Rollout of new PPC Structural Ensemble

(updated 15 October 2008)

CFA has begun a program to measure all eligible structural firefighters for the new PPC structural ensemble. This follows the completion of
the consultation process with the Volunteer Associations and the United Firefighters Union.

Priority for the rollout of the new PPC will go to those brigades that historically respond to a high level of structural incidents in their brigade response area.

Allocation of the new structural ensemble for CFA volunteer structural firefighters will be based on the number of structural incidents attended during a year. All CFA career firefighters will be issued the new ensemble.

CFA volunteer and career structural firefighters will have the choice of selecting one of two ‘outer shell material’ ensembles – lime green Nomex 111A/D or the gold PBI Gold.

All firefighters are entitled to make their own individual choice of the outer shell material. Those firefighters who are entitled to two or more sets of the new structural ensemble can only choose one of the outer material types for multiple sets of PPC.

Volunteer firefighters who attend 51 or more structural incidents per year will be entitled to two sets, or three sets where they attend more than 150 incidents over a 12 month period.

The regional PPC Coordinator, in consultation with the OIC of your brigade, will arrange dates and times for individual sizing of firefighters.

The first sets of the new structural ensembles are expected to be delivered in about October this year. Once full production is underway, new ensembles will be manufactured and delivered about 12 to 16 weeks from the time of individual measurement.

The structural ensembles in both Nomex and PBI Gold outer shell fabrics have been extensively tested and meet the performance criteria contained within the Australian Standard AS 4967:2006 (Protective Clothing for Firefighters – Requirements and Test Methods for Protective Clothing used in Structural Firefighting).


What follows is an Information Paper comparing the two ensembles and a series of Frequently Asked Questions and answers.

You can also download this information in printable PDF files at http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/about/equip/protective_clothing.htm

Information paper

In February 2008, the CFA Board resolved that all structural firefighters would be given a choice between two outer shell fabrics for their new structural firefighting ensemble – Nomex 111A/D (Lime Green) or PBI Gold.

The following information is provided to assist individual wearers in determining their choice of structural ensemble outer shell material. Please remember that regardless of the choice of outer shell material, all other fabrics, components and design features are identical on both ensembles.

Both outer shells are “Aramid” fabrics, meaning they are non-natural specialty fabrics based upon unique compositions, weaves or technologies. Both fabrics have been specifically designed to provide known levels of protection to wearers engaged in structural firefighting. The level of wearer protection is assured by each fabric’s ongoing compliance with the rigorous test methods and minimum performance criteria contained within Australian Standard AS 4967:2006 (Protective clothing for firefighters- Requirements and test methods for protective clothing used for structural firefighting).

	Nomex 111A/D	PBI Gold
Colour	Lime Green	Gold
Fibre Manufacturer	Du-Pont - Europe	PBI Products - USA
Fabric Woven By	Melba Textiles (Geelong)	Melba Textiles (Geelong)
Technical Composition	93% Nomex, 5% Kevlar, 2% P140 Carbon fibre	40% Polybenzimidizole, 60% Kevlar
Approximate Weight	220 gms/m2	220 gms/m2
Storage	Sensitive to ultra violet and fluorescent light. Ideally, should be stored away from direct sunlight and fluorescent light.	Very sensitive to ultra violet and fluorescent light. Essential to be stored away from direct sunlight and fluorescent light.
Heat Resistance	Will not melt, drip or ignite at a temperature of (260 ± 5)0C.	Will not melt, drip or ignite at a temperature of (260 ± 5)0C.
Water Repellence	External fluoro carbon finish.	External fluoro carbon finish.
Laundering Frequency	After exposure to hazardous materials or when visibly contaminated. Mandatory annual process.	After exposure to hazardous materials or when visibly contaminated. Mandatory annual process.
Flame Engulfment “Manikin” Tests.	Returned a lower predicted pain response rating body percentage than PBI Gold. No “break open” of the outer shell fabric during the test.	Returned a lower predicted combination of 2nd and 3rd degree burn injury body percentage than Nomex. No “break open” of the outer shell fabric during the test.

Wollongong University Research Tests:

Are there differences between ensembles?

	Nomex 111A/D	PBI Gold
Question 1 In the storage of metabolically produced heat.	No significant difference in mean body temperature.	No significant difference in mean body temperature.
Question 2 In physiological strain during physical strain.	No significant differences.	No significant differences.
Question 3 In evaporative heat loss.	No differences in sweat rate, moisture accumulation or evaporative heat loss.	No differences in sweat rate, moisture accumulation or evaporative heat loss.
Question 4 In indices of psychophysical strain.	Subjective ratings did not differ significantly.	Subjective ratings did not differ significantly.
Availability	Fabric in stock with ensemble manufacturer.	Fabric in stock with ensemble manufacturer.

Nomex 111A/D (left in each photo) and PBI Gold


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Frequently asked questions

Q1 Who will be getting PPC ensembles?

(click on the chart to view a larger version 64k)

Q2	How many ensembles am I entitled to?
A2	As above, however Operations Managers do have discretion for varying entitlements for volunteer members according to risk and activity levels.
Q3	Other than the jacket and pants what other stuff will I be issued with?
A3	Each ensemble consists of the jacket, pants and braces and will be delivered in a garment bag. This bag is to be used whenever the garments are being couriered for cleaning. Each member will receive a CFA kit bag with multiple internal compartments for holding the ensemble, helmet, boots and ancillary personal items.
Q4	How many sizes are available?
A4	There are 27 standard sizes designed to cater for both male and female firefighters. There will also be ‘made-to-measure’ where a demonstrated requirement exists. A block set of the 27 standard sizes will be available for the measuring program. 2XS XS S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 5XL S ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü R ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü L ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü
Q5	How much does the ensemble weigh?
A5	The trousers and jacket each weigh approximately 2kg. There is no difference between the weights of the two outer shell materials (approx 220 g/sm).
Q6	How will I be measured?
A6	As part of the roll-out of the new ensemble, all approved firefighters will be measured at their brigade location. A measuring program order will be developed based on CFA priority and PPC Regional Coordinator’s identification of brigades’ availability. Regions have appointed a PPC Program Co-ordinator to manage the program in their home regions. Firefighters will be advised in advance of the time allocated for measurement of their brigade. A tailor from the garment manufacturer, Stewart & Heaton, will arrive at the brigade with one completed garment of each outer shell type for viewing, and 27 block sizes for measurement. A triplicate order form will be completed for each firefighter identifying size, outer shell material choice and an initial brigade delivery address. This will be signed by the firefighter on completion. A copy of the signed order form will be given to the firefighter with the other two copies going to Stewart & Heaton and CFA respectively. Operations Managers, Operations Officers, Area Structural Instructors and Training Ground Staff will be measured by Stewart & Heaton at the same time as measurement is being undertaken in their region.
Q7	How will I decide what type of outer shell material to pick?
A7	Examples of the two outer material types will be available at time of measurement and an Outer Shell Comparison Information Paper will be distributed to members prior to measurement Visit http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/about/equip/protective_clothing.htm to download the Information Paper.
Q8	If I have more than one ensemble can I have different outer materials?
A8	No, the CFA Board has directed that each member can only have garments of one type of outer shell material. No mixing will occur.
Q9	I have been told which outer material to pick by my brigade, is this right?
A9	The Board decision is very clear in this regard stating that “CFA structural firefighters will be provided with a choice of two ensembles”. This decision entitles all individuals to make their own choice of outer shell material.
Q10	When is the measuring program starting?
A10	The measuring program will commence in July 2008.
Q11	Where does my brigade fit in the order of issue?
A11	The order of issue is based on the level of brigade activity. Activity was determined by the number of non-wildfire calls taken on the average of three years’ calls or the past 12 months’ calls, whichever was greater. The order of issue document has been distributed to Operations Managers for review and concurrence. Operations Managers and Regional PPC Co-ordinators have a copy of the document and we anticipate making the list available on CFA Online and the Internet.
Q12	Once I get measured how long before I get my ensemble/s?
A12	The ensembles should be available for delivery within eight weeks of measurement. The measurement by Stewart & Heaton may not align with the delivery locations because the Stewart & Heaton team will fit in brigades and locations at opportunities during their sizing program. If production delays do occur, notification will be given via the webpage and newsletters.
Q13	How will my ensemble/s be delivered?
A13	The initial delivery of ensembles will be sent to one address for each brigade, not individually delivered. This address will need to be provided by each brigade to the relevant Regional Co-ordinator no later than the date of first measurement.
Q14	Is CFA buying or leasing the ensembles?
A14	CFA is buying all the ensembles.
Q15	How many sizes of braces are there?
A15	There are three sizes of braces available (small, medium and large) with various trouser attachment positions to accommodate various builds.
Q16	Why do both Nomex and PBI Gold ensembles have the same brown knee pad coverings?
A16	The CFA design specification calls for Arashield® knee pad coverings to be fitted to the knees, cuffs and inner leg to provide added protection to high wear areas. Arashield® is a Polymer-coated KEVLAR® material that offers exceptional durability and strength when fitted to these high abrasion prone areas. It is easy to clean, lightweight and double coated to prevent moisture absorption. Because it is only available in grey, brown or black, CFA decided that brown was the best option for both ensembles.
Q17	I have a trial ensemble, do I keep it?
A17	All trial ensembles are to be returned to the State Logistics Centre when replacements arrive.
Q18	How does the CFA ensemble compare to MFB ensembles?
	MFB has not provided an outer shell choice option and has selected PBI Gold for all firefighters. The CFA ensemble utilises the same moisture barrier/thermal liner (Gore Airlock) and contains the same wearer features such as radio pockets, liner identification flap and coat and trouser pocket dimensions.
Q19	What personal identification will be on the ensembles?
A19	The ensembles will contain four Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags; one each for the inner liner and outer shell of the jacket and one each for the inner liner and outer shell of the trousers. The RFID tags will be used for the purpose of tracking individual identification, cleaning, repairs and maintenance events. Upon initial issue of the garments, the serial number of the RFID tags will be linked by a centralised process to the allocated firefighter. There will be a name badge manufactured from black Nomex material with high visibility silver retro reflective lettering depicting surname sewn on the right front cargo pocket flap of the coat and on the right front cargo pocket flap of the trouser. Human readable labelling will be attached to the inside of the outer shell material of both coat and trousers. The label shall carry full wearer name, CFA registered number, date of manufacture and garment serial number.
Q20	What detail will be on my external name badge (name, name & initials or number)?
A20	The Structural PPC Steering Committee meeting has given clear direction that CFA will provide the name patch externally on the Structural PPC Jacket and Pants with surname only. Fireground identification will be the surname patch affixed to the structural jacket and pants. This is supported with the provision of readable label with the member’s first name and surname printed clearly inside the jacket and pants for personal identification.
Q21	What about people undertaking training?
A21	The allocation of new PPC to training areas for trainees has been scheduled into the three year issue program. Prior to the issue of new PPC for trainees, training will be conducted in the current black jackets.
Q22	What happens if I change brigades?
A22	When a member transfers between brigades, (including to a brigade in another Region), their personal issue PPC shall be transferred to the new brigade. Where the member is transferring to a brigade in a lower risk category or will not be included in the brigade crew competency requirement, the structural ensemble will not be transferred unless the member will provide support to other brigades responding to structure type incidents. Where the member is transferring to a brigade in a higher risk category and additional PPC is required by the transferee to meet the risk profile of the new brigade, the member must first satisfy the agreed eligibility criteria before issue will be considered at the brigade and regional level.
Q23	What will happen to my black jacket?
A23	The black jacket will stay at this stage, with the future opportunity for CFA to review its use and consider a replacement. Clear direction from the Chief Officer is that once you have your new style Structural PPC you should not wear the black jacket or Proban pants for structural firefighting. This clothing is acceptable for structural firefighting for the three years during the delivery of the new structural PPC.
Q24	Will there be special liners for alpine brigades?
A24	The CFA selected material combinations now eliminates the need to have different liners for alpine areas.
Q25	How will the ensemble be cleaned?
A25	Due to the combination of aramid materials in the garments, cleaning can only be undertaken by authorised cleaners in strict accordance with specified processes and settings. Details of the authorised cleaner will be distributed via Regional Co-ordinators, the Internet and newsletters.
Q26	Who can repair the ensemble?
A26	To ensure the integrity, warranty and ongoing certification of the garments, repairs can only be undertaken by the manufacturer Stewart & Heaton.
Q27	How often does the ensemble need to be cleaned?
A27	Operations Managers are to ensure that each brigade has a PPC cleaning and maintenance program relevant to their activity level. The program is to incorporate the specific requirements of the structural ensemble. The Brigade Management Team will ensure that the PPC cleaning program is adhered to and, in unusual circumstances, may initiate additional cleaning cycles where PPC is not in a fit state of readiness after an incident response. Any PPC that is contaminated or suspected of being contaminated must be managed in accordance with Chief Officer’s SOPs. The CFA minimum mandatory requirement is one formal clean per year. An instruction on day-to-day maintenance and cleaning regime will be sent to firefighters.
Q28	How long will it take to clean or repair the ensemble?
A28	Cleaning the garments will take a minimum of two days with courier time added before and after the clean. Depending on your location, it will take at least five days from dispatch to return of cleaned garments. Minor repairs will add another two to three days and major repairs (such as resealing seams) could add at least another week.
Q29	If I only wear one of my ensembles, do I still need to send the others back for cleaning once a year?
A29	Yes. The annual clean is required to check the garments and is mandatory for all ensembles.
Q30	How do I get the ensemble to and from the cleaners?
A30	CFA will be creating contracts with TOLL and Australia Post for courier services. The services provided by the two companies are different and, alone, neither will satisfy all the requirements of CFA members. Details of the available services will be distributed to firefighters. Regardless of the courier service used, members will place both trousers and jackets (do not separate liners for outers) into the provided plastic bag then into the red courier bag. The courier bag will then be either collected by TOLL or can be taken to Australia Post. The garments will be placed back into the courier bags for return from the cleaners.
Q31	While my ensemble is at the cleaners will I be issued with a replacement?
A31	No. All allocation will be per the Business Rules where members responding to a considerable number of calls will have sufficient PPC. Members may still attend fire calls, however, they will need to do a Dynamic Risk Assessment (DRA), formerly known as Size Up, of their situation and the incident they are attending to determine their level of involvement.
Q32	Will spare stocks be available from the Regional Store or SLC?
A32	Regions will not store the PPC. Over time, the SLC will acquire a limited supply of second hand garments.
Q33	What if I change size?
A33	If a firefighter changes size they will need to follow the same process they do now to get a replacement. The original ill-fitting issue will need to be returned.
Q34	What happens if I leave CFA?
A34	All new recruits are to be given written advice when they are first issued with personal issue PPC to return the PPC should they resign from CFA. Operations Managers are to encourage and support Brigade Management Teams to take reasonable steps to recover personally issued PPC. Reasonable steps include a verbal request for its return, making a follow up telephone call and sending a letter of request if necessary. In the event that brigade efforts are ignored, the Operations Manager will take over the recovery of PPC.
Q35	How can I ask questions or find out more information?
A35	Information will be distributed via DVD, the PPC webpage, Fire Flyer, newsletters and presentations at Regional meetings. A 1800 number will be established as a project hotline for enquiries. There is also a PPC Regional Contact for each Region, Fiskville and SETG. A list of the PPC Regional Contacts is on the webpage. Relevant webpages: www.cfa.vic.gov.au/about/equip/protective_clothing.htm www.cfafireflyer.net.au

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