Firefighter Cancer Risk Management Guidelines

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of the Cancer Reduction Initiative established by the Spring Fire Department?

To increase the number of firefighters on duty

To provide a safe and healthy work environment (correct)

To reduce the number of fire incidents in Harris County

To ensure all firefighters are trained in emergency response

Who bears the responsibility to reduce exposure to occupational cancer-causing atmospheres within the Spring Fire Department?

All personnel within the department (correct)

External health consultants

Only the command staff

Firefighters on duty during emergencies

Which of the following tools is NOT mentioned as beneficial in limiting firefighter exposure to toxic carcinogens?

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Gross decontamination process

Chemical-resistant suits (correct)

When does the approach to reducing cancer risk start for firefighters?

With personal responsibility before, during, and after the firefight Signup and view all the answers

What is the document's revision number and effective date?

Revision No. 02, Effective 24 July 2024 Signup and view all the answers

What dietary practice is recommended for cancer prevention?

Eating a healthy diet Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following items is NOT included in the apparatus decontamination bag?

Hand sanitizer Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition can SCBA mask filters be used during overhaul operations?

When no presence of HCN or CO is detected Signup and view all the answers

What must firefighters do when in an IDLH environment?

Breathe air from an SCBA Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT influence the risk of developing cancer according to the guideline?

Genetic predisposition Signup and view all the answers

What is required for firefighters after completing overhaul operations?

Return filters and adapters to the district chief Signup and view all the answers

What type of behaviors should firefighters avoid to reduce cancer risk?

Risky behaviors Signup and view all the answers

When is it acceptable to use an SFD issued cartridge system?

In absence of CO with sufficient oxygen Signup and view all the answers

What should the incident commander consider when implementing the cartridge system?

Workload and climatic conditions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the apparatus decontamination bag?

To provide contaminated members with needed supplies Signup and view all the answers

When should gross decontamination of PPE be performed?

Anytime PPE may have been exposed to contaminants Signup and view all the answers

Which is an incorrect action during the gross decontamination process?

Removing the SCBA regulator from the mask Signup and view all the answers

What must occur before the last firefighter is gross deconned?

Overhaul is completed Signup and view all the answers

What should be used to remove soot from the body on scene?

Wet personal decontamination wipes Signup and view all the answers

Why is decontamination of the body necessary prior to eating or drinking at rehab?

To avoid the spread of contaminants Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct method for placing contaminated gear after gross decontamination?

Put it in a heavy-duty trash bag outside of the passenger compartment Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the hose after cleaning it thoroughly?

Roll it and store in a safe location for transport. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following steps is NOT part of cleaning the SCBA and facemask?

Directly apply water to the electronics. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended method to clean and sanitize hoses?

Scrubbing the hose with a long-handled broom/brush. Signup and view all the answers

How often should apparatus cabs and compartments be cleaned?

Weekly and decontaminated after incidents. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the cylinder before cleaning?

Remove it from the backpack. Signup and view all the answers

What should crews exposed the longest do first regarding decontamination?

Be the first to decontaminate. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended action regarding turnout bags when returning to the fire station?

Open them outside before removing contaminated gear. Signup and view all the answers

What is essential to do after using the Cycle Sauna?

Take a shower after detoxification. Signup and view all the answers

What should be ensured while cleaning the apparatus interior?

To ensure adequate ventilation. Signup and view all the answers

What type of clothing is recommended after the Cycle Sauna?

Loose-fitting clothing. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with a second set of gear before it goes into service?

Thoroughly clean the helmet and boots. Signup and view all the answers

What should be the primary focus during post-fire operations?

The safety of personnel. Signup and view all the answers

What should be removed before entering the Cycle Sauna?

Contaminated gear. Signup and view all the answers

Which crew members should be dispatched first for detoxification after an incident?

The most contaminated crew Signup and view all the answers

What is required for any work inside a structure during overhaul?

Breathing apparatus or department-issued masks Signup and view all the answers

What should personnel do during the structural cooling-off period?

Plan overhaul activities and establish safety zones Signup and view all the answers

Where should contaminated equipment be cleaned?

In a location that prevents further exposure Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the fire hose after use?

Transport it back to the station by utility vehicle or apparatus Signup and view all the answers

What type of decontamination should be performed on equipment at the scene?

Gross decontamination Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a concern during the cooling-off period?

Conducting detailed equipment maintenance Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant risk of improper cleaning of SCBA facemasks and tools?

Exposure to carcinogens Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended method for cleaning the apparatus cab?

A top-down cleaning method Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to the equipment before placing it back on the apparatus?

Clean it using a vacuum Signup and view all the answers

Why should PPE be kept out of the living and sleeping quarters?

To prevent contamination and exposure to toxic substances Signup and view all the answers

What is advised to do after completing the cleaning of apparatus compartments?

Wash all used rags, mops, and other items Signup and view all the answers

When should hands be washed according to the guidelines?

Before eating meals or preparing food Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with mop buckets after cleaning?

Rinse them out and clean for next use Signup and view all the answers

What is the guideline regarding the apparatus motor in the bay?

It should always be turned off inside the bay Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT recommended for cleaning on cloth surfaces?

Employing soap and water only Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Spring Fire Department Standard Operating Guideline SFD.002

This guideline pertains to all Spring Fire Department personnel, outlining procedures for reducing the risk of cancer for firefighters.
Firefighters face elevated cancer risks due to their work environment, making personal responsibility for health crucial.
The document details a comprehensive approach to decontamination and hygiene, emphasizing the use of proper equipment, cleaning methods, and practices to minimize exposure to carcinogens and other contaminants.
It includes specifics on utilizing apparatus decontamination bags, SCBA mask filters, proper decontamination procedures after fireground operations, and the importance of cleaning and sanitizing equipment, including SCBA, hoses, and the apparatus itself.

Cancer Reduction Initiative

Firefighters should prioritize healthy habits, including avoiding tobacco use, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting regular medical checks to lower cancer risk.

Apparatus Decontamination Bag

This bag contains essential items for personal decontamination, including cleaning wipes, soap, brushes, and gloves, ensuring individual firefighters can remove contaminants efficiently after incidents.

SCBA Mask Filters

For overhaul operations, only Spring Fire Department-approved filters are permissible to be used with SCBA masks.

Fire Scene Operations

When exposed to IDLH environments, firefighters must use SCBA without exception.
Outside IDLH environments with adequate oxygen levels, a department-issued cartridge system and SCBA mask adapter may be used, with vigilance to monitor air quality.

Guideline Implementation

During an incident, the incident commander has the authority to implement the cartridge system, taking into account factors like air quality and crew workload.
The use of SCBA or SCBA mask filters must be determined based on the specific environment.
Following stabilization of the incident and initiation of demobilization, the apparatus operator retrieves the decontamination bag.
Gross decontamination of PPE is mandatory whenever exposure to combustion products occurs, or as deemed necessary by the company officer or incident commander.

Gross Decontamination Process

During decontamination, firefighters must remain connected to their SCBA for respiratory protection.
The preferred decontamination method involves using an apparatus booster line with a fog nozzle and bristle brush, rinsing from top to bottom.

Post-Decontamination Procedures

Firefighters should not re-enter the IDLH atmosphere after decontamination.
The incident commander ensures overhaul is completed before the last firefighter is decontaminated.
Each member should remove all PPE, placing it in a heavy-duty trash bag, which is kept outside the passenger compartment.
Members should self-decontaminate using wipes for their head, neck, jaw, throat, underarms, and hands immediately after gross decontamination.
Body decontamination with soap is mandatory before rehab or taking meals.

Incident Severity and Decontamination

The intensity and severity of the incident dictates the level of decontamination required.
The incident commander may request additional resources for overhaul as needed.
Firefighters with the most significant exposure are prioritized for decontamination first.
Decontamination decisions are made on a case-by-case basis based on exposure severity.

Station Return Procedures

Upon returning to the fire station, firefighters should open turnout bags outside before showering, removing contaminated gear and placing it in a gear extractor.
Wearing medical gloves minimizes contaminant exposure to the skin.
The apparatus interior must be decontaminated with adequate ventilation, wearing medical gloves while cleaning surfaces.

Cycle Sauna Detoxification

A cycle sauna session is recommended following a shower to promote toxin removal and detoxification.
Loose-fitting clothing, T-shirts, shorts, and tennis shoes enhance sweating and removal of carcinogens.

Gear Rotation and Cleaning

A second set of gear should be placed back into service, ensuring all equipment is ready for an emergency response.
Helmets and boots should be thoroughly cleaned.
The primary focus during post-fire operations is personnel safety.
Crews should exit structures as quickly as possible to allow chemicals to dissipate naturally and reduce exposure.

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Description

This quiz covers the Standard Operating Guideline SFD.002 from the Spring Fire Department, focusing on cancer risk reduction for firefighters. It outlines essential decontamination procedures, hygiene practices, and personal health responsibilities designed to minimize exposure to carcinogens. Firefighter safety and health practices are emphasized to support a proactive cancer reduction initiative.