Which level of PPE includes turnout gear?

Turnout gear is classified as Level B PPE. This level of personal protective equipment is designed to protect firefighters and HAZMAT responders from a variety of chemical exposures, particularly when there is a risk of splashes or spills of hazardous materials. Level B PPE includes items like protective boots, gloves, a helmet, and the turnout jacket and pants, which are specifically made to withstand heat and some degree of chemical exposure.

The misunderstanding may arise from the categorization of PPE levels. Level A offers the highest level of protection, including a fully encapsulated suit and air supply, which is used in the most hazardous atmospheres. Level C, on the other hand, involves coveralls and a mask with filters, suitable for situations where the specific hazards are known, but the atmosphere is not immediately dangerous to life. Level D provides minimal protection and is generally used in non-hazardous situations where no respiratory protection is required.

Therefore, turnout gear, integral to firefighter operations, provides necessary protection for working in conditions where heat and certain chemical hazards may be present, aligning it with the specifications of Level B PPE, not Level C.