What is the correct way to use a protective hood when wearing an SCBA?

Wearing a protective hood correctly while using a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) is crucial for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of both the helmet and the facepiece. The correct method is to don the SCBA facepiece first, as this ensures a proper seal and fit against the face. Once the facepiece is securely in place, the hood is then pulled up over it. This sequence is important because it helps to avoid any gaps that might compromise the integrity of the respiratory protection.

The design of the hood is intended to protect the neck and head, while also providing a level of thermal protection. By wearing the hood after the facepiece, firefighters can ensure that their respiratory protection is intact and that they are fully protected from hazardous environments. This approach also allows for better overall comfort and functionality as it ensures that the hood does not interfere with the facepiece’s seal.

Additionally, wearing the hood without the facepiece or over the helmet alone would not provide the necessary respiratory protection required during firefighting operations. This emphasizes the importance of using the equipment in the correct order to ensure optimal protection in hazardous situations.