When should the safety gear be inspected?

Safety gear should be inspected before each use to ensure that it is in proper working condition and ready to protect the firefighter. This proactive approach is essential because it allows for the identification of any wear, damage, or deficiencies in the gear that could potentially compromise safety during operations. By conducting an inspection prior to use, firefighters can address any issues or replace equipment as needed, thereby minimizing the risk of injury during emergency responses.

Regular inspections at other intervals, such as after every shift or on a weekly or monthly basis, while beneficial for maintaining overall equipment standards, do not provide the immediacy and assurance that a pre-use inspection offers. These inspections ensure that gear is not only functional in general but is specifically ready and safe to use for the next response.