Our most used piece of equipment in the fire service is our personal protective equipment (PPE). It is the only equipment that is used at every alarm. Far too many firefighters do not have the proper knowledge of their PPE. This webcast will cover the importance of PPE with case histories of what PPE cannot do; a simplified review of the NFPA standards of PPE garments, concentrating on NFPA 1970; a step-by-step method on how to specify, bid, and place PPE in service; and the proper cleaning and care of PPE. Carcinogens are present on the fireground, and the levels have increased over the years. If we can reduce our exposure, we can start to reduce the ravages caused by cancer in the fire service.
