Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment

Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) construction of today has come a long way since early firefighter gear that was made from wool and a rubber outer liner(1).Today’s PPE firefighting gear construction, performance and maintenance is governed by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1971 Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting, 2007 edition. The components must consist of a coat, pants, hood, gloves, boots, helmet and Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) The ensemble must protect the firefighter for fifteen minutes in an environment of 105-203 degrees F, five minutes in an environment of 204-482 degrees F and about 10 seconds in an environment of 483-1500 degrees F. Typical temperatures in a structure fire can reach 900 degrees F and
1500-2000 degrees F in a flashover condition. A flashover is when superheated gasses ignite as fresh air is introduced into a building. (2).
The PPE coat and pants consist of an outer shell, thermal liner and moisture barrier. The outer shell is water, cut, tear, flame, and puncture resistant. The outer shell is usually made from a blend of Polybenzimidaxazole (PBI™), Kevlar®, Aramid and Nomex® fabrics. The thermal liner is several layers of Nomex® and Kevlar® sandwiched between an inner and outer layer of woven Nomex®. Next to the firefighter is a moisture barrier made of GORTEX™ which keeps out water but allows the release of perspiration and body heat. Globe brand firefighting gear integrates webbing in the coat called a “Drag Rescue Device” (DRD) to easily pull a firefighter to safety. Webbing can also be installed in the pants so a firefighter can repel themselves safely out a window if egress from the fire building is blocked (3). A Nomex® hood is worn to protect the neck and head from fire and heat. The collar of the coat provides another layer of protection to the neck and ears. A helmet is worn to deflect any falling debris and acts as another layer of thermal protection to the top of the head. Nomex® gloves and waterproof rubber or leather boots complete the ensemble. Yearly inspections by a third party are conducted on the PPE to detect any defects. With proper cleaning and maintenance the gear can last up to eight years. After eight years the gear is retired from service.
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) (not to be confused with Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus [SCUBA]) components such as air cylinder, hoses and face mask, must meet the same temperature requirements as the PPE clothing. The SCBA must also have a Personal Alert Safety System (PASS) device that signals if a firefighter stops moving for 15-20 seconds. The PASS device also allows the firefighter to manually activate the alert if he or she is in trouble. Bottles are hydro-tested yearly as are regulators and masks.
The cost to equip a firefighter with PPE is around $5500.00. Firefighting coat, pants, boots, helmet and gloves are around $2000.00 and SCBA is around $3500.00 depending on the manufacturer.


1) http://www.fireengineering.com/articles/print.html?id=331803&bPool=FE.pennnet.com%
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2) Cote, Arthur E. NFPA Fire Protection Handbook,pg 12, 143-160. 20th ed. Vol. II.
Quincy:National Fire Protection Association, 2008.

3) http://globefiresuits.com/globe/