The Real Deal on PPE Care: Everything You Need to Know to Stay Safe and Compliant

Let's cut through the confusion about PPE maintenance. No fluff, just straight talk about what's actually required and why it matters. Whether you're a probie or a 20 year vet, this guide will help keep you safe and compliant.

The Daily Check: Your Life Depends On It

Every shift starts the same way - and yes, PPE inspection is mandatory per CalOSHA 3410(c). This isn't optional, and here's why: your gear is literally the last line of defense between you and disaster.

What you MUST check daily: • Rips, tears, holes (obvious stuff)

• Damaged closure systems

• Seam integrity

• Reflective strip condition

• Thermal liner issues

• Moisture barrier problems

• Shell material condition Pro Tip: Make it part of your morning routine. Coffee ☕ , gear check, truck check. Five minutes could save your life.

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Cleaning Your Gear: Let's Get Real About Cancer Prevention

Advanced cleaning isn't just recommended - it's REQUIRED by law (CalOSHA 3410(d)). Those invisible carcinogens don't care about your years of service or how tough you are.

Required Cleaning Protocols:

1. After-Fire Basics:

• Initial rinse at scene when possible

• Full cleaning following manufacturer's specs

• Using manufacturer-approved cleaning agents only

• Proper drying procedures

• Documentation of cleaning

2. Advanced Cleaning (Mandatory):

• Machine washing as often as necessary to remove soiling

• Using appropriate cleaning agents (not just any detergent)

• Following manufacturer's cleaning procedures exactly

• Proper documentation of each cleaning Remember: "It's not that dirty" isn't a valid excuse. If it's been exposed, it needs to be cleaned. Period.

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Training Requirements: Knowledge is Survival

CalOSHA 3410(e) isn't messing around. You MUST be trained on: • How your gear should fit

• Limitations of your PPE

• Proper donning and doffing

• Inspection procedures

• Cleaning protocols

• Storage requirements

And yes, this training must be documented and kept for 3 years. It's not just paperwork - it's proof you know how to use the equipment that keeps you alive.

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When to Say Goodbye: Gear Retirement

The law is clear on this one: 10 years from manufacture date, it's done (CalOSHA 3410(f)). But sometimes gear needs to retire early:

• Thermal damage (even sunlight)

• Physical damage beyond repair

• Failed inspection points

• Contamination that can't be cleaned

• Heat stress indicator activation

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Quick Reference: What's Required (Not Optional!)

Task	Frequency	Authority
Basic Inspection	Before/After Each Use	CalOSHA 3410(c)
Advanced Inspection	Annually	CalOSHA 3410(c)
Basic Cleaning	After Any Contamination	CalOSHA 3410(d)
Advanced Cleaning	As Necessary to Remove Soiling	CalOSHA 3410(d)
Training Documentation	Initial + Updates	CalOSHA 3410(e)
Retirement Check	10 Years Max	CalOSHA 3410(f)
Exposure Documentation	After Each Exposure	CalOSHA 3410(c)

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Making It Work: Building Good Habits

CalOSHA 3410(e) CalOSHA 3410(f) CalOSHA 3410(c) Look, we know it seems like a lot. But just like everything else in the fire service, it becomes second nature with practice. Here's how to make it happen:

1. Set daily reminders for gear checks

2. Keep inspection forms easily accessible

3. Document issues with photos

4. Make it a crew activity

5. Use downtime wisely for more thorough checks

6. Schedule regular advanced cleaning

7. Keep a cleaning log near your washing equipment

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The Bottom Line

Every one of these requirements exists because someone paid the price to learn why they're necessary. Your gear is your lifeline - treat it that way. These aren't just regulations; they're your insurance policy for going home to your family after every shift.

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Need Help?

Don't hesitate to:

• Ask your company officer

• Talk to your PPE manager

• Review department SOPs

• Raise questions during training

• Document concerns about gear condition

• Reach out to Sukh at Sukh@ppemgmt.com to figure out how technology can help reduce this headache and make it easy to keep gear both clean and compliant.

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Remember This

You signed up to be a firefighter because you want to help others. Part of that job is taking care of yourself and your equipment. Every inspection, every cleaning, every documentation - it all adds up to one thing: making sure you're ready when the tones drop and someone needs you