balaclava

[iamvff]

I have always wondered.....Is there such a thing as a Fire dept grade balaclava that has just the eye and mouth holes. This would be one you could wear when breathing apparatus is not required, and it is really freakin cold out side. It would be great at something like an MVA or the like.????????

Be safe
iamvff

[DFCSmash]

I've never seen one, but don't let that stop you. Take one of those old stretched out ones. You know the ones I mean. Get out the Nomex thread, and with your unlimited seamstress skills, just do it. There's a good possibilty you'd be more photogenic with that style too.:D :D ((I hate it when I think out loud like that)

Another one of those lazy ones just floating in over the plate. I had to hit it coach, I just hadta.:rolleyes:

[iamvff]

Originally posted by DFCSmash
I've never seen one, but don't let that stop you. Take one of those old stretched out ones. You know the ones I mean. Get out the Nomex thread, and with your unlimited seamstress skills, just do it. There's a good possibilty you'd be more photogenic with that style too.:D :D ((I hate it when I think out loud like that)

Another one of those lazy ones just floating in over the plate. I had to hit it coach, I just hadta.:rolleyes:

Don't forget.....I know where you live:mad: :D

iamvff

[firescout]

check cascar/nascar racing supply stores. we used to buy them for the guys that did the fueling on the car and rescue crews on the track, we could never get them to wore BA on the track rescues.

[iamvff]

Originally posted by firescout
check cascar/nascar racing supply stores. we used to buy them for the guys that did the fueling on the car and rescue crews on the track, we could never get them to wore BA on the track rescues.

It would have to be safe to wear at the fire scene etc, because I have spent to much time trying to rid our Dept of homehardware work gloves etc.:rolleyes: Are these balaclavas safe for our industry..do you know??

Be safe
iamvff

[wilderness]

they are made of the same material, the only thing that would be diffrent is the fact they wouldn't have ULC certification...... but then again if they aren't using it to do interior attack, does it matter... and its -40 and you are trying to keep warm i would take the chance....

[Rescue78]

I see a pretty obvious problem with this.

If the situation does not justify the use of SCBA, then why does it require a fire retardant balaclava :confused: :confused: ?

If the situation evolves to the point where SCBA is now needed, I can really foresee firefighters wearing that "special balaclava" taking it off (cause you could not pull it back) and using the SCBA without balaclava therefore not meeting NFPA Standards.

If the situation requires fire safe equipement, then it requires SCBA. If it requires SCBA, it requires an NFPA approved balaclava.

Can't be half pregnant.....

[iamvff]

Hey 78,

I don't disagree with your logic. Speaking for our dept. I personally don't think anyone would not wear one, or would allow someone to wear an SCBA with out a balaclava. we have some pretty strict rules about donning an SCBA. We also go to a great extent to teach everyone to check their partner before entering a structure. This is a huge hangup I have, I am anal about SCBA safety.

As much as I know how I would use this type of balaclava, and what I have pictured in my head would not involve any safety issues, unfortunately, like dash lights....it only takes one!! Furthermore, the reason I made the comment about meeting the spec of our trade, is because I can see someone grabbing a walmart special black knit balaclava, and wearing it to a fire scene. NOT ACCEPTABLE. This is something I have been thinking about for ages, probably will never do any more about it, because there are to many other issues, but I just wanted to hear what the Devil's Advocates had to say about the idea....thanks for the input everyone.

we had one guy that bought a bunch of regular work gloves for using around the dept, I suggested to the firechief that it was not a good thing, but he allowed it anyway with strict rules that they were not to be allowed at a scene of any type....next thing you know guys are wearing them to structure fires....it only takes one!!!!

Have a good one,
be safe
iamvff

[DFCSmash]

Well Rescue 78, I think the trick here is that when you're dealing with a small town volly department, some guys will want to "bring their own". So, it would be easier to say no 'clavas that aren't fire resistant. That solves guys having woolen anything in their pockets.

Obviously, the eyehole only's won't work with SCBA, but they will keep your face warm ont he 75 other bonechilling freaking jobs that seem to be at every call. Especially on road rescue detail. Flagging traffic. OOOPS, I meant to say scene safety patrol.

I cant see why the nomex "race style" 'clavas wouldnt work for what iamvff is asking. Sure would beat the woolen one Aunt Gertrude knit for someone. Not for warmth, but for the odds of having a hot pocket.:p

:cool:

[iamvff]

And...it goes good with my speedo!!!:p :D :D

Be safe
iamvff

[dentedhead]

If you check with your supplier they probably represent a manufacturer that makes NFPA compliant balaclavas.They are commonly used for military,ETF or other" black ops".

I use a king cobra hood, it will cover most of my face without my scba on. It is thicker than most issued balaclavas and it is quite warm...sometimes too warm,think humidex.Hope this helps.

Dentedhead

[FFWannabe]

Originally posted by iamvff
And...it goes good with my speedo!!!:p :D :D

Be safe
iamvff


Melita... if you're wearing a Balaclava and a speedo, only... we need to have a serious discussion! hahaha!

Sue :p

[FFWannabe]

I found this...

Office of the Fire Commissioner (http://www.firecomm.gov.mb.ca/conference_highlights.html) It states that all gear or PPE must be NFPA approved, including a balaclava.

Then I found this one..

Nova Scotia Textiles (http://www.levitt-safety.com/Marketing/eCatalogue/clothing/ClothingFireSecured.pdf) You can buy NFPA approved clothing, including balaclavas from a company in my lovely home province, but they have an office here...

1283 Boyd Avenue
R2X 1A6
Winnipeg, Manitoba
(204) 633-7228
(204) 633-1268

Hope that helps.... now maybe I should go fax or file something!!! lol

Sue :)

[iamvff]

Originally posted by FFWannabe
Melita... if you're wearing a Balaclava and a speedo, only... we need to have a serious discussion! hahaha!

Sue :p

Sorry if I am offending....I'll take off the speedo:D

Be safe
iamvff

[FFWannabe]

Originally posted by iamvff
Sorry if I am offending....I'll take off the speedo:D

Be safe
iamvff

Oh you're not offending me... hahaha... I just think anyone who wears a balaclava with his speedo might have a few other issues than a cold face!! hahaha!

Sue ;)

[wilderness]

like hey how is your twig and giggle berries.. your a sick man wearing a speedo..... why not just buy a tong...... and call it floss for the hemroids

[firefighter9calt]

I can usually get my nomex hood to cover everything except my eyes. they are long enough to pull them up in the front to cover your face when not wearing BA. So why would you want to put one more thing in your pockets mine are full enough now.

[smoke286]

I have always wondered.....Is there such a thing as a Fire dept grade balaclava that has just the eye and mouth holes. This would be one you could wear when breathing apparatus is not required, and it is really freakin cold out side. It would be great at something like an MVA or the like.????????

Be safe
iamvff

Lies! Your loonkin' for one for your skidoo ain't you? :)

[iamvff]

Lies! Your loonkin' for one for your skidoo ain't you? :)
No, I quit skidooing years ago....I got very tired of always walking back home!!

iamvff

[smoke286]

LOL, Good one