Through direct contact to the skin or off-gassing from PPE, firefighters can be exposed to potentially hazardous chemicals both during and after firefighting activities.

OMAG is issuing this alert to Oklahoma Fire Departments to raise awareness of this type of chemical exposure and encourage them to train firefighters in ways to minimize it.

Minimize breathing contaminants:

Maintain and test SCBAs routinely to ensure their proper function
Use proper respiratory protection from initial attack, overhaul, and investigation
Remain upwind of the fire if not directly involved in the response
Provide as much natural ventilation as feasible to burned structures before starting investigations and when responders are not wearing respiratory protection

Minimize skin absorption:

Wear long hoods that are unlikely to come untucked during response
Keep protective ensembles on during overhaul
Do gross field decontamination of PPE to remove as much soot and particulate matter as possible
Wash hands immediately and shower as soon as possible after a fire response
Use moistened wipes to remove as much soot as possible from head, neck, jaw, throat, underarms, and hands immediately while still on the scene
Clean PPE, gloves, hood, and helmet immediately after a fire response
Have turnout gear cleaned routinely in accordance with NFPA 1851 or the latest version.

Minimize inhalation of chemicals released from contaminated gear:

Remove SCBA and hood last when doffing gear during decontamination
Doff gear before entering the rehab area
Consider bagging contaminated PPE and securing it in an apparatus compartment
Do not take contaminated clothes or PPE home or store them in your vehicle
Decontaminate the interior of fire vehicles after fires

Training firefighters to adhere to these precautions can save lives, prolong careers, and save thousands of dollars in workers’ compensation claims.