Reimagining PPE: Aligning Protection with Modern Firefighter Needs
Structural firefighting PPE has become increasingly complex, expensive, and subject to standards that sometimes do not match fire fighter expectations. Under a DHS-sponsored grant, the IAFF examined the current state of PPE and took a "blank slate" approach to determine how PPE should be designed and perform relative to the current and emerging fireground hazards and needs. This effort entailed a detailed analysis and understanding of which risks most often are encountered, relevant PPE design and performance attributes and their relative priorities and tradeoffs, and the best ways that specific requirements can be evaluated or assessed. A significant finding for the project was that certain firefighter expectations and understanding of PPE criteria did not always meet expectations or align with fireground hazards and department needs. Overall, the effort has produced a template for future PPE development, target criteria, and standardization. As part of project outcome, the IAFF further created a number of PPE-related tools that include recommended supplemental PPE specifications, PPE selection and procurement guidance, and a portal to bring forward PPE issues and questions.
