Is Turnout Gear Safe?

Turnout gear protects firefighters from heat, flames, water and smoke while fighting fires. Also called bunker gear, this is the personal protective equipment typically worn for fighting at building fires. The latest technology is continually applied in the development of the safest equipment for firefighters.

Components

• Turnout gear includes pants, coat, boots, gloves, flash hood, helmet and face-shield or goggles. A self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and heat-reflective proximity suit can be worn with turnout gear.

Purpose

• Turnout gear is designed and constructed to protect firefighters from heat, flame, water, and smoke during fire-fighting activities. Turnout gear is not designed to protect against chemical exposures.

Applicable Standards

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards are used to assure the quality of turnout gear in the United States. Similar standards are used in other countries.

Limitations

• Turnout gear does not protect against chemical exposure. Hazardous material incidents require additional chemical protective clothing.

Adverse Reports

• The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) suspected antimony exposure from the flame-retardant chemicals in turnout gear. This concern was not confirmed.

Safe for Use

• Turnout gear is safe for its intended use during a building fire. Clothing components are not known to be hazardous.