Fire Investigator Safety Best Practices Survey

The potential health hazards present in the post-fire environment.

Specialized clothing and equipment designed to protect individuals from hazards in the post-fire environment.

The process of removing or minimizing contamination from a person or object.

The practice of following safety guidelines and procedures to minimize risks in fire investigation.

The process of collecting and analyzing data to understand the causes and effects of fires.

The use of scientific methods and data to improve understanding of fire phenomena.

The collection of data and observations to support or refute hypotheses about fire events.

The use of evidence, scientific methods, guidelines, and protocols to ensure accurate and reliable fire investigation.

A process where data is collected to understand the current state of knowledge, awareness and practices related to a particular subject.

A set of recommended practices based on the best available evidence and expertise in a field.

Guidelines and rules set by government agencies to ensure the safety of workers and the general public.

Research and data from the past, often older than 10 years.

A set of guidelines that aims to protect people from harm in specific work environments.

The practice of exceeding the minimum requirements set by regulations.

A document that outlines the recommended procedures for a particular task or field.

An ongoing process of updating and improving knowledge and practices.

Airborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other aromatic hydrocarbons generated during live-fire training.

The process of determining if airborne PAHs and other aromatic hydrocarbons from live-fire training can pass through the skin of firefighters.

In one group of 27 North Carolina fire investigators, 90% of recorded exposures were attributed to lower molecular weight PAHs, produced in smoldering fires.

Elevated and hazardous levels of airborne particulate matter persist in the post-fire environment for an extended period,

The levels of harmful gases, including formaldehyde, can increase over time in some post-fire environments.

The use of SCBA during post-fire scene examination is becoming increasingly common among fire investigation units.

Proper planning and staffing can significantly reduce the time required for post-fire scene examination.

The IAAI Health & Safety Committee played a key role in involving fire investigators in the University of Miami wristband study.

Being prepared for a fire investigation includes knowing your destination, the safest route, and the expected weather conditions to ensure timely arrival and a more relaxed approach.

Staying aware of changing weather conditions can affect your scene investigation safety. This helps you be proactive and prepared.

Before responding to a fire scene, knowing details like the potential hazards is crucial. Ask questions to understand the situation better.

Having a plan for accessing emergency medical services is an important safety precaution. Know the closest hospital and have contact information readily available.

Always wear clothes appropriate for existing and forecasted weather conditions. This simple step helps ensure your safety.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through sleep, diet, exercise, and limiting alcohol and tobacco use is essential for fire investigators.

Investigators need to be physically fit and able to wear and use respiratory protection equipment effectively.

Fire investigators must have annual physicals and skin checks to ensure their health and protect against risks associated with the profession.

Many products in homes produce harmful chemicals when burned, including plastics, trash bags, pipes, electronics, upholstery, carpet, clothing, pesticides, insulation, carpet dyes, glues, roofing materials, and wood preservatives.

Burning these materials releases known carcinogens and other harmful substances that can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are produced during incomplete combustion and can exist as particles or gases, making them a threat for both inhalation and dermal exposure.

Dermal exposure to chemicals in the post-fire environment can be significant, and there are no official occupational exposure limits for skin contact.

Removing soot and unseen particulates from the skin can help limit the absorption of harmful chemicals, but the exact amount absorbed is difficult to determine due to the complex mixture of chemicals present.

The permeability of skin increases with temperature, meaning that more chemicals can be absorbed at higher temperatures.

While some research suggests that skin permeability increases with temperature, this claim has been recanted as invalid.

Despite the lack of specific exposure limits, it is crucial to implement control measures like protective clothing and decontamination procedures to minimize exposure to harmful substances.

Firefighting foams can contain PFAS, which are harmful chemicals. It's important to identify the type of foam used during firefighting as it might contain dangerous substances.

Lithium-ion batteries release dangerous gases like hydrogen fluoride during fires. These gases are hazardous and require special precautions like SCBA.

Refrigerants, especially newer blends, can pose unique risks during a fire. It's important to recognize these hazards and take appropriate precautions.

Engineering controls are methods used to reduce hazards by modifying the environment or work processes. This could include ventilation, isolation, or personal protective equipment.

Special precautions may be necessary when dealing with hazardous materials, especially in confined spaces. This may involve specialized equipment and trained personnel.

Hazard elimination methods focus on removing or minimizing hazards by changing work practices, procedures, or materials. This could involve using safer alternatives or eliminating the hazard altogether.

Specialized resources may be needed to handle specific hazards or situations. This could include specialized equipment, teams, or training.

An atmosphere with a concentration of hazardous substances high enough to be immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH). This requires specialized protective measures like SCBA.