When doffing the Level C chemical protective clothing ensemble, what is the last piece of equipment removed?

The correct answer is that the respirator is the last piece of equipment removed when doffing a Level C chemical protective clothing ensemble. This procedure is crucial for ensuring the safety of the firefighter. The respirator plays a significant role in protecting against inhalation hazards while operating in environments potentially contaminated by hazardous materials.

Removing the respirator last prevents exposure to airborne contaminants that may be present in the environment after removing other gear. By keeping the respirator in place until all other protective clothing has been removed, the firefighter can ensure that they are not inhaling any harmful substances just before taking off their primary method of respiratory protection.

In contrast, gloves are typically removed first since they are usually the most contaminated part of the ensemble, and it helps minimize the risk of cross-contamination. The face shield may come off before or after the respirator depending on the situation, but the respirator's removal is always reserved for last to maintain respiratory protection until the end of the doffing process. Additionally, the inner suit would generally be removed before the respirator, as it is part of the overall protective ensemble but does not provide the same level of respiratory protection.