Rule 4123:1-21-02 | Personal protective clothing and equipment for structural fire fighting.
(A) The employer shall provide and require the use of personal protective clothing and equipment, as specified in this rule, when employees are required to work in a hazardous environment that may be encountered during structural fire fighting activities and under similar conditions during training activities in accordance with the most current edition of national fire protection association standard ("NFPA") 1970.
(B) The employer shall assure that protective clothing protects the head, body, and extremities and consists of at least the following components: foot protection; hand protection; body protection; eye, face, and head protection; and respiratory protection.
(C) Personal protective clothing and equipment shall be properly sized for the wearer.
(D) Personal protective clothing and equipment that is damaged or otherwise defective to the point of voiding its intended protection shall be removed from service.
(E) Employers shall develop and require use of a written plan covering the safe use, limitations, care, inspection, maintenance, and replacement of the clothing and equipment required by this rule, and all affected employees shall be trained in accordance with such plan.
(F) Employers shall develop and retain records for the life of the protective clothing and equipment.
(G) Employer shall provide for the cleaning of personal protective clothing.
(H) Where employees choose to provide their own protective clothing and equipment, such clothing and equipment shall give equal or greater protection than that provided by the employer.
(I) It shall be the responsibility of the employee to properly use the equipment provided by the employer, as required in this rule.
(J) Body protection.
(1) Body protection shall consist of a protective coat and trousers, or equivalent protection that are in accordance with the most current edition of NFPA 1970.
(2) Protective clothing shall be flame-resistant, durable, light-weight, water-resistant, nonirritating to the skin, and cleanable as set forth in paragraph (J) of this rule.
(3) Protective clothing shall be cleaned per the manufacturer's recommendations.
(4) Protective clothing for structural fire fighting shall be repaired in accordance with manufacturer's requirements. If protective clothing cannot be repaired properly without decreasing the protective qualities, the protective clothing shall be replaced.
(5) Protective clothing shall be designed in accordance with the most current edition of NFPA 2500 to give minimum interference to physical movement, the use of fire-fighting tools, and protective breathing apparatus.
(6) Employers that provide protective coats with protective resilient wristlets secured through a thumb opening shall be permitted to provide gloves with gauntlets for use with these protective coats. Employers that do not provide such wristlets attached to the protective coats shall provide gloves with protective resilient wristlets for use with these protective coats.
(K) Foot protection.
Protective footwear shall be capable of withstanding all tests specified in the most current edition of NFPA 1970.
(L) Head protection.
Head protection shall consist of a fire fighters' helmet and a protective hood that is in accordance with the most current edition of NFPA 1970. The helmet shall consist of a shell, an energy-absorbing system, a retention system, retroreflective and fluorescent markings, ear covers, and either a faceshield, or goggles, or both.
(M) Primary eye protection.
(1) Primary eye protection appropriate for a given specific hazard shall be provided for and used by employees exposed to that specific hazard.
(2) Primary eye protection shall meet the requirements of the most current edition of American national standards institute ("ANSI") Z87.1, practice for occupational and educational eye and face protection.
(3) The helmet faceshield, or flip-down eye shields, alone shall not be used as primary eye protection.
(4) The full facepiece of self-contained breathing apparatus ("SCBA"), with the regulator attached, shall constitute face and primary eye protection.
(N) Protective hood.
(1) The hood shall be designed to cover and provide the limited protection to the head, face, and neck areas that do not receive primary protection from the helmet or the SCBA facepiece.
(2) The hood shall be donned properly, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions for wearing, and comply with the most current edition of NFPA 1970.
(O) Personal alert safety system ("PASS").
(1) Each employee shall be provided with, use, and activate their PASS device in all emergency situations that could jeopardize that person's safety due to atmospheres that could be immediately dangerous to life or health, incidents that could result in entrapment, structural collapse of any type, or as directed by the incident commander or incident safety officer.
(2) All PASS devices shall be capable of withstanding all performance tests specified in the most current edition of NFPA 1982.
(3) Each PASS device shall be tested at least weekly and prior to each use.
(4) Each PASS device shall be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
(5) PASS devices can be designed to be either a stand-alone PASS, or a SCBA-integrated PASS, which can be removable or non-removable.
(6) Each PASS shall incorporate data logging in nonvolatile memory, and at a minimum, the following events shall be identified and recorded with the data log and shall also have a date and time stamp for each event in the data log:
(a) When the PASS is turned on;
(b) When the PASS activates any alarm or pre-alarm;
(c) When the PASS alarm is activated by the user;
(d) When the PASS alarm was reset;
(e) When the PASS was turned off; and
(f) When the PASS low power source warning signal activates.
(7) The data logging information of each PASS shall be downloadable by the employer.
(8) Each PASS shall incorporate a mode selection device or devices to allow for operation in at least three modes: "Off," "Alarm," and "Sensing."
(a) All mode selection devices shall be capable of being switched to the alarm or sensing mode by a single gloved hand.
(b) Only one action shall be required to switch the mode selection device(s) from any mode to alarm.
(c) When a PASS is sounding the alarm signal it shall require at least two separate and distinct manual actions to silence the alarm signal.
(9) Each PASS shall be provided with a light source capable of providing a visual indication of mode status as well as an audible source capable of providing an aural indication of a change in the mode selection when switching from "off" to "sensing," "off" to "alarm," and "alarm" to "sensing."
(10) Each PASS shall incorporate a motion detector, and while in the sensing mode, shall sound the alarm signal when the PASS is motionless for thirty seconds, plus five/minus zero seconds. The alarm signal shall be preceded by a pre-alarm signal that shall sound no more than ten seconds, plus three/minus zero seconds, before the sounding of the alarm signal.
(a) The motion detector shall be operable regardless of the angle of deployment of the PASS.
(b) Any failure of the motion detector shall cause the PASS to sound the alarm signal within thirty seconds, plus five/minus zero seconds, of such failure.
(11) Each PASS shall emit an audible operational signal within one second of being switched to sensing mode, indicating to the user that the device is functioning properly.
(12) Each PASS shall have at least an audible primary pre-alarm signal. The primary pre-alarm signal shall be a distinct and different sound from the alarm signal. This signal shall sound no more than ten seconds prior to the sounding of the alarm signal.
(13) Each PASS shall sound the alarm signal when switched to the alarm mode. The alarm signal shall have a duration of at least one hour at a sound pressure level of not less than ninety-two decibels A-weighted (dBa).
(14) While in the sensing mode, each PASS shall emit a recurrent audible low power source warning signal when the battery voltage is depleted to the level that will maintain the alarm signal level of at least ninety-two decibels A-weighted (dBa) for at least one hour.
(15) This sound shall be distinct and different from the pre-alarm and alarm signals. The low power source warning signal shall have an interval of not greater than thirty seconds.
(16) The cancellation of the pre-alarm signal or the silencing of the alarm signal shall automatically reset the PASS to the sensing mode.
(17) PASS devices shall be capable of withstanding all performance requirement tests specified in the most current edition of NFPA 1982, "Personal Alert Safety Systems (PASS)."
(P) Respiratory protection.
(1) All fire fighters exposed to hazardous atmospheres from fires and other emergencies, or where the potential for such exposure exists, shall be provided SCBA approved by the national institute for occupational safety and health (NIOSH) and the NFPA.
(2) The employer shall adopt and maintain a respiratory protection program that addresses the selection, inspection, safe use, and maintenance of respiratory protection equipment, training in its use, and the assurance of air quality testing.
(3) All employees who might be required to use respiratory protection equipment shall be medically certified by a physician, or by a state of Ohio licensed health care professional who can perform medical evaluations under the supervision of a physician, on an annual basis. Medical certification can be obtained by a medical examination, or by using the medical questionnaire as referenced in 29 CFR 1910.134 Appendix C, 77 FR 46949, July 1, 2024.
(4) The facepiece seal capability of each employee qualified to use SCBA shall be verified by quantitative fit testing on an annual basis and whenever new types of SCBA or facepieces are issued. Each new employee shall be tested before being permitted to use SCBA in a hazardous atmosphere. Only employees with a properly fitting facepiece shall be permitted by the employer to function in a hazardous atmosphere with SCBA.
(5) Only SCBA with an approved service life of thirty minutes or more shall be considered acceptable.
(6) The following SCBAs shall be considered to meet the requirements of this rule:
(a) Open circuit SCBA of the positive-pressure type that operate only in the pressure demand mode.
(b) Open circuit SCBA of the positive-pressure type, equipped with an air flow control device for doffing and donning purposes only. Such air flow control device shall not permit the continued use of the SCBA in the demand mode after donning.
(c) Closed circuit SCBA with a rated service life of more than two hours and a minimum protection factor of five thousand, as determined by an acceptable quantitative fit test performed on each individual. Such SCBA are acceptable only when long-duration respiratory protection is deemed necessary by the employer. Closed circuit SCBA shall operate in the positive-pressure mode only.
(7) Open circuit SCBA approved by NIOSH for use in the demand mode or for use in both the demand mode and the pressure demand mode are prohibited.
(8) Breathing air used to fill SCBA cylinders shall meet the requirements specified in the most current edition of NFPA 1989, "Standard on Breathing Air Quality for Emergency Services Respiratory Protection."
(9) Breathing air quality shall be tested quarterly by an accredited testing laboratory and shall meet the requirements of paragraph (P)(8) of this rule. This provision shall also apply to vendor-supplied and other fire department-supplied compressed breathing air. The employer receiving supplied air shall require the suppliers to provide documentation that the air received has been tested quarterly and that it meets the requirements of paragraph (P)(8) of this rule. Written records shall be maintained by the employer.
(10) The employer shall not permit any known interference with the facepiece-to-face seal or with the operation of the exhalation valve on the full facepiece of an SCBA on employees who are exposed to hazardous atmospheres from fires and other emergencies or where the potential for such exposure exists.
(11) Respiratory equipment shall be inspected, maintained, and repaired in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Maintenance shall include at least:
(a) A written record of such inspection and maintenance for each piece of equipment, and
(b) Regulator calibration performed by a manufacturer-authorized person at no more than twelve-month intervals.
(12) All compressed air cylinders used with self-contained breathing apparatus shall meet department of transportation (DOT) and NIOSH criteria.
(13) SCBA cylinders shall be hydrostatically tested within the periods specified by the manufacturer, DOT, and NIOSH.
(14) The practice of buddy breathing, also known as universal emergency breathing safety system ("UEBSS"), may be utilized where it is accomplished through the use of an NFPA and NIOSH-approved connection that does not compromise the system integrity of either of the users giving or receiving air.
(15) The use of a universal air connection for rapid refilling of SCBA while being worn by the user shall only be done under the following conditions:
(a) Manufacturer permitted, NIOSH-approved fill options are used;
(b) An imminent life threatening situation occurs that requires immediate action to prevent the loss of life or serious injury;
(c) Prior to a life threatening situation occurring that could require immediate action to prevent the loss of life or serious injury; and
(d) The risk assessment process has identified procedures for limiting personnel exposure during the refill process and has provided for adequate equipment inspection and member safety.
(Q) Hand protection.
(1) Hand protection shall consist of properly sized protective gloves or a glove system which allows dexterity of hand movement and a sense of feel for objects.
(2) Gloves of the wristlet type or other interface component shall be required if the protective coat does not provide a protective resilient wristlet with a thumb opening.
(3) Gloves of the gauntlet type shall be allowed if the protective coat provided has a protective resilient wristlet with a thumb opening.
(4) Gloves shall be maintained and repaired in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements. If gloves cannot be repaired properly without decreasing the protective qualities required by this rule, they shall be replaced with gloves that meet the requirements of this rule.
(5) The manufacturer's label shall remain permanently attached to each glove unaltered.
(R) Fall protection.
(1) Life safety rope.
(a) Technical use life safety rope shall have a diameter of three-eighths inch (9.5 millimeters) or greater and less than one-half inch (12.7 millimeters). It shall have a minimum breaking strength of not less than four thousand four hundred ninety-six foot-pounds (6.1 kilojoules). The minimum elongation shall be less than one per cent at ten per cent of breaking strength, and the maximum elongation shall not be more than ten per cent at ten per cent of breaking strength.
(b) General use life safety rope shall have a diameter seven-sixteenths inch (eleven millimeters) or greater and not more than five-eighths inch (sixteen millimeters). It shall have a minimum breaking strength of not less than eight thousand nine hundred ninety-two foot-pounds (12.2 kilojoules). The minimum elongation shall not be less than one per cent at ten per cent of breaking strength, and the maximum elongation shall not be more than ten per cent at ten per cent of breaking strength.
(c) Life safety rope shall be constructed of virgin fiber and shall be of block creel construction. Load-bearing elements shall be constructed of continuous filament fiber.
(d) Fiber used for life safety rope shall have a melting point of no less than four hundred degrees Fahrenheit (204.4 degrees Celsius).
(e) Each life safety rope shall have a product label that states the life safety rope meets the requirements of the most current edition of NFPA 2500. The label shall be permitted to be a hang tag affixed to each individual life safety rope or shall be permitted to be printed on a sheet that is inserted and sealed in the packaging that contains the life safety rope.
(f) In addition to the product label specified in this rule, each life safety rope shall be marked for its full length by insertion of a continuous identification tape. At least a statement indicating the rope meets the requirements for life safety rope of the most current edition of NFPA 2500 shall be legibly printed on the tape not less than once every thirty-nine inches (one meter):
(g) Life safety rope shall be inspected after being used for rescue at fires or other emergency incidents or for training. It may be reused if inspected before and after each such use in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and provided that the rope:
(i) Has not been visually damaged by exposure to heat, direct flame impingement, chemical exposure, or abrasion;
(ii) Has not been subjected to any impact load;
(iii) Has not been exposed to chemical liquids, solids, gases, mists, or vapors of any material known to deteriorate rope; and
(iv) Passes inspection when inspected by a qualified person following the manufacturer's inspection procedures.
(2) Life safety harness.
(a) Life safety harnesses shall be designed and designated in accordance with one of the following classes:
(i) Harness that fastens around the waist and around thighs or under buttocks and designed for rescue with a design load of six hundred foot-pounds (0.8 kilojoules)shall be designated as class II life safety harness.
(ii) Harness that fastens around waist, around thighs or under buttocks, and over shoulders, designed for rescue with a design load of six hundred foot-pounds (0.8 kilojoules) shall be designated as class III life safety harness. Class III life safety harness shall be permitted to consist of one or more parts.
(b) Life safety harness shall have at least one load bearing attachment point located at the front waist or sternal location of the harness.
(c) Each life safety harness shall have permanently affixed a product label embossed, printed, sewn, stapled, riveted, or otherwise permanently attached with a metal label plate that at minimum, identifies the class of the life safety harness and indicates the life safety harness is in compliance with the harness requirements of the most current edition of NFPA 2500.
(d) Each life safety harness shall be capable of withstanding all tests specified in the most current edition of NFPA 2500.
(e) Where class II and III life safety harness include side "D-rings" and attachment points designated by the manufacturer as positioning attachments only, these attachments shall show no visible signs of damage that affect its function.
(3) Belt system.
(a) Belts shall be designed and designated in accordance with one of the following types:
(i) A belt that fastens only around the waist and is intended for use as a positioning device for a person on a ladder shall be designated as a ladder belt.
(ii) A belt that fastens only around the waist and is intended for use as a positioning device for a person on a ladder and also intended for use only by the wearer as an emergency self-rescue device shall be designated as a ladder/escape belt.
(b) All belts shall be permitted to be adjustable within a range of sizes, provided in a range of sizes, or custom-fitted for individuals.
(c) Load-bearing textile materials used in the construction of all belts shall be made of virgin, synthetic, continuous filament fiber.
(d) All belts shall have webbing ends secured by heat sealing or by another method that prevents unraveling.
(e) All thread utilized in the construction of all belts shall be compatible with the webbing used and shall allow for ease of inspection.
(f) The ladder belt tether or device that connects the wearer to a ladder shall be permanently affixed to the ladder belt and shall not be greater than twenty-four inches (six-hundred ten mm) in length. This requirement applies only to ladder belts.
(g) Each belt shall have permanently affixed a product label embossed, printed, sewn, stapled, riveted, or otherwise permanently attached with a metal plate.
(h) All ladder belts and ladder/escape belts shall be capable of withstanding all tests specified in the most current edition of NFPA 2500.
(4) Auxiliary equipment.
(a) Auxiliary equipment shall be designated by the manufacturer for its intended use and design load as either escape, technical use, or general use.
(i) Escape shall apply to equipment intended for the sole use of the rescuer for personal escape or self-rescue.
(ii) Technical use shall apply to equipment intended for a design load of three hundred foot-pounds (0.4 kilojoules).
(iii) General use shall apply to equipment intended for design loads of six hundred foot-pounds (08 kilojoules).
(b) Load-bearing hardware shall be constructed of forged, machined, stamped, extruded, or cast metal. Castings shall meet Class I, Grade A requirements of the most current edition of SAE AMS 2175A, "Castings, Classification and Inspection of."
(c) Rope grab devices shall be designated for either technical use or for general use.
(d) All load-bearing buckles shall have been proof loaded to at least two thousand four hundred seventy-three foot-pounds (3.6 kilojoules).
(e) Snap-link and carabiner gates shall be self-closing and of a locking design.
(f) Each item of auxiliary equipment shall be permitted to have a hang tag affixed to each individual auxiliary equipment item or shall be permitted to be printed on a sheet that is inserted and sealed in the packaging that contains the item.
(i) Auxiliary equipment shall also be stamped, engraved, or otherwise permanently marked with a "G" for general use; "T" for technical use; or "E" for escape.
(ii) Rigging and anchor straps shall indicate on the product label that minimum breaking strength and rating are determined using a basket (U) configuration.
(iii) Where detachable components must be used with the auxiliary equipment in order for the auxiliary equipment to be compliant, the product label shall provide the list of additional components to be used in conjunction with the auxiliary equipment to be compliant with the most current edition of NFPA 1983.
(g) All auxiliary equipment shall be capable of withstanding all tests specified in the most current edition of NFPA 2500.
(h) The employer shall furnish the employee using the auxiliary equipment with use criteria, inspection procedures, maintenance procedures, and retirement criteria for the product.
(5) Escape rope.
(a) Escape rope shall have a minimum breaking strength of not less than three thousand thirty-four foot-pounds (4.1 kilojoules).
(b) Elongation of all new escape rope shall be less than one per cent and not more than ten per cent at ten per cent of breaking strength.
(c) The employer shall furnish the employee using the escape rope with use criteria, inspection procedures, maintenance procedures, and retirement criteria.
(6) Throwline.
(a) Throwline shall be constructed of virgin fiber and shall be of block creel construction. Load-bearing elements shall be constructed of continuous filament fiber.
(b) Throwline shall have a diameter of nineteen sixty-fourths inch (7.5 millimeters) or greater, but less than three eighths inch (9.5 millimeters).
(c) The minimum breaking strength for new throwline shall not be less than two thousand nine hundred twenty-three foot-pounds (four kilojoules).
(d) New throwline shall be tested for the ability to float and shall float.
(e) Each throwline shall meet the throwline requirements of the most current edition of NFPA 2500.
Last updated September 1, 2026 at 8:43 AM
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