Background

Firefighters are provided with structural firefighting protective garments for use during interior structural fire suppression duties.

Concerns/hazards

Firefighters are exposed to hazards during the course of their work and require appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Actions for employers

Employers should:

  • evaluate the appropriateness of using bunker gear as PPE for certain activities, particularly during the summer months
  • consult with their joint health and safety committees or health and safety representatives on alternative protection and guidelines for use
  • ensure that PPE is appropriately sized to provide effective protection

Bunker gear

The common term ‘bunker gear’ refers to the coat, trousers and coverall elements of the protective ensemble. Other parts of the ensemble include the helmet, hood, boots and gloves.

Bunker gear may not be appropriate PPE for all incidents, considering the potential for heat stress, reduced mobility and added weight.

Protective headwear

Firefighters exposed to the hazards of head injury must wear appropriate PPE, which may include helmets and protective hoods.

Fire helmets

A fire helmet is not designed to protect personnel from all conditions or hazards. It provides limited protection to the head when worn during structural firefighting activities. Other types of emergency calls, such as water rescue, may require head protection designed for that activity.

Fire helmets are not designed for crash protection and should not be worn when riding in the enclosed cab and crew area of fire service vehicles. The helmet may interfere with head clearance and put personnel at a greater risk of neck or back injury should there be a vehicle rollover or other motor vehicle incident.

Protective hoods

Protective hoods should be worn whenever there is a risk of injury from heat and/or flame to exposed skin. Helmet liners should be used in addition to protective hoods.

Boots and gloves

Firefighters exposed to the hazard of foot or hand injury must wear protective boots or gloves appropriate in the circumstances.

Applicable regulations andacts and standards

Read:

Applicable standards

For requirements for structural firefighting protective garments manufactured on or after March 1, 2007, read NFPA 1971, Standard on protective ensembles for structural fire fighting and proximity fire fighting

Related

Read firefighter guidance notes: