Firefighter Turnout Gear

What Is Firefighter Turnout Gear?

Turnout gear, also called bunker gear, is the structural firefighting protective ensemble used to reduce exposure to heat, flame, physical hazards, and environmental contaminants. Structural garments use an outer shell, moisture barrier, and thermal liner and are certified under NFPA 1970. Structural garment composites are required to meet specified thermal protective performance criteria, including a minimum TPP value of 35 cal/cm². TPP is a controlled laboratory test value and should not be interpreted as a guaranteed number of safe seconds in flashover conditions.

Why Firefighter Turnout Gear Matters on the Fireground

Turnout gear is the primary barrier between a firefighter and thermal injury. However, it also creates a dangerous false sense of security — the thermal liner delays the sensation of heat, meaning a firefighter may not feel pain until tissue damage has already occurred. Understanding the gear's TPP limitations and heat stress implications is as important as wearing it correctly.

Relevant NFPA Standards

• NFPA 1970: Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural and Proximity Firefighting, Work Apparel, Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for Emergency Services, and Personal Alert Safety Systems (PASS)
• NFPA 1850: Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Protective Ensembles for Structural and Proximity Firefighting and Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)

Field Procedures & Tactical Steps

1. Inspect all three layers (outer shell, moisture barrier, thermal liner) for rips, charring, delamination, or compression during daily PPE check.
2. Don gear in the correct sequence: pants and boots first, then hood, coat, SCBA, helmet, and gloves last.
3. Verify all closures — storm flap Velcro, snaps, wristlets tucked under gloves, hood tucked into coat collar — to eliminate skin gaps.
4. After fire exposure, perform immediate gross decontamination on-scene (brush off particulates, rinse with water) and bag gear for proper machine washing.
5. Track gear age and exposure history per NFPA 1850. Retire gear at 10 years from manufacture or sooner if structurally compromised.

Common Context & Application

Worn on every structural fire response, vehicle extrication, and any incident where flame, heat, or hazardous liquid exposure is anticipated. Must be properly maintained per NFPA 1850 cleaning and inspection standards.

Frequently Asked Questions about Firefighter Turnout Gear