Basic Level Pre-Course Reading

Chapter 4
Personal Protection
4.4.4 LEVEL “D”
Level D protection requires no respiratory protection and provides minimal skin
protection. This type of clothing could consist of ordinary work clothes or
uniforms.
Level D PPE is not considered chemical protection clothing; it is used in
response to specific work related activities. Work conducted in Level D assumes
that the atmosphere contains no known CBRN hazards, nor is there a potential
for unexpected inhalation or contact with hazardous levels of CBRN agents.
NOTE: Level D PPE should not be worn in known CBRN environments.
4.4.5 TURNOUT OR BUNKER GEAR
Turnout or bunker gear is not designed as chemical protective clothing, even with
SCBA.
In viable rescue situations where CBRN PPE is not available, firefighter bunker
gear with SCBA may be considered for use in short-term entry and egress of,
and in clear view of well-ventilated, contaminated areas. The time spent in a
suspected chemical agent environment using this PPE can be estimated by
observing the activity of casualties at the scene. The supposition is that no
movement may indicate a high mortality rate due to high agent concentration and
contamination levels. Reciprocally, the
presence of movement and/or consciousness
may indicate lower agent contamination and
concentration levels, thus moderating the
level of risk to responders within the rescue
window.
Rescue is dependent on a risk vs. benefit
judgment call and should only be considered
for the purposes of saving lives where better
protection is not available.
Please consult the following web site for
additional information:
http://www.ecbc.army.mil/hld/cwirp/ffpe_scba
_rescue_ops_download.htm
Figure 4 Structural Fire-
Fighting Turnout Gear with
SCBA
This strategy of choosing optimal protection
in an unknown environment is the All
Hazards Approach. As more information is
gathered regarding the hazards present, PPE
CBRN First Responder Training Program
37
Basic Level Course