LEVEL B ENSEMBLE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT APPROACH TO

LEVEL B ENSEMBLE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

APPROACH TO PPE � To provide protection in event of a chemical, biological, radiological, and/or nuclear (CBRN) event Operations Level Fire Responders will be issued PPE appropriate for prescribed job functions, i. e. decon, support, etc.

WHO NEEDS PPE AND TRAINING All First Responders designated as part of the emergency response to a chemical agent release � All persons who anticipate being active in potentially hazardous environments � Regular drills and training sessions designed to maintain familiarity with equipment should be incorporated into emergency response protocols �

WHAT IS PPE? Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is defined as articles worn or equipment used in order to protect wearer from harmful contaminants in the environment � Main function of PPE is to provide a shield between worker and agent contaminated environment � To be effective it must prevent the First Responder from being contaminated by airborne or surface agents �

4 LEVELS OF PPE Level A � Level B � Level C � Includes PAPR (Personal Air Purifying Respirator) � Level D �

LEVEL A � � � The product involved has been identified as one whose properties require the highest level of protection for skin, eyes, and the respiratory system Operations and response functions involve high potential for splash, immersion or exposure to unexpected vapors, gases, or particulates of materials highly toxic to the skin Substances with a high degree of hazard to the skin are known or suspected to be present, and skin contact is possible Operations must be conducted in confined, poorly ventilated areas until the absence of substances requiring level A protection is determined Unknown substance release

LEVEL B � � � The type and atmospheric concentration of toxic substance has been identified and requires a high level of respiratory protection, but less skin protection than Level A. These would be atmospheres with concentrations that exceed their IDLH, but does not represent a severe skin hazard The atmosphere contains less then 19. 5% oxygen It is highly unlikely that response activities will generate high concentrations of vapors, or splashes of material that will affect the skin of response personal

LEVEL C � � � The atmospheric contaminants, liquid splashes, or other direct contact may adversely affect or be absorbed through any exposed skin The types of air contaminants have been identified, concentrations measured, and an air-purifying respirator is available that can remove the contaminants All criteria for the use of PAPR are met

LEVEL D Selected when the atmosphere contains no known hazards � Work functions preclude splashes, immersion, or the potential for unexpected inhalation of or contact with hazardous levels of any chemicals � Structural firefighting gear or uniform �

LEVEL B PPE (CHECK YOUR AGENCY) SCBA � Kappler CPF 3 � Over boots � Outer and inner gloves � EMS for inner � Sol-Vex Nitrile for outer � Yellow Kappler Chem-Tape �

DONNING LEVEL B - NON ENCAPSULATED STEP 1 � Conduct a pre-entry briefing, medical monitoring, and equipment inspection

DONNING LEVEL B - NON ENCAPSULATED STEP 2 � While seated, pull on the suit to waist level � Pull on the over boots � Pull the suit legs over the boots

DONNING LEVEL B - NON ENCAPSULATED STEP 3 � Don the inner gloves

DONNING LEVEL B - NON ENCAPSULATED STEP 4 � With assistance, complete donning the suit by placing both arms in the suit and pulling the suit over shoulders � Instruct the assistant to close the suit by closing the zipper and sealing the splash flap

DONNING LEVEL B - NON ENCAPSULATED STEP 5 � Don the SCBA and face piece, do not connect the regulator to the face piece � With assistance, pull the hood over the head and face piece

DONNING LEVEL B - NON ENCAPSULATED STEP 6 � Don outer gloves and pull the sleeves over the gloves � Instruct the assistant to tape sleeves and gloves at the wrists � Instruct the assistant to connect the regulator to the face piece

COMPLETED LEVEL B ENSEMBLE

DOFFING LEVEL B - NON ENCAPSULATED STEP 1 � After completing decontamination, proceed to the clean area for suit doffing � Stand doff the SCBA while keeping the face piece in place

DOFFING LEVEL B - NONE ENCAPSULATED STEP 2 � Instruct the assistant to open the splash flap and suit zipper

DOFFING LEVEL B - NON ENCAPSULATED STEP 3 � Remove your hands from the outer gloves and your arms from the sleeves of the suit � Cross you arms in front of the suit � Begin at the head and roll the suit down and away until the suit is below the waist

DOFFING LEVEL B - NONE ENCAPSULATED STEP 4 � Sit down and instruct the assistant to complete rolling down the suit to the ankles � Step out of the boots and the suit

DOFFING LEVEL B - NON ENCAPSULATED STEP 5 � Stand doff the SCBA face piece last

DOFFING LEVEL B - NON ENCAPSULATED STEP 6 � Carefully peel the inner gloves away from the clean area � Go the rehab area for medical monitoring, rehydration, and personal decon shower

HEAT STRESS FACTORS PPE restricts heat loss mechanisms because of low permeability to water vapor � Amount of heat accumulation depends upon � amount of physical activity � level of hydration � clothing worn � load carried � state of heat acclimatization � physical fitness and fatigue � terrain and climatic conditions �

DEHYDRATION Because of higher body temperatures, individuals in PPE sweat considerably more than usual, often more than 1. 5 quarts of water every hour during work � Water must be consumed to replace lost fluids or dehydration will follow � Inability to drink in full PPE increases likelihood of dehydration � Dehydration and need for regular and timely fluid replacement in workers is limiting factor on stay time in full PPE �

PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS Wearing full PPE reduces ability to see and hear clearly � Makes it more difficult to recognize and communicate with others � Creates or increases feelings of isolation and confusion � Causes frustration in many, and claustrophobia in others � Experience in wearing and exercising in PPE can reduce these factors �

PERFORMANCE IN PPE Firefighters wearing PPE will take about 1. 5 times longer to perform most tasks � Performance is affected by stress in a variety of ways: � reaction and decision times are longer � routine tasks are completed more slowly � errors of omission are more common � Use the buddy system, a buddy can check for signs of stress and fatigue � Critical jobs should be shared and work should be double-checked �

COLD STRESS FACTORS Can directly affect an individual’s health and performance while wearing PPE � Can lower body temperature, resulting in cold injuries and impaired performance � Often accompanied by wind, rain, snow and ice, which can worsen the effects of cold � Cold weather clothing and PPE may be difficult to integrate �

Presentation shared by Snohomish County Fire District