Firefighters' personal protective equipment

Abstract

A firefighter's workplace is characterised by a number of external influences and hazards that can endanger their health and safety. Considering the fact that it is not possible in the risk assessment for the said workplace to determine all situations that firefighters may encounter on the fire interventions, it is necessary that firefighters use the personal protective equipment as part of the protective elements. This article provides an overview of the personal protective equipment used by firefighters during fire interventions. The clothing systems for protection against heat and flame are presented together with the relevant standards and the minimum performance requirements that they must fulfil. The personal protective equipment used by firefighters during firefighting operations is also described. In addition to maximising protection for firefighters, personal protective equipment must ensure comfort and the normal performance of work activities.