I-D-12 Fireground Contamination Reduction Program 04/19/2022

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following toxins is NOT mentioned as a product of today's fires?

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) (correct)

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH)

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)

Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN)

What percentage of contaminants can be removed from PPE through proper preliminary contamination reduction?

85% (correct)

50%

95%

75%

Which of the following practices should be paired with preliminary contamination reduction for optimal results?

Wearing protective goggles

Using fire-retardant clothing

Showering within the hour (correct)

Conducting a risk assessment

Which category of toxins is most resistant to preliminary contamination reduction?

Carcinogenic toxins Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of adhering to all steps in the contamination reduction process?

To achieve the greatest reductions in firefighter exposure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following materials is NOT considered a contaminant when exposed to fire products?

Clean water Signup and view all the answers

What zone is ideally located uphill and upwind of a fire incident?

Cold Zone Signup and view all the answers

Which organization is NOT listed as having published carcinogen identification lists?

World Health Organization (WHO) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended method for cleaning handheld radios after a fire incident?

Wiping with department-issued decontamination wipes. Signup and view all the answers

Which contaminants require personnel to shower immediately after an incident?

Any exposure to combustion products, environmental contaminants, or known hazardous materials. Signup and view all the answers

What components of personal protective equipment (PPE) should be assembled for operational readiness after decontamination?

Coat, pants, gloves, helmet earlap, and hood. Signup and view all the answers

What cleaning solution is specifically recommended for cleaning fire boots?

A soft-bristle brush with Dawn dish soap and water. Signup and view all the answers

What must personnel do with uniforms exposed to contaminants?

Wash them in the fire station's washing machine. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with bagged gear after an incident?

It should be placed in a single visible location in the apparatus bay for pick-up. Signup and view all the answers

How should the hard surfaces of a fire helmet be cleaned?

With a soft-bristle brush, Dawn dish soap, and water. Signup and view all the answers

What is required for the decontamination of radio straps and holsters?

Cleaning using the same method used for SCBA and helmet soft components. Signup and view all the answers

What should personnel do if they do not have a secondary set of gloves?

Contact the Unit OIC for assistance. Signup and view all the answers

What must be done with SCBA masks, regulators, and cylinders after use?

They must be cleaned and inspected according to SOP I-D-9. Signup and view all the answers

What materials must decontamination wipes be free of?

Alcohols and sulfates Signup and view all the answers

In which zone is preliminary contamination reduction of PPE performed while on air?

Warm Zone Signup and view all the answers

What must all personnel wear when entering the Hot Zone?

All PPE including SCBA and being on air Signup and view all the answers

What does the Drop Zone require personnel to leave behind before reporting to Rehab?

All PPE except bunker pants and fire boots Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the 'Primary Set' of bunker gear?

Bunker coat and bunker pants with belt Signup and view all the answers

What type of contamination reduction is done at the incident scene?

On-scene preliminary contamination reduction Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following substances is NOT typically considered a product of combustion?

Ozone Signup and view all the answers

What is the main responsibility of the Incident Commander regarding contamination reduction?

To initiate and ensure completion of on-scene preliminary contamination reduction Signup and view all the answers

What should crews do after exiting the Hot Zone?

Complete preliminary contamination reduction Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Preliminary Contamination Reduction Area?

To perform initial cleaning of PPE and SCBA Signup and view all the answers

What does smoke frequently consist of?

A mixture of gases, vapors, and solid particulate matter Signup and view all the answers

What is the first action personnel must take after exiting the Hot Zone?

Remain ON AIR until reaching the Preliminary Contamination Reduction Area Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT part of the 'Secondary Set' of bunker gear?

Self-contained breathing apparatus Signup and view all the answers

During the preliminary contamination reduction process, how should personnel with the lowest air supply be managed?

They should be the first to be decontaminated and remain ON AIR until complete. Signup and view all the answers

What type of zone must personnel enter wearing full PPE and be on air?

Hot Zone Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal during the preliminary contamination reduction process?

To keep the inner liner of the PPE as dry as possible while removing contaminants Signup and view all the answers

What must personnel do if equipment from the decon bucket is damaged or missing?

Complete a Lost & Damaged Equipment form Signup and view all the answers

How should the firefighter position themselves during rinsing?

Lean forward while rinsing their helmet with water Signup and view all the answers

Which item should be removed first when doffing PPE after preliminary contamination reduction?

Helmet and SCBA mask Signup and view all the answers

What type of gloves should personnel wear when removing the remaining gear post-decontamination?

EMS nitrile/latex gloves Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with all PPE except for bunker pants and fire boots after decontamination?

It must be left in the designated Drop Zone. Signup and view all the answers

What cleaning solution is recommended for the soft components of the helmet and SCBA harness?

Dawn dish soap mixed with water Signup and view all the answers

What is the procedure for bagging decontaminated PPE, starting from the gloves?

Firefighting gloves, bunker coat, bunker pants, helmet earlap, firefighting hood. Signup and view all the answers

Where should contaminated PPE NOT be transported?

In the apparatus cab Signup and view all the answers

After the preliminary contamination reduction process, what should personnel do before hydrating or eating?

Complete decontamination wipes and move to the Cold Zone. Signup and view all the answers

What must personnel do if they are called back to operations after being in Rehab?

Undergo the preliminary contamination reduction process again. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended method for cleaning exposed skin areas after decontamination?

Use soap and water from a clean water supply, prioritized. Signup and view all the answers

What is the procedure for personnel to follow after preliminary contamination reduction?

Use department-issued wipes and then shower as soon as possible. Signup and view all the answers

Which area should receive extra attention when cleaning due to higher dermal absorption rates?

Neck and throat area Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for ensuring that preliminary contamination reduction is established on-site?

The Incident Commander (IC) Signup and view all the answers

What should personnel do with decontaminated PPE upon return to the station?

Bag it and complete a service request. Signup and view all the answers

What is the required soap mixture for the decontamination process?

A capful of Dawn dish soap with ¾ bucket of water. Signup and view all the answers

In which situation must personnel alert their Unit OIC and/or Battalion Chief?

If their secondary gear becomes contaminated. Signup and view all the answers

What must the driver/operator of the Decon Unit do before personnel exit the Hot Zone?

Designate the location for the Preliminary Contamination Reduction Area. Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a responsibility of the FAO during the gear exchange process?

Ensuring daily inspection of PPE. Signup and view all the answers

Where should personnel leave their PPE before proceeding to rehab?

At the designated Drop Zone. Signup and view all the answers

What setup is required for a Decontamination hoseline in the Preliminary Contamination Reduction Area?

A department-provided 5/8” flat hoseline with an adapter. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a crew member does not have a secondary set of bunker gear?

The Unit OIC will contact the Support Office. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is essential for personnel after exposure to hazardous materials?

Showering and changing into a clean uniform. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key element of the Preliminary Contamination Reduction Area set-up?

It includes a designated traffic cone. Signup and view all the answers

What should the Decon Unit ensure regarding water used for preliminary contamination reduction?

It must not contain any firefighting foam. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Firefighting Contaminants and Toxins

Modern fires release harmful toxins such as Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN).
These toxins can exist as colorless, odorless gases, aerosolized vapors, and particulate matter.
Quick preliminary contamination reduction on-site can effectively lower the intake of toxins through inhalation, skin absorption, and ingestion.

Contamination Reduction Effectiveness

Approximately 85% of contaminants can be removed from Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during initial contamination reduction.
Pairing this with hygiene practices like using wipes and showering within an hour can reduce carcinogen exposure biomarkers by 40%.

Importance of Advanced Cleaning

Highly carcinogenic toxins may remain on PPE post-preliminary contamination reduction and require advanced cleaning as per NFPA 1851 for complete removal.
Adherence to all contamination reduction steps is crucial to minimize firefighter exposure and prevent cross-contamination.

Definitions and Zones

Carcinogen: A substance identified as cancer-causing by organizations such as U.S. National Toxicology Program and IARC.
Cold Zone: Area outside the Warm Zone, ideally positioned uphill and upwind from incidents.
Warm Zone: Area between Hot and Cold Zones, where initial cleaning of PPE occurs.
Hot Zone: High-risk area immediately surrounding the fire or combustion products.

Decontamination Procedures

Decontamination Wipes: Used on-site to reduce carcinogen levels on skin, made from natural fibers and free of harsh chemicals.
Drop Zone: Designated area where personnel leave most PPE before heading to Rehabilitation (Rehab).
On-Scene Preliminary Contamination Reduction: This involves cleaning PPE at the fire scene to minimize harmful substances.

Equipment and Procedures

Firefighting apparatus should have decontamination equipment including a green bucket with cleaning supplies such as Dawn dish soap and decontamination wipes.
Personnel must maintain PPE daily and comply with contamination reduction following exposure to various hazards.

Rehabilitation Practices

Rehab area in the Cold Zone allows personnel to cool off while maintaining distance from potentially off-gassing gear.
Returning personnel must follow the preliminary contamination reduction before entering Rehab.

Incident Commander Responsibilities

The Incident Commander oversees the on-scene contamination reduction and designates a suppression unit as the "Decon Unit".
They ensure all preliminary contamination reduction steps are completed and notify other relevant authorities for gear exchange.

Personnel Accountability

All Operations personnel are responsible for the cleanliness and inspection of their PPE.
Upon returning to quarters, personnel must shower, change uniforms, and prepare their secondary gear for future use.

Post-Incident Procedures

PPE must be bagged correctly to minimize exposure to contaminants, following a specified order.
All contaminated gear must be accounted for and properly handled before leaving fire scenes. ### Contaminant Management During Transportation
Hazardous materials such as asbestos, fiberglass, biological pathogens, petroleum products, and human waste should not be transported in the apparatus cab.
Protective personal equipment (PPE) should be placed in designated areas: bagged PPE on hose bed or exterior compartments, while helmets and boots go in outside compartments.

Preliminary Contamination Reduction

Tools and equipment used at fire incidents require immediate decontamination before leaving the scene.
A water and Dawn dish soap solution, along with a soft-bristle brush, should be used to remove contaminants.

Radio and Equipment Decontamination

Handheld radios must be cleaned with department-issued decontamination wipes, following the manufacturer's instructions for technical cleaning.
Soft components like radio straps and holsters will be cleaned using methods similar to those for SCBA and helmet soft components.

Post-Fire Shower Protocol

After an incident, the Unit Officer in Charge (OIC) notifies Fire Apparatus Operations (FAO) to initiate decontamination procedures.
Personnel exposed to combustion products and environmental contaminants should shower with soap and water immediately to minimize toxin absorption.
After showering, personnel should change into clean uniforms; contaminated uniforms should be washed at the station to prevent contaminant transfer.

Maintaining Readiness

Personnel should clean their helmet and boots and prepare a "secondary set" of PPE for operational readiness.
An online Bunker Gear Service Request must be submitted for gear exchange, particularly if the bagged gear is the only set available.
Gear should be collected in a visible area for the Gear Lab representative to exchange for inspected and cleaned bunker gear.

Detailed Cleaning of Equipment

EMS gloves are recommended for detailed cleaning of all apparatus and equipment.
Secondary cleaning procedures must be applied to helmet soft components, fire boots, SCBA gear, and radio straps as per standard operating procedures.
Personal tools should be cleaned according to their specific manufacturer’s instructions.

Helmet and Boot Cleaning

Fire helmets require cleaning of both hard surfaces and soft components; a soft-bristle brush and Dawn dish soap are to be utilized for cleaning.
Fire boots must be cleaned externally using a soft-bristle brush and water; the insides should be wiped with decontamination wipes, ensuring thorough scrubbing of treads to remove contaminants.

PPE and Equipment Maintenance Responsibilities

Personnel must ensure that all assigned PPE, tools, and equipment are maintained free from contaminants, in compliance with established fire station policies.
SCBA masks, regulators, and cylinders must undergo cleaning and inspection as per specified standard operating procedures.

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Description

This quiz covers the harmful toxins released during modern fires, including Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Carbon Monoxide. It discusses the effectiveness of preliminary contamination reduction techniques and the importance of advanced cleaning for Personal Protective Equipment. Testing your knowledge will enhance your understanding of safety protocols in firefighting.