Safety & PPE

Equipment for the people who respond

A factory or a large building usually has its own fire team: trained staff who fight a small fire, help people evacuate and support the fire service when it arrives. They need protection from heat, smoke and falling objects, and tools to reach and move people. This department has that equipment.

Personal protection

• Fire helmet: protects the head from falling objects and heat, with a visor and neck cover.
• Fireproof suit: an aluminised suit that reflects radiant heat, for work close to a fire.
• Fire respirator mask: protects against smoke and fumes during an escape or a short task.
• Safety gloves: protect the hands from heat, sparks and rough edges.
• Safety gum boots: keep feet dry and protected when working in water and on wet floors.

Rescue tools

A fire stretcher moves an injured person to safety. A lock cutter opens a locked gate, shutter or chain on an escape route. Keep them with the fire team's kit, at a known place that is not likely to be blocked by the fire.

How many sets do you need?

Count the people in the fire team on each shift, and give each of them their own helmet, gloves and boots in the right size. Suits and respirators are often kept as a smaller number of shared sets at the fire point. Our guide Fire Safety Equipment Your Factory Fire Team Needs has a full list, and the garment factory checklist shows where it fits in.

Common questions