Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What layer of turnout gear is designed to keep water and chemicals out while allowing perspiration vapor to escape?
- Outer shell
- Moisture barrier (Correct answer)
- Thermal liner
- Reflective trim
Correct answer: Moisture barrier
The moisture barrier blocks liquids while permitting some vapor transfer for cooling.
Question 2: How often should SCBA cylinders be hydrostatically tested for steel and aluminum types?
- Every 5 years (Correct answer)
- Every 10 years
- Every 3 years
- Only when damaged
Correct answer: Every 5 years
Steel and aluminum SCBA cylinders require hydrostatic testing every 5 years.
Question 3: What does reflective trim on turnout gear primarily provide?
- Heat insulation
- Visibility in low-light conditions (Correct answer)
- Water resistance
- Chemical protection
Correct answer: Visibility in low-light conditions
Reflective trim increases the firefighter's visibility to others in smoke and darkness.
Question 4: Which of the following is the correct sequence concern when donning SCBA and facepiece?
- Facepiece before activating air supply seal check (Correct answer)
- Gloves first then mask
- Helmet before hood
- Boots last
Correct answer: Facepiece before activating air supply seal check
The facepiece must be donned and seal-checked before air flow to confirm a tight seal.
Question 5: What is a major risk of wearing PPE that is too large or loosely fitted?
- Improved mobility
- Reduced protection and snag hazards (Correct answer)
- Better ventilation
- Lower cost
Correct answer: Reduced protection and snag hazards
Loose gear can expose skin to heat and create snag hazards during operations.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a drag rescue device (DRD) built into turnout coats?
- Carry tools
- Allow a downed firefighter to be pulled to safety (Correct answer)
- Store the SCBA
- Hold the radio
Correct answer: Allow a downed firefighter to be pulled to safety
The DRD is a built-in harness loop used to drag an incapacitated firefighter out of danger.
Question 7: Why should firefighters avoid wearing synthetic clothing under turnout gear?
- It smells bad
- It can melt and cause severe burns (Correct answer)
- It is too expensive
- It blocks radio signals
Correct answer: It can melt and cause severe burns
Synthetic fabrics can melt onto skin under high heat, worsening burn injuries.
Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment 3
What layer of turnout gear is designed to keep water and chemicals out while allowing perspiration vapor to escape?