![]() Separating these layers are pockets of air referred to as "dead zones". Materials Īccording to NFPA 1971: Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting (and most equivalent standards in other countries), all turnout clothing must have three components: an outer shell, a moisture barrier, and a thermal barrier. Many fire departments have school presentations intended to familiarize children with firefighters and their appearance so as to ensure they will be calm and cooperative during emergencies. It has been noted that young children in dangerous circumstances like a building fire may be further frightened by the appearance of firefighters equipped in full turnout gear. The advantage of this combination is overlapping coverage to create a protective envelope for the firefighter to operate in. Modern sets use a trouser/jacket combination. Turnout clothing can consist of a combination of trousers, suspenders, boots, and a jacket. ![]() Turnout trousers hanging on a hose drying rack after getting wet at a fire call NFPA 1975's main purpose is that no part of the uniform garment “ignite, melt, drip, or separate” when exposed to a heat of 500☏ for 5 minutes. The United States adheres to NFPA 1975: Standard on Emergency Services Work Apparel. These shoes are required to be fitted with safety toes and puncture-resistant soles in most countries in case the firefighter goes out on a call that does not require his/her turnout gear. Turnout gear is to be worn over the station garments during any call that a firefighter is called upon.Īnother aspect of the station uniform is the station safety shoes, commonly referred to as work boots. Its purpose is to provide comfortable clothing that will not become an obstruction when a firefighter is required to put on their turnout gear. The first component of firefighting equipment is the uniform that a firefighter wears around the station. The National Fire Protection Association publishes the requirements for fire protective clothing under NFPA 1971: Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting, which specifies "the minimum design, performance, safety, testing, and certification requirements for structural fire fighting protective ensembles and ensemble elements that include coats, trousers, coveralls, helmets, gloves, footwear, and interface components." Station uniform Modern turnout jackets and pants are made of fire-retardant fabrics, mainly aramids such as Nomex and Kevlar or polybenzimidazole (PBI). ![]() The combination of modern triple-layer turnout gear with self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), personal alert safety system (PASS) device, and modern communications equipment is intended to provide comprehensive protection against smoke, heat, water, steam, flashovers, and even direct flame for a short time. This system has since been replaced by the modern combination of a jacket, pants with suspenders, and shorter rubber or leather boots, although some departments still wear the old style of gear. This interface of the boot and coat left a large gap of protection against fire. They were worn with long rubber boots called "three-quarter boots" which reached above the firefighter's knees. Earlier rubber coats were much longer than today's modern turnout jackets, reaching down to a firefighter's mid-thigh. These layers later developed into the thermal and flame protection liners found in today's turnout gear. Early coats had felt or wool liners to provide warmth in winter. įirefighting trench coats, made of leather or canvas and later rubber, were the precursor to modern turnout jackets. The helmet featured eight rib sections on the dome for added rigidity and a long rear brim that channeled water away from the wearer's neck. The helmet had a brimmed front to affix a face shield it was usually adorned with a company name and number. ![]() This helmet is immediately recognizable today as the "New York" style of helmet, and little has changed in terms of its shape. Gratacap recognized the need for a well-designed helmet that provided maximum protection to the wearer. The modern firefighter's helmet was developed in 1830 by luggage maker Henry Gratacap, who was also a volunteer firefighter in New York City. In the early 19th century, felt caps were worn of various designs and were more for decoration than service this early headgear did not provide any protection against flame or head injury but did keep water off the firefighter's face. Early in the history of firefighting, a firefighter's outer clothing was more for warmth and dryness than for protection from fire. Most fires were fought from the outside of buildings, and structures were rarely entered. Historically, firefighters have not had access to the same level of protective clothing used today.
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