Firefighters dealing with wildland and forest fires are exposed to numerous risks. They must therefore be adequately trained and be equipped with all the personal protection equipment (PPE) required by legislation and regulatory standards.
Wildland and forest fire-fighting PPE regulations
Regulations regarding the PPE to be used when fighting wildland fires are plentiful as local authorities tend to establish their own specifications over and above those prescribed by state laws. Nowadays, international regulations list the risks to which workers are subjected when fighting wildland and forest fires. These risks include burns, traumas, injuries, abrasions, stings, ill-being as well as damage to the respiratory system due to the inhalation of smoke and fumes. The peculiarity of the risks associated with this activity requires that wildland and forest fire fighter trainees pass a physical check-up and an aptitude test before being employed for this type of work.Furthermore, wildland fire-fighting PPE must be able to prevent intense heat from reaching the body while allowing maximum freedom of movement. Current legislation also establishes supplementary specifications including the colour of the protective suits to be worn and the warnings signs to be displayed in order to ensure that the fire fighters are always recognizable.
List of PPE to be used during wildland fire-fighting
Legislation currently in force regarding which PPEs are to be worn during wildland fire extinguishing operations specifies the use of:
- fireproof protective suits
- safety goggles and helmets
- air purifying respirators
- suitable footwear
- fireproof jackets
The fireproof protective clothing to be used should be one-piece coveralls, even though two-piece suits are permitted as long as they are fire proof and prevent heat from seeping through to the inside of the body while allowing body heat to escape. The shoes should protect the feet and ankles and have toe reinforcements to prevent crushing should there be tree limb or entire tree falls.
In Europe, PPE used for wildland and forest fire-fighting must be CE marked and are to be serviced and maintained regularly so as to be efficient at all times. Tool belts or back packs may be included in the list of required PPE.
Users must ensure that all PPE is integral before use and is replaced according to a time change schedule or the expiry date marked on the equipment. However, PPE is to be replaced immediately should any part deteriorate or undergo damage even before the expiry date.
Among the personal protective equipment for wildland fire-fighting, the face mask for the protection of the respiratory system is particularly important and it is to be fitted with special filters that block the toxic particles, which are released during fires, from being inhaled. The face mask must provide workers with filtered air continuously but must also be compact and light weight, and not restrict movement in any way.
Furthermore, legislation also specifies that helmets be worn to protect the workers from accidental tree limb or debris falls from above.
Apr 3 2018
Wildland fire-fighting PPE: Which to use for respiratory protection
Wildland and forest fire-fighting PPE regulations
Regulations regarding the PPE to be used when fighting wildland fires are plentiful as local authorities tend to establish their own specifications over and above those prescribed by state laws. Nowadays, international regulations list the risks to which workers are subjected when fighting wildland and forest fires. These risks include burns, traumas, injuries, abrasions, stings, ill-being as well as damage to the respiratory system due to the inhalation of smoke and fumes. The peculiarity of the risks associated with this activity requires that wildland and forest fire fighter trainees pass a physical check-up and an aptitude test before being employed for this type of work.Furthermore, wildland fire-fighting PPE must be able to prevent intense heat from reaching the body while allowing maximum freedom of movement. Current legislation also establishes supplementary specifications including the colour of the protective suits to be worn and the warnings signs to be displayed in order to ensure that the fire fighters are always recognizable.
List of PPE to be used during wildland fire-fighting
Legislation currently in force regarding which PPEs are to be worn during wildland fire extinguishing operations specifies the use of:
The fireproof protective clothing to be used should be one-piece coveralls, even though two-piece suits are permitted as long as they are fire proof and prevent heat from seeping through to the inside of the body while allowing body heat to escape. The shoes should protect the feet and ankles and have toe reinforcements to prevent crushing should there be tree limb or entire tree falls.
In Europe, PPE used for wildland and forest fire-fighting must be CE marked and are to be serviced and maintained regularly so as to be efficient at all times. Tool belts or back packs may be included in the list of required PPE.
Users must ensure that all PPE is integral before use and is replaced according to a time change schedule or the expiry date marked on the equipment. However, PPE is to be replaced immediately should any part deteriorate or undergo damage even before the expiry date.
Among the personal protective equipment for wildland fire-fighting, the face mask for the protection of the respiratory system is particularly important and it is to be fitted with special filters that block the toxic particles, which are released during fires, from being inhaled. The face mask must provide workers with filtered air continuously but must also be compact and light weight, and not restrict movement in any way.
Furthermore, legislation also specifies that helmets be worn to protect the workers from accidental tree limb or debris falls from above.
By Kasco Srl • Blog •