Redmond EMS Abstracts.indd - IAFF

Abstract:
Operating Safely: Protective Clothing and Equipment Technology
This presentation will highlight a number of contemporary issues that the fire service faces for its
selection, use, care, and maintenance of protective clothing and equipment. The presentation will
cover areas of research, initiatives for improved protection, and recent new product developments,
including those being led by the IAFF. It will also examine the manner in which standards are
created and how the requirements in these standards heavily influence industry offerings of fire
fighter protective clothing and equipment. Specific case studies will be explained that demonstrate
when requirements are developed and implemented to provide safer gear, but also show where
problems occur when new tests and criteria are not supported with proper validation. Specific gaps,
problems, and limitations in the industry standards will be discussed. Through the presentation,
the presenters will also survey attendees for the major concerns that should be addressed in the
industry for improvement of fire service protective clothing and equipment.
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