Turnout gear, also known as bunker gear, is the protective clothing and gear worn by firefighters. It includes a helmet, jacket, pants, boots, and gloves made from materials that offer protection against heat, flames, falling debris, and water. Specialized equipment includes hazmat suits, self-contained breathing apparatus, and communication devices. The gear is designed to allow free movement and is made of water, flame, and heat-resistant materials. Specialized articles are used in out-of-the-ordinary situations.
The term turnout gear is used by firefighters to describe their protective clothing and gear. In most cases, the term only applies to the helmet, jacket, pants, and boots worn by firefighters when on call, but it can also refer to specialized equipment such as hazmat suits. Basic turnout gear for most firefighters consists of clothing that is comfortable enough to allow free movement and that offers protection against heat, flames and embers, falling debris, and water. Specialized equipment includes self-contained breathing apparatus, communication devices, and coveralls that enable firefighters to work with hazardous substances or near extreme temperatures.
Also known as bunker gear, turnout gear is the firefighter’s first line of defense against the many hazards inherent in the job. The term is usually applied specifically to outer protective clothing worn by firefighters, but can be broadly applied to both clothing and other less frequently used specialized equipment. While global standards differ, the protective gear that makes up the average turnout gear set includes a helmet, jacket, pants, boots, and gloves. All of these items include design features and are made from materials that offer a very specific protection.
The jackets and trousers worn by firefighters are generally a combination of water, flame and heat resistant, insulating and breathable materials. Outer layers typically consist of tough, thermally resistant materials such as Nomex®/Kevlar® blends treated with a water repellent. The inner layers of clothing usually feature thermal insulation and moisture barrier materials to keep the wearer warm and dry. Most jackets include specially designed cuffs that ensure overlap with gloves. Pants usually include high front and back panels and sturdy suspenders.
Helmets worn by firefighters offer primary protection from heat and falling debris, but generally include a number of peripheral protective features. These include heat resistant visor and communication attachments and neck flaps to prevent water and embers from entering the jacket. The outer shells protect against shock, heat and electrical contact and are usually made of high impact plastic, Kevlar® and carbon fiber. Most come with a set of chin straps to secure the helmet during strenuous activity.
Change boots are usually made of rubber or leather and can be of various lengths depending on the particular department’s duties or policies. They typically include a steel toe cap to protect against impact injury and feature fire resistant treatments and puncture resistant midsole plates. Work gloves are generally represented by light general purpose work gloves and heavy structural firefighting gloves. Lighter gloves allow for a significant range of manual dexterity, while heavier gloves offer a high degree of heat and puncture resistance.
Specialized articles for turnout are rarely used in an average first response call, but rather where out-of-the-ordinary situations occur. These items include full proximity and reflective suits that allow firefighters to get close to the source of a fire, and hazmat or spray suits for hazardous or toxic materials. Self-contained breathing apparatus and helmet-mounted communication sets are usually used by firefighters to enter burning buildings, and firefighting gear is specifically designed to be worn by brush firefighters.
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