The brave men and women who extinguish fires and rescue people are our heroes. Firefighters need to know that their gear is in good condition so that they can safely do their jobs. On today’s episode we are going to go through how to inspect your firefighting gear, and be prepared for whatever comes your way.
Checking your protective clothing
Now, before we check out the FIREFIGHTER SUITS of armor trying to contain everything inside, let’s start with your protective clothing. That’s your turnout gear, which is the heavy jacket and pants that protect you from heat and flames. Inspect your equipment for holes, rips or frays. If you find any damage, you need to have it repaired or replaced promptly to keep yourself safe.
How to test your firefighting helmet
Up next is your firefighter helmet. This gear shields your head from debris that might fall on you, and heat from a fire. Check your helmet – ensure the fit is snug on your chin strap and it's fairly snug on your dome. Check the helmet for cracks or damage. If you see any issues, have it repaired by a professional before using it.
Inspecting Your Gloves and Boots
Your gloves and boots are also key components of your firefighting equipment. Gloves shield your hands from burns and slices. Boots guard your feet against flames and sharp debris. Inspect your gloves for holes, and wear them snugly. Inspect your boots for wear to the soles and upper portion, and ensure that they provide solid ankle support. If you do find any discrepancies, replace them immediately.
Caring for Your SCBA System
The Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) is another essential piece of equipment. It’s the gear that witnesses say helps you breathe clean air in smoky or dangerous areas. Protect your SCBA and check the seals, hoses and regulators regularly for wear. Clean your mask and tank after every use. If you see an issue, take it to a pro to get it looked at.
Inspections and Drills Within Prescribed Intervals
To be prepared for any kind of a disaster, you’ll have to perform periodic checks and drill with your firefighting gear. Test everything Your team should practice putting on protective gear as quickly as possible, and be familiar with every piece (“Like, How do you drink water?”) Practice drills to mimic various fire scenarios in order to test your skills in a safe manner. With proper preparation and training, you can handle an emergency.
As you can see, ensuring your FIRE RESCUE EQUIPMENT is inspected is important to keep safe. Be prepared No matter what happens, If you inspect your clothing, test your helmet, inspect your gloves and boots, take care of your SCBA, and did a drill around how everything fits, and / or regularly conducted inspections, you’ll be ready to handle just about anything. And remember, practice safety and take care of your gear to help ensure you and others stay safe when serving your community. Stay safe, heroes!