If the initial report or automatic fire detection equipment are insufficient to provide adequate information to properly size-up a fire, an exploratory survey team consisting of at least two people may be required for reconnaissance purposes. How should the survey team members be equipped?
• Shipboard firefighting doctrine for exploratory/attack teams • Difference between self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and smoke filtering gas masks • Typical PPE (personal protective equipment) required for entering unknown or potentially toxic atmospheres
• If the team is going into an area where the fire size and conditions are NOT yet known, what assumptions should you make about the air quality and visibility? • Which type of respiratory protection is approved for use in oxygen-deficient or toxic smoke environments on board ships? • When approaching a possible fire, should every member be equally protected, or is partial protection for some members acceptable?
• Verify what equipment is normally required for entry into an enclosed space with unknown atmosphere in shipboard fire procedures • Check whether filtering masks are suitable when there may be low oxygen, toxic gases, or rapid condition changes • Confirm whether standard practice is that all members entering the hazard zone must have full PPE and equivalent respiratory protection
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