MAMMOTH LAKES FIRE DATE: NUMBER:

PROTECTION DISTRICT 7/24 /08

TITLE:
STANDARD OPERATING
PROCEDURE Personal Protective Clothing Level

Approved By: Revision Date: / /

Chief Harper

I SCOPE

All MLFD personnel and Medic Personnel on MLFD emergencies

II. PURPOSE

The purpose of this SOP is to help the MLFD member determine the minimum level of
personal protection required at the incident.

III. DEFINITIONS

Personal Protective Equipment refers to the PPE necessary for the type of incident, to include
structure fires, wildland fires, vehicle fires, vehicle accidents, medical calls and hazardous material
incidents. PPE includes protection of the member’s body and respiratory system.

The “hot zone” is typically a hazardous material reference but will be used in the SOP to designate
any area where there is a chance of injury to the member. For example:

• The hot zone on a structure fire would include the involved building, the collapse zone
around the building and any area where exposures or explosions could threaten the
member. The hot zone would also include areas where smoke is drifting.
• The hot zone on a vehicle fire would include the vehicle, areas where fuel is leaking or
could leak. Consideration would also be given to the possibility of fuel tank explosions,
bumper shock explosions etc. The hot zone on a typical vehicle fire would be between
20 and 30 feet.
• The hot zone on a vehicle accident would be very similar to a vehicle fire.
Consideration should be given to a potential fire, explosion, jagged metal and glass, in
addition to normal “body substance isolation.”
• The hot zone is considered in effect until proven otherwise.

IV. RESPONSIBILITIES

It is the responsibility of the individual to don the proper PPE for the type of incident. Company
officers and chief officers will also ensure that personnel are in the correct PPE while operating
in the “hot zone:” or in any situation where there is a risk of injury or death. It is the
responsibility of the individual to advise his supervisor if PPE is lost or compromised. Only
PPE issued or approved by the department is considered adequate for this SOP.

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On all incidents the MLFD member will present themselves in a professional manner. Shorts,
non-professional t-shirts, tennis shoes, etc are not appropriate.

IV. PROCEDURES

Structure Fires

1. All firefighters operating in the “hot zone” of a structure fire will be in full turnouts to include
coat, pants, helmet, hood, gloves and boots. When operating in an IDLH atmosphere an
SCBA shall be worn.
2. Engineers when operating close to the incident and exposed to products of combustion shall
also be in full PPE including SCBA. If outside the “hot zone” engineers will be allowed to
modify their PPE accordingly. If the Engineer is considered to be a part of the RIT team, then
full PPE including an SCBA shall be worn.

Vehicle Accidents

1. Members shall don the appropriate PPE for the situation. If sharp glass and metal are
present, or if extrication is being provided then the member shall wear full PPE including a
helmet and gloves. If there is a chance of fire, then the member shall also don an SCBA.
2. In addition if the member will have direct patient contact “body substance isolation” will be
initiated.
3. When extrication is being provided there will be a protection line deployed (at least 1 ¾”) with
at least two firefighters on the line in full PPE including SCBA.

Wildland Fires

1. Members shall wear full wildland PPE when operating on a wildland fire. This includes
wildland shirt, pants, helmet, hood, and gloves. For short durations structure PPE can used,
but may lead to heat exhaustion. In addition each member will have, on their person, a fire
shelter. 2 Quarts of water will be provided for each fire fighter Add to SOP

Medical Incidents

1. Members, when in contact with the patient, shall wear, at a minimum, latex gloves and eye
protection when in direct contact with a patient. Protection may also include masks when exposed
to potentially infections patients, it may be more prudent to mask the patient if possible.

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Hazardous Material Incidents

1. When evaluating protective clothing for use at a haz-mat incident, primary concern should focus
upon chemical resistance, the integrity of the entire protective clothing ensemble (including the
garment, visor, zippers, gloves, boots, etc.), and the tasks to be performed. When evaluating
chemical compatibility recommendations, three sources should be considered, which may include the
following:

A. The primary reference source for chemical compatibility recommendations should be the
Chemical Protective Clothing (CPC) manufacturer’s technical documentation.

B. Other credible sources may include CPC reference manuals and computer databases.

C. Guidelines for the Selection of Chemical Protective Clothing, American Conference of

Government Industrial Hygienists, Inc.

D. Quick Selection Guide to Chemical Protective Clothing, Krister Forsberg, S.Z. Mansdorf.

2. There may be a conflict in compatibility recommendations between sources. Responders should

initially rely upon the protective clothing manufacturer’s chemical resistance recommendation.
Always select the most conservative data. When evaluating chemical vapor protective suits, acquire
a complete inventory of all suit components and their construction materials.

3. Ensemble Selection Consideration. The ensemble selection shall depend on the nature and
severity of the hazard, the type and duration of the tasks to be performed, and the performance
features and limitations of the available clothing and cost.

4. Respiratory Protection. Only positive pressure devices which maintain positive pressure in the
face piece during both inhalation and exhalation should be used during haz-mat response operations.
Decontamination, clean-up, and remedial operations are other examples for such use.

5. Maintenance and Inspection Procedures.

A. The manufacturer’s maintenance and testing recommendations should be consulted for

maintenance and procedures. Protective clothing shall be fully inspected at the following
benchmarks:

(1) Upon receipt from the manufacturer or distributor.

(2) Before and after each use or annually during the first weekly check in the month of
January, whichever comes first.

B. Level “A” protective clothing shall be pressure tested:

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(1) After each use or annually during the first weekly check in the month of January,
whichever comes first.

(2) At any time a level “A” suit is utilized where the product contaminating the suit
material is unknown, or the suit cannot be properly decontaminated, the suit shall be removed from
service.

C. Documentation and maintenance of all appropriate records shall be recorded for chemical
protective clothing. The documentation shall note each time the clothing is worn and inspected,
maintenance data, unusual conditions or observations, decontamination solutions and procedures,
and dates with appropriate signatures. This documentation shall be kept in a binder on the haz-mat
van.

VI. ATTACHMENTS

VII. FORMS

VIII. REFERENCES

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