NFPA 1500 requires that all personnel must be fully equipped with personal protective clothing and equipment including SCBA:

The requirement for all personnel to be fully equipped with personal protective clothing and equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), in an immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) atmosphere is crucial for ensuring safety in hazardous environments. NFPA 1500 emphasizes the protection of firefighters from potential airborne contaminants and toxic gases that can be present in such atmospheres. In IDLH situations, the risk of serious injury or death is significantly heightened due to the potentially life-threatening conditions, thereby making it essential for personnel to have the necessary protective gear ready and in use.

In other scenarios such as routine inspections, while it is important to follow safety protocols, the same level of immediate protection is not mandated as it is in an IDLH atmosphere. During patient assistance, the focus is primarily on infection control rather than the environmental hazards associated with firefighting or rescue operations, which is why the requirement for SCBA is not applicable.