Using Your PPE Safely: Chapter 7

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What are the three types of heat transfer? *

Conduction, compression and thermal radiation

Conduction, convection and thermal radiation

Conduction, convection and nuclear radiation

Compression, conduction and thermal radiation

Which type of heat transfer is described as the transfer of heat caused by two bodies touching? *

Compression

Convection

Conduction

Contagion

If you feel burns developing what should you do? *

Check your PPE to see if any shows signs of damage, if not it is safe to continue working

Burning sensations may begin long before skins burns; therefore continue working for 5 minutes to see if the sensation stops

Escape to a cool place and remove your PPE

Fabrics used in PPE have been tested to well over 1200°F, so unless the fire is really hot you shouldn’t worry about burning sensations

What is the temperature skin must reach before it begins to burn? *

118°F

131°F

152°F

252°F

What is stored energy and what is the danger? *

Heat build-up in structural fire fighting PPE over a period of time, which can cause burns when wet and/or compressed

Consumption of calories in excess of those used in physical activity, which could lead to obesity

Electrical current associated with an uncapped, poorly spliced or cut wire, which could lead to electrocution if touched

Heat build-up in a fire environment that results in flashover, which could lead to injury or death

Fire fighters who are exposed to flashover or other high heat environments are: *

Protected as long as they are properly wearing their NFPA 1971 compliant PPE

Only at risk for extensive burn injuries or death if their coat closures are not properly fastened and/or they have not donned a protective hood

At extreme risk for extensive burn injuries and death even while wearing their NFPA 1971 compliant PPE

Likely to become public heroes especially if the media is present

What should you do if your PPE has received an extreme exposure? *

Perform a routine inspection; request an advanced inspection if there is visible damage

Have an advanced inspection performed if you suspect the exposure exceeded temperature to which the fabric was tested

Always have an advanced inspection performed

Perform routine cleaning and routine inspection; request an advanced inspection if there is visible damage

What happens when you squeeze the layers of your structural fire fighting gear? *

It collapses the pores in the moisture barrier that provides water resistance; which is called psi

It collapses the air pockets that provide insulation; which is called compression

It collapses liquid molecules produced by sweat and water so they become small enough to move through the moisture barrier; which is called moisture barrier penetration

None of the above

What can you do to minimize compression burns on your knees? *

Switch from knee to knee while kneeling

Squatting instead of kneeling when you are able

Shift your weight from side to side when you must be on both knees

All of the above

Why is water dangerous inside your PPE? *

Gear shrinks when it is wet and exposed to high temperatures

Most water has chemical compounds left from the filtering process; this includes chlorine which can damage the fibers in your gear

It displaces the insulated air and provides a conductive bond between you and hot surfaces that you might not otherwise touch

Water molecules fill up the pores in your moisture barrier, which makes it less breathable and hotter to work in

Structural PPE Safety and Training

Chapter 7: Using Your PPE Safely