standard operating procedure college station fire department

SUBJECT: Personal Protective Equipment SOP: 300.2.10
CATEGORY: Use, Inspection, Maintenance, Cleaning, Repair and/or Replacement PAGE: 3 of 8
PROGRAM MANAGERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Station #4 Lieutenant, "C" Shift;
• will review PPE inspection paperwork completed by shift personnel.
• will conduct quarterly inspections of PPE independent of shift inspection.
• will stock supplies and repair helmets as needed.
• will make recommendations to Research & Planning Coordinator pertaining to any PPE repairs or
replacement.
Research and Planning Coordinator (R&P Coordinator);
• will maintain personnel documentation pertaining to PPE.
• supervise specification development, bid process, order and receipt of PPE.
• will arrange for necessary repair of PPE
• will maintain reserve PPE for emergency replacement
• will maintain records pertaining to PPE in accordance with applicable nationally recognized
standards
Battalion Chiefs;
• will ensure PPE is inspected monthly and paperwork forwarded.
• will maintain inventory of gloves, earplugs, and safety glasses for emergency replacement.
EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Each employee will inspect his/her PPE at the beginning of each shift. Any defects will be reported
immediately to the employee’s direct supervisor.
• Employees are responsible for the cleanliness of their PPE. Cleaning PPE falls into three categories:
1. Cleaning, Routine- The light cleaning of PPE performed by the employee without taking the PPE out
of service. Examples include brushing off dry debris, rinsing off debris with a water hose, and spot
cleaning.
2. Cleaning, Advanced- The thorough cleaning of PPE by washing with cleaning agents. Advanced
cleaning usually requires PPE to be temporarily out of service. Examples include hand washing,
machine washing, and contract cleaning.
3. Cleaning, Specialized- The cleaning of PPE to remove hazardous materials or biological agents. This
level of cleaning involves specific procedures and specialized cleaning agents and processes.
CLEANING/WASHING PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT:
Helmets, Gloves, Boots, Safety Glasses and Ear Plugs should be cleaned with mild detergent and
water. Safety Glasses should be dried with a soft cotton towel. Helmets and Boots can be wiped
dry. Gloves and Ear Plugs should be air-dried.
Stubborn stains on helmets can usually be removed with ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL or NON-
AMMONIATED WINDOW OR GLASS CLEANER. Minor scratches on face shields can often be
removed with Jeweler's Polish.
According to NFPA and manufacturer’s guidelines, Protective Clothing should be washed and/or
cleaned 1) at least every six months or; 2) as soon as possible after contamination or exposure to
blood or bodily fluids, tars, fuels, oils, resins, paints, acids, or any other hazardous materials.
Always wash protective clothing separately from other garments. Never wash protective clothing at home
or at public laundry facilities to avoid the spread of chemical contamination or toxic combustion products to
other laundry.
rev:4/94, 8/95, 3/99, 12/00, re#d 11/02