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Questions and Answers
What is one of the recommendations for preventing chemical exposures at fires?
How should personnel handle contaminated PPE after firefighting?
What process must be followed for accidents, injuries, and near misses according to the text?
Why is it important to comply with rehab policies and procedures during emergency operations?
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What should company officers emphasize to their crews regarding rehab?
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Why is selecting PPE based on the hazard and emergency response type crucial?
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When should personnel wash and shower after firefighting efforts?
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What should company officers understand regarding PPE selection, care, and maintenance?
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Why should personnel err on the side of safety when selecting PPE?
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What is a key responsibility of company officers in emergency response?
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Which organization in the United States is a source for injury and fatality information in emergency response?
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What is highlighted as a priority within safety, health, and wellness programs to prevent incident fatalities?
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What are examples of unsafe acts at emergency scenes mentioned in the text?
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Which organization in Canada is relied upon for injury and fatality information in emergency response?
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What risk control measure involves the implementation of NIMS-ICS and preincident planning programs?
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What is an example of an unsafe condition at emergency scenes mentioned in the text?
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What additional safety measure is emphasized for emergency responders to follow according to the text?
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What is essential to ensure that emergency vehicles are in optimal condition according to the text?
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What aspect is highlighted as a priority within safety, health, and wellness programs to prevent incident fatalities?
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What should company officers do to establish a safety-oriented culture within the organization?
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What should be done with PPE after exposure to smoke or contaminated atmospheres?
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Which of the following is NOT an example of personnel qualifications mentioned in the text?
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Who should perform formal, annual, or preventive maintenance inspections on PPE?
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What are the leading injuries that fire and EMS personnel frequently incur while providing emergency services?
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Where should contaminated PPE be cleaned?
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When it comes to safety to and from the emergency scene, who has control over the majority of the locations where responders operate?
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What is the main purpose of inspecting PPE at the beginning of each work shift?
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Which aspect of the workplace is generally divided into the emergency scene, en route to and from the emergency scene, and facilities?
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How should PPE be stored to ensure its longevity and effectiveness?
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What should company officers be responsible for regarding facilities safety?
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Who should handle advanced or special cleaning required to decontaminate PPE exposed to hazardous materials?
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What is the consequence of washing PPE in a designated washer used for sheets and towels?
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Why is it important to perform inspections on new equipment delivered to the department?
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What is a key reason for not storing PPE in living quarters?
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What should be done if PPE is exposed to hazardous materials?
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What is the responsibility of company officers in relation to safety policies and procedures?
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Which organization sets safety standards such as NFPA 1500, 1521, and 1582 for firefighter safety and health?
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What is the primary reason that leads to sprains and strains among fire and EMS personnel?
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What should be a focus of personnel qualifications for fire and EMS responders?
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Who holds control over the facilities, stations, and apparatus used by fire and emergency responders?
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What is the area that is NOT under the control of the organization and company officer where fire and emergency responders operate?
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Why is it important for company officers to address safety issues with their personnel during each shift?
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Which regulation provides guidelines for respiratory protection in the workplace?
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What type of injury is a common result of the physical demands faced by fire and EMS personnel during emergency responses?
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What aspect should company officers focus on regarding personnel qualifications for emergency responders?
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What should be the immediate action after handling contaminated turnouts and other equipment at a fire response?
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How can company officers contribute to maintaining personnel safety with PPE?
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What is a key reason for avoiding contaminated PPE in living areas?
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Why is it crucial to follow proper rehab policies and procedures during emergency operations?
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What should be considered when determining when to wear PPE according to the text?
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What is recommended for proper doffing of PPE to avoid contamination?
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Why should personnel err on the side of safety when selecting PPE?
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What is an important aspect that company officers must understand regarding PPE selection, care, and maintenance?
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What process can negatively impact the health and safety of emergency responders during fire fighting efforts?
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What is recommended for handling contaminated PPE after firefighting?
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What should emergency responders prioritize to prevent incident fatalities, according to the text?
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Which organization in the United States is a source for injury and fatality information in emergency response, as mentioned in the text?
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What is a common unsafe act at emergency scenes highlighted in the text?
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Why are physical fitness programs emphasized for emergency responders according to the text?
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What is a risk control measure mentioned in the text to enhance safety during emergency response?
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Which country relies on WHSCC and CCOHS for injury and fatality information in emergency response?
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What is a key responsibility of company officers in emergency response, as outlined in the text?
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What is the recommended method to clean the outer shell of the coat and trousers of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?
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Why is it important to perform regular inspections on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?
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What is a common misconception regarding cleaning PPE according to the text?
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Who is primarily responsible for conducting formal, annual, or preventive maintenance inspections on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?
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Where should Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) be stored to ensure its longevity and effectiveness?
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What is the consequence of washing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in a designated washer used for sheets and towels?
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Who should handle advanced or special cleaning required to decontaminate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) exposed to hazardous materials?
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When should Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) be inspected after it has been delivered to the department?
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What is a key reason given in the text for conducting regular inspections on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?
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What is emphasized regarding the storage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) according to the text?
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Study Notes
Inspections and Maintenance of PPE
- Inspections should be conducted regularly, following a formal schedule, and when the PPE is first accepted by the department and after any repair.
- New equipment is assigned an inspection label when it is delivered to the department.
- Formal, annual, or preventive maintenance inspections are performed by trained mechanics, repair technicians, or the department Health and Safety Officer (HSO).
- Inspections should take place in accordance with NFPA 1851 and AHJ policies and procedures at regularly scheduled intervals.
Importance of Proper Care and Maintenance of PPE
- Equipment that is clean and in serviceable condition continues to perform as it was intended.
- Proper care and maintenance ensures that the original cost/benefit ratio used to select the equipment is met.
Cleaning PPE
- Clean PPE, following each exposure to smoke or contaminated atmospheres.
- Use water and a mild detergent to clean the outer shell of the coat and trousers, including the cuffs and collar, boots, hood, gloves, helmet shell, and neck shroud.
- Clean the helmet headband and chinstrap, as needed, in a similar fashion.
- Advanced or special cleaning will be required to decontaminate PPE that has been exposed to hazardous materials.
- General cleaning and care procedures include:
- Never use bleach or a product containing bleach on PPE.
- Clean PPE in the designated cleaning area.
- Remove liners from shells and wash separately.
- Clean contaminated PPE in a designated decon sink.
- Keep PPE in the assigned storage area and away from diesel exhaust.
- Wash PPE in a designated washer, not one used for sheets and towels.
- Dry PPE in a designated dryer or by hanging it on a drying rack.
- Do not hang PPE in direct sunlight to dry, as ultraviolet light will degrade the fabric.
Storage of PPE
- All PPE must be stored properly in well-ventilated, secure lockers in or adjacent to the apparatus room.
- PPE should never be stored or taken into the living quarters of the station.
Maintenance of PPE
- Simple maintenance, such as the replacement of a helmet chin strap, can easily be performed by the wearer.
- Most maintenance and repairs, however, must be performed by certified or qualified repair technicians with the proper tools and repair parts.
- Never modify any piece of PPE.
Resources for Fire and Emergency Services
- Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives — A blueprint to reducing firefighter injuries and deaths.
- FirefighterCloseCalls.com - An independent newsletter sharing information about “close call” incidents and those that resulted in firefighter injuries and fatalities.
- EVENT (EMS Voluntary Event Notification Tool) - A tool designed to improve the safety, quality and consistent delivery of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) by collecting data from EMS practitioners to develop policies, procedures, and training programs.
- EMS Safety Foundation - A not-for-profit think tank, consortium group with a mission to promote EMS safety innovation, collaboration, research, knowledge transfer, education, and safety information dissemination.
- International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) - Sponsor the Fire/EMS Safety, Health, and Survival Week, encouraging fire departments to focus on safety, health, and wellness-related training and education.
- National Firefighter Near-Miss Reporting System - A voluntary, confidential, non-punitive and secure reporting system to improve firefighter safety, a cooperative effort between the IAFC and the IAFF.
Prevention of Chemical Exposures at Fires
- Always wear SCBA when working in or around fire-damaged structures.
- Remain upwind of fires and smoke plumes, wear SCBA if in the smoke plume or around diesel exhaust.
- Doff contaminated gear before entering the rehab area.
- Do not wear or store contaminated turnouts inside the apparatus cab, in personal vehicle compartments, or in station or home living areas.
- Decontaminate and/or launder turnouts, fire hood, and other equipment that readily contacts the skin after each fire response.
- Wash hands and neck skin immediately after the fire and shower as soon as possible.
Investigation and Review Process
- Accidents, injuries, occupational illnesses, exposures, and near misses must be investigated or reviewed according to NFPA 1500TM.
- Company officers must follow their organizations’ prescribed policies and procedures and accurately complete the appropriate accident investigation forms.
- Investigations should provide general information, employee characteristics, environmental information, and apparatus/equipment information.
Rehabilitation
- Physical stresses of fire fighting and extreme weather conditions can negatively impact the health and safety of emergency responders.
- Company officers must emphasize the importance of rehab to their crews and follow rehab policies and procedures.
- Rehab policies and procedures help establish a safety-oriented culture and ensure members are ready to be reassigned at the incident or returned to duty in a “ready state”.
- NFPA 1584: Rehabilitation Process for Members During Emergency Operations and Training Exercises.
- Company officers should comply with the rehab policies and procedures.
- Company officers should monitor and evaluate environmental and work activities of their personnel.
PPE Selection, Care, and Maintenance
- PPE must be properly selected, cared for, and maintained to ensure personnel safety.
- Equipment should be selected based on the hazard and the type of emergency response.
- Company officers must understand the hazard, donning and doffing techniques, equipment distribution and load carrying, heat, hydration, and stress issues, and heat and moisture retention.
- Determining when to wear PPE is based on a number of factors, including the hazard and education and experience with similar situations and training scenarios.
- Doffing PPE must be done in such a way as to avoid contamination.
- Washing and showering immediately after any fire fighting efforts is recommended.
- Bag all contaminated PPE for transport back to the stations, then clean it as soon as possible, according to NFPA, organizational, and manufacturer standards.
- When selecting the PPE, err on the side of safety.### Safe Driving Practices
- Drive defensively and follow traffic laws
- Use emergency lights and sirens appropriately
- Communicate intentions to other drivers
- Anticipate potential hazards and adjust driving accordingly
- Ensure emergency vehicles are regularly inspected and maintained
- Address any maintenance issues promptly
- Ensure emergency vehicles are equipped with necessary safety equipment
Risk Control Measures
- Use of accountability systems
- Full-protective clothing
- Mandatory respiratory protection plans
- Training and education sessions
- Health and wellness SOPs or SOGs including rehab
- Implementation of NIMS-ICS
- Use of control zones
- Implementation of a preincident planning program for high-hazard occupancies
Importance of Physical Fitness
- Physical fitness is a priority of safety, health, and wellness programs
- IAFF/IAFC/NVFC wellness initiatives may be used for physical fitness guidelines
Company Officer Responsibilities
- Comply, enforce, and educate personnel regarding policies and procedures
- Maintain accountability of personnel while on an emergency scene
- Address both unsafe acts and unsafe conditions to ensure scene safety
Apparatus Design and Maintenance
- Company officers are responsible for reporting the need for repairs and ensuring they are completed
- Company officers are responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of their facilities
Facility Safety
- Proper maintenance is crucial for a safe workplace
- Company officers are responsible for reporting the need for repairs and ensuring they are completed
- Facility inspections should be conducted in accordance with organizational policies
Safety-Related Inspections
- Ensure proper safety-related inspections occur in accordance with organizational policies
- Inspections may include equipment, vehicles, and facilities
Safety, Health, and Wellness Programs
- Company officers are responsible for providing subordinates with information on the organization's safety, health, and wellness programs
- Comprehensive safety, health, and wellness programs reduce accidents, injuries, illnesses, and exposures
- Programs should include information on emergency and nonemergency safety practices, overall wellness and fitness, inspections, and accident investigations
Risk Management
- Risk management is the process of identifying and analyzing the exposure to hazards, selecting appropriate techniques to handle exposures, implementing chosen techniques, and monitoring the results of those techniques
- The risk management plan should have three distinct sections: community risk management, organizational risk management, and operational risk management
Accident, Injury, and Illness Prevention Program
- Provide firefighters with information and training regarding the hazards that exist in their work environments
- Hazards may occur at emergency incident scenes, during training, or while working in the organization's facilities
Hazardous Materials Exposure Control
- Exposure to hazardous materials during emergency operations is common
- Hazmat Branch Safety Officer monitors potential hazards and advises the Incident Commander
- OSHA's CFR 1910.120(c)(7) lists the risks to be considered during a hazardous materials incident### Inspections and Maintenance of PPE
- Inspect PPE regularly, following a formal schedule, and when accepting new equipment or after any repair
- Inspect PPE at the beginning of each work shift, following formal, annual, or preventive maintenance inspections
- Inspect PPE according to NFPA 1851 or the appropriate NFPA standard for a specific type of PPE
Care and Maintenance of PPE
- Clean PPE after each exposure to smoke or contaminated atmospheres using water and mild detergent
- Clean contaminated PPE in a designated decon sink and wash separately following special cleaning procedures
- Keep PPE in a designated storage area, away from diesel exhaust, and dry PPE in a designated dryer or by hanging it on a drying rack
- Never use bleach or products containing bleach on PPE
- Never hang PPE in direct sunlight to dry, as ultraviolet light will degrade the fabric
Storage of PPE
- Store PPE in well-ventilated, secure lockers in or adjacent to the apparatus room
- Never store PPE in living quarters of the station
Maintenance of PPE
- Simple maintenance, such as replacing a helmet chin strap, can be performed by the wearer
- Most maintenance and repairs must be performed by certified or qualified repair technicians with the proper tools and repair parts
- Never modify any piece of PPE
Resources for Fire and Emergency Services
- Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives: A blueprint to reducing firefighter injuries and deaths
- FirefighterCloseCalls.com: Sharing information about close call incidents and those that resulted in firefighter injuries and fatalities
- EVENT (EMS Voluntary Event Notification Tool): A tool designed to improve the safety, quality, and consistent delivery of Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Safety Regulations, Standards, Policies, and Procedures
- Company officers must be knowledgeable of local, state/provincial, and federal laws and standards relating to firefighter safety and health
- Establish a safety-oriented culture throughout the organization by implementing safety policies and procedures specific to the department's operation
- Safety policies and procedures may reference NFPA 1500, 1521, 1561, 1581, 1582, 1584, 1852, and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134
Personnel Qualifications
- Ensure personnel qualifications are appropriate and current for each individual's duty assignment
- Examples of personnel qualifications include medical certifications, vehicle and apparatus operation certifications, and professional qualifications
Basic Workplace Safety
- Address safety issues with personnel during each shift
- The workplace can be generally divided into the emergency scene, en route to and from the emergency scene, and facilities
Emergency Operations Safety
- Fire and EMS personnel frequently incur injuries while providing emergency services
- Leading injuries among these responders are sprains and strains, resulting from the physical demands of emergency responses
Safety to and from the Scene
- Address safety issues with personnel during each shift
- Ensure personnel follow safe driving practices and ensure emergency vehicles are properly maintained
Facilities Safety
- Implement policies and procedures and report the need for any maintenance or replacement of unsafe equipment
- Company officers are responsible for implementing policies and procedures
Recommendations for Preventing Chemical Exposures at Fires
- Always wear SCBA when working in or around fire-damaged structures
- Remain upwind of fires and smoke plumes, wear SCBA if in the smoke plume or around diesel exhaust
- Doff contaminated gear before entering the rehab area
Investigation and Review Process
- Accidents, injuries, occupational illnesses, exposures, and near misses must be investigated or reviewed according to NFPA 1500
- Follow the organization's prescribed policies and procedures and accurately complete the appropriate accident investigation forms
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Description
Test your knowledge of safety regulations, standards, policies, and procedures related to firefighter safety. Learn about NFPA standards and regulations that are crucial for maintaining a safe working environment for firefighters.
