Cancer reduction initiative (medium)

Firefighter Cancer Prevention

• Firefighters face a higher risk of developing cancer, influenced by lifestyle choices.
• Lifestyle Tips to Reduce Cancer Risk: Quit tobacco, eat a healthy diet, maintain a healthy weight and be physically active, protect yourself from the sun, get immunized, avoid risky behaviors, get regular medical care/screenings and moderate alcohol use.

Decontamination Bag

• The bag includes: 60-gallon trash bag, body cleaning wipes, soap, brush, and gloves.

SCBA Mask Filters

• Spring Fire Department filters are the only ones allowed during overhaul operations.
• District chief carries filters and adapters, issued during overhaul operations.
• Filters and adapters are returned to district chief after overhaul for disposal and cleaning.
• 4-gas detectors must monitor the atmosphere for HCN or CO presence before using SCBA mask filters.

Fire Scene Operations

• SCBA is mandatory in IDLH environments.
• In environments with no CO and adequate oxygen, SFD-issued cartridge systems with SCBA mask adapters can be used.
• Incident commander decides on the use of the cartridge system.
• Either SCBA or the SFD-issued filter system must be used from the initial attack to the end of overhaul.
• Air quality should be monitored during the use of the cartridge system.
• The apparatus operator retrieves the decontamination bag during demobilization.
• Gross decontamination removes soot and particulate from PPE as a best practice.
• Most contaminated crew members should be sent home first for decontamination.

Overhaul Planning

• The incident commander develops an overhaul safety plan addressing safety issues like holes in floors or unstable walls/roofs.
• The plan includes establishing hot, warm, and cold zones.
• SCBA or the SFD-issued SCBA mask filter system is mandatory inside the structure during overhaul.
• Crew members should be monitored for fatigue, hydration, and cooling.

Equipment Cleaning

• SCBA facemasks and tools are contaminated when exposed to smoke, including structure fires, car fires, dumpster fires, training fires, or burnt food.
• Gross decontamination of equipment should be performed on scene.
• Fire hose should be transported back to the station on a utility vehicle or apparatus, avoiding the passenger compartment.
• Use proper PPE for any contact with contaminated equipment.
• Contaminated equipment should be grossly decontaminated on scene and then transported back to the station in a compartment separate from the passenger compartment to prevent cross-contamination.
• Cleaning should be done in a dedicated location, following manufacturer recommendations.

Cleaning Procedures

• SCBA Cleaning: Remove the cylinder from the backpack, wash with warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and crack open the valve to release any moisture.
• Mask Cleaning: Clean inside and out, sanitize, and return to service.
• Backpack Cleaning (minus cylinder): Clean thoroughly with warm soapy water, a sponge, and a brush.
• Hose Cleaning: Clean according to NFPA 1962, gross decontamination on the fire ground recommended.
• Gas-powered equipment cleaning: Wipe free of smoke, soot, and debris with wet towels.

Contacts

• Contact information for questions or comments on the SOG: Company Officer, District Chief, Deputy Chief of Safety, Health, and Professional Development, Assistant Chief, Fire Chief

Errors

• Members can report errors or inconsistencies with the SOG.
• A violation of the policy can result in non-judicial administrative action by the department.

This quiz covers key practices for firefighters to reduce cancer risk and essential operations during fire scenes. Topics include lifestyle choices, decontamination procedures, and the proper use of SCBA mask filters. Gain insights on maintaining health and safety in high-risk environments.