Keeping It Safe Robert Tutterow
The impetus for this column comes from the FDIC Internationals of the past few years. Each year while attending, I pay particular attention to the hundreds of photos along the corridor between the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium.
All the photos are from FDIC’s H.O.T. training sites rather than something staged for a photo op. One of the remarkable things about the photos is they depict a lot of the emergency scene activities the fire service conducts other than fighting fires, with vehicle extrication as an example. This is probably common with your department. In almost all cases, structural firefighting gear is being worn, including structural helmets. Yet, in no case is the attached eye protection of the helmet being used. Most of the firefighters are wearing wrap-around safety glasses.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1971, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting (2018 ed.), includes requirements for most of the eye protection firefighters wear. More on that later. I am often perplexed when I continually see photos and footage of firefighters with eye protection mounted on their helmets. These can be the wrap-around 4-inch partial face shields or the Bourke Eyeshields for those who are more image-conscious.
The perplexing part of this phenomenon is that I never—I mean never—see the face shields or Bourkes in the lowered position to offer protection. At least the NFPA refers to the wrap-arounds as face shields, but they would be more aptly described as “partial face shields.” The Bourkes blatantly are referred to as eye shields. Neither are eye shields. Why do I never see either of these so-called protective devices deployed in a protective position? I am quite sure I know the answer. They don’t work! Unless the products are brand new and right out of the box, they are most assuredly scratched, smoked up, or blistered to the point they prevent visibility. Sadly, the blistered and smoky look is viewed by many as a badge of honor for a firefighter who “gets it” and is seasoned in the battles of fighting fire.
Adding a face shield or eye shields simply adds additional weight and cost to the helmet. In addition, they add to the imbalance of the helmets. Why wear something that is not used, costs more money, and disrupts the balance of the helmet?
For actual structural firefighting, we have the best eye and face protection. It is called the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) face piece and has a history of performing very well. Granted, we struggle with some who do not wear their face pieces as much as they should. In fact, the more we learn about the hazards of carcinogens, the more we see the need to wear face pieces—far more than originally thought.
The best eye protection is compliant goggles. NFPA 1971 allows for the provision of goggles in lieu of face shields. And, they are allowed to be shipped and used unattached to the helmet. Though the best eye protection is the goggles, the worst place to store the goggles is on top of the helmet. When stored there, they are subject to the products of combustion and subsequent mechanical damage experienced during fire operations, as well as in the transition of the helmet from storage to apparatus or personal vehicle placement. Most importantly, if the goggles have been exposed to the products of combustion and the always-present carcinogens, placing contaminated goggles directly on the skin of the face near the eyes is just a step or two away from taking a direct injection of carcinogens into the body. Goggles should be stored in a coat pocket, preferably an inside coat pocket, and even better if enclosed in a protective case.
One disclaimer: There are manufacturers that design eye and face protection that retracts beneath the shell of the helmet. I have no experience or knowledge of how much the eye and face protection is shielded from contaminants when in the stowed position. I suspect there is minimal mechanical damage. Particulate accumulation may be reduced but not eliminated.
There are two takeaways from this column. First, consider removing the helmet-mounted face protection whether it is the wrap-around, the Bourkes, or the goggles. They provide no value. Instead, get goggles or wrap-around safety glasses and put them in your gear pocket. Second, consider using alternative personal protective equipment (PPE), including helmets, when engaged in emergency activities that do not involve live firefighting. This allows for a lot more protection of the eyes and face.
ROBERT TUTTEROW retired as safety coordinator for the Charlotte (NC) Fire Department and is a member of the Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment Editorial Advisory Board. His 44-year career includes 10 as a volunteer. He has been very active in the National Fire Protection Association through service on the Fire Service Section Executive Board and technical committees involved with safety, apparatus, and personal protective equipment. He is a founding member and president of the Fire Industry Education Resource Organization (F.I.E.R.O.).
