• Home
  • About FFTB
    • The Mission
    • Start Here
    • Disclaimer
  • The Team
    • Contributors
    • Photo Contributors
    • Guest Contributors
    • The Original Crew
  • Contact
facebook
twitter
youtube
google_plus
email
  • Start Here
  • PODCAST
    • About The Podcast
    • Podcast Episode Pages
    • Podcast on iTunes
    • Podcast Official Sponsors
    • Podcast Sponsorship
  • 5 Min Clinics
    • 5 Minute Engine Co Clinic
    • 5 Minute Truck Co Clinic
    • 5 Minute Officer Clinic
    • 5 Minute Clinic Series
  • Product Reviews
  • Articles
    • Eng Co
    • Truck Co
    • Co Officer
    • Safety & FF Rescue
    • General
      • Social Media/ Public Relations
      • FF Communications
      • Art & Science of Firefighting
      • Life Skills
      • Hazardous Materials
      • Rescue Operations
      • Special Operations
        • Marine Operations
        • Airport Fire & Rescue Operations
  • Health & Fitness
  • FF Mindset
BREAKING NEWS
3 Rule Outs of the Medical Patient
“TOP 10” Fire Station Functional Fitness Training Equipment – Part 2
“TOP 10” Fire Station Functional Fitness Training Equipment – Part 1
Keys to Conducting Comprehensive Feedback to Firefighters
3 Keys to Truck Check Success
The 3 Best Types of Workouts for Firefighters – Part 3
PWR Training Sandbag – Product Review
The 3 Best Types of Workouts for Firefighters – Part 2
3 Ways Firefighters can Reduce the Chance of a Back Injury
The 3 Best Types of Workouts for Firefighters – Part 1
Practice How You Play
How to Execute the Proper Kettlebell Swing
What Every Firefighter Needs to Know About NFPA 1583
5 Exercises to Improve Grip Strength for Firefighters
6 Ways Firefighters can Use Exercise Progressions and Regressions
3 Workout Tips for the Volunteer Firefighter
074 – Introduction to Firefighter Functional Fitness
Firefighter Functional Fitness – 7 Tips for Planning Weekly Workouts
The 3 Cornerstones of Firefighter Fitness Success
8 Must-Do Exercises for Serious Firefighter Functional Fitness

Fundamentals of PPE Inspection – Part 2

Posted On 16 Jun 2015
By : Rob Fling
Comment: 0
Tag: Turn Out Gear

Read Part 1 Here

Let’s continue with the fundamentals of our PPE inspection:

Hood Inspection

Our hood should be free of any rips or tears as well. The opening for your face should fit well and not be stretched. There should also not be any signs of thermal damage to the hood. If you suspect there is anything with your hood have it replaced.

Glove Inspection

Often members neglect the importance of a good pair of gloves. Have you ever seen someone don a set of gloves and go into a fire that were not truly designed for firefighting? Not a good idea. Ensure that your gloves give you good dexterity, are free from being ripped and that the liner is in good shape.

Boots Inspection

Our boots are just as important as any other piece of gear. They are designed to protect you. If you see that they need to be repaired or replaced speak up and have it taken care of.

FirefighterToolbox Gear Inspection

Wear to your boots as seen in this image will mean they need to soon be replaced.

Turnout Coat & Pants Inspection

While so far the inspection of our gear has been relatively simple, our bunker gear can get quite a bit more complex. We should break down our inspections into two types, the first being routine and the second being a more advanced inspection that should be taken care of by trained personal. But as in our other PPE we can look for the obvious that will tell us that a more detailed inspection should be carried out.

Check for any obvious discoloration to the fabric. This could indicate that the fabric was exposed to to much heat at a fire or that it could have been exposed to ultra violent light (such as sun light) for a prolonged period of time. All stitching, reflective striping, velcro and closures should be closely inspected. Take a look at the inner liner and the moisture barrier for the same types of damage.

If you see any type of damage, report it to your officer so the gear can be taken care of and repaired appropriately as soon as possible. Any type of damage to your PPE should be taken seriously, it is your first line of protection that keeps you safe. Your gear also (I have said this before) needs to be clean. Dirty gear does not have the same protective qualities as a clean set of gear does.

Firefighter Toolbox Coat Inspection

This gear has obvious heat damage and needs a more thorough inspection by a trained individual.

FirefighterToolbox Coat inspection 2

Minor damage such as this tear in a coat can be taken care of by an authorized repair person.

Firefighter Toolbox Knee Pad inspection

This tear in the knee is a quick fix, simply swap out the new pad for a new one. You can quickly do this right in the firehouse. Check with your officer or the person in charge of your department’s gear first for approval.

As you can see there are many aspects to inspecting our PPE. Although not all of it can be taken care of in the firehouse much of it can. Basic inspection should be taken care of on a regular basis, at least monthly. With the fuel as well as fuel loads of today’s fires we need to ensure our personal protection as much as possible. Inspect your gear today.

About the Author
Robert has over 17 years in the fire service and is currently with the Dix Hills Fire Department, Long Island, NY. He is passionate about the fundamentals of firefighting and the important role they play in building our future firefighters and leaders. Robert states that taking a “back to basics” approach to training will give our firefighters the skills they need to ensure they do their job safely and efficiently. As leaders, we need to be progressive and constantly improve our operations before tragedy strikes.
  • google-share
Previous Story

Fundamentals of PPE Inspection – Part 1

Next Story

Fundamentals Of The SCBA Checkout – Part 1

Related Posts

0

Fundamentals of PPE Inspection – Part 1

Posted On 02 Jun 2015
, By Rob Fling

Search Site

Archives

DOWNLOAD FREE REPORT

Popular Posts

FirefighterToolbox Podcast

FireFighterToolbox Podcast (Internet Radio Interview Show)

48 Comments

Top 6 Reasons To Use A 2-1/2" Handline

29 Comments

The Role Of The Second Due Engine - Part 2

18 Comments
Copyright 2013-2017 FirefighterToolbox.com All Rights Reserved.