Who is required to perform an inspection of all PPE used at a live fire training burn?

• A. Training Officer
• B. Safety Officer
• C. Incident Commander
• D. Safety Supervisor

Answer: (B)

Ensuring PPE is in safe, serviceable condition before a live-fire training burn is a fundamental safety responsibility. The Safety Officer is the person who conducts the inspection of all PPE used during the evolution. They verify that every item—turnout gear, helmets, gloves, hoods, boots, and SCBA assemblies with facepieces and regulators—is present, free of damage, within its service life, properly cleaned, and donned correctly for each participant. The Safety Officer also checks that the equipment meets manufacturer guidelines and is appropriate for the specific burn scenario, noting any items that require maintenance or replacement.

This role is suited for PPE inspections because the Safety Officer has overarching safety authority and responsibility for stopping the evolution if any equipment is unsafe. The Training Officer is focused on instructional objectives and skills development, the Incident Commander oversees overall scene management, and the Safety Supervisor—while important in some departments—may not be the designated position for PPE inspections in NFPA 1403.