Firefighter Cancer Risk Reduction Guidelines

Podcast Beta

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of the Cancer Reduction Initiative for firefighters?

To enhance communication within fire departments

To increase the productivity of firefighting operations

To reduce cancer risk associated with firefighting activities (correct)

To improve morale among firefighters

What is included in the apparatus decontamination bag?

Protective gear for cold weather

Items for personal comfort

Tools for repairing firefighting equipment

Items for immediate decontamination of equipment and personnel (correct)

Which of the following is a recommendation for maintaining a clean and safe station environment?

Keeping PPE out of living quarters (correct)

Avoiding equipment cleaning procedures

Storing PPE in living quarters

Minimizing thorough handwashing practices

Who is responsible for complying with the Cancer Reduction Initiative procedures?

All Spring Fire Department personnel Signup and view all the answers

The guidelines provide instructions for cleaning which of the following equipment?

SCBA facemasks, tools, and hoses Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized as important during fire scene operations?

Monitoring air quality Signup and view all the answers

What is the effective date of the Cancer Reduction Initiative guidelines?

24 July 2024 Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key benefits of proper use of PPE and SCBA mentioned in the guidelines?

Limiting exposure duration to carcinogens Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of gross decontamination of PPE?

To remove as much soot and particulate as possible. Signup and view all the answers

When should the incident commander ensure that overhaul is completed?

Before the last person is decontaminated. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a member is covered in large particulates and wet decontamination is not feasible?

Use the provided bristle brush to remove debris. Signup and view all the answers

What is counter-productive during the gross decontamination process?

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

Where should contaminated gear be placed after gross decontamination?

In a heavy-duty trash bag provided in the apparatus decontamination bag. Signup and view all the answers

What is the preferred method to decontaminate during gross decontamination?

Using an apparatus booster line at pump pressure with a fog nozzle. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary to decontaminate the body before eating or drinking at rehab?

To prevent contaminants from entering the body. Signup and view all the answers

What should the apparatus operator retrieve during demobilization operations?

The decontamination bag. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary emphasis during post-fire operations?

Ensuring the safety of all personnel Signup and view all the answers

What should the incident commander consider based on the severity of contaminants?

Calling for additional resources for the overhaul process Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step after arriving back at the fire station regarding contaminated gear?

Open the turnout bag and let the turnouts off-gas outside Signup and view all the answers

Why is wearing medical gloves necessary during the decontamination process?

To reduce exposure to skin contaminants Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with contaminated gear before placing it in a gear extractor?

Bag it into a heavy-duty trash bag Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended to wear during the Cycle Sauna detoxification session?

Loose-fitting T-shirt, shorts, and tennis shoes Signup and view all the answers

What should all members ensure while decontaminating the apparatus interior?

The area is adequately ventilated Signup and view all the answers

What must be done after the Cycle Sauna detoxification session?

Shower thoroughly again Signup and view all the answers

What is one benefit of timely crew removal from a structure during firefighting operations?

It allows for the Harris County Fire Marshal's office to gather information. Signup and view all the answers

During the structural cooling off period, what can the incident commander develop?

An overhaul plan identifying safety issues. Signup and view all the answers

What is a mandatory safety requirement for any work performed inside a structure during overhaul?

Using department issued SCBA mask filter. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with contaminated equipment at the scene?

Gross decontamination should be performed. Signup and view all the answers

How should fire hoses be transported back to the station?

By a utility vehicle or properly secured on the apparatus. Signup and view all the answers

What type of PPE should be used when handling contaminated equipment?

Proper PPE that limits dermal absorption. Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if contaminated equipment is not properly cleaned?

It may lead to the spread of carcinogens to personnel. Signup and view all the answers

What is the preferred method for cleaning most hand tools after exposure to contaminants?

Using mild soap and water. Signup and view all the answers

What surfaces should be cleaned using a shop vac?

All cloth surfaces Signup and view all the answers

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

Ensure it is thoroughly cleaned Signup and view all the answers

Where should Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) be stored?

In a gear bag out of living quarters Signup and view all the answers

When is it acceptable for the apparatus motor to be running inside the bay?

When performing routine checks Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to mops and rags used during cleaning?

Wash them in the washing machine Signup and view all the answers

What is the preferred storage for tools in a pick-up vehicle?

In a tool box or trunk Signup and view all the answers

How often should hands be washed throughout the time at the station?

Thoroughly and consistently Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if an error or inconsistency is noticed?

Report it through the designated channel Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cancer Reduction Initiative

Firefighters are at a higher risk of contracting cancer.
This guideline is for the Spring Fire Department and aims to reduce the risk of its members contracting cancer.
The goal is to provide a safe and healthy work environment.

Fire Scene Decontamination

An apparatus decontamination bag is used for quick and efficient decontamination of equipment and personnel.
During fire scene operations, SCBA should always be worn, and air quality should be continuously monitored.
The cleaning of firefighting equipment is essential to reducing long-term cancer risk.
Gross decontamination is required whenever PPE has been exposed to smoke or other contaminants, or the company officer or incident commander deems it necessary.
The preferred decontamination method is using a booster line with a fog nozzle at pump pressure.
To minimize absorption of carcinogens, all contaminated gear should be removed and placed in a heavy-duty trash bag outside the passenger compartment of the fire engine.
Decontamination wipes are provided for the head, neck, jaw, throat, underarms, and hands.

Post Incident Decontamination

Upon returning to the station, turnout gear should be placed in a gear extractor to off-gas outside the station.
The fire apparatus interior should be decontaminated.
All members must wear medical gloves while wiping down all surfaces.
To ventilate the apparatus, leave windows down and use a bay floor fan.
All members are required to complete the Cycle Sauna after handling contaminated PPE to detoxify.
A thorough shower is required before and after the Cycle Sauna session.
A second set of gear should be placed in service, and helmets and boots should be thoroughly cleaned before making them part of the ensemble.

Overhaul

The primary emphasis during post-fire operations should be the safety of all personnel.
Crews should exit the structure as soon as possible to allow chemicals to dissipate.
The incident commander should develop an overhaul plan identifying safety issues, establishing hot, warm, and cold zones, and monitoring crew fatigue, hydration, and cooling.
SCBA or a department-issued SCBA mask filter with adapter is mandatory while working inside during overhaul.
The most contaminated crews should be sent home first for detoxification, showering, and a change of clothing.

Equipment Cleaning

SCBA facemasks and tools are exposed to carcinogens and should be cleaned thoroughly after every use.
Gross decontamination of equipment should be done at the scene, and equipment should be placed back in the compartment for transport back to the station.
Equipment should be cleaned in a designated area away from living quarters.
Special attention should be paid to computers, radios, seats, steering wheel, floorboards, and headsets.
After cleaning, ensure all rags, mops, and other cleaning items are washed.

Station Best Practices

The apparatus motor should not be running inside the bay with the doors closed.
Apparatus power tools shall be started and idled outside the bay during routine checks and cleaning.
PPE should be kept in a gear bag, out of living quarters, and out of vehicles.
Hands should be washed thoroughly and consistently throughout the day, especially before eating or preparing food.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz focuses on important guidelines aimed at reducing cancer risk among firefighters. It covers topics such as decontamination procedures, equipment safety, and the importance of maintaining a healthy work environment. Understand how these practices help protect firefighters from cancer-related hazards.