One of the most important components of the mask assembly is the facepiece. The time to adjust your straps on the facepiece is prior to the start of the tour, during the mask inspection. Proper donning and fitting of the facepiece is crucial to successful use and operation of the mask. The mask allows firefighters to operate in toxic environments and is an essential part of an effective fire attack. Precious seconds could be saved on the fire ground by having a properly adjusted and fit facepiece. 

Tip: To assure a proper fit and rapid donning of the facepiece, adjust your head straps during the inspection of the mask. Place the head netting of the facepiece over your head and tighten the head straps so that they fit snuggly. These straps should not have to be adjusted again during your tour of duty unless the facepiece is replaced or changed. To don the facepiece at an operation before entering an IDLH atmosphere, place the netting over your head and pull down until your chin is nestled into the chin cup. This procedure is similar to a hockey goalie donning his protective mask. Now you only have to snug up the chin straps of the facepiece and you are ready to operate. Never remove your facepiece at an operation until you have exited the IDLH atmosphere. This may not sound like much, but you can save precious seconds that could mean life or death for someone by taking a small amount of time to properly adjust your gear.