What is one of the most dangerous things a firefighter encounters is the one he cannot do without--his gear. One of the first things a firefighter learns in training is how to use and take care of their turnout gear. However, after many years of fighting fires, many begin to neglect their gear and become carelessness.
Carelessness can lead to injuries or even death for firefighters. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an Oregon firefighter who had worn turn out gear sustained chemical burns while putting out a fire at a methamphetamine laboratory. The firefighter was treated and released from a local hospital, but the situation could have been much worse.
If fire residue is not cleaning from turnout gear, it can become ignitable when the firefighter is at his next blaze. This could turn a minor fire into a scalding blaze. It does not take a lot of effort to clean out the gear. Here are some tips:
- Hose off the turn out gear after every fire.
- Read the instructions! Manufacturers will have detailed instructions as to how to take care of the turn out gear.
- Don’t use bleach. It can destroy the fabric.
- If you have holes or tears in protective clothing, tell your supervisor and ask for a replacement.
A firefighter’s self-contained breathing apparatus, or SCBA, should also be cleaned regularly. The SCBA should also be tested. Nothing is more dangerous than being caught in the heat of the fire and having the SCBA fail. If you have questions, check the manufacturer’s instructions or see your supervisor. As with the turn out gear, if you find problems with the SCBA, contact a supervisor immediately.
Proper personal protection is a must for firefighters. Taking care of gear and equipment can save a firefighter’s life and allow them to continue to save others.
Article provided by Kim Berly