Under the PPE drills policy, when should structure helmets be worn?

• A. During all emergency operations (exception: non-hazardous EMS operations)
• B. While driving or riding on any emergency apparatus (exception: with company commanders approval members may dispense with wearing of the helmet when sitting in the front or jumpseat of enclosed or fully enclosed apparatus. Or when riding inside light vehicles)
• C. At outside firefighting drills
• D. On hazardous work detail

Answer: (A)

Structure helmets are worn during every emergency operation to ensure constant protection against head injuries from unpredictable hazards at the scene. The helmet is part of standard protection because risks can appear suddenly—from falling debris to impacts and other scene hazards—so keeping it on everywhere during emergencies minimizes the chance of a head injury.

The only allowed exception is non-hazardous EMS operations, where the risk level is considered low enough that helmet use isn’t required. This keeps protection consistent during real emergency work while recognizing a lower-risk EMS context.

Other options propose wearing the helmet only in certain situations (like while riding on apparatus or only during drills), which would leave crews exposed in many real emergencies. The policy aims for universal protection during operations, with only the specific, low-risk EMS scenario exempted.