What do firefighters wear?

What kind of gear do firefighters wear?

• Answer:

  Firefighting gear is comprised of several different components, which, when worn and used properly, can protect the firefighter from extreme environments which would not normally sustain life. The image most people have of fire gear is their Turnout Coat, Pants, and Helmet, or "Bunker Gear" as firefighters call it. (Note: the term 'turnout' comes from how firefighters pants are normally rolled over their boots, so that they can just step into their boots and pull up or 'turnout' their pants. Also, in some countries, when a firefighter responds to an emergency, it is often called a 'turnout') Let's start with what firefighters wear UNDER their bunker gear. Most station wear or fatigues are made of either a lightweight cotton, or a cotton/nylon/nomex blend. This is what you would see a firefighter wearing when they are not responding to an emergency, or if they are at the firehall. Nomex is type of fire-resistant material, which helps provide an extra layer of protection for the firefighter. Synthetics are generally not worn underneath, as they can melt at high temperatures, and often do not 'breathe' as well as cotton or a blend would. In high-temperature situations, if the material against a firefighters' skin does not breathe, sweat can build up and steam burns can result. Boots - Firefighters wear either rubber or leather boots, which have safety toes and shanks in them to prevent puncture and crushing injuries. The boots are waterproof, and are built with a fire-resistive liner, and a layer of insulation to keep the feet warm in cold environments, and cool in hot environments. Boots are generally 12-14" tall, and often have handles at the top to help the firefighter get their boots on quickly. Pants - Bunker pants are generally constructed with three layers, a Fire-Resistive layer, a Thermal barrier, and a Moisture Barrier. The exterior layer is generally a durable, fire-resistant layer designed to repel water, resisting tearing, and not support combustion. The middle layer is generally the moisture barrier, and provides the waterproof element. The interior later is the thermal(insulating) layer, and shields the firefighter from the heat. Pants usually have large cargo pockets to carry tools, gloves, and equipment. Large suspenders are also incorporated to support the weight of the pants and anything carried in the pockets. The pants normally cover much higher up the back than a standard pair of pants, to cover the gap between the coat and pants. Coat - Bunker coats are constructed with the same three-layer material as the pants. Coats also have large pockets for carrying equipment, and usually have various hangers, straps, and clips to hold flashlights, radios, and other equipment. Coats have large, high collars to protect the neck of the firefighter. Coats use zippers, buttons, velco, and clips/hooks to close, depending on the manufacturer. Reflective trim is used on all bunker gear for better visibility and safety. Flash-hood/Belaclava - Constructed with a fire-resistive material such as nomex. The hood covers all the exposed areas of the face, neck, and ears when a firefighter is wearing their SCBA(air) mask. The hood also protects the head under the helmet from heat. Helmet - Helmets come in various shapes, types, and colours. The unique shape of the helmet provides protection from falling objects, and also channels water over the back, and prevents it from pouring down the neck of the firefighter. Helmets often incorporate a visor or face shield to provide supplementary protection to the eyes and face at an emergency scene. Chin straps are also used to keep the helmet securely in place. SCBA - Self Contained Breathing Apparatus allows a firefighter to breathe fresh, clean air in a hazardous environment such as in a house fire. There are various components to a SCBA, the major components being an Air Mask, Air Tank, and Regulation system. Air Tanks can hold anywhere from 20 minutes to an Hour of air supply, and usually contain either 2200 or 4500 PSI. (Your car tires hold 30-40 PSI). There are various safety systems integrated with the SCBA, which warn the Firefighter when their air is getting low, and help other firefighters find an injured or lost firefighter. Gloves - Firefighting gloves are quite similar to oven mitts, just designed for greater dexterity. They allow firefighters to handle very hot objects, and crawl around in a burning house without burning their hands. Gloves are mostly waterproof, and well insulated. The exterior is usually made of leather, which provides protection from sharp objects and ripping.