PROTECTIVE CLOTHING INSPECTION PROGRAM
Purpose:
The purpose of this procedure is to establish a system in compliance with the Texas Fire Commission and in accordance with NFPA 1851. This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is designed in part to keep records, protect the public and Ennis Fire Department personnel from contamination, select bunker gear that best fits our needs, regularly inspect and clean protective clothing, make repairs, proper storage, retirement and disposal of PPE’s.
Quartermaster Responsibilities:
All protective clothing records shall be maintained by the Quartermaster and shall be maintained for three years after the Personal Protective Ensemble has been retired or destroyed.
All surplus Personal Protective Ensemble shall be kept and inventoried by the Quartermaster.
When Personal Protective Ensemble is issued to personnel, the Quartermaster or the Officer in Charge shall provide instructions to the receiving personnel regarding proper use, inspection and cleaning of the protective ensemble. It is the receiving personnel/fire fighter’s responsibility to clean their issued personal protective ensemble and report any problems with the gear to the officer in charge or the Quartermaster. This SOP will be made available to each employee.
Records:
Records shall be kept on all Ennis Fire Department PPE’s.
Protecting the Public and Personnel from contamination:
PPE’s that are soiled and that are in need of cleaning are to be cleaned as soon as possible and are to be kept away from public areas where the public could possibly come in contact with the PPE’s. If the PPE’s are contaminated with a Biohazard the PPE’s need to be placed in a sealed plastic bag and placed away from public access. Universal precautions including rubber gloves should be used when handling PPE’s contaminated with biohazards. The station or shift officer should be notified and proper decontamination procedures started. If the PPE’s have come in contact with a HAZ – MAT it will be necessary to identify the substance. The priority in this situation is firefighter and public safety. The contaminated PPE’s should be removed and proper decontamination to firefighter and PPE’s initiated.
Selection:
PPE’s will be selected that will comply with the latest NFPA 1971 standards ensuring that the Ennis Fire Department we will be able to get the most longevity out of our PPE’s.
Inspection:
Routine Inspection:
No accessories shall be added to any ensemble element without the written approval of the manufacturer and the approval of Ennis Fire Department Administration.
Individual members shall conduct a routine inspection of their protective ensembles and ensemble elements after each use. Routine inspections shall include as a minimum the inspections of the following ensembles:
Coat and trouser garment elements
Hood elements
Helmet elements
Glove elements
Footwear elements
Drag rescue device (DRD) components
Interface components
Coat and Trouser Garment Elements:
Coat and trouser garment elements shall be inspected for the following:
1. Soiling
2. Contamination
3. Physical damage such as the following:
a. Rips, tears, and cuts
b. Damaged or missing hardware and closure systems
c. Thermal damage (charring, burn holes, melting, discoloration of any layer)
4. Damaged or missing reflective trim
5. Loss of seam integrity and broken or missing stitches
6. Correct assembly and size compatibility of shell, liner, and the drag rescue device
(DRD)
Hood Elements:
Hood elements shall be inspected for the following:
1. Soiling
2. Contamination
3. Physical damage such as the following:
a. Rips, tears and cuts
b. Thermal damage (charring, burn holes, melting, discoloration of any layer)
4. Loss of face opening adjustment
5. Loss of seam integrity and broken or missing stitches
Helmet Elements:
Helmet elements shall be inspected for the following:
1. Soiling
2. Contamination
3. Physical damage to the shell such as the following:
a. Cracks, crazing, dents and abrasions
b. Thermal damage to the shell (bubbling, soft spots, warping, discoloration)
4. Physical damage to the earflaps such as the following:
a. Rips, tears and cuts
b. Thermal damage (charring, burn holes, melting)
5. Damaged or missing components of the suspension and retention systems
6. Damaged or missing components of the face shield/goggle system, including discoloration, crazing, and scratches to the face shield/goggle lens limiting visibility
7. Damaged or missing reflective trim
8. Loss of seam integrity and broken or missing stitches
Glove Elements:
Glove elements shall be inspected for the following:
1. Soiling
2. Contamination
3. Physical damage such as the following:
a. Rips, tears and cuts
b. Thermal damage (charring, burn holes, melting, discoloration of any layer)
c. Inverted liner
4. Shrinkage
5. Loss of elasticity or flexibility
6. Loss of seam integrity and broken or missing stitches
Footwear Elements:
Footwear elements shall be inspected for the following:
1. Soiling
2. Contamination
3. Physical damage such as the following:
a. Cuts, tears and punctures
b. Thermal damage (charring, burn holes, melting, discoloration of any layer)
c. Exposed or deformed steel toe, steel midsole, or shank
4. Loss of water resistance
5. Closure system component damage and functionality
6. Loss of seam integrity and broken or missing stitches
Drag Rescue Device Components
Drag rescue device (DRD) components shall be inspected for the following:
1. Installation in garment
2. Soiling
3. Contamination
4. Physical damage such as the following:
a. Cuts, tears, puncture, cracking or splitting
b. Thermal damage (charring, burn holes, melting, discoloration)
c. Loss of seam integrity and broken or missing stitches
Interface Components:
Interface components shall be inspected for the following:
1. Soiling
2. Contamination
3. Physical damage
4. Loss or reduction of properties that allow component to continue as effective interface [e.g., loss of shape or inability to remain attached to the respective element (s) where attachment is required]
5. Loss of seam integrity and broken or missing stitches
Advanced Inspection
Ennis Fire Department trained personnel shall perform advanced inspection and any necessary testing.
The members who have only received training will be allowed to perform advanced inspections.
Members must have written verification of training.
Advanced inspections of all protective ensemble elements shall be conducted at a minimum of every 12 months, or whenever routine inspections indicate that a problem could exist. The findings shall be documented.
All separable layers of the garment elements shall be individually inspected for the following:
1. Soiling
2. Contamination
3. Physical damage to all layers, such as the following:
a. Rips, tears, cuts and abrasions
b. Damaged or missing hardware
c. Thermal damage (charring, burn holes, melting, discoloration of any layer)
4. Loss of moisture barrier integrity as indicated by any of the following:
a. Rips, tears, cuts or abrasions
b. Discoloration
c. Thermal damage
5. Evaluation of system fit and coat/trouser overlap
6. Loss of seam integrity and broken or missing stitches
7. Loss of material physical integrity (e.g. ultraviolet (UV) or chemical degradation) as evidenced by discoloration, significant changes in material texture, loss of material strength, loss of liner material, and shifting of liner material.
8. Loss of wristlet elasticity, stretching, runs, cuts, or burn holes
9. Reflective trim integrity, attachment to garment, reflectivity or damage
10. Label integrity and legibility
11. Hook and loop functionality
12. Liner attachment systems
13. Closure system functionality
14. Accessory compliance
15. Correct assembly and size compatibility of shell, liner, and DRD
Hood elements shall be inspected for the following:
1.Soiling
2.Contamination
3.Physical damage such as the following:
a. Rips, tears, and cuts
b. Thermal damage (charring, burn holes, melting, discoloration of any layer)
4.Shrinkage
5.Loss of material elasticity or stretching out of shape
6.Loss of seam integrity or broken or missing stitches
7.Loss of face opening adjustment
Helmet elements shall be inspected for the following:
1. Soiling
2. Contamination
3. Physical damage to the shell such as the following:
a. Cracks, dents, and abrasions
b.Thermal damage to the shell (bubbling, soft spots, warping, or discoloration)
4. Physical damage to ear flaps such as the following:
a. Rips, tears, cuts
b.Thermal damage charring, burn holes, melting or discoloration of any layer
5. Damaged or missing components of the suspension and retention systems
6. Functionality of suspension and retention systems
7. Damaged or missing components of the face shield/goggle system, including
discoloration or scratches to the face shield/goggle lens limiting visibility
8. Functionality of face shield / goggle system
9. Damage to impact cap
10.Damaged or missing reflective trim
11.Accessory compliance
12.Loss of seam integrity and broken or missing stitches
Glove elements shall be inspected for the following:
1. Soiling
2.Contamination
3. Physical damage such as the following:
a. Rips, tears, and cuts
b.Thermal damage (charring, burn holes, melting or discoloration of any layer)
c. Inverted liner
d. Loss of seam integrity or broken or missing stitches
4. Shrinkage
5. Loss of Flexibility
6. Loss of elasticity and shape in wristlets
7. Accessory compliance
Footwear elements shall be inspected for the following:
1. Soiling
2.Contamination
3.Physical damage such as the following:
a. Cuts, tears, punctures, cracking, or splitting
b. Thermal damage (charring, burn holes, melting or discoloration of any layer)
c. Exposed or deformed steel toe, steel mid soul, or shank
d. Loss of seam integrity, delamination, or broken or missing stitches
4.Loss of water resistance
5.Closure system component damage and functionality
6.Excessive tread wear
7.Condition of lining such as:
a. Tears
b. Excessive wear
c. Separation from outer layer
8.Heel counter failure
9.Accessory compliance
Interface components Shall be inspected for the following:
1. Soiling
2. Contamination
3. Physical damage
4.Loss or reduction of properties that allow component to continue as effective interface, such as loss of shape or inability to remain attached to the respective element(s), if attachment is required
5.Loss of seam integrity and broken or missing stitches
DRD components shall be inspected for the following:
1.Installation in garment
2.Soiling
3.Contamination
4.Physical damage such as the following:
a. Cuts, tears, punctures, cracking or splitting
b. Thermal damage (charring, burn holes, melting, or discoloration)
c. Loss of seam integrity and broken or missing stitches
Ennis Fire Department trained personnel shall perform complete liner inspection of all garment elements.
The Ennis Fire Department Quartermaster shall be responsible for complete liner inspection of the garment elements and all records there of.
The manufacturer of the garment or a verified ISP should train personnel.
Complete liner inspection of all garment elements shall be conducted at a minimum after 3 years in service and annually there after or whenever advanced inspections indicate that a problem might exist. The liner system shall be opened to expose all layers for inspection and testing.
A complete liner inspection of all garment elements shall be conducted after 2 years in service and annually thereafter following replacement of the moisture barrier.
The findings of the complete liner inspection shall be documented and filed.
The moisture barrier and thermal barrier shall be inspected for the following:
1.Physical damage to all layers and sides of each layer such as the following:
a.Rips, tears, cuts, and abrasions
b.Thermal damage (charring, burn holes, melting, or discoloration of any layer
2.Loss of seam integrity, broken or missing stitches, and loose or missing moisture barrier seam tape
3.Material physical integrity; UV or chemical degradation as evidenced by discoloration, significant changes in material texture, loss of material strength, loss of liner material, or shifting of liner material.
4.Delamination as evidenced by separation of film from substrate fabric, flaking or powdering
The moisture barrier shall be tested using the hydrostatic test to evaluate water penetration barrier, and show no leakage
The result of each water penetration barrier evaluation shall be recorded and filed.
Ensembles and ensemble elements shall be evaluated by the wearer for application of appropriate cleaning level after each use.
Ensembles and ensemble elements contaminated by CBRN terrorism agents shall be immediately retired after confirmed exposure and shall not be subjected to cleaning or decontamination.
Ensembles and ensemble elements that are known or suspected to be contaminated with hazardous materials shall be evaluated on the incident scene by members of the organization authorized by the organization to conduct a preliminary assessment of the extent of contamination and the need for ensemble or ensemble elements to be isolated, tagged, and bagged on scene.
Contaminated ensembles and ensemble elements shall be isolated during the incident personnel decontamination process and removed from service until the contaminant or suspected contaminant is identified and the elements can receive specialized cleaning as necessary to remove the specific contaminant (s).
Where possible and where the contaminant and its source have been identified, the organization shall consult the supplier of the contaminant and the manufacturer of the ensemble and ensemble elements for an appropriate decontamination agent and process.
A member(s) of the organization who has received training in the cleaning of ensembles and ensemble elements shall be responsible for performing or managing specialized cleaning of elements contaminated with hazardous materials.
Ensembles and ensemble elements that are known or suspected to be contaminated with body fluids shall be evaluated on the incident scene by members of the organization authorized to conduct a preliminary assessment of the extent of contamination and need for the ensemble or ensemble elements to be isolated, tagged, and bagged at the incident scene. Rubber Latex gloves should always be worn when handling ensembles contaminated with body fluids. Always use universal precautions when handling elements known or suspected to be contaminated with body fluids.
Soiled or contaminated elements shall not be brought into the home, washed in home laundries, or washed in public laundries unless the public laundry has a dedicated business to handle protective ensembles and ensemble elements.
Commercial dry cleaning shall not be used as a means of cleaning or decontaminating ensembles and ensemble elements unless approved by the ensemble or ensemble element manufacturer.
When contract cleaning or decontamination is used, the ISP shall demonstrate, to the organization’s satisfaction, that the procedures for cleaning and decontamination do not compromise the performance of ensembles and ensemble elements.
Routine Cleaning:
The end users shall be responsible for the routine cleaning of their issued ensemble and ensemble elements.
The end user shall examine the manufacturer’s label and user information for instructions on cleaning and drying that the manufacturer provided with the ensemble or ensemble element. In the absence of manufacturer’s instructions or manufacturer’s approval of alternative procedures for the ensemble or ensemble element, the routine cleaning and drying procedures provided in this section shall be used.
Routine Cleaning Process:
Where possible, the contamination levels shall be evaluated and cleaning shall be initiated at the emergency scene.
Ensembles and element layers shall be isolated whenever possible to avoid cross contamination.
Any dry debris shall be brushed off.
Other debris shall be gently rinsed off with water. Heavy scrubbing or spraying with high-velocity water jets such as a power washer shall not be used.
Where necessary, a soft bristle brush shall be used to gently scrub, and the ensemble or element shall be rinsed off again.
Where necessary, elements for routine cleaning shall be cleaned in a utility sink designated for personal protective equipment (PPE) cleaning and decontamination using the following procedures:
1. Heavily soiled or spotted areas shall be pre treated. Chlorine bleach, chlorinated solvents, active-ingredient cleaning agents, or solvents shall not be used without the ensemble or element manufacturer’s approval.
2. Water temperature shall not exceed 40 degrees Centigrade or 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Mild detergents with a pH range of not less than 6.0 pH and not greater than 10.5 pH as indicated on the product MSDS or original product container shall be used.
4. Protective gloves and eye/face splash protection shall be worn.
5. Element(s) shall be gently scrubbed using a soft bristle brush.
6. Element(s) shall be thoroughly rinsed.
7. Element(s) shall be inspected and, where necessary, shall be rewashed or submitted for advanced cleaning procedures. The manufacturer shall be consulted if stronger cleaning agents are required.
8. Elements shall be dried in accordance with the drying procedures as noted in the program.
9. Following the routine cleaning procedure, the utility sink shall be rinsed.
Additional Requirements for Routine Cleaning of Garment Elements:
Routine cleaning procedures for cleaning garment elements shall be used only for spot cleaning of the element and shall be performed in a utility sink.
To avoid cross contamination, garment element layers shall be isolated whenever possible.
Cleaning of the entire garment element shall be accomplished using advanced cleaning procedures.
Additional Requirements for Routine Cleaning of Helmet Elements:
If it is necessary to totally immerse the helmet, the impact cap shall be separated from the helmet shell. Each element component shall be washed and dried separately before reassembly.
Solvents shall not be used to clean or decontaminate helmets or helmet components. The manufacturer shall be consulted if stronger cleaning agents are required.
Helmets shall not be machine dried using equipment that produces mechanical action from tumbling or agitation.
Additional Requirements for Routine Cleaning of Glove Elements:
Glove elements shall not be machine dried using equipment that produces mechanical action from tumbling or agitation.
Additional Requirements for Routine Cleaning of Footwear Elements:
Footwear elements shall not be machine dried using equipment that produces mechanical action from tumbling or agitation
Advanced Cleaning and Decontamination:
A verified ISP or the organization’s trained personnel shall perform advanced cleaning.
The advanced cleaning shall be managed by a member of the organization or conducted by members of the organization who have received training in the advanced cleaning of protective ensembles and ensemble elements. The ensemble or ensemble element manufacturer and the organization shall determine the level of training required to perform advanced cleaning. The ensemble or ensemble element manufacturer shall provide written verification of training.
Ensemble and ensemble elements that are soiled shall receive advanced cleaning prior to reuse.
Ensemble and ensemble elements that are issued and used shall receive advanced cleaning at the time of advanced inspection if not subjected to advance cleaning in the preceding 12 months.
The element manufacturer or a verified ISP, who will provide written documentation of training, shall perform the training of the organization’s personnel.
Organizations shall examine the manufacturer’s label and user information for instructions on cleaning and drying that the manufacturer provided with the element. In the absence of manufacturer’s instructions or manufacturer’s approval of alternative procedures for the ensemble or ensemble element, the advanced cleaning and drying procedures provided in this section shall be used.
Advanced cleaning of ensembles and ensemble elements shall be conducted by machine unless specifically prohibited.
The following procedures shall be used for machine washing:
A wash form is to be completed at the time of washing. The forms are located on a clipboard on the wall next to the extractor at station #2.
1. The machine shall not be overloaded.
2. Heavily soiled or spotted areas shall be pretreated. Chorine bleach, chlorinated solvents, active-ingredient cleaning agents, or solvents shall not be used without the ensemble or ensemble element manufacturer’s approval.
3. All closures, including pocket closures, hooks and lops, snaps, zippers, and hooks and keeps shall be fastened.
4. Water temperature shall not exceed 40 degrees Celsius or 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. A mild detergent with a pH range of not less than 6.0 pH and not greater than 10.5 pH as indicated on the product MSDS or original product container shall be used.
6. Washing machines with the capability of drum RPM adjustment shall be adjusted so the g-force does not exceed 100g for all elements.
7. Machine manufacturer’s instructions shall be followed for proper setting or program selection for the specific element being washed.
8. The element shall be inspected and rewashed if necessary.
9. Where the machine is also used to wash items other than protective ensemble elements, it shall be rinsed out by running the machine without a laundry load through a complete cycle with detergent and filled to the maximum level wit water at a temperature of 49-52 degrees Celsius or 120-125 degrees Fahrenheit
Additional Requirements for Advanced Cleaning of Garment Elements:
If the coat element has a drag rescue device (DRD) and the DRD is removable, the DRD shall be removed prior to the coat being laundered. If the DRD also requires cleaning, it shall be placed in a separate mesh bag for washing and drying.
Where the shells and liners of protective garment elements are separable, those items shall be cleaned and decontaminated only with like items.
Separable liner systems shall be turned inside out so the moisture barrier is on the inside for both machine washing and machine drying.
Additional Requirements for Advanced Cleaning of Helmet Elements:
Detachable items shall be removed from the helmet and shall be washed and dried separately.
Helmets shall not be machine cleaned or dried using equipment that produces mechanical action by tumbling or agitation.
Additional Requirements for Advanced Cleaning of Glove Elements:
Gloves shall not be machine dried using equipment that produces mechanical action by tumbling or agitation.
Additional Requirements for Advanced Cleaning of Footwear Elements:
Footwear shall not be machine cleaned or dried using equipment that produces mechanical action by tumbling or agitation.
Additional Requirements for Advanced Cleaning of Hood Elements:
Hoods shall be permitted to be machine-washed and machine dried with garment liners.
Additional Requirements for Advanced Cleaning of Ensembles Certified to the Optional CBRN Requirements of NFPA 1971:
The manufacturer shall be consulted to determine if any special handling procedures or the removal of interface components or other components must be undertaken prior to advanced cleaning.
Drying Procedures:
The Ennis Fire Department shall examine the manufacturer’s label and user information for instructions on drying procedures that the manufacturer provided with the ensemble or ensemble element. In the absence of manufacturer’s instructions or manufacturer’s approval of alternative procedures, the drying procedures provided in this section shall be used.
The following procedures shall be used for air-drying:
1. Place elements in an area with good ventilation.
2. Do not dry in direct sunlight.
3. Make sure ensembles are dried completely before placing into storage.
Machine drying will not be permitted.
Repair:
All repairs shall be out sourced and performed by a qualified ISP (Independent Service Provider)
The ensemble to be repaired will be washed and dried properly before being sent off for repair. (The ISP will not repair the garment if it’s dirty.)
Storage:
Unissued ensembles shall be stored together. They will receive an advanced cleaning prior to being placed in storage. The ensembles shall be stored out direct sunlight.
Issued ensembles shall be kept clean and stored in a gear bag or a locker out of direct light.
Retirement, disposal, and special incident procedures:
Ensembles shall be retired when their condition is no longer deemed safe and cannot be repaired at a reasonable cost.
The ensemble shall be retired at ten years of age.
The ensemble shall be retired if a hazardous material cannot be properly removed from the ensemble or has had degrading effect on the material.
The ensemble shall be disposed of in a manner in accordance with NFPA 1851.
Special incident procedure:
In the event that a fire fighter is seriously injured or killed provisions will be made for the immediate removal from service and preservation of all structural fire fighting ensembles and ensemble elements that were worn by fire fighters who were victims at the incident.
The Chief or the shift commander shall place the gear in a secure location and maintain the custody of the ensembles and ensemble elements with controlled documented access.
All such structural fire fighting ensembles and ensemble elements shall be non-destructively tagged and stored only in paper or cardboard containers to prevent further degradation or damage. Plastic or airtight containers shall not be used.
Examination of the structural fire fighting ensembles and ensemble elements shall be made by the Chief and fire department officers or by an outside expert to determine the condition thereof.
The time the ensemble and ensemble elements are kept in custody will be left to the discretion of the Chief.
Test procedures:
Light evaluations of Liners.
This test shall be completed once a year and documented.
At a minimum, the front and back body panels of each protective garment element shall be evaluated.
Specific areas of the body panels that shall be evaluated include upper back, shoulders, underarms, sleeves, waist area, and crotch area.
Liner evaluation areas shall be also be any areas of the garment where damage or loss of thermal protection is detected or expected.
1.The light source shall provide enough light to show the changes in density of the liner materials when viewed.
2.The light source shall not produce enough heat to damage the liner composite.
3.The light source shall be configured to prevent the bulbs from directly contacting the liner composite.
4.The light source shall be appropriately sized to fit into the sleeves of the liner.
Procedure:
The evaluation procedure shall be performed at room temperature.
The following procedure shall be used:
1.If possible separate the liner from the outer shell.
2.Orient the liner such that the thermal barrier is on the outside.
3.Position the light source near the moisture barrier such that the light passes through the moisture barrier and through the thermal barrier.
4.Evaluate the liner by examining the amount of light coming through the thermal liner.
Results:
Results shall be determined areas where the light is brighter through some areas than others.
Brighter areas could be an indication of insulating material shifting or migrating, resulting in a thin or bare spot.
To further evaluate a suspected area of shifting or migration, an advanced inspection shall be performed.
Leakage evaluation:
This test shall be completed once a year and documented.
This evaluation method shall apply to moisture and thermal barrier liners found in structural fire fighting protective garment elements that are in service.
Evaluation areas:
At a minimum, the front and back body panels of each protective garment element shall be evaluated using three different moisture barrier material areas and three different moisture barrier areas with a seam.
Liner evaluation areas shall be shall be from high - abrasion areas of the garment elements, including, but not limited to
1.Broadest part of the shoulders
2..Back waist area of the coat
3.Knees
4.Crotch area
5.Seat area
In addition to where potential damage to the garment outer shell or thermal barrier has been detected, the evaluation shall be conducted on the corresponding area of the moisture barrier. Where potential damage to the garment moisture barrier has been detected, the evaluation shall also be conducted on that area.
The liner composite shall be positioned in the evaluation apparatus so that the moisture barrier is oriented upward and is contacted with the liquid exposure in the evaluation apparatus.
Moisture barrier material areas with seams shall be positioned on the evaluation apparatus so that the seam divides the specimen into two equal halves.
Evaluation Apparatus:
An alcohol – tap water mixture shall be made by combining 1 part rubbing alcohol, 70 percent isopropanol alcohol with six parts of tap water.
A five-gallon bucket or similar container shall be used to support the liner during evaluation.
Procedure:
The evaluation procedure shall be performed at room procedure.
1.If possible, separate the liner from the outer shell.
2.Orient the liner such that the moisture barrier is on the outside.
3.Position the dry liner over the bucket with the thermal barrier facing down and the moisture barrier side facing up.
4.Cup the liner area that is being evaluated, so that it is lower than the surrounding liner.
5.Pour one cup of the alcohol – tap water mixture onto the moisture in the cupped area of the liner.
Results:
The liner shall be visually inspected for leakage on the thermal barrier side after three minutes.
If any liquid passes through the moisture barrier and wets the thermal barrier, the liner shall be removed from service and repaired or replaced.
After the evaluation procedure has been performed, the liner shall be cleaned and allowed to completely dry to remove all traces of the alcohol – tap water mixture.
This test shall be completed after the third year in service and every year there after.
This evaluation method shall apply to moisture barrier materials and moisture barrier seams found in structural fire fighting protective garment elements that are in service.
A minimum of three-moisture barrier material area and a minimum of three moisture barrier areas with a seam shall be tested on each garment element.
Moisture barrier material areas shall be from high abrasion areas of the garment elements, including, but not limited to:
1.Broadest part of the shoulders
2.Back waist area of the coat
3.Knees
4.Crotch area
5.Seat area
In addition to these areas where potential damage to the garment outer shell or the thermal barrier has been detected, the evaluation shall be conducted on the corresponding area of the moisture barrier. Where potential damage to the garment moisture barrier has been detected, the evaluation shall be conducted on that area.
Moisture barrier material areas shall be positioned in the evaluation apparatus such that the side of the barrier that is against the outer shell faces the water in the evaluation apparatus.
Moisture barrier material areas with seams shall be positioned on the evaluation apparatus so that the seam divides the specimen into two equal halves.
Evaluation Apparatus:
The apparatus used to evaluate water penetration shall have the following characteristics:
1.The apparatus shall consist of a means of clamping the area to be evaluated in a horizontal position, providing a watertight seal with the pressurized portion of the apparatus and water reservoir.
2.The apparatus shall accommodate evaluations of moisture barriers and seams with out the removal of specimens.
3.The apparatus shall have a clamping area that provides a water exposure and a viewing area that is at least (2’’) in diameter.
4.The apparatus shall have a water reservoir containing sufficient water for carrying out the evaluation.
5.The apparatus shall provide for the pressurization of water against the garment element moisture barrier area at a pressure of (1 psi) for at least 15 seconds. The (1 psi) pressure shall be achieved within 10 seconds.
6.The apparatus shall be equipped with a pressure gauge that is accurate to the nearest (0.1 psi)
7.The apparatus shall be equipped with a means of bleeding air pressure and permit the drainage of water from the pressurized portion of the apparatus.
A stopwatch or other timer shall be used to ensure that pressure is applied for the specified duration of 15 seconds.
Procedure:
The evaluation shall be conducted using the following procedures:
1.Place the selected area of moisture barrier in the apparatus and clamp to provide a watertight seal with the apparatus.
2.Introduce a water pressure of 1 psi against the moisture barrier for a period of not less than 15 seconds.
3.Visually inspect the visible side of the moisture barrier after 15 seconds to determine if water penetration has occurred.
Results:
If any water has passed through the moisture barrier or moisture barrier seam, the liner shall be removed from service and repaired or replaced.
If no water passes through the moisture barrier or moisture barrier seam, the liner shall be allowed to dry completely before being returned to service.