By Robert Tutterow

“Hot Mess” describes the current state of firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE) above the shoulder area.

For context, the first of 11 statements issued by the Firefighter Cancer Support Network paper titled, “Taking Action Against Cancer in the Fire Service-WHAT IMMEDIATE ACTIONS CAN I TAKE TO PROTECT MYSELF,” states: “Use [self-contained breathing apparatus] SCBA from initial attack to finish of overhaul. (Not wearing SCBA in both active and post-fire environments is the most dangerous voluntary activity in the fire service today.)” For years, it was believed that heart attacks were the leading firefighter killers. Today we know the biggest killer is cancer.

And, now for the hot mess: the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) technical committee for structural and proximity firefighting protective clothing and equipment met last September. Among the many public inputs (proposals) were a few to take face shields, flip-downs, and goggles off helmets. All of the proposals were rejected (resolved). However, an examination of the intent is in order. The current version of NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting, states that there are six components to a helmet: shell; energy absorbing system; retention system; fluorescent and retroreflective trim; ear covers; and a faceshield, goggles, or both.

Goggles

Goggles are far superior for eye protection than face shields and flip-downs. No firefighter should be without goggles that meet American National Standards Institute/International Safety Equipment Association (ANSI/ISEA) Z87.1, American National Standard for Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices. They are crucial for activities that do not require an SCBA face piece. By the way, the SCBA face piece provides excellent eye and full-face protection. However, there is an inherent cancer risk if the goggles are attached to the helmet. When stowed on the helmet, they are subject to all the carcinogens found in the firefighting environment. Then, when needed, they are applied directly to skin of the firefighter. It is known that the head area is the most vulnerable place for carcinogens to enter the body. To underscore this risk, the third statement of the 11 states: “Use Wet-Nap or baby wipes to remove as much soot as possible from head, neck, jaw, throat, underarms, and hands immediately and while still on the scene.”

In addition, when attached to the helmet, they are subject to scratches and abrasions in the fire environment as well as during other routine activities such as the simple task of removing the helmet in and out of a locker or other place of storage. NFPA 1971 also states that “Goggles shall be permitted to be unattached, not assembled to the helmet.” Storing goggles in a place other than the helmet is compliant with NFPA. It is my opinion that goggles should never be stored on the helmet. At best, this is an afterthought attachment that adds to the helmet’s weight and overall profile.

Face Shields

NFPA 1971 requires that if a face shield is used-there has to be a face shield, goggles, or both-it “shall be attached to the helmet.” There are several negative aspects of current face shields. They provide only partial protection. However, in my opinion, “partial” protection should never be allowed in an NFPA PPE standard. How does partial face protection protect your eyes when a pressurized hydraulic line ruptures? I understand limited protection because all elements have their limits. They also add unnecessary weight and increase the helmet’s profile. They adversely impact the helmet’s center of gravity and create the “bobblehead” effect. They are rarely main

By Robert Tutterow

“Hot Mess” describes the current state of firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE) above the shoulder area.

For context, the first of 11 statements issued by the Firefighter Cancer Support Network paper titled, “Taking Action Against Cancer in the Fire Service-WHAT IMMEDIATE ACTIONS CAN I TAKE TO PROTECT MYSELF,” states: “Use [self-contained breathing apparatus] SCBA from initial attack to finish of overhaul. (Not wearing SCBA in both active and post-fire environments is the most dangerous voluntary activity in the fire service today.)” For years, it was believed that heart attacks were the leading firefighter killers. Today we know the biggest killer is cancer.

And, now for the hot mess: the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) technical committee for structural and proximity firefighting protective clothing and equipment met last September. Among the many public inputs (proposals) were a few to take face shields, flip-downs, and goggles off helmets. All of the proposals were rejected (resolved). However, an examination of the intent is in order. The current version of NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting, states that there are six components to a helmet: shell; energy absorbing system; retention system; fluorescent and retroreflective trim; ear covers; and a faceshield, goggles, or both.

Goggles

Goggles are far superior for eye protection than face shields and flip-downs. No firefighter should be without goggles that meet American National Standards Institute/International Safety Equipment Association (ANSI/ISEA) Z87.1, American National Standard for Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices. They are crucial for activities that do not require an SCBA face piece. By the way, the SCBA face piece provides excellent eye and full-face protection. However, there is an inherent cancer risk if the goggles are attached to the helmet. When stowed on the helmet, they are subject to all the carcinogens found in the firefighting environment. Then, when needed, they are applied directly to skin of the firefighter. It is known that the head area is the most vulnerable place for carcinogens to enter the body. To underscore this risk, the third statement of the 11 states: “Use Wet-Nap or baby wipes to remove as much soot as possible from head, neck, jaw, throat, underarms, and hands immediately and while still on the scene.”

In addition, when attached to the helmet, they are subject to scratches and abrasions in the fire environment as well as during other routine activities such as the simple task of removing the helmet in and out of a locker or other place of storage. NFPA 1971 also states that “Goggles shall be permitted to be unattached, not assembled to the helmet.” Storing goggles in a place other than the helmet is compliant with NFPA. It is my opinion that goggles should never be stored on the helmet. At best, this is an afterthought attachment that adds to the helmet’s weight and overall profile.

Face Shields

NFPA 1971 requires that if a face shield is used-there has to be a face shield, goggles, or both-it “shall be attached to the helmet.” There are several negative aspects of current face shields. They provide only partial protection. However, in my opinion, “partial” protection should never be allowed in an NFPA PPE standard. How does partial face protection protect your eyes when a pressurized hydraulic line ruptures? I understand limited protection because all elements have their limits. They also add unnecessary weight and increase the helmet’s profile. They adversely impact the helmet’s center of gravity and create the “bobblehead” effect. They are rarely main

By Robert Tutterow

“Hot Mess” describes the current state of firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE) above the shoulder area.

For context, the first of 11 statements issued by the Firefighter Cancer Support Network paper titled, “Taking Action Against Cancer in the Fire Service-WHAT IMMEDIATE ACTIONS CAN I TAKE TO PROTECT MYSELF,” states: “Use [self-contained breathing apparatus] SCBA from initial attack to finish of overhaul. (Not wearing SCBA in both active and post-fire environments is the most dangerous voluntary activity in the fire service today.)” For years, it was believed that heart attacks were the leading firefighter killers. Today we know the biggest killer is cancer.

And, now for the hot mess: the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) technical committee for structural and proximity firefighting protective clothing and equipment met last September. Among the many public inputs (proposals) were a few to take face shields, flip-downs, and goggles off helmets. All of the proposals were rejected (resolved). However, an examination of the intent is in order. The current version of NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting, states that there are six components to a helmet: shell; energy absorbing system; retention system; fluorescent and retroreflective trim; ear covers; and a faceshield, goggles, or both.

Goggles

Goggles are far superior for eye protection than face shields and flip-downs. No firefighter should be without goggles that meet American National Standards Institute/International Safety Equipment Association (ANSI/ISEA) Z87.1, American National Standard for Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices. They are crucial for activities that do not require an SCBA face piece. By the way, the SCBA face piece provides excellent eye and full-face protection. However, there is an inherent cancer risk if the goggles are attached to the helmet. When stowed on the helmet, they are subject to all the carcinogens found in the firefighting environment. Then, when needed, they are applied directly to skin of the firefighter. It is known that the head area is the most vulnerable place for carcinogens to enter the body. To underscore this risk, the third statement of the 11 states: “Use Wet-Nap or baby wipes to remove as much soot as possible from head, neck, jaw, throat, underarms, and hands immediately and while still on the scene.”

In addition, when attached to the helmet, they are subject to scratches and abrasions in the fire environment as well as during other routine activities such as the simple task of removing the helmet in and out of a locker or other place of storage. NFPA 1971 also states that “Goggles shall be permitted to be unattached, not assembled to the helmet.” Storing goggles in a place other than the helmet is compliant with NFPA. It is my opinion that goggles should never be stored on the helmet. At best, this is an afterthought attachment that adds to the helmet’s weight and overall profile.

Face Shields

NFPA 1971 requires that if a face shield is used-there has to be a face shield, goggles, or both-it “shall be attached to the helmet.” There are several negative aspects of current face shields. They provide only partial protection. However, in my opinion, “partial” protection should never be allowed in an NFPA PPE standard. How does partial face protection protect your eyes when a pressurized hydraulic line ruptures? I understand limited protection because all elements have their limits. They also add unnecessary weight and increase the helmet’s profile. They adversely impact the helmet’s center of gravity and create the “bobblehead” effect. They are rarely main

Richard Marinucci

Technical rescue teams are organized in basically two ways: within a single department or as regional teams.

Obviously a single department needs to be large enough to support the team both financially and with personnel. Organizations that typically do not have the resources to initiate and sustain an appropriately trained response unit use a regional approach. This type of cooperation is advantageous for various reasons and is a viable option for communities to establish resources for incidents that are infrequent but potentially very significant.

Challenges

There are challenges to establishing and maintaining a functional and well-trained team. First, adequate funding must be provided-the startup costs can be significant. The other challenge to consider is personnel recruitment and retention for the team. Not all firefighters are cut out for this assignment. There are different skill sets required, and a certain mindset and mental approach may not be exactly the same as required for traditional fire service activities. Further, the infrequency of the events can make it difficult to maintain motivation and interest. There is a lot of training and infrequent opportunities to use that training during an emergency. While this is a good thing overall, it can create turnover issues for team members.

There needs to be an established budget. For single-department teams, this is done as part of a municipality’s regular budgeting process. For regional teams, there are slight variations, but those in charge need to develop a spending plan. This will include needed apparatus and equipment. There may be a need to pursue alternative funding programs such as grants-particularly for one-time expenses to get the team started. Once a team is functioning, there needs to be realistic budgeting to maintain and improve team operations. Also understand that much of this is an expensive endeavor, so know what funding is really needed.

Team Selection

Attract and choose the best candidates possible. This should be no different from any other position in the fire service. There needs to be a baseline of essential requirements based on the job skills required of the work. This needs to be established by the leadership of the technical rescue team-not necessarily by any individual departments. Of course, the final decision will reside with each member department, but there must be minimum standards established so the team begins with highly qualified individuals who have the best chance to perform at a high level.

Obviously, one of the most important considerations is a strong interest from candidates to be part of an elite team and operation. Passion can serve as a great motivator to do the things necessary to prepare for these types of incidents. But, a desire to be on the team cannot be the only criteria. Even those with the best intentions may not have what it takes over the long haul. And, the long haul has to be part of the discussion. It can get quite expensive dealing with turnover issues such as basic training, continual education, and equipment familiarization. Regardless, members selected for the team must be physically and mentally capable. They must also be ready to commit to many years as members of the team. This is important, as it does take some time to become competent and comfortable with the job responsibilities.

Even when the right people join for the right reasons, team leadership should expect turnover. This will occur because of age, f