Here’s a thought to add to the current discussions and emphasis on cleaning firefighting PPE and on-scene decontamination following structural firefighting. What if we could get firefighters to think of their PPE, not as equipment or clothing, but rather as their protective exoskeleton? We’re placing an increasing importance on collecting data about firefighter exposures to the chemical and toxic hazards present during structural firefighting, right? Now what kind of data collection is your department doing for the exoskeleton that’s far more exposed to the same chemical and toxic hazards as the firefighter inside? Here’s why your department should be examining exposure to PPE – there’s much more to the decision to retire a set of turnout gear than just its age and appearance.