LAS VEGAS FIRE & RESCUE

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING / Routine Inspection of Structural Firefighting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Reviewed Date:
Effective Date: / 12/22/08
Supersedes: / 06/01/1994 / SOP / 406.02 / Page 1 of 4
  1. INTRODUCTION
  1. Purpose:To determine if Structural Firefighting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is suitable for the work day.
  1. Scope:Each member who has been issued turnouts.
  1. Author:The Fire Chief or designee.
  1. Authority:This procedure reflects recommendations by NFPA 1851, Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting, 2008 Edition.
  1. RESPONSIBILITY
  1. All Personnel: Routine Inspection is the responsibility of each member.
  2. Supervisors:Supervisors shall ensure that members comply.
  1. POLICY
  1. Each member who has been issued turnouts shall follow this procedure after each use in an IDLH atmosphere or after exposure to an event that could have resulted in damage to the PPE.
  1. Universal precautions shall be used when soiling or contamination is suspected.
  1. If any portion of any PPE element fails, the failure shall be marked on the LVFR Routine Inspection Form and the element shall be bagged, labeled and sent to the Support Services Warehouse with a copy of the documentation.
  1. PROCEDURES
  1. Inspect Coat and Trouser
  2. manufacturer date: the date is located on the interior of the element; if the date is 10 years old, remove the element from service
  3. cleanliness
  4. physical damage (rips, tears, and cuts)
  5. hardware (damaged or missing)
  6. closure systemsfor proper operation
  7. thermal damage (charring, burn holes, melting, discoloration)
  8. reflective trim (damages, missing)
  9. seams and stitches (integrity, missing)
  10. shell/liner (proper size and assembly)
  11. fit
  1. Inspect Hood
  2. manufacturer date (not to exceed 10 years)
  3. cleanliness
  4. physical damage (rips, tears, and cuts)
  5. thermal damage (charring, burn holes, melting, discoloration)
  6. face opening/adjustment
  7. seams and stitches (integrity, missing)
  8. fit
  1. Inspect Helmet
  2. manufacturer date (not to exceed 10 years)
  3. cleanliness
  4. physical damage (cracks, crazing, dents, abrasions)
  5. thermal damage (bubbling, soft spots, warping, discoloration)
  6. ear covers (rips, tears, cuts, charring, burn holes, melting)
  7. hardware (damaged or missing straps or suspension components)
  8. face shield (discoloration, crazing, cracks, scratches)
  9. closure systems for proper operation (chinstrap)
  10. reflective trim (damages, missing)
  11. seams and stitches (integrity, missing)
  12. fit
  1. Inspect Each Glove
  2. manufacturer date (not to exceed 10 years)
  3. cleanliness
  4. physical damage (rips, tears, and cuts)
  5. thermal damage (charring, burn holes, melting, discoloration)
  6. liner (for inversion)
  7. seams and stitches (integrity, missing)
  8. fit
  1. Inspect Footwear
  2. manufacturer date (not to exceed 10 years)
  3. cleanliness
  4. physical damage (cracks, cuts, tears, punctures, splitting)
  5. thermal damage (charring, burn holes, melting, discoloration)
  6. steel (exposed or deformed toe, shank, or midsole)
  7. closure systems for proper operation
  8. tread wear
  9. lining (tears, excessive wear, separation from outer layer)
  10. heel (for counter failure)
  11. waterproof integrity
  12. seams and stitches (integrity, missing)
  13. fit
  1. Inspect Drag Rescue Device (DRD)
  2. manufacturer date (not to exceed 10 years)
  3. installation
  4. cleanliness
  5. physical damage (tears, cuts, cracks, punctures, splitting)
  6. thermal damage (charring, melting, burn holes, discoloration)
  7. seams and stitches (integrity, missing)
  1. Complete LVFR Routine Inspection Form
  2. quarterly
  3. as required after each use
  1. APPENDICES
  2. See 406.02A LVFR Routine Inspection Form