Peach
Fire Department

Instructor-led discussion of hazmat PPE selection and decontamination. Officer selects focus. Topics that fit this sheet include: PPE levels (A — fully encapsulated with SCBA, vapor-tight; B — splash protection with SCBA, non-vapor-tight; C — splash protection with APR / PAPR, only when atmosphere is known; D — work uniform), structural turnouts as limited hazmat PPE (NFPA 1971 turnouts are NOT hazmat PPE — limited use only), permeation, penetration, and degradation of suit materials, SCBA vs APR / PAPR selection criteria (APR only acceptable when contaminant is identified, concentration is known, O₂ is normal, and contaminant has good warning properties), donning / doffing buddy system and time limits (work-rest cycles, heat stress in encapsulating suits), gross decontamination (rapid decon — strip and rinse), technical decontamination line (typically 8 stations: tool drop, gross rinse, wash, rinse, PPE removal, second wash/rinse, SCBA removal, medical), emergency decontamination, mass decontamination (high-volume, low-pressure for multiple victims), and contaminated waste containment (kiddie pools, drums, pads). Reference: NFPA 470, NFPA 1991, NFPA 1992, NFPA 1994, OSHA 1910.120. Document specific topic covered.

1. 1. Select appropriate PPE level for the scenario discussed.
2. 2. Describe permeation / penetration / degradation and how they affect suit selection.
3. 3. Set up an 8-station technical decon line in correct order.
4. 4. State criteria for using APR / PAPR vs SCBA.
5. 5. Demonstrate the buddy system for entry team operations.

For firefighters from other departments.