Presentations

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Keynote: The State of PPE--by Rich Duffy, IAFF
Rich can be aptly called the Grand Patron of everything related to fire and emergency services PPE. His biographical information underscores that designation. A description of this presentation would only be speculative since the world of PPE is always changing. However, this keynote address will definitely provide the foundation for the 2011 Biennial PPE Symposium.

TSWG and the Fire Service--by Dr. Christina Baxter, TSWG
The Technical Support Working Group (TSWG) is a program office within DoD's Combating Terrorism Technical Support Office (CTTSO). CTTSO is chartered with identifying requirements to combat terrorism and providing solutions to warfighters, first responders, and other front-line users as rapidly as possible. The TSWG CBRN Countermeasures subgroup works closely with the interagency user community from all levels of Government and with various international partners to provide timely solutions in the areas of protection, detection, consequence management and information resources. This presentation will focus on those projects with direct applicability to the fire service in the areas of personal protection and risk management.

Risk Assessment and PPE: Thinking it all the Way Through--by Capt. Mike McKenna, Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District (retired)
This presentation focuses on completing a risk assessment before developing a turnout gear specification. The presentation covers the various threats encountered by firefighters, including both thermal and non-thermal threats to firefighter safety, and the impact on turnout design. Included will be a review of threat recognition, limitations, performance design, and the importance of ownership and training.

Electronics in PPE--by Chief Bruce Varner, Santa Rosa Fire
It was just a few years ago that most firefighters were convinced that electronics would not be able to survive the firefighting environment. Today, they are integral in PASS devices, SCBA’s, Personnel Locating devices, Body Sign Monitoring, Communications, and Thermal Imagers. This presentation will provide the latest information in the rapidly changing and evolving segment of PPE.

NIOSH Projects--by Dr. Jon Williams and Angie Shepherd, NIOSH

• Ergonomics of Flat Pack SCBA
  SCBA worn by firefighters is heavy and cumbersome and increases the workload experienced by firefighters. A new prototype SCBA, known as the Flat Pack® (MSA, Pittsburgh, PA), was developed to provide reduced weight, low profile (limit entanglement and improve access to confined space), and flexibility while being worn. The FlatPack SCBA is composed of an assembly of 10 connected air bottles constructed from a high temperature pressure vessel lining. The air bottle assembly is designed to flex to accommodate the movement of the wearer and is housed inside a soft flexible cover. The air bottles are rated at 4500 psi and are bench tested at 45 minutes (“45 minute bottle”). NIOSH/NPPTL conducted an ergonomic test during a field trial of the FlatPack. At the “ergonomics station”, range of motion, timed donning and doffing, and subjective rating of comfort and suitability measures were obtained. The results of this study will be presented by the authors.
• Heat Stress with CBRN Turnout Gear
  In recent years there has been alot of talk, research and development of turnout gear that also provides protection from CBRN, i.e. chem/bio. One of the concerns for the CBRN option has been the added heat stress on the firefighter. The findings from a NIOSH study on the physiological responses to a protype firefighter ensemble (HEROES) will be presented.
• Inside Leakage Tests
  Protective clothing and equipment standards have historically been written to allow evaluation and certification of individual items (e.g., coat, boot, and respirator). Over the last several years the possible threats and hazards to first responders have escalated (e.g., CBRN and meth labs), which has required a change from testing single items to a systems level approach. The shift toward ensemble assessment was also supported by reports of interface issues between different PPE elements and the realization that to obtain the intended level of protection, PPE items must be worn together and therefore evaluated together. The emerging trend in PPE standards over the last five years has been to include ensemble requirements, and although several tests exist, there is no information or guidance available to the committees to select the correct method and pass/fail criteria. NIOSH NPPTL has undertaken a research project to evaluate three of the most commonly used ensemble inward leakage tests.

Improved Stored Energy Results of a Representative Set of Turnout Composites with Trim--by Bill Gorak, W.L. Gore
The NFPA 1971 Committee has proposed a new stored energy minimum performance criterion for structural turnout gear with outer shell attachments, such as trim and reinforcements. This presentation will show several simple design approaches that end-users and manufactures can use to meet the performance requirements. A wide range of turnout composites was examined; each included a highly breathable moisture barrier. The testing in this study is based on the new ASTM F2731 stored energy method. The presentation will compare the stored energy test results of the simple design approaches to the base composite without any attachments, as well as, the stored energy results to the base composite TPP and THL values.

All About Helmets, Hoods, Gloves and Footwear--by Capt. Mike McKenna, Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District (retired)
This presentation with cover some of the changes that were proposed during the NFPA 1971 cycle as well as important considerations in selection of helmets, hoods, dloves and footwear.

PPE 101--by Charles Willard, W.L. Gore and Kirk Owen, End Use Marketing Manager-Emergency Response, Tencate, and Assistant Chief, Plano Fire Department (retired)
How does protective clothing work? This presentation discusses the three major components of structural fire fighting protective clothing: outer shells, moisture barriers, and thermal barriers. Each one is there for a specific purpose, each provides different performance characteristics, and each contributes to the overall performance of the garment. To get the protection and performance you want, it is important to understand and consider each of these components when making decisions about the selection of your protective clothing.

PPE in the Wildland Fire Environment – What are You Wearing and Why?--by CAL FIRE Deputy Chief Tom Foley and CAL FIRE Battalion Chief Dave Teter
This presentation examines the in-depth process that the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, CAL FIRE, completed in determining the protection values for their new Wildland PPE Ensemble. A new scientific model for completing an OSHA/CAL OSHA mandated hazard and risk assessment will be presented. The presentation will also cover new fabric and garment options that will be available for your department’s consideration. If you do not know the capabilities and limitations of the wildland PPE garment you’re wearing or how your department chose it, or if you want to know what’s on the horizon for Wildland PPE, don’t miss this presentation!

NFPA 1851: Inspection and Cleaning--by Karl Beeman, KarlBeeman, Inc.
The goal of a cleaning and inspection Program should be to eliminate the health and safety risks associated with protective ensembles and ensemble elements that are soiled, contaminated or damaged. Using NFPA 1851-2008 and accepted manufacturing practices, this presentation will provide the participant with the necessary requirements for the effective development, documentation, implementation, and management of a cleaning and inspection Program. This presentation will also provide the participant with insight and guidance on properly equipping, and operating, cleaning and inspection facilities; avoiding costly mistakes. The participants of this presentation will also be provided with handout materials offering more detailed information of the subject of cleaning and inspections.

Think SMART! Spend SMALL! Smart PPE Selection Strategies for Small Departments--by Virginia Beach Deputy Chief Donna Brehm (retired)
The selection and purchase of PPE is an investment in responder safety and service delivery. Make every dollar count through thoughtful service delivery analysis, environmental assessment and PPE research. Tap into "big" department strategies that can maximize your options, stretch your budget and protect your first responders.

SCBA—Critical Performance Issues--by Lt. Dan Rossos, Portland Fire Bureau and Steve Miles, NIOSH
Probably no other piece of firefighting equipment has changed more in recent years than SCBA. And the changes are still occurring. This presentation will explain the latest changes impacting SCBA. More importantly, it will provide firefighters a “heads up” on some of the pending changes. One key component of this presentation is the issue concerning mask performance. NIOSH and the NFPA are working together to address these critical concerns.

Protecting Your Skin from Hazardous Substances--by Grace and Jeff Stull, International Personnel Protection
While we associate chemical exposure with HazMat responses, the reality is that most structural fires are mini-HazMat events. Consequently fire fighters are routinely exposed to chemicals, which lead to higher incidences of cancer and other chronic health problems. “Dirty” clothing is no longer a “badge of honor,” it is a serious hazard to the fire fighter. In their presentation, Jeff and Grace Stull will cover the range of PPE for the fire service and its effectiveness against hazardous substances. Their presentation will discuss how exposures occur and how clothing is tested for both barrier properties and contamination levels. They will further provide detailed advice on the selection of clothing for barrier performance and provide guidance for assessing the hazards of contaminated clothing.

Understanding How Test Methods Relate to Actual Firefighting--by Dr. Roger Barker
Firefighters often hear about how their PPE is tested in laboratory environments. Dr. Roger Barker, professor of textile engineering chemistry and science and the Director of the Textile Protection and Comfort Center (T-PACC) at N.C. State, will provide an inside perspective on the value of this testing as it relates to actual firefighting conditions. N.C. State has always been the leading research university for protective clothing research. Firefighters will gain an understanding and appreciation of the complexities of developing and making key life safety protective clothing.

Selection of PPE for Large Departments--by Capt. Tim Durby, Phoenix Fire Department
The process of selecting PPE in a fair, open and balanced manner is a major task for larger departments. This presentation will provide information on performing a risk/needs assessment, conducting research, developing specifications, understanding the bid process, wear trials, performance evaluation, scoring and final selection.

NFPA 1851: Storage and Repair for Maximum Protection and Durability--by Kirk Owen, End Use Marketing Manager-Emergency Response, Tencate, and Assistant Chief, Plano Fire Department (retired)
Protective clothing is a major factor in health and safety. It’s also a significant financial investment. Storing gear appropriately is an important part of its care and maintenance. Improper storage can dramatically reduce its life. Ensuring repairs are done correctly can protect your personnel from injury, you from liability, and it’s just the right thing to do. This presentation reviews and discusses the 1851 requirements for storage and repair. Are you in compliance?

Initial Findings for Glove Improvement--Shawn Deaton, N.C. State University
N.C. State University, under a FEMA grant administered by the NFPA’s Research Foundation, is about to conclude a comprehensive study on firefighting gloves. This presentation will show how this benchmark study will likely lead to a re-design of firefighting gloves. The new design will have less bulk and better dexterity while providing superior thermal, puncture and cut resistance.

Fire Service Research Renaissance: A Past, Present and Future Perspective—by Casey Grant, Program Director, NFPA Fire Research Foundation
The profession of fire fighting in North America is currently experiencing a renaissance of research. In recent years there has been a multitude of research studies providing important information to help improve firefighting equipment, fire ground tactics, and fire fighter safetyand health. The Fire Protection Research Foundation (FPRF) is NFPA’s research arm, and the Foundation has been at the center of a number of completed, planned, and on-going projects. This presentation will provide a re-cap of recently completed or on-going projects that are directly and indirectly related to PPE, and more importantly, provide a summary of anticipated future research directions based on needs expressed by NFPA Technical Committees and other fire service venues.

An Investigation of the Useful Life of Firefighter Turnout Gear--by Deena Cotterill, Bureau Veritas, (with Q & A panel, Tricia Hock, Fire-Dex; Karen Lehtonen, Lion Apparel; Pat Freeman, Globe; and Dr. Rich Young, Dupont)
This presentation will provide the results of a research study on a post-use analysis of firefighter turnout gear. The study was conducted on used and retired gear by following the NFPA 1851 guidelines for routine and advanced inspection. The gear was also evaluated according to the minimum requirements of NFPA 1971. This study evaluated if a firefighter in the field could effectively determine if their gear was safe to use.

NFPA Update by Ryan Depew, NFPA
This presentation will provide an overview of current events in and around the National Fire Protection Association. The NFPA is rapidly transforming into a “mission” driven organization. Learn about this transformation and how it will be a more valuable resource for the fire service. There will also be a brief overview of the Personal Protective Equipment documents that are currently in cycle, pertinent dates surrounding these documents, and an explanation of how to get involved.

Getting Burned—PPE and the Law!--by Jim Juneau, Juneau, Boll, Stacy, & Ucherek
This program begins with a brief "Firefighter Law School" covering the basic liability principles and standards of care that are applicable to fire service personnel in the performance of their official duties. The program then progresses to a discussion and analysis of several recent real-world incidents in order to develop an understanding of, and appreciation for, the serious personal and professional liability situations which can arise from non-use, mis-use or mishandling of firefighter personal protective equipment.

Plus, exhibits! This is an opportunity to see the latest products
and talk directly with the leading PPE manufacturers.

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