Safety Equipment Information

Safety Equipment Needs

The respiratory protection that search and rescue workers need are 1/2 mask respirators with N-R-or P series filters with an efficiency rating of 95 or greater. This is the filter portion of the respirator and does nothing for gases or smells from the decaying bodies. They also need an organic vapor/acid gas canister which absorbs odors and harmful gases.

Sanitation of respirators is necessary to ensure that the air is clean within the mouthpiece. In addition, any workers that are welding or cutting metal beams etc. need welding face shields and welding goggles and shields.

Here is the list of PPE (personal protective equipment) needs:

• Half mask or full face air purifying respirators with N-R- or P, 95 or greater filters and OV/AG canisters.
• Welding face shields with auto-darkening lenses.
• Neoprene, nitrile gloves
• Protective eyewear or goggles
• Hard hats
• Limited use-protective clothing such as Kimberly Clark's SMS suits, Dupont Tychem and Tyvek and Kappler Proshield and Proshield 2 full body protective suits that do not require decontamination.

Correct Use of Safety Equipment

1. Choose a mask that filters the toxins you will be in contact with. Canister respirators are better than particle masks. Paper and cloth filters are useless
2. Make sure the mask fits you well
3. Put the mask on, put all straps in place, and tighten the straps
4. Keep the mask on! It is useless around your neck; take your breaks in clean air
5. Change your mask's filters as often as needed (if you can smell toxins, or need to breathe harder than before, it's time to change the filters)
6. Full face masks are best; otherwise, choose and use appropriate eye protection (not regular eye glasses)
7. Wear protective suits; do not allow contaminated clothes or shoes to go into your home or car (at the very least, set aside a set of clothes just for rescue work, keep it in a plastic bag, and throw it out when you are done--do not wash contaminated clothes with other clothes)
8. Use other protective gear (hard hat, gloves, boots, etc) as required
9. Err on the side of caution; use the safety equipment required by the worst case scenario
10. Work with the equipment. Think of it as an extension of your skin, not as an annoyance. It will help you do your job better and keep you healthy so you can keep working