FR1 survey: Firefighter personal protective equipment

In early May of 2012, FireRescue1 conducted a survey on firefighter ’s use of Personal Protective Equipment. We have posted the results to the survey below. They represent a poll of 463 firefighters.

Highlights:
• 44% of firefighters wear a flip down shield, and 28% wear a combination of eye protection.

• Color preference is split between black & tan for Turnout gear, with 39.8% of firefighters prefering tan, and 38.3% prefering black, with 21% having no preference.

• 93% of firefighters have never had their PPE fail during a fire. The below comments were among the 6% of firefighters who have had their PPE fail:

" Velcro closure at neck failed."

"Involved in a partial roof collapse. hot ember got between my scott pack and my turn out coat. burned through to my back. small burn. Pocket flaps also were heavily damaged"

" A pair of outdated structural gloves cuffs melted to my wrist. "

"Too high of a temp. Coat failed during a fire. I used to have suspenders with the two metal rings on the back, they left burn marks on my back from the excessive heat and coat failure."

Question 1: Which style of helmet do you prefer?

SUMMARY: 63.7% of Firefighters prefer the New York Traditional Helmet Style.

Question 2: How did you receive your helmet?

SUMMARY: 71% of Firefighters' helmets are issued to them by their departments.

Question 3: How did you receive your firefighting gloves?

SUMMARY: 73% of Firefighters' gloves are issued to them by their department.

Question 4: Which eye protection do you use?

SUMMARY: 44% of firefighters wear a flip down shield, and 28% wear a combination of eye protection.

Question 5: Which structural firefighting boot do you wear?

SUMMARY: 59% of Firefighters wear leather boots.

Question 6: Which brand of structural firefighting boot do you prefer?

SUMMARY: 50% of firefighters prefer Globe. Other brands in order of preference were: Thorogood, Pro-Warrington, Lion, Haix, and Danner.

Question 7: Do you feel that your PPE protects you adequately in most situations?

SUMMARY: 66% of firefighters feel that their PPE protects them adequately.

Question 8: Has your PPE ever failed during a fire?

SUMMARY: 94% of firefighters have not had their PPE fail during a fire.

Question 9: Does turnout gear color matter?

SUMMARY: It's a toss-up between black and tan, with 39.8% of firefighters prefering tan, and 38.3% prefering black, with 21% having no preference.