBA
• Harness
– Straps and fasteners to attach the
SCBA to the fire fighter
H. Components of SCBA
1. The backpack provides the frame for mounting the other working parts of the
SCBA.
2. The harness consists of the straps and fasteners used to attach the SCBA to the
fire fighter. Most harnesses have two adjustable straps.
Fire Fighter Qualifications and Safety
SLIDE TEXT
Slide 104
Components of SCBA
(2 of 3)
• Air cylinder
– Holds breathing air for an SCBA
47
LECTURE NOTES
3. The air cylinder holds the breathing air for an SCBA.
a. Air pressure ranges from 2200 to 4500 pounds per square inch (psi).
b. The neck of an air cylinder is equipped with a hand-operated shut-off valve.
c. The pressure gauge is located near the shut-off valve and shows the amount
of pressure currently in the cylinder.
– Neck equipped with a handoperated shut-off valve
– Pressure gauge located near the shutoff valve and shows amount of pressure currently in cylinder
Slide 105
4. The regulator assembly controls the flow of air to the user.
Components of SCBA
(3 of 3)
• Regulator
– Controls the flow of air to the user
Slide 106
SCBA Regulator Operation
(1 of 3)
• Inhaling
a. Inhaling decreases the air pressure in the face piece, which opens the regulator and releases air from the cylinder into the face piece.
b. Exhaling opens the exhalation valve, which exhausts used air into the
atmosphere.
– decreases the air pressure in the face
piece, which opens the regulator and
releases air from the cylinder into the
face piece
• Exhaling
– opens the exhalation valve, which exhausts used air into the atmosphere
Slide 107
SCBA Regulator Operation
(2 of 3)
• SCBA regulators will maintain a slightly
positive air pressure in the face piece.
• Normal operational mode
– Regulator supplies breathing air during
inhalation, stops when inhalation stops,
then opens an exhalation valve to exhaust used air into the atmosphere.
c. SCBA regulators will maintain a slightly positive air pressure in the face
piece.
i. If there is any leakage around the face piece, the positive pressure will let
breathing air seep out and prevent contaminated air from leaking in.
d. In the normal operational mode, the regulator supplies breathing air during
inhalation, stops when inhalation stops, then opens an exhalation valve to
exhaust used air into the atmosphere.
– Controlled using the yellow-colored
on/off valve
Slide 108
SCBA Regulator Operation
(3 of 3)
• Emergency by-pass mode
– Releases a constant flow of breathing
air into the face piece
– Used only if the regulator malfunctions
– Activated when the user turns on the
red-colored emergency by-pass valve
e. Emergency by-pass mode releases a constant flow of breathing air into the
face piece and is used only if the regulator malfunctions.
i. It is activated when the user turns on the red-colored emergency by-pass valve.
ii. A fire fighter who must use the emergency by-pass mode must leave the
hazardous area immediately.
f. Fire fighters should be able to operate the regulator in the dark and with
gloves on.
5. NFPA standards require that SCBA have a low-air alarm that activates when one
quarter of the air supply remains.
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FUNDAMENTALS
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SLIDE TEXT
Slide 109
SCBA Face Piece Assembly
(1 of 3)
• Face piece assembly consists of:
– Facemask with a clear lens
LECTURE NOTES
6. The face piece delivers breathing air to the fire fighter.
a. The face piece assembly consists of:
i. a facemask with a clear lens,
ii. an exhalation valve, and
iii. a regulator.
– Exhalation valve
– Regulator
Slide 110
SCBA Face Piece Assembly
(2 of 3)
• Models with harness-mounted regulator
face pieces have a flexible low-pressure
hose.
b. On models with a harness-mounted regulator, face pieces have a flexible lowpressure hose.
c. Later models will have the regulator attached directly to the face piece.
• Later models will have the regulator attached directly to the face piece.
Slide 111
SCBA Face Piece Assembly
(3 of 3)
• Face piece should cover the entire face.
• Some models have a voice amplification
device to improve communications.
d.
e.
f.
g.
The face piece should cover the entire face.
Some models have a voice amplification device to improve communications.
Face pieces are manufactured in several sizes.
NFPA 1500 requires that all fire fighters must have their face pieces fit-tested
annually to ensure that they are wearing the proper size.
• Face pieces manufactured in several sizes.
Slide 112
Pathway of Air through an SCBA
(1 of 2)
• Air passes through the cylinder shut-off
valve into the high-pressure hose that
takes it to the regulator.
• Regulator reduces high pressure air to
low pressure.
I. Pathway of Air Through an SCBA
1. Breathing air is stored under pressure in the cylinder.
2. Air passes through the cylinder shut-off valve into the high-pressure air line, or
hose, that takes it to the regulator.
3. The regulator reduces the high pressure air to low pressure.
4. Next the air goes directly into the face piece.
• Air next goes directly into the face piece.
Slide 113
Pathway of Air through an SCBA
(2 of 2)
• From the face piece, the air is inhaled
through the user’s air passages and into
the lungs.
• When the user exhales, used air is returned to the face piece.
• Exhaled air is exhausted from the face
piece through the exhalation valve.
5. From the face piece, the air is inhaled through the user’s air passages and into
the lungs.
6. When the user exhales, used air is returned to the face piece.
7. Exhaled air is exhausted from the face piece through the exhalation valve.
Fire Fighter Qualifications and Safety
SLIDE TEXT
Slide 114
Skip-Breathing Technique
49
LECTURE NOTES
J. Skip-Breathing Technique
• Skip-breathing helps conserve air.
1. The skip-breathing technique helps conserve air while using an SCBA in a
firefighting situation.
• Take a short breath, hold, take a second
short breath (do not exhale in between
breaths).
2. Take a short breath, hold, take a second short breath (do not exhale in between
breaths).
• Relax with a long exhale.
• Each breath should take 5 seconds.
Slide 115
Mounting Breathing Apparatus
• SCBA should be located so that fire fighters can don it quickly when they arrive
at the scene of a fire.
• Exterior-mounted SCBA should be protected from weather and dirt by a secure
cover.
3. Relax with a long exhale.
4. Each breath should take five seconds.
K. Mounting Breathing Apparatus
1. SCBA should be located so that fire fighters can don it quickly when they arrive
at the scene of a fire.
2. Seat-mounted brackets enable fire fighters to don SCBA en route to an
emergency scene, without unfastening their seat belts or otherwise endangering
themselves.
3. Compartment-mounted SCBA brackets should be positioned high enough for
easy donning of SCBA units.
4. An exterior-mounted SCBA should be protected from weather and dirt by a
secure cover.
5. Keeping SCBA in a storage case is most appropriate for transporting extra SCBA
units, but not for transporting SCBA that will be used during the initial phase of
operations at a fire scene.
Slide 116
Donning SCBA
• Fire fighters must be able to don and activate SCBA in one minute.
• Fire fighters must be wearing full PPE
before donning SCBA.
L. Donning SCBA
1. Fire fighters must be able to don and activate SCBA in one minute.
2. Fire fighters must be wearing full PPE before donning SCBA.
3. Before beginning the actual donning process, fire fighters must carefully check
the SCBA to ensure it is ready for operation.
• Check the SCBA to ensure it is ready for
operation before donning it.
Slide 117
Pre-donning SCBA Check
(1 of 2)
• Check that air cylinder has at least 90%
of its rated pressure.
• If the SCBA has a donning/doffing
switch, be sure that it is activated.
• Open the cylinder valve two or three
turns, listen for the low-air alarm to
sound, and then open the valve fully.
a. Check to be sure the air cylinder has at least 90% of its rated pressure.
b. If the SCBA has a donning/doffing switch, be sure that it is activated.
c. Open the cylinder valve two or three turns, listen for the low-air alarm to
sound, and then open the valve fully.
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FUNDAMENTALS
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SLIDE TEXT
Slide 118
Pre-donning SCBA Check
(2 of 2)
• Check that pressure gauges on both the
regulator and cylinder read within 100
psi of each other.
• Check that all harness straps are fully extended.
• Check that all valves are in the correct
position.
– An open by-pass valve will waste air.
LECTURE NOTES
d. Check the pressure gauges on the regulator and on the cylinder. Both gauges
should read within 100 psi of each other.
e. Check all harness straps to be sure they are fully extended.
f. Check all valves to be sure they are in the correct position. (An open by-pass
valve will waste air.)
M. Donning SCBA from an Apparatus Seat Mount
1. Don all protective clothing before mounting the apparatus.
2. Place arms through the shoulder straps while sitting down, and then fasten the
seat belt.
a. Or fasten the seat belt first and then slide one arm at a time through the
shoulder straps of the SCBA harness.
3. Partially tighten the shoulder straps while seated.
4. Upon arriving at the emergency scene, release the seat belt, activate the bracket
release, and exit the apparatus.
5. Be sure to take a face piece.
6. After exiting the apparatus, attach the waist strap, and then tighten and adjust
the shoulder and waist straps.
7. Donning SCBA from a seat-mounted bracket will be practiced in Skill Drill 2-3.
N. Donning SCBA from a Compartment Mount
1. Slide one arm through the shoulder harness strap then slide the other arm
through the other shoulder strap.
2. Release the SCBA from the mounting bracket.
3. Adjust the shoulder straps to carry the SCBA fairly high on the back.
4. Attach the ends of the waist strap and tighten the waist strap.
5. Donning SCBA from a side-mounted compartment or bracket will be practiced
in Skill Drill 2-4.
O. Donning SCBA from the Ground, the Floor, or a Storage
Case
1. Fire fighters must sometimes don an SCBA that is stored in a case or on the ground.
2. Either of two methods can be used—the over-the-head method or the coat method.
a. Over-the-Head Method
i. Place the SCBA on the ground or on the floor with the cylinder valve facing away from you.
ii. Lay the shoulder straps out to each side of the backpack.
iii. Grasp the backplate with both hands and lift the SCBA over your head.
iv. Let the backpack slide down your back.
v. The straps will slide down your arms.
vi. Balance the unit on your back.
vii. Attach and tighten the waist strap and then tighten the shoulder straps.
viii. Donning SCBA using the over-the-head method will be practiced in Skill
Drill 2-5.
b. Coat Method
i. Place the SCBA on the ground or on the floor with the cylinder valve facing toward you.
ii. Spread out and extend the shoulder straps.
iii. Use your left hand to grasp the left shoulder strap close to the backplate.
iv. Use your right hand to grasp the right shoulder strap farther away from
the backplate.
Fire Fighter Qualifications and Safety
SLIDE TEXT
51
LECTURE NOTES
v.
vi.
vii.
viii.
ix.
Swing the SCBA over your left shoulder.
Release your right arm and slide it through the right shoulder harness strap.
Tighten both shoulder straps.
Attach and tighten the waist belt.
Donning SCBA using the coat method will be practiced in Skill Drill 2-6.
P. Donning the Face Piece
1. To perform correctly, the face piece must be the correct size and it must be
adjusted to fit your face.
2. There must be no facial hair in the seal area.
3. Eyeglasses that pass through the seal area cannot be worn with a face piece.
4. Donning a face piece will be practiced in Skill Drill 2-7.
Slide 119
Safety Precautions for SCBA
(1 of 2)
• Learn to recognize the low-air alarm.
• As soon as your alarm goes off, you must
exit the hazardous environment.
Q. Safety Precautions for SCBA
1. Learn to recognize the low-air alarm on your SCBA.
a. As soon as your alarm goes off, you must exit the hazardous environment before your air supply is depleted.
b. Before you enter a hazardous environment, make sure your PASS device is
activated.
• Before you enter a hazardous environment,
make sure your PASS device is activated.
Slide 120
2. Be sure you are properly logged into your accountability system.
Safety Precautions for SCBA
3. Always work in teams of two in hostile environments.
(2 of 2)
• Be sure you are properly logged into
your accountability system.
4. Always have at least two fire fighters outside at the ready whenever two fire
fighters are working in a hostile environment.
• Always work in teams of two.
• Always have at least two fire fighters outside at the ready.
Slide 121
Preparing for Emergency Situations
• Be prepared to react if an emergency occurs while using SCBA.
• Keep calm, stop, and think.
• Exit the hostile environment.
• If in danger, activate your PASS.
• Use your hand light to attract attention.
• Use a portable radio to call for help.
Slide 122
Doffing SCBA
• Follow procedures recommended by the
manufacturer and your department’s SOPs.
• In general, you should reverse the steps
for donning SCBA.
R. Preparing for Emergency Situations
1. Fire fighters must be prepared to react if an emergency situation occurs while
they are using SCBA.
2. Keep calm, stop, and think.
3. Exit the hostile environment.
4. If you are in danger, activate your PASS device.
5. Use your hand light to attract attention.
6. If you have a portable radio, call for help.
S. Doffing SCBA
1. Follow the procedures recommended by the manufacturer and your
department’s SOPs.
2. In general, you should reverse the steps used to don SCBA.
3. Doffing SCBA will be practiced in Skill Drill 2-8.
52
FUNDAMENTALS
SLIDE TEXT
Slide 123
Putting It All Together
• Complete PPE ensemble consists of personal protective clothing and SCBA.
• You must be able to integrate donning
PPE and donning SCBA.
Slide 124
SCBA Inspection and Maintenance
(1 of 4)
• SCBA must be properly serviced and prepared for the next use each time it is used.
OF
FIRE FIGHTER SKILLS
LECTURE NOTES
T. Putting It All Together
1. Although donning personal protective clothing and donning and operating
SCBA can be learned and practiced separately, you must be able to integrate
these skills to have a complete PPE ensemble.
a. Place the protective hood over your head.
b. Put on your bunker pants and boots. Adjust the suspenders and secure the
front flap of the pants.
c. Put on your turnout coat and secure the front.
d. Open the air-cylinder valve on your SCBA and check the air pressure.
e. Put on your SCBA.
f. Tighten both shoulder straps.
g. Attach the waist belt and tighten it.
h. Fit the face piece to your face.
i. Tighten the straps, beginning with the lowest straps.
j. Check the face piece for a proper seal.
k. Pull the protective hood up so that it covers all bare skin, but does not obscure vision.
l. Place your helmet on your head with the ear tabs extended and secure the
chin strap.
m. Turn up your coat collar and secure it in front.
n. Put on your gloves.
o. Check your clothing to be sure it is properly secured.
p. Be sure your PASS device is turned on.
q. Attach your regulator or turn it on to start the flow of breathing air.
U. SCBA Inspection and Maintenance
1. SCBA must be properly serviced and prepared for the next use each time it is
used, whether it is an actual emergency incident or a training exercise.
2. The air cylinder must be changed or refilled.
• Air cylinder must be changed or refilled.
Slide 125
SCBA Inspection and Maintenance
(2 of 4)
• Face piece and regulator must be sanitized according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. The face piece and regulator must be sanitized according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.
4. The unit must be cleaned, inspected, and checked for proper operation.
• Unit must be cleaned, inspected, and
checked for proper operation.
Slide 126
SCBA Inspection and Maintenance
(3 of 4)
• It is the user’s responsibility to ensure
that the SCBA is in ready condition before it is returned to the fire apparatus.
• The daily inspection procedure should
be used when restoring a unit to service
after it has been used.
5. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that the SCBA is in ready condition before
it is returned to the fire apparatus.
6. The daily inspection procedure should be used when restoring a unit to service
after it has been used.
Fire Fighter Qualifications and Safety
SLIDE TEXT
Slide 127
SCBA Inspection and Maintenance
(4 of 4)
• If an SCBA inspection reveals any problems that cannot be remedied by routine
maintenance, the SCBA must be removed
from service for repair.
53
LECTURE NOTES
7. If an SCBA inspection reveals any problems that cannot be remedied by routine
maintenance, the SCBA must be removed from service for repair.
8. Only properly trained and certified personnel are authorized to repair SCBA.
• Only properly trained and certified personnel are authorized to repair SCBA.
Slide 128
Daily Inspection
• Each SCBA unit should be inspected
daily or at the beginning of each shift.
• When fire stations are not staffed, SCBA
should be inspected at least once a week.
Slide 129
Monthly Inspection
• SCBA should be completely checked
each month for proper operation, for
leaks, and for any deterioration.
Slide 130
Annual Inspection
• Complete annual inspection and maintenance must be performed on each SCBA.
• Annual inspection must be performed by
a certified manufacturer’s representative
or a person who has been trained and
certified to perform this work.
Slide 131
9. Daily Inspection
a. Each SCBA unit should be inspected daily or at the beginning of each shift.
b. When fire stations are not staffed, SCBA should be inspected at least once a
week.
c. Daily SCBA inspection will be practiced in Skill Drill 2-9.
10. Monthly Inspection
a. SCBA should be completely checked each month for proper operation, for
leaks, and for any deterioration.
b. Monthly SCBA inspection will be practiced in Skill Drill 2-10.
11. Annual Inspection
a. A complete annual inspection and maintenance must be performed on each
SCBA.
b. The annual inspection must be performed by a certified manufacturer’s representative or a person who has been trained and certified to perform this
work.
V. Servicing SCBA Cylinders
Servicing SCBA Cylinders
1. Cylinders must be regularly inspected and tested to ensure they are safe.
• Cylinders must be visually inspected
during daily and monthly inspections.
2. Cylinders must be visually inspected during daily and monthly inspections.
• Federal law requires periodic hydrostatic
testing and limits the number of years a
cylinder can be used.
3. More detailed inspection is required if a cylinder has been exposed to excessive
heat, came into contact with flame, was exposed to chemicals, or dropped.
4. The U.S. Department of Transportation requires hydrostatic testing for SCBA
cylinders on a periodic basis and limits the number of years that a cylinder can
be used.
5. Hydrostatic testing identifies defects or damage that render the cylinder unsafe.
Slide 132
W. Replacing SCBA Cylinders
Replacing SCBA Cylinders
1. A single fire fighter must doff SCBA to replace the air cylinder.
• A single fire fighter must doff SCBA to
replace the air cylinder.
2. Two fire fighters working together can change cylinders without removing SCBA.
• Two fire fighters working together can
change cylinders without removing SCBA.
• A fire fighter should be able to change
cylinders in the dark and while wearing
gloves.
3. A fire fighter should be able to change cylinders in the dark and while wearing gloves.
4. Follow the procedures recommended by the manufacturer and by department SOPs.
5. Replacing an SCBA cylinder will be practiced in Skill Drill 2-11.
54
FUNDAMENTALS
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SLIDE TEXT
Slide 133
Refilling SCBA Cylinders
• Compressors and cascade systems are
used to refill SCBA cylinders.
• Proper training is required to fill SCBA
cylinders.
LECTURE NOTES
X. Refilling SCBA Cylinders
1. Compressors and cascade systems are used to refill SCBA cylinders.
2. Compressor systems filter atmospheric air, compress it to a high pressure, and
transfer it to the SCBA cylinders.
3. Cascade systems use several large storage cylinders of compressed breathing air
connected by a high-pressure manifold system to transfer air from the storage
tanks to the cylinder.
4. Proper training is required to fill SCBA cylinders.
Slide 134
Cleaning and Sanitizing SCBA
(1 of 2)
• Follow manufacturers’ specific instructions for care and cleaning of SCBA.
• Rinse entire unit using a hose with clean
water.
Y. Cleaning and Sanitizing SCBA
1. Follow manufacturers’ specific instructions for the care and cleaning of SCBA.
2. Rinse the entire unit using a hose with clean water.
3. The harness assembly and cylinder can be cleaned with a mild soap and water
solution.
• Clean harness assembly and cylinder
with a mild soap and water solution.
Slide 135
Cleaning and Sanitizing SCBA
(2 of 2)
• Clean face pieces and regulators with
mild soap and warm water or disinfectant cleaning solution.
4. Face pieces and regulators can be cleaned with a mild soap and warm water or a
disinfectant cleaning solution.
a. The face piece should be fully submerged in the cleaning solution.
b. The regulator can be cleaned with the same solution, but should not be submerged.
c. The face piece and regulator should then be rinsed with clean water.
d. Cleaning and sanitizing SCBA will be practiced in Skill Drill 2-12.
VII. Summary
Time: 5 minutes
Slides: 136-139
Lecture/Discussion
Slide 136
Summary
(1 of 4)
• Qualifications required to become a fire
fighter include:
– Age
– Education
– Medical
– Physical fitness
– Emergency medical care training
• Safety is a critical part of every fire
fighter’s job.
A. This chapter discussed the qualifications required to
become a fire fighter.
B. Safety is a critical part of a fire fighter’s job.
Fire Fighter Qualifications and Safety
SLIDE TEXT
Slide 137
Summary
(2 of 4)
• Fire fighter PPE includes:
– Helmet
– Protective hood
– Turnout coat
– Bunker pants
55
LECTURE NOTES
C. The personal protective ensemble includes a helmet, a
protective hood, a turnout coat, bunker pants, boots,
gloves, SCBA, and a PASS device.
1. All parts of the ensemble must be donned and in place for maximum protection.
2. Fire fighters must be able to don protective clothing in one minute or less.
3. Fire fighters also must care for and maintain PPE properly so that it works as it
should.
– Boots
– Gloves
– SCBA
– PASS device
Slide 138
Summary
(3 of 4)
• The primary respiratory protection
equipment used by the fire service is the
open-circuit SCBA.
– Fire fighters must know the limitations of SCBA, their own physical and
psychological limitations.
D. The primary respiratory protection equipment used by the
fire service is the open-circuit SCBA.
1. This chapter described the limitations of SCBA, the physical limitations of the
user, the psychological limitations of the user, and the relationship of these
factors to the safe use of SCBA.
2. The fire fighter should be able to don SCBA in one minute or less.
– Fire fighters should be able to don
SCBA in one minute or less.
Slide 139
Summary
(4 of 4)
• Regular inspection and proper maintenance of SCBA is vital to fire fighter
safety and is an important responsibility
of every fire fighter.
3. Regular inspection and proper maintenance of SCBA is vital to your safety and is
an important responsibility of every fire fighter.
VIII. Skill Drills
Time: 180 minutes
Slides: Chapter 2 Skill Drills PowerPoint Presentation
Demonstration/Group Activity
Remember to maintain an adequate instructor to student ratio.
Purpose
Following instructor-facilitated demonstrations, this activity allows students to
observe and demonstrate competency in the use of SCBA, PPE, and fire fighter
safety and accountability systems.
Materials Needed
1. One set of fire fighter PPE per student (each student should have his or her own
issued PPE for the duration of the course)
2. One SCBA per student
3. Fire fighter accountability system equipment used in the local jurisdiction
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Instructor Directions
1. Demonstrate each skill, placing emphasis on describing to the students any critical points or procedures.
2. On the basis of the specific skill, assign each student to a partner or team. Provide each partner/team with equipment or materials
as needed. Each student should have his or her own issued PPE for the duration of the course. Students should not be allowed to
share PPE.
3. Students should be introduced to the concept of personnel accountability in the first Skill Drill. For the duration of the course,
students should employ accountability procedures in accordance with the local jurisdiction’s personnel accountability system
whenever they are engaged in Skill Drills. Continual reinforcement of accountability procedures will increase the likelihood that
they are followed on the fireground.
4. Direct students to practice each skill. Closely monitor the practice sessions and provide constructive comments and redirecting.
5. As individual students achieve success, track their skills and conduct skill proficiency exams using the Skill Drill Evaluation Sheets
that follow. Students failing the exam should be given redirection and an opportunity to practice before being retested.
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Fire Fighter Qualifications and Safety
Candidate:
Date:
ID#:
Skill Drill 2-1 Donning Personal Protective Equipment
Evaluator Instructions: The candidate shall be provided with the following personal protective equipment (PPE): boots, pants, coat,
hood, gloves, and helmet. The evaluator will need a stop watch.
Task: Don personal protective clothing within one (1) minute.
Performance Outcome: The candidate shall be able to properly don personal protective clothing in one minute.
Candidate Directive: “Properly don the personal protective clothing within one minute.”
No.
Task Steps
First Test
P
1.
Places equipment in logical order for donning.
2.
Places protective hood over head and down around neck.
3.
Puts boots on and pulls up bunker pants.
4.
Places suspenders over shoulders and secures the front of pants.
5.
Dons turnout coat and closes front.
6.
Pulls protective hood over head.
7.
Places helmet on head and adjusts chinstrap.
8.
Turns up coat collar and secures in front.
9.
Dons gloves.
Retest Approved By:
F
Retest
P
Retest Evaluator:
Evaluator Comments:
Candidate Comments:
Evaluator
Date
Candidate
Date
Retest Evaluator
Date
Retest Candidate
Date
© 2004 Jones and Bartlett Publishers and National Fire Protection Association.
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Candidate:
Date:
ID#:
Skill Drill 2-2 Doffing Personal Protective Clothing
Evaluator Instructions: The candidate shall be provided with the following personal protective equipment (PPE): boots, pants, coat,
hood, gloves, and helmet. The candidate will have already donned the PPE.
Task: Doff personal protective clothing.
Performance Outcome: The candidate shall be able to properly doff personal protective clothing.
Candidate Directive: “Properly doff the personal protective clothing.”
No.
Task Steps
First Test
P
1.
Removes gloves.
2.
Opens the collar of the turnout coat.
3.
Releases the helmet chin strap and removes helmet.
4.
Removes turnout coat.
5.
Removes protective hood.
6.
Removes bunker pants and boots.
Retest Approved By:
F
Retest
P
Retest Evaluator:
Evaluator Comments:
Candidate Comments:
Evaluator
Date
Candidate
Date
Retest Evaluator
Date
Retest Candidate
Date
© 2004 Jones and Bartlett Publishers and National Fire Protection Association.
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Fire Fighter Qualifications and Safety
Candidate:
Date:
ID#:
Skill Drill 2-3 Donning SCBA from a Seat-Mounted Bracket
Evaluator Instructions: The candidate shall be provided with the following personal protective equipment (PPE): boots, pants, coat,
hood, gloves, helmet, SCBA, and face piece. The candidate will have already donned PPE. The evaluator will need to have a stop watch.
Task: Don SCBA from a seat-mounted bracket within one (1) minute.
Performance Outcome: The candidate shall be able to properly don SCBA from a seat-mounted bracket in one minute.
Candidate Directive: “While wearing PPE, properly don the seat-mounted SCBA in less than one minute.”
No.
Task Steps
First Test
P
1.
Dons full PPE ensemble prior to mounting fire apparatus.
2.
Safely mounts apparatus and sits in seat, placing arms through SCBA shoulder straps.
3.
Fastens seat belt.
4.
Partially tightens shoulder straps.
5.
When the apparatus stops, releases seatbelt and SCBA from bracket.
6.
Exits apparatus.
7.
Attaches waist belt and adjusts.
8.
Adjusts shoulder straps.
9.
Opens main cylinder valve.
F
Retest
P
10. Removes helmet and pulls back hood.
11. Dons face piece and checks for adequate seal.
12. Replaces protective hood and helmet and secures chinstrap.
13. If necessary, connects regulator to face piece.
14. Activates airflow and PASS alarm.
Retest Approved By:
Retest Evaluator:
Evaluator Comments:
Candidate Comments:
Evaluator
Date
Candidate
Date
Retest Evaluator
Date
Retest Candidate
Date
© 2004 Jones and Bartlett Publishers and National Fire Protection Association.
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Candidate:
Date:
ID#:
Skill Drill 2-4 Donning SCBA from a Side-Mounted Compartment or Bracket
Evaluator Instructions: The candidate shall be provided with the following personal protective equipment (PPE): boots, pants, coat,
hood, gloves, helmet, SCBA, and face piece. The candidate will have already donned PPE. The evaluator will need a stop watch.
Task: Don SCBA from a side-mounted bracket within one (1) minute.
Performance Outcome: The candidate shall be able to properly don SCBA from a side-mounted bracket in one minute.
Candidate Directive: “While wearing PPE, properly don the side-mounted SCBA in less than one minute.”
No.
Task Steps
First Test
P
1.
Approaches SCBA and fully opens main cylinder valve.
2.
Turns back to SCBA, slides arms through shoulder straps, and partially tightens straps.
3.
Releases SCBA from bracket and steps away from apparatus.
4.
Attaches waist strap and adjusts.
5.
Adjusts shoulder straps.
6.
Removes helmet and pulls hood back.
7.
Dons face piece and checks for adequate seal.
8.
Pulls protective hood into position, replaces helmet, and secures chinstrap.
9.
If necessary, connects regulator to face piece.
F
Retest
P
10. Activates air flow and PASS alarm
Retest Approved By:
Retest Evaluator:
Evaluator Comments:
Candidate Comments:
Evaluator
Date
Candidate
Date
Retest Evaluator
Date
Retest Candidate
Date
© 2004 Jones and Bartlett Publishers and National Fire Protection Association.
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Candidate:
Date:
ID#:
Skill Drill 2-5 Donning SCBA Using the Over-the-Head Method
Evaluator Instructions: The candidate shall be provided with the following personal protective equipment (PPE): boots, pants, coat,
hood, gloves, helmet, SCBA, and face piece. The candidate will have already donned PPE. The evaluator will need a stop watch.
Task: Don SCBA using the over-the-head method within one (1) minute.
Performance Outcome: The candidate shall be able to properly don SCBA using the over-the-head method in one minute.
Candidate Directive: “While wearing PPE, properly don the SCBA using the over-the-head method in less than one minute.”
No.
Task Steps
First Test
P
1.
F
Retest
P
Opens case and lays out SCBA with cylinder valve away from self and places shoulder
straps out to the sides.
2.
Fully opens main cylinder valve.
3.
Bends down and grasps SCBA back plate with both hands.
4.
Uses legs to lift SCBA over head.
5.
Balances the back plate on back.
6.
Slides SCBA down back while arms slide into shoulder straps.
7.
Tightens shoulder straps and secures waist belt.
8.
Removes helmet and pulls hood back.
9.
Dons face piece and checks for an adequate seal.
10. Pulls protective hood into position, replaces helmet, and secures chinstrap.
11. If necessary, connects regulator to face piece.
12. Activates airflow and PASS alarm.
Retest Approved By:
Retest Evaluator:
Evaluator Comments:
Candidate Comments:
Evaluator
Date
Candidate
Date
Retest Evaluator
Date
Retest Candidate
Date
© 2004 Jones and Bartlett Publishers and National Fire Protection Association.
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Candidate:
Date:
ID#:
Skill Drill 2-6 Donning SCBA Using the Coat Method
Evaluator Instructions: The candidate shall be provided with the following personal protective equipment (PPE): boots, pants, coat,
hood, gloves, helmet, SCBA, and face piece. The candidate will have already donned PPE. The evaluator will need a stop watch.
Task: Don SCBA using the coat method within one (1) minute.
Performance Outcome: The candidate shall be able to properly don SCBA using the coat method in one minute.
Candidate Directive: “While wearing PPE, properly don the SCBA using the coat method in less than one minute.”
No.
Task Steps
First Test
P
1.
Opens case and lays out SCBA with cylinder valve toward self.
2.
Fully opens main cylinder valve.
3.
Places left hand on left shoulder strap close to back plate.
4.
Places right hand on right shoulder strap.
5.
Lifts SCBA and swings it over left shoulder.
6.
Releases right hand and allows arm to slide between shoulder strap and the SCBA cylinder.
7.
Places left arm through left strap.
8.
Adjusts shoulder straps.
9.
Attaches waist belt and adjusts.
F
Retest
P
10. Removes helmet and pulls back protective hood.
11. Dons face piece and checks for adequate seal.
12. Pulls protective hood into position, replaces helmet, and secures chinstrap.
13. If necessary, connects regulator to the face piece.
14. Activates airflow and PASS alarm.
Retest Approved By:
Retest Evaluator:
Evaluator Comments:
Candidate Comments:
Evaluator
Date
Candidate
Date
Retest Evaluator
Date
Retest Candidate
Date
© 2004 Jones and Bartlett Publishers and National Fire Protection Association.
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Candidate:
Date:
ID#:
Skill Drill 2-7 Donning a Face Piece
Evaluator Instructions: The candidate shall be provided with the following personal protective equipment (PPE): boots, pants, coat,
hood, gloves, helmet, SCBA, and face piece. The candidate will have already donned PPE as well as SCBA.
Task: Don a face piece.
Performance Outcome: The candidate shall be able to properly don a face piece and have an adequate seal.
Candidate Directive: “While wearing PPE and SCBA, properly don a face piece.”
No.
Task Steps
First Test
P
1.
Fully extends straps on face piece.
2.
Places chin in chin pocket.
3.
Fits face piece to face.
4.
Tightens lowest two straps.
5.
If there are more straps, tightens the upper ones last.
6.
Checks for adequate seal.
7.
Pulls protective hood into place, covers all bare skin, and dons helmet.
8.
Installs regulator to face piece or attaches low-pressure air supply hose to regulator.
Retest Approved By:
F
Retest
P
Retest Evaluator:
Evaluator Comments:
Candidate Comments:
Evaluator
Date
Candidate
Date
Retest Evaluator
Date
Retest Candidate
Date
© 2004 Jones and Bartlett Publishers and National Fire Protection Association.
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Candidate:
Date:
ID#:
Skill Drill 2-8 Doffing SCBA
Evaluator Instructions: The candidate shall be provided with the following personal protective equipment (PPE): boots, pants, coat,
hood, gloves, helmet, SCBA, and face piece. The candidate will have already donned PPE and SCBA.
Task: Doff the SCBA.
Performance Outcome: The candidate shall be able to properly doff the SCBA.
Candidate Directive: “While wearing PPE and SCBA, properly doff the SCBA.”
No.
Task Steps
First Test
P
1.
F
Retest
P
Removes gloves. Removes regulator from face piece or disconnects low-pressure hose from
regulator.
2.
Removes helmet and pulls protective hood down.
3.
Loosens face piece straps
4.
Removes face piece.
5.
Releases waist belt.
6.
Loosens shoulder straps and removes SCBA.
7.
Shuts off air-cylinder valve.
8.
Bleeds air pressure from regulator.
9.
Places SCBA in safe location.
Retest Approved By:
Retest Evaluator:
Evaluator Comments:
Candidate Comments:
Evaluator
Date
Candidate
Date
Retest Evaluator
Date
Retest Candidate
Date
© 2004 Jones and Bartlett Publishers and National Fire Protection Association.
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Fire Fighter Qualifications and Safety
Candidate:
Date:
ID#:
Skill Drill 2-9 Daily SCBA Inspection
Evaluator Instructions: The candidate shall be provided with SCBA.
Task: Daily inspection of SCBA.
Performance Outcome: The candidate shall be able to properly complete a daily inspection of SCBA.
Candidate Directive: “Properly inspect SCBA using daily inspection criteria.”
No.
Task Steps
First Test
P
1.
Checks pack and harness straps.
2.
Checks air-cylinder pressure.
3.
Turns on air-cylinder valve and compares gauge pressures.
4.
Checks condition of all hoses while pressurized.
5.
Activates integrated PASS device, if present
6.
Checks face piece.
7.
Connects face piece to regulator and takes test breaths.
8.
Closes cylinder valve and opens emergency by-pass valve.
9.
Checks function and activation pressure of low-air alarm.
F
Retest
P
10. Closes by-pass valve and restores unit to ready condition.
Retest Approved By:
Retest Evaluator:
Evaluator Comments:
Candidate Comments:
Evaluator
Date
Candidate
Date
Retest Evaluator
Date
Retest Candidate
Date
© 2004 Jones and Bartlett Publishers and National Fire Protection Association.
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Candidate:
Date:
ID#:
Skill Drill 2-10 Monthly SCBA Inspection
Evaluator Instructions: The candidate shall be provided with SCBA. (The candidate may need forms from the AHJ to complete
documentation.)
Task: Monthly inspection of SCBA.
Performance Outcome: The candidate shall be able to properly complete a monthly inspection of SCBA.
Candidate Directive: “Properly inspect SCBA using monthly inspection criteria.”
No.
Task Steps
First Test
P
1.
Removes SCBA from apparatus and places on floor or bench.
2.
Inspects mounting bracket for damage or wear.
3.
Examines overall condition of SCBA and notes any damage.
4.
Removes cylinder from the harness and checks hydrostatic test date.
5.
Checks cylinder for damage and wear.
6.
Inspects shoulder straps and waist belt.
7.
Checks all buckles and fasteners.
8.
Examines the back plate for damage, cracks, or rust.
9.
Makes sure all connection points between the cylinder and the SCBA harness operate
F
Retest
P
properly and are free of damage or corrosion.
10. Reattaches the cylinder to the harness.
11. Checks all hoses and connection points for wear, cuts, or damage.
12. Activates cylinder valve and compares pressure gauge readings.
13. Attaches face piece and checks regulator for proper operation.
14. Allow SCBA to sit idle until PASS activates.
15. Closes cylinder valve and opens by-pass valve to bleed pressure while checking lowpressure alarm.
16. Returns unit to mounting bracket in ready condition.
17. Completes all necessary paperwork.
Retest Approved By:
Retest Evaluator:
Evaluator Comments:
Candidate Comments:
Evaluator
Date
Candidate
Date
Retest Evaluator
Date
Retest Candidate
Date
© 2004 Jones and Bartlett Publishers and National Fire Protection Association.
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Fire Fighter Qualifications and Safety
Candidate:
Date:
ID#:
Skill Drill 2-11 Replacing an SCBA Cylinder
Evaluator Instructions: The candidate shall be provided with an SCBA and spare cylinder.
Task: Replacing an SCBA cylinder.
Performance Outcome: The candidate shall be able to properly replace an SCBA cylinder.
Candidate Directive: “Properly replace an SCBA cylinder.”
No.
Task Steps
First Test
P
1.
Removes regulator from face piece or shuts off air supply from regulator.
2.
Doffs SCBA.
3.
Turns off cylinder valve.
4.
Opens by-pass valve to bleed off pressure.
5.
Disconnects high-pressure supply hose.
6.
Releases cylinder from backpack.
7.
Slides full cylinder in the backpack.
8.
Aligns outlet to supply hose.
9.
Locks cylinder into place.
F
Retest
P
10. Checks condition and presence of “O” ring.
11. Connects high-pressure hose to air cylinder.
12. Opens cylinder valve and checks gauge readings.
13. Dons SCBA
Retest Approved By:
Retest Evaluator:
Evaluator Comments:
Candidate Comments:
Evaluator
Date
Candidate
Date
Retest Evaluator
Date
Retest Candidate
Date
© 2004 Jones and Bartlett Publishers and National Fire Protection Association.
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Candidate:
Date:
ID#:
Skill Drill 2-12 Cleaning and Sanitizing SCBA
Evaluator Instructions: The candidate shall be provided with an SCBA, face piece, clean water, stiff brush, soft brush, mild soap, and a
5-gallon bucket.
Task: Cleaning and sanitizing SCBA and face piece.
Performance Outcome: The candidate shall be able to properly clean and sanitize SCBA and face piece.
Candidate Directive: “Properly clean and sanitize an SCBA and face piece.”
No.
Task Steps
First Test
P
1.
Inspects SCBA before cleaning.
2.
Removes face piece from regulator.
3.
Detaches SCBA cylinder from harness.
4.
Rinses all parts of SCBA with clean water.
5.
Scrubs SCBA cylinder and harness with soapy water, rinses, and allows to dry.
6.
Prepares cleaning solution.
7.
Submerges the SCBA face piece in solution.
8.
Washes regulator with solution.
9.
If necessary, scrubs contaminants from face piece and regulator with soft brush.
F
Retest
P
10. Rinses face piece and regulator and allows to dry.
11. Reassembles and inspects SCBA
Retest Approved By:
Retest Evaluator:
Evaluator Comments:
Candidate Comments:
Evaluator
Date
Candidate
Date
Retest Evaluator
Date
Retest Candidate
Date
© 2004 Jones and Bartlett Publishers and National Fire Protection Association.
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Fire Fighter Qualifications and Safety
69
Lesson Plan
Post-Lecture
I. Wrap-Up Activities
Time: 40 minutes
Small Group Activity/Individual Activity/Discussion
A. Fire Fighter in Action
This activity is designed to assist the student in gaining a further understanding of fire fighter qualifications and safety. The
activity incorporates both critical thinking and the application of fire fighter knowledge.
Purpose
This activity allows students an opportunity to analyze a firefighting scenario and develop responses to critical thinking
questions.
Instructor Directions
1. Direct students to read the “Fire Fighter in Action” scenario located in the Wrap-Up section at the end of Chapter 2.
2. Direct students to read and individually answer the quiz questions at the end of the scenario. Allow approximately 10 minutes for
this part of the activity. Facilitate a class review and dialogue of the answers, allowing students to correct responses as needed. Use
the answers noted below to assist in building this review. Allow approximately 10 minutes for this part of the activity.
3. You may also assign these as individual activities and ask students to turn in their comments on a separate piece of paper.
Answers to Multiple Choice Questions
1. Answer B: The order of donning your PPE is important to ensure it is fastened securely and that it provides whole body protection.
For instance, donning your bunker coat prior to your pants and boots will prohibit you from properly placing your suspenders. It is
impossible to don your face piece while wearing your helmet. Nor would you be able to don your turnout coat over your SCBA.
2. Answer D: When a company is dispatched to an emergency, fire fighters need to get to the apparatus and don appropriate PPE
quickly before mounting the vehicle and proceeding to the incident. Personal protective gear should be properly positioned so
you can don it quickly before getting into the apparatus. Be sure that seat belts are properly fastened before the apparatus begins
to move. All personnel responding on fire apparatus must be seated with seat belts fastened. Seat belts should remain fastened
until the apparatus comes to a complete stop.
3. Answer D. Partners or assigned team members should enter together, work together, and leave together. If one member of a team
must leave the fire building for any reason, the entire team must leave together, regardless if it is a two-person team or an entire
crew working as a team. Partners should check each other’s PPE to ensure it is on and working correctly before they enter a
hazardous area. Team members working in a hazardous area should maintain visual, vocal, or physical contact with each other at
all times.
4. Answer B: A PASS is an electronic device that sounds a loud audible signal when a fire fighter becomes trapped or injured. A PASS
will sound automatically if a fire fighter is motionless for a set time period. The PASS can also be manually activated to notify other
fire fighters that the user needs assistance.
B. Technology Resources
This activity requires students to have access to the Internet. This may be accomplished through personal access, employer
access, or through a local educational institution. Some community colleges, universities, or adult education centers may
have classrooms with Internet capability that will allow for this activity to be completed in class. Check out local access
points and encourage students to complete this activity as part of their ongoing reinforcement of firefighting knowledge
and skills.
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FUNDAMENTALS
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Purpose
To provide students an opportunity to reinforce chapter material through use of online Internet activities.
Instructor Directions
1. Use the Internet and go to www.FireFighter.jbpub.com. Follow the directions on the web site to access the exercises for Chapter 2.
2. Review the chapter activities and take note of desired or correct student responses.
3. As time allows, conduct an in-class review of the Internet activities and provide feedback to students as needed.
4. Be sure to check the web site before assigning these activities, as specific chapter-related activities may change from time to time.
II. Lesson Review
Time: 15 minutes
Lecture
Note: Facilitate the review of this lesson’s major topics using the review questions as direct questions or overhead transparencies.
Answers are found throughout this lesson plan.
A.What laws and standards govern training and performance qualifications for fire fighters?
B. Why is it necessary to have physical fitness standards for fire fighters?
C. Who is ultimately responsible for each fire fighter’s safety on the fireground?
D. What is the most frequent killer of fire fighters?
E. From the standpoint of safety, who is the fire fighter concerned about and in what order?
F. What are standard operating procedures (or guidelines), and why do fire departments need them?
G. What is an Incident Management System?
H. What is “freelancing” and what are the concerns about freelancing?
I. What are the elements of a complete fire fighter’s personal protective ensemble?
J. Can safety standards be relaxed somewhat during training? If not, why?
K. What is the “buddy system,” and how does it operate to improve fire fighter safety?
L. What is a personnel accountability system? How does the one in use in your area operate?
M. What is the function of the rehabilitation area on the fireground?
N. What purpose does a “vapor barrier” in a fire fighter turnout coat and bunker pants serve?
O. When is the use of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) mandatory?
P. What is the difference between an integrated PASS and a belt-mounted PASS?
Q. What is the most common respiratory hazard found on the fireground?
R. What is the oxygen concentration of normal room air?
S. What type of SCBA is most commonly used in structural firefighting?
T. How often and under what circumstances does an SCBA need to be checked?
III. Assignments
Time: 5 minutes
Lecture
A. Advise students to review materials for a quiz (determine date/time).
B. Direct students to read the next chapter in Fundamentals of Fire Fighter Skills as listed in your syllabus (or reading assignment
sheet) to prepare for the next class session.
Fire Fighter Qualifications and Safety
71
IV. Instructor Keyed Quiz
Time: 15 minutes
Individual Activity
1. True or False: Federal law specifies the training requirements for fire fighters.
Answer: b
a. True
b. False
2. Your engine company is extinguishing a fire in a single-family dwelling. You see two fire fighters preparing to climb to the roof of
the building, which you have previously been advised is weakened due to prolonged exposure to fire. You should:
Answer: d
a. notify the incident commander.
b. notify the safety officer.
c. notify the company officer.
d. all of the above.
3. What is the leading cause of fire fighter fatalities?
Answer: c
a. Inhalation of toxic smoke and super-heated gases
b. Contact with flame
c. Heart attacks
d. Being struck by falling objects
4. What is the proper order of concern for the safety of people on the fire ground?
Answer: a
a. Yourself, other team members, the general public
b. The general public, yourself, other team members
c. The general public, other team members, yourself
d. Yourself, the general public, other team members
5. The fire service uses the Incident Management System to:
Answer: c
a. ensure that orders are communicated and followed.
b. ensure a command and control structure is in place for large-scale incidents.
c. ensure a command and control structure is in place for all incidents, even small fires.
d. ensure that fireground operations meet federal standards for reimbursement of expenses for disaster-scale incidents such as
wildland fires.
6. Freelancing is permissible:
Answer: c
a. when your company officer says so.
b. when you cannot communicate with your officer for instructions.
c. at no time.
d. at most times, except when lives are in danger.
7. True or False: The safety officer has the final authority on the fireground.
Answer: b
a. True
b. False
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8. Which of the following is a TRUE statement?
Answer: d
a. Hand tool manufacturers’ specifications and operating instructions are for the general public and are not applicable to fire service uses.
b. Only certified equipment mechanics should perform any type of maintenance on fire service tools and equipment.
c. Fire service tools and equipment are fairly well standardized; therefore, fire fighters do not need to read the instructions for
each individual tool or piece of equipment.
d. Fire fighters must know how to troubleshoot and maintain all equipment carried so they can fix it on the fireground if necessary.
9. You have been suffering from the flu for the last two days. You are due to work the next morning at the fire department. You crew
is already short because another fire fighter on your shift has taken vacation. You feel very sick. You should:
Answer: a
a. call in sick.
b. show up for work and if you are not feeling well by noon, go home.
c. take some medicine and work your shift .
d. tough it out for the duration of the shift.
10. When is the best time to put on your protective clothing?
Answer: c
a. Once you have arrived at the fireground
b. En route to the emergency in the fire apparatus (if you are not driving)
c. At the station, before you get into the apparatus
d. At the beginning of your shift
11. You are working on a team of three fire fighters inside a warehouse on fire. You are behind the lead fire fighter on the nozzle of a
handline attacking the fire. The fire fighter on the nozzle signals that he is low on air. You should:
Answer: c
a. take over his position on the nozzle and allow him to exit the warehouse for a fresh cylinder of air.
b. signal the fire fighter behind you to go back to the apparatus to get a fresh cylinder of air for the fire fighter on the nozzle.
c. exit as a team of three to get another cylinder of air.
d. give a “Mayday” signal on your radio to summon assistance.
12. The purpose of a personnel accountability system is:
Answer: d
a. to make sure fire fighters are accountable for the tasks they have been assigned.
b. to ensure that fire fighters stay in “buddy teams.”
c. to provide accurate record keeping for federal reimbursement of fire fighter wages on disaster-scale incidents, such as wildland
fires.
d. to ensure that all assignments, activities, locations, and status of every fire fighter on the scene are known.
13. Which of the following is not a type of personnel accountability system?
Answer: a
a. Personal alert safety system (PASS)
b. Passport system
c. Accountability tag system
d. Clipboard, pen, and paper
14. When can a fire fighter leave the rehabilitation area?
Answer: b
a. When the fire fighter gets a fresh cylinder of air
b. When the fire fighter is released by the officer in charge of the rehabilitation area
c. When the company officer says that the rest break is over
d. When the fire fighter feels fully rested, refreshed, and ready for another work cycle
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15. What are the warning signs of heat exhaustion?
Answer: b
a. Nausea, vomiting, and restlessness
b. Sweating, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and cramping
c. Inability to carry even light hand tools without dropping them
d. Both b and c
16. You are on an engine company dispatched to assist the ambulance with the victim of a domestic assault. When you arrive on the
scene, a neighbor runs up to you screaming that she thinks someone has been shot in the house next to hers. The ambulance is
arriving on the scene with the fire engine, but the police are still a few blocks away. You should:
Answer: c
a. look in the windows of the house to see if you can locate a victim.
b. use the public address speaker on your fire engine to inquire whether anyone in the house needs medical attention.
c. inform the engine company officer so your crew can retreat a few blocks away until the police give the “all-clear” signal.
d. grab the medical kit, oxygen, and automated external defibrillator in case the person who has been shot is in cardiac arrest.
17. What is a drawback of the structural firefighting protective ensemble?
Answer: d
a. It will not provide sufficient protection beyond one hour of interior structural firefighting.
b. There are no standards governing the manufacturing of structural firefighting protective ensembles, so there is little assurance
that any given ensemble will provide adequate protection.
c. It cannot be used for anything other than structural firefighting.
d. The vapor barrier prevents the release of perspiration and body heat, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion.
18. How often should PPE be washed?
Answer: d
a. After every use
b. Never–doing so will break down the fibers and cause the flame-retardant material to wear out faster
c. Whenever required by the manufacturer
d. On a regular basis, to be determined by the individual fire department
19. When can a fire fighter remove his or her SCBA?
Answer: d
a. When the air inside the structure is sufficiently clear so as to be able to see without difficulty
b. When the air inside the structure no longer stings the fire fighter’s eyes
c. When the most senior member of the team removes his or her SCBA
d. When the safety officer indicates that the atmosphere is safe to breathe
20. What are the three gases commonly found in house fires?
Answer: c
a. Carbon monoxide, hydroflouric acid, and calcium phosgenate
b. Carbon monoxide, phosgene, and hydroflouric acid
c. Carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and phosgene
d. Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydroflouric acid
21. What does it mean to say that an SCBA unit is a “positive-pressure” SCBA?
Answer: b
a. The user must exert a positive pressure on the face piece in order to start the flow of air.
b. The regulator will maintain a pressure in the face piece that is slightly higher than normal atmospheric pressure for that altitude.
c. The regulator will shut to prevent unnecessary loss of air should the face piece be removed from the face.
d. Nothing–“positive pressure” is a misconception many fire fighters have about the way modern SCBAs work.
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22. While fighting a fire, you suddenly hear a bell and feel a vibration from your SCBA. What does this mean and what action should
you take?
Answer: d
a. Your SCBA is malfunctioning, and you need to switch to emergency by-pass mode by activating the red-colored emergency bypass valve.
b. Your SCBA is overheating, and you should have a team member direct the nozzle stream against the cylinder to cool it down.
c. You have enough air left for five minutes of work before you will need to start your exit.
d. You are low on air, and you must exit the hazardous environment now.
23. At a minimum, how often must an SCBA be inspected?
Answer: a
a. Daily or at the start of your shift
b. Weekly
c. Monthly
d. Semi-annually
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75
Student Quiz
Name: ___________________________________________________________
Date: ____________________________________________________________
______
1. True or False: Federal law specifies the training requirements for fire fighters.
a. True
b. False
______
2. Your engine company is extinguishing a fire in a single-family dwelling. You see two fire fighters preparing to climb to the
roof of the building, which you have previously been advised is weakened due to prolonged exposure to fire. You should:
a. notify the incident commander.
b. notify the safety officer.
c. notify the company officer.
d. all of the above.
______
3. What is the leading cause of fire fighter fatalities?
a. Inhalation of toxic smoke and super-heated gases
b. Contact with flame
c. Heart attacks
d. Being struck by falling objects
______
4. What is the proper order of concern for the safety of people on the fire ground?
a. Yourself, other team members, the general public
b. The general public, yourself, other team members
c. The general public, other team members, yourself
d. Yourself, the general public, other team members
______
5. The fire service uses the Incident Management System to:
a. ensure that orders are communicated and followed.
b. ensure a command and control structure is in place for large-scale incidents.
c. ensure a command and control structure is in place for all incidents, even small fires.
d. ensure that fireground operations meet federal standards for reimbursement of expenses for disaster-scale incidents
such as wildland fires.
______
6. Freelancing is permissible:
a. when your company officer says so.
b. when you cannot communicate with your officer for instructions.
c. at no time.
d. at most times, except when lives are in danger.
______
7. True or False: The safety officer has the final authority on the fireground.
a. True
b. False
______
8. Which of the following is a TRUE statement?
a. Hand tool manufacturers’ specifications and operating instructions are for the general public and are not applicable to
fire service uses.
b. Only certified equipment mechanics should perform any type of maintenance on fire service tools and equipment.
c. Fire service tools and equipment are fairly well standardized; therefore, fire fighters do not need to read the
instructions for each individual tool or piece of equipment.
d. Fire fighters must know how to troubleshoot and maintain all equipment carried so they can fix it on the fireground if
necessary.
______
9. You have been suffering from the flu for the last two days. You are due to work the next morning at the fire department.
You crew is already short because another fire fighter on your shift has taken vacation. You feel very sick. You should:
a. call in sick.
b. show up for work and if you are not feeling well by noon, go home.
c. take some medicine and work your shift .
d. tough it out for the duration of the shift.
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______
10. When is the best time to put on your protective clothing?
a. Once you have arrived at the fireground
b. En route to the emergency in the fire apparatus (if you are not driving)
c. At the station, before you get into the apparatus
d. At the beginning of your shift
______
11. You are working on a team of three fire fighters inside a warehouse on fire. You are behind the lead fire fighter on the
nozzle of a handline attacking the fire. The fire fighter on the nozzle signals that he is low on air. You should:
a. take over his position on the nozzle and allow him to exit the warehouse for a fresh cylinder of air.
b. signal the fire fighter behind you to go back to the apparatus to get a fresh cylinder of air for the fire fighter on the
nozzle.
c. exit as a team of three to get another cylinder of air.
d. give a “Mayday” signal on your radio to summon assistance.
______
12. The purpose of a personnel accountability system is:
a. to make sure fire fighters are accountable for the tasks they have been assigned.
b. to ensure that fire fighters stay in “buddy teams.”
c. to provide accurate record keeping for federal reimbursement of fire fighter wages on disaster-scale incidents, such as
wildland fires.
d. to ensure that all assignments, activities, locations, and status of every fire fighter on the scene are known.
______
13. Which of the following is not a type of personnel accountability system?
a. Personal alert safety system (PASS)
b. Passport system
c. Accountability tag system
d. Clipboard, pen, and paper
______
14. When can a fire fighter leave the rehabilitation area?
a. When the fire fighter gets a fresh cylinder of air
b. When the fire fighter is released by the officer in charge of the rehabilitation area
c. When the company officer says that the rest break is over
d. When the fire fighter feels fully rested, refreshed, and ready for another work cycle
______
15. What are the warning signs of heat exhaustion?
a. Nausea, vomiting, and restlessness
b. Sweating, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and cramping
c. Inability to carry even light hand tools without dropping them
d. Both b and c
______
16. You are on an engine company dispatched to assist the ambulance with the victim of a domestic assault. When you arrive
on the scene, a neighbor runs up to you screaming that she thinks someone has been shot in the house next to hers. The
ambulance is arriving on the scene with the fire engine, but the police are still a few blocks away. You should:
a. look in the windows of the house to see if you can locate a victim.
b. use the public address speaker on your fire engine to inquire whether anyone in the house needs medical attention.
c. inform the engine company officer so your crew can retreat a few blocks away until the police give the “all-clear”
signal.
d. grab the medical kit, oxygen, and automated external defibrillator in case the person who has been shot is in cardiac
arrest.
______
17. What is a drawback of the structural firefighting protective ensemble?
a. It will not provide sufficient protection beyond one hour of interior structural firefighting.
b. There are no standards governing the manufacturing of structural firefighting protective ensembles, so there is little
assurance that any given ensemble will provide adequate protection.
c. It cannot be used for anything other than structural firefighting.
d. The vapor barrier prevents the release of perspiration and body heat, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion.
Fire Fighter Qualifications and Safety
77
______
18. How often should PPE be washed?
a. After every use
b. Never–doing so will break down the fibers and cause the flame-retardant material to wear out faster
c. Whenever required by the manufacturer
d. On a regular basis, to be determined by the individual fire department
______
19. When can a fire fighter remove his or her SCBA?
a. When the air inside the structure is sufficiently clear so as to be able to see without difficulty
b. When the air inside the structure no longer stings the fire fighter’s eyes
c. When the most senior member of the team removes his or her SCBA
d. When the safety officer indicates that the atmosphere is safe to breathe
______
20. What are the three gases commonly found in house fires?
a. Carbon monoxide, hydroflouric acid, and calcium phosgenate
b. Carbon monoxide, phosgene, and hydroflouric acid
c. Carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and phosgene
d. Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydroflouric acid
______
21. What does it mean to say that an SCBA unit is a “positive-pressure” SCBA?
a. The user must exert a positive pressure on the face piece in order to start the flow of air.
b. The regulator will maintain a pressure in the face piece that is slightly higher than normal atmospheric pressure for
that altitude.
c. The regulator will shut to prevent unnecessary loss of air should the face piece be removed from the face.
d. Nothing–“positive pressure” is a misconception many fire fighters have about the way modern SCBAs work.
______
22. While fighting a fire, you suddenly hear a bell and feel a vibration from your SCBA. What does this mean and what action
should you take?
a. Your SCBA is malfunctioning, and you need to switch to emergency by-pass mode by activating the red-colored
emergency by-pass valve.
b. Your SCBA is overheating, and you should have a team member direct the nozzle stream against the cylinder to cool it
down.
c. You have enough air left for five minutes of work before you will need to start your exit.
d. You are low on air, and you must exit the hazardous environment now.
______
23. At a minimum, how often must an SCBA be inspected?
a. Daily or at the start of your shift
b. Weekly
c. Monthly
d. Semi-annually