What is the correct sequence for removing the ESSEX hood?

• A. After oxygen has been exhausted or fire is out; remove hood by pulling from the hood's top, then step away.
• B. Immediately remove hood while oxygen is present, then store.
• C. After oxygen has been exhausted or fire is out; place both hands inside neck seal, beneath the chin and guide PBE up and over your head; after removing hood, run fingers through hair (shake hair) to remove oxygen.
• D. Remove hood only after the interphone indicates it's safe.

Answer: (C)

Removing the ESSEX hood is done only when the environment is no longer hazardous, so you don’t expose yourself to smoke or depleted oxygen while taking it off. The correct sequence starts after the oxygen has been exhausted or the fire is out. Then place both hands inside the neck seal, beneath the chin, and guide the PBE up and over your head. Keeping the hands inside the neck seal helps control the hood as it comes off and protects the seal from snagging. After the hood is removed, run your fingers through your hair to release any trapped oxygen and ensure you’re not carrying oxygen into a safe area. The other options either imply removing while hazardous conditions may still exist or rely on external cues that aren’t part of the proper doffing process.