Hoods

Both your helmet and turnout gear create a barrier against flames and various particulates. But, what about the area in between? Your face, jaw and neck are vulnerable to multiple exposures - whether that's burns from high temperatures or the long-term health complications of regular contact with smoke, chemical vapors and carcinogenic debris. Rather than accept this hazard as part of the job, fire hoods create a protective barrier that fits around your SCBA, below your helmet and underneath your turnout jacket.

In reinforcing a safety-first workplace for your squad, learn more about what firefighter hoods do and the types available:

Why You Need a Fire Hood

Firefighters come in contact with a number of hazards - some visible and others not discernible by the naked eye. Yet, just because you can't see it, that doesn't mean it's not a concern. Case in point: Small particles and gaseous vapors accumulate on your skin, and when you sweat, your body absorbs a higher percentage of these substances. As a result, firefighters have higher cancer rates than the rest of the population.

Fire hoods form a shield over your skin to minimize contact with these risks, offering two-layer protection. Fitting on like a ski mask, the hood surrounds the SCBA and covers your face, neck and upper chest and is designed to NFPA specifications based on the environment.

Types of Firefighter Hoods

As environments and their respective hazards vary, so do fire hood designs. At a minimum, the material filters particulates as small as 0.2 microns, as well as gases and liquids. Common constructions include:

Nomex hoods: The most widely available fire hoods start with knit rayon or Kevlar. Using a series of filaments, the design then traps any particles from the exterior.
PBI hoods: PBI fire hoods are free of PFAS and block a minimum of 95% of carcinogenic particles.
PTFE hoods: Polytetrafluoroethylene creates a microporous membrane that delivers a high degree of flame resistance and holds its shape long term.

The Benefits of Firefighter Hoods

Firefighters started wearing hoods in the early part of the 20^th century, typically turning to covers made of leather. Within the past 50 years, design shifted more toward a mask or balaclava-like garment, with materials becoming lighter and more performance oriented.

Especially if you or others on your team don't remain sold on the benefits of fire hoods, consider the following:

Evolving construction: To improve coverage, comfort and protection, fire hood manufacturers routinely revisit their designs, selecting materials and features based on the needs of today's firefighters. This commitment has resulted in solutions that offer better breathability without decreased heat resistance, a closer fit around the head and neck, and lower-profile construction that stays put under a helmet and around an SCBA.
Minimizing exposure to toxins: Particulate fire hoods don't just create a shield against heat exposure. Studies increasingly show they help reduce risks of lung cancer, mesothelioma and other long-term health complications among firefighters.
Better performance: Less exposure to debris and particulates results in fewer distractions, less skin irritation and greater focus as you improve ventilation, identify building occupants and put out flames.
Preserving your gear: Just as fire hoods create a barrier between your skin and smoke particles, they do the same for the gear you use around your face and neck.
Washable and reusable: Fire hoods aren't a once-and-done piece of PPE. Instead, these garments are built for repeat use, including job after job and wash after wash, without a decline in performance or protection.

Firefighter Hoods vs. Flash Gear: What's the Difference?

Nomex and more hoods take firefighting gear past a jacket, hat and pants to encompass a thermal barrier. Thermal barriers - also called thermal liners - create a layer against high temperatures and further enhance your turnout gear's properties.

Flash gear - a term initially used by the U.S. Navy that has since spread to other emergency and industrial fields - describes the same set of garments and their role in minimizing exposure to flames and extreme temperatures. Typically including both a firefighting hood and gloves, anti-flash gear as it's also called:

Begins with flame-resistant materials, like Nomex or Kevlar.
Takes comfort into account, helping reduce perspiration buildup and ensuring the wearer can move.
Targets traditionally exposed areas, like the face, head and neck.
Helps additionally reduce exposure to carcinogenic particles.

Order Fire Hoods From Fire Safety USA

Keep your team safe, both in the short term and after years on the job. Browse all types of fire hoods to supply your department with head-to-toe PPE, including solutions from Bullard, Gore, Barriaire™ and more brands. Shop conveniently online or place your order through our call center or direct fax line.