Always full PPE!

I have realised that many times people does not wear full PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) in the burns. Therefore, I guess that they do the same wrong thing in fire fighting.

When we say: "safety, ALWAYS first", that means "ALWAYS". And that does not mean neither "that's not going to happen to me", nor "it is really unusual to happen", nor "NOMEX is heavy and hot", nor "I don't need a hard hat, I can see what's over my head", nor "that's uncomfortable". And I have heard that many times. Sadly, I can say that in some areas, the more experienced crew, the less percentage of PPE weared.

I know that's the most basic thing, the first stept to learn, the beginning of the fire figthing. However, it is frequently "forgotten". So, let's do a review of what's the meaning of full PPE:

1.- Hard hat: always well-fixed/adjusted to the head. That means use the fastening tape or the back chinstrap. You should be able to do handstands without losing your helmet.

2.- Eye protection: fundamental, essential, basic. If you get some black materia or a little bug, insect or simply dust in your eyes, you wont be able to see anything; that's not good in a full hazardous environment. Also prevents your eyes from irritation caused by smoke.

3.- NOMEX: full NOMEX clothes. You can use both overall or two-piece clothes. It should cover you from feet to neck. And please, if you find holes don't fix them, simply change your NOMEX. Also, please, wash your NOMEX.

4.- NOMEX gloves: they will protect you from wounds in your hands, that are the stuff you need to work, to use McLeod, driptorch, radio,... You know? Basic. They should cover the whole hand and, at least, another then centimeters of the arm.

5.- Fireshelter: unafortunatelly that's not frequent in Spain, but I am sure that's going to change. If you have one, please, carry it always. Here is an interesting video about how to use it and why to carry it. Please, watch it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJsY6foLh8o

6.- Leather boots: the same than gloves, you need your feet in the best conditions during all the day; safe and comfortable.

In adittion to that, I am used to carry/wear these other things:

- High quality socks: they will make your day more comfortable.

- Neck's NOMEX cover: sometimes situation become hot and hard enough for giving you a bad time, but not as much as for stop working. Use it! But always remember that it is good to have a little area of your skin "outdoor" exposed (you will know when it is too much hot for working there).

- Extra water: hydration is fundamental. You should drink water constantly, and not only when you are thirsty (thirst is the first symptom of the heatstroke).

- Extra batteries: you don't want to lose radio conection with the crew.

- Some sugar (candy, cookies, chocolate): just in case you star to feel low on energy! But that's really personal, it depends on what does your body need. So, that works for me, but could not work for you. Just know yourself!

- Compass: don't lose the North!

- Incident Pocket Response Guide (IPRG): you must know all in the IPRG. Nonetheless, carry it just in case you don't remember something in a bad moment.

- Whistle: if you get lost, that could help others to find you.

I am sure that I am forgottening something, but the fundamental stuff it is here. Please, use the comments area to let me know what else you carry/wear!

Please, be safe. Just, be safe. Safety first. Don't risk more than necessary.

SAFETY, ALWAYS FIRST!

Be also careful with the fauna! It is dangerous... Specially humans!