When donning the face piece of your SCBA, what is the first action you should take?

The first action to take when donning the face piece of your SCBA is to pull the hair net down over your head. This action is essential for ensuring that the face piece can create a proper seal against your skin. A hair net helps keep hair from interfering with the seal of the face piece, which is critical for maintaining the integrity of the respiratory protection it offers.

If hair gets trapped in the seal, it could create gaps that allow unfiltered air to enter, negating the effectiveness of the SCBA. Therefore, starting with this step helps set a strong foundation for the subsequent adjustments and checks that will ensure proper fit and function. This attention to detail is vital for the safety of firefighters in hazardous environments.