When should a firefighter report the condition of PPE?

A firefighter should report the condition of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when it appears damaged or requires more than routine cleaning because this action is vital for safety. PPE is a critical element in protecting firefighters from various hazards, and any signs of damage or excessive wear can compromise its effectiveness. Reporting these issues promptly ensures that repairs can be made or that replacements can be ordered, maintaining the integrity of the firefighting operations.

Addressing the condition of PPE in a timely fashion allows for proactive measures to be taken before any incidents occur. This is more critical than waiting until after a shift or only reporting during scheduled inspections, which may not occur frequently enough to capture the current condition of the gear. Reporting the condition before a fire operation begins is also important, but it specifically applies when issues are observed, reinforcing the need for vigilance throughout the entire time the PPE is in use.