Current occupational safety standards specify that all workplaces are to have a professional figure trained in the management of fire emergencies.
Mandatory fire-fighting PPE
Legislative Decree 81/2008′ is very clear as far as occupational safety is concerned and prescribes the protective devices to be used and the need for these to be located in easily accessible locations inside the company.
In this specific case, the Ministerial Decree dated 10/3/98 highlights three different risk classes namely: low, medium and high.
In the case of low fire risk, current standards specify no particular equipment or special devices need to be made available, provided that evacuation and rescue procedures are in place and effective.
In the case of medium fire risk, the evacuation and rescue aspects vary depending on the specific scenario that the company presents.
However, it is good practice to have smoke hoods or face masks fitted with suitable filters, specific fire proof gloves and/or helmeted respirators located in an easily accessible place inside the company.
In the case of high risk scenarios, on the other hand, current standards impose the use of fire-resistant protective suits and gloves, self contained breathing apparatus and smoke masks and hoods.
Further to the obligations laid down by law, protection and prevention are essential to safeguard the safety of workers.
What types of PPE do fire-fighters need to use?
Fire emergency management officers are to intervene whenever a fire hazard develops within a company.
It is the employer’s duty to identify the exact number of officers needed in a particular working context bearing in mind that in some companies the risk of fire is higher than in others such as those that process flammable or dangerous materials.
An employer, furthermore, needs to ensure the continuous presence of fire emergency management staff also in the case of holiday leave, shift work, illness etc., because a company must always have its fire emergency staff available in order to safeguard employees and themselves.
The PPE to be used by fire-fighters are smoke masks and hoods, helmets, fire resistant protective suits and gloves and self contained breathing apparatus.
Particularly useful are powered air purifying devices incorporating a full face mask with blower units which supply filtered air directly to the face piece.
Apr 14 2017
When are PPE for fire-fighters mandatory?
Mandatory fire-fighting PPE
Legislative Decree 81/2008′ is very clear as far as occupational safety is concerned and prescribes the protective devices to be used and the need for these to be located in easily accessible locations inside the company.
In this specific case, the Ministerial Decree dated 10/3/98 highlights three different risk classes namely: low, medium and high.
In the case of low fire risk, current standards specify no particular equipment or special devices need to be made available, provided that evacuation and rescue procedures are in place and effective.
In the case of medium fire risk, the evacuation and rescue aspects vary depending on the specific scenario that the company presents.
However, it is good practice to have smoke hoods or face masks fitted with suitable filters, specific fire proof gloves and/or helmeted respirators located in an easily accessible place inside the company.
In the case of high risk scenarios, on the other hand, current standards impose the use of fire-resistant protective suits and gloves, self contained breathing apparatus and smoke masks and hoods.
Further to the obligations laid down by law, protection and prevention are essential to safeguard the safety of workers.
What types of PPE do fire-fighters need to use?
Fire emergency management officers are to intervene whenever a fire hazard develops within a company.
It is the employer’s duty to identify the exact number of officers needed in a particular working context bearing in mind that in some companies the risk of fire is higher than in others such as those that process flammable or dangerous materials.
An employer, furthermore, needs to ensure the continuous presence of fire emergency management staff also in the case of holiday leave, shift work, illness etc., because a company must always have its fire emergency staff available in order to safeguard employees and themselves.
The PPE to be used by fire-fighters are smoke masks and hoods, helmets, fire resistant protective suits and gloves and self contained breathing apparatus.
Particularly useful are powered air purifying devices incorporating a full face mask with blower units which supply filtered air directly to the face piece.
By Kasco Srl • Blog •