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Purpose
To establish guidelines for the proper wearing of Firefighter protective clothing during emergency situations and/or during Departmental training sessions where protective clothing is required.
Fire Department personnel shall wear personal protective ensemble (PPE) appropriate for the tasks involved.
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Background
This replaces POG # 02-02-02, “Wearing of Fire Fighting Protective Clothing”, dated 2009/03/18.
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Policy Statement
All issued fire fighting PPE shall be worn in its entirety at all emergency calls regardless of weather conditions. It should be remembered that PPE protects the wearer from injury due to heat and fire, cold, sharp objects, mild chemicals, bodily fluids, etc.
During firefighting operations, ensemble components including Bunker Clothes, firefighting boots, gloves and heat resistant hood shall be worn at all times. Helmets shall be properly worn with liner, face shield and chin strap in place at all times.
Only PPE or equipment issued by SJRFD is authorized for use. Protective clothing shall not be modified or substituted without written approval from the Fire Chief. PPE items and tools including, but not limited to, gloves, hoods, helmet lights, hand lights, etc., shall only be utilized upon written approval from the Deputy Fire Chief of Operations.
Personnel are reminded that importing of non-approved items may lead to discipline and/or failure to qualify for employee benefits in the event of accident or injury resulting from the use of said items.
NOTE 1:
It is recognized that in certain emergency situations, primarily medical in nature, the Personal Protective Equipment worn can be cumbersome and warm. At the discretion of the Officer in Charge, Bunker Jacket and Helmet may be removed. Personnel should use extreme caution when operating under these conditions as the PPE is your first defence against injury and contamination, utmost care and discretion is advised.
NOTE 2
It is recognized that in certain emergency circumstances helmets may have to be removed to allow access. Personnel should use extreme caution when operating under this type of emergency and only remove head protection as a last resort.
NOTE 3
Issued PPE is the property of SJRFD and shall not be used for anything other than authorized Fire Department duties.
NOTE 4
All Operational Guidelines are provided as a guideline only and may be altered by the Fire Chief/Director, or his/her designate, to meet extenuating circumstances.
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Approvals
Director/Chief of SJRFD
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Responsibility
St. John's Regional Fire Department
POG # 02-02-02
Approved By:
___________________________
Sherry L. Colford
Fire Chief
Director of Regional Fire and Emergency Services
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Appendix/Appendices
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