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Ventilation

Protect eyes, ears from PPV fan

Address these two safety concerns with proper PPE whenever using a PPV fan

November 18, 2024 10:49 AM • 
Mark van der Feyst

Most fire departments have a positive pressure fan on one of their fire apparatus. Used properly, these fans are extremely useful for ventilating a structure. When a fan is being set up for use at the doorway, there are some safety concerns.

The first is hearing protection. The sound generated by the positive pressure fan is above acceptable levels allowed for a worker during a certain time frame. Hearing protection needs to be worn when operating these fans.

Active hearing protection
Active hearing protection involves wearing noise-reducing equipment like earmuffs or ear plugs.
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Passive Earmuff
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Custom Molded Earplugs
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Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs
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Silicone Earplugs

The second is eye protection. The fan blades spin at a rate fast enough to pick up loose debris and project it towards the opening and sides of the fan. The firefighter standing with the fan or setting it up will at some point be exposed to flying debris. Equip a small bag or pouch with safety glasses and hearing protection and have it accompany the PPV.

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This article, originally published on February 28, 2013, has been updated.

Education & Training Fireground Operations Safety
Mark van der Feyst
Mark van der Feyst

Mark van der Feyst has been in the fire service since 1998, currently serving as a firefighter with the Fort Gratiot Fire Department in Michigan. He is an international instructor teaching in Canada, the United States and India. He graduated from Seneca College of Applied and Technologies as a fire protection engineering technologist, and received his bachelor’s degree in fire and life safety studies from the Justice Institute of British Columbia and his master’s degree in safety, security and emergency management from Eastern Kentucky University. van der Feyst is the lead author of the book “Residential Fire Rescue” and “The Tactical Firefighter.” Connect with van der Feyst via email.