SOP 104

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of the policy mentioned in the text?

To reduce firefighter exposures to toxic particulate. (correct)

To establish a safe practice of firefighting.

To increase the spread of contaminants in the work environment.

To promote the use of fire protective ensembles.

Who does the policy apply to according to the text?

All personnel of St. Johns County Fire Rescue. (correct)

All individuals living in St. Johns County.

Only Chief Officers in St. Johns County Fire Rescue.

All firefighters in the state.

What should Chief Officers do regarding the policy?

They must strictly adhere to the policy without modifications.

They are not responsible for implementing the policy.

They should not make any changes to the policy.

They can make modifications based on their training and experience. (correct)

In what situations can on-scene decontamination be skipped?

During periods of inclement weather or extenuating circumstances. Signup and view all the answers

What is the overall goal of this policy?

To have a positive impact on firefighter health and safety. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for each individual to adhere to this policy?

To contribute to a healthy work environment and reduce contaminant spread. Signup and view all the answers

What should firefighters do with their gear items ** after returning from a fire scene?

Place all items in their gear bag and ensure it is labeled with their name Signup and view all the answers

What form must be filled out and turned in with the firefighter's gear?

A SJCFR Bunker Gear Cleaning Agreement Form Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for arranging the pickup and delivery of firefighters' gear for cleaning?

The Battalion Chief Signup and view all the answers

What should firefighters do with their gear after it has been cleaned?

Reassemble and pick it up from their next assigned duty station Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the vehicle exhaust systems installed in fire stations?

To capture products of combustion from fire apparatus for member health protection and safety Signup and view all the answers

What should firefighters do if they notice a malfunction or problem with the station's vehicle exhaust system?

Report it appropriately and promptly for maintenance Signup and view all the answers

What should personnel do after removing bunker gloves during the decon process?

Clean their hands with provided wipes, don medical gloves, and continue decon procedures Signup and view all the answers

What should personnel do before leaving the scene to avoid transferring toxins to the fire house?

Put PPE in sealed plastic bags for detailed decon at the station Signup and view all the answers

Which area should personnel focus on when using Department approved wipes for gross cleaning during the decon process?

Head, neck, face, hands, and other exposed areas as needed Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to shower within an hour post-exposure to toxins?

To reduce absorption of toxins into the body Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with cleaned PPE ensembles to facilitate drying and off-gassing?

Hang them on a rack and use fans for improved drying Signup and view all the answers

What should personnel prioritize when positioning PPE during drying after cleaning?

Positioning them to not hinder rapid turn-out times Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if another call is dispatched while enroute back to the Station?

Reutilize gear and equipment but repeat the decon process at the end of the incident Signup and view all the answers

Which area should personnel focus on when cleaning equipment after returning to the Station?

Thoroughly cleaning all equipment including SCBA packs, tools, and radio straps Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of Decontamination?

To make safe by eliminating or reducing poisonous or otherwise harmful substances, such as noxious chemicals or radioactive materials. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of Decontamination mentioned?

Gross Decontamination and Technical Decontamination. Signup and view all the answers

What does the acronym IDLH stand for?

Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of defining the Hot Zone, Warm Zone, and Cold Zone?

To establish areas of varying risk levels and designate where decontamination and rehabilitation should occur. Signup and view all the answers

What should personnel have ready in their "Go-Bag" for Decontamination?

A clean uniform, socks, clean footwear, hat, towel, and sun protection. Signup and view all the answers

What should the Engineer ensure about the water used for Decontamination?

That it is from a clean municipal (hydrant) water source and is not stagnant or contaminated. Signup and view all the answers

When should Gross Decontamination be set up?

Before the first attack crews exit the IDLH atmosphere. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using a garden style nozzle set to high flow and low pressure for Gross Decontamination?

To not further embed toxins into any fabrics. Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal when rinsing the exterior of the PPE during Gross Decontamination?

To keep the PPE operationally dry on the interior, but rinsed as clean as possible on the exterior. Signup and view all the answers

Where should the drop zone for PPE, other than bunker pants and fire boots, be located?

In the Warm Zone. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Decontamination Definition and Types

Decontamination is the process of making safe by eliminating or reducing poisonous or harmful substances, such as noxious chemicals or radioactive materials.
There are two types of decontamination: Gross Decontamination and Technical Decontamination.

IDLH and Zone Definitions

IDLH stands for Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health, defined as exposure to airborne contaminants that is likely to cause death or immediate or delayed permanent adverse health effects or prevent escape from such an environment.
Hot Zone: Any area with high risk, within the immediate perimeter of any fire or products of combustion.
Warm Zone: The area between the hot and cold zones, where Gross Decontamination and cleaning of the body takes place.
Cold Zone: Any area without risk, outside of the hot and warm zones, ideally uphill and upwind, where rehabilitation (Rehab) takes place.

Preparation and Gross Decontamination

Personnel should be ready to implement prevention and protective procedures at all times.
Personnel should assemble and maintain a personal "Go-Bag" with a clean uniform, including Class C uniform, socks, clean footwear, hat, towel, sun protection, etc.
The Engineer should ensure that the apparatus tank water or any water used in the decon process is from a clean municipal (hydrant) water source.
Gross Decontamination should be set up before the first attack crews exit the IDLH atmosphere.
The Gross Decontamination area should be designated by deploying an approved decon hoseline and marking the nozzle location with a visible cone.

Gross Decon Process

All fire personnel exposed to products of combustion should perform Gross Decontamination prior to entering rehab or leaving the scene.
Personnel should rinse off debris and products of combustion in a systematic and thorough manner, from the collar-line down, using the decon hoseline, soap spray bottle, and brush.
Personnel should not saturate the inner lining of the PPE.
After rinsing, personnel may go off air and begin to doff their PPE.
All PPE, except bunker pants and fire boots, should be left in a prepared drop zone.

Post-Gross Decontamination Process

Personnel should clean their hands with provided wipes, don medical gloves, and continue the decon procedures.
Personnel should use Department-approved wipes for a gross cleaning of their head, neck, face, hands, and any other exposed areas as deemed necessary.
If exposed personnel are to report to rehab, they should first go through the Gross Decontamination process.
Once in rehab, personnel should lower their bunker pants to allow for rapid cooling and increase the distance between off-gassing contaminated gear and their groin and respiratory system.

Released from Scene and Decontamination Post Fire

To keep the cab of the apparatus as clean as possible, Gross Decontamination processes should be performed prior to leaving the scene.
Personnel should don medical gloves to place PPE in sealed plastic bags for transport back to the Station.
All equipment should be thoroughly cleaned using water and Department-approved cleaners.
Radios should be wiped with Department-approved wipes.
It is extremely important to use Department-approved cleaner and wipes for personal post-fire decontamination.
Personnel should clean hands, face, neck, and any exposed areas of the skin before entering the cab of the apparatus.

Decontamination Post Fire at the Fire Station

All personnel exposed to products of combustion should complete a full personal decontamination as soon as possible after the exposure.
Showering within the hour should be a priority.
A thorough decontamination of all associated equipment, PPE, and apparatus cab should be performed.
Cleaned PPE ensembles should be hung on a rack to improve drying times and allow for continued off-gassing of the interior components.
Fans should be used to facilitate this process.
A priority should be placed on positioning PPE in such a way that it does not hinder rapid turn-out times.

Post-Shift and Gear Cleaning

Prior to being released from shift, any individual who has had their bunker gear contaminated from an IDLH environment should remove all tools and personal possessions, separate the moisture barrier from the outer shell, and place the complete set of exposed bunker gear into a issued gear bag.
The SJCFR Bunker Gear Cleaning Agreement form should be filled out and turned in with the owner.
The station officer should contact the Battalion Chief to arrange for the gear to be picked up and delivered to the extractor to complete the required cleaning process.

Fire Station Preventative Actions

The department has installed vehicle exhaust systems in stations for member health protection and safety.
These systems are designed to capture products of combustion from fire apparatus and should be used at all times per manufacturer directions and this policy.
Ensure that at all times when apparatus is parked in quarters that station exhaust systems are attached and functioning.

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Description

Learn about the policy developed by St. Johns County Fire Rescue for removing toxic particulate from equipment and protective gear after exposure to combustion products. Understand the importance of reducing firefighter exposures for short and long term health impact.