INTRODUCTION:Firefighters must work on roofs, in smoky places, and on slippery surfaces while using fire-protective clothing and a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), together termed "fire-protective equipment" (FPE). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of FPE on the functional and postural balance abilities of younger and older firefighters. METHODS:The subjects were professional firefighters in age groups 33-38 and 43-56 yr. Postural balance was tested with a force platform, and functional balance was measured during walking on a wooden plank with and without FPE. RESULTS:Wearing FPE significantly impaired both postural and functional balance. Postural balance with eyes closed was more negatively affected among the older subjects than the younger ones. Among the older subjects, the mean values for mediolateral velocity were 3.4 +/- 0.8 and 4.8 +/- 2.1 mm x s(-1) without and with FPE, respectively. The corresponding figures for velocity moment were 11.4 +/- 5.1 and 20.7 +/- 15.1 mm2 x s(-1). In the younger age group, the corresponding results were 3.6 +/- 1.0 and 4.1 +/- 1.4 mm x s(-1), in mediolateral velocity and 10.8 +/- 5.0 and 13.9 +/- 8.1 mm2 x s(-1) in velocity moment. SCBA was the most significant single piece of equipment to decrease performance in the functional balance test. CONCLUSIONS:These findings should be taken into consideration for preventing balance-related injuries in firefighting and rescue work, especially for older firefighters. Furthermore, balance should be considered in developing FPE and training protocols for firefighter fitness.