Firefighting Safety Regulations

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Questions and Answers

What is the maximum time interval between checks for each compartment?

20 minutes

30 minutes

10 minutes

15 minutes (correct)

What is the alarm setting for the CO sensor?

25 PPM (correct)

20 PPM

35 PPM

30 PPM

What is the first action to take if the meter user witnesses any of the specified alarm conditions?

Immediately recommend the returned use of SCBA (correct)

Check the meter readings

Call for backup

Turn off the meter

What is one of the reasons to recommend the returned use of SCBA?

Any person complaining of eye or skin irritation Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the document?

To be used in conjunction with other MCFRS policies and programs Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of insufficient resources to implement the process?

Personnel must not be allowed to downgrade their respiratory protection Signup and view all the answers

What is the alarm setting for the HCN sensor?

5 PPM Signup and view all the answers

Who can be contacted for additional questions?

The Health & Welfare Chief Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of using RPE during overhaul operations?

To reduce the incidence of cancer among MCFRS personnel Signup and view all the answers

When can personnel stop using SCBA during overhaul?

When all conditions listed in the policy are met Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the N95 particulate masks?

To protect against particulate matter and aerosols Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for evaluating compartments during overhaul?

The Safety Officer, Haz-Mat Officer, or Chief Officer Signup and view all the answers

What is required for forced-air ventilation during overhaul?

A non-carbon-monoxide generating fan Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum PPE required for personnel conducting overhaul?

Particulate mask, long sleeved shirt, and pants Signup and view all the answers

Who must approve the downgrading of respiratory protection during overhaul?

The Incident Commander Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of MCFRS Policy 26-06AMll?

To promote the health and wellness of MCFRS personnel Signup and view all the answers

When should apparatus and equipment be left unattended?

Never Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when leaving a station?

Close bay doors or set them to close automatically Signup and view all the answers

Who should be contacted for questions or clarification?

Division of Operations Chief Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Fire Chief’s General Order?

To supersede and rescind FCGO 14-11 Signup and view all the answers

When is the use of Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE) required?

In all hazardous and toxic atmospheres Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a hazardous and toxic atmosphere?

An environment that may present or contain respiratory hazards during MCFRS activities Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE)?

To protect MCFRS personnel from respiratory hazards Signup and view all the answers

What should be reported immediately to the station officer?

All suspicious activity and/or loss/theft Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of using Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE) during MCFRS activities?

To protect against respirable hazards Signup and view all the answers

What type of atmospheres require the use of Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE)?

Hazardous and/or toxic atmospheres Signup and view all the answers

What is defined as an environment that may present or contain respiratory hazards during MCFRS activities?

A hazardous and/or toxic atmosphere Signup and view all the answers

When can apparatus and equipment be left unattended at stations and MCFRS facilities?

When within sight of MCFRS personnel Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to the bay doors when leaving a station?

Make sure they will close automatically Signup and view all the answers

What should be reported immediately to the station officer?

Suspicious activity and/or loss/theft Signup and view all the answers

Who should be contacted for questions or clarification on MCFRS policies?

The Division of Operations Chief Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Fire Chief’s General Order?

To supersede and rescind FCGO 14-11 Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Metering device in overhaul operations?

To monitor compartment conditions Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances must personnel recommend the returned use of SCBA?

When any alarm on the meter is activated Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum requirement for sensor compliment?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of insufficient resources to implement the metering process?

Personnel must not be allowed to downgrade their respiratory protection Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended action when a person complains of shortness of breath or other respiratory complaints?

Recommend the returned use of SCBA Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of MCFRS Policy 26-06AMII?

Respiratory Protection Signup and view all the answers

What is the alarm setting for the PID 10.6 EV bulb?

10 PPM Signup and view all the answers

Where can additional training materials be found?

In Quicklinks under the Safety drop-down selection Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using RPE during overhaul operations?

To reduce the incidence of cancer among MCFRS personnel Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum PPE required for personnel conducting overhaul?

Issued particulate mask, long sleeved shirt Signup and view all the answers

When can personnel downgrade their respiratory protection during overhaul?

When the compartment is free of visible smoke and readings are within limits Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the N95 particulate masks issued by MCFRS?

To filter out particulate matter, including aerosols Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for evaluating compartments during overhaul operations?

The Safety Officer, Haz-Mat Officer, or Chief Officer Signup and view all the answers

What is required for forced-air ventilation during overhaul operations?

A non-carbon-monoxide generating fan Signup and view all the answers

Who must approve the downgrading of respiratory protection during overhaul operations?

The Incident Commander Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of MCFRS Policy 26-06AMll?

To reduce the incidence of cancer among MCFRS personnel Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for making the use of appropriate RPE during overhaul operations mandatory?

To promote the health and wellness of MCFRS personnel by reducing the incidence of cancer Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of evaluating each compartment individually during overhaul operations?

To meet the requirements for downgrading respiratory protection Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using particulate filter masks during overhaul operations?

To provide protection against particulate matter Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for ensuring that the minimum PPE is used by personnel conducting overhaul?

The Incident Commander Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum requirement for sensor readings during overhaul operations?

The readings must be within the limits established by the Safety Section Chief Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of forced-air ventilation during overhaul operations?

To meet the requirements for downgrading respiratory protection Signup and view all the answers

Who can allow personnel to downgrade their respiratory protection during overhaul?

The Incident Commander Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of MCFRS Policy 26-06AMll?

To reduce the incidence of cancer among MCFRS personnel Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of MCFRS Policy 26-06AMll?

To reduce cancer risk in firefighting operations Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a hazardous and toxic atmosphere?

An environment that may present or contain respiratory hazards Signup and view all the answers

When is the use of Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE) required?

In atmospheres that are Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) and in hazardous and/or toxic atmospheres Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE)?

To protect personnel from respiratory hazards Signup and view all the answers

When can apparatus and equipment be left unattended at stations and MCFRS facilities?

When within sight of MCFRS personnel Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when leaving a station?

Ensure the bay doors are closed or will close automatically Signup and view all the answers

What should be reported immediately to the station officer?

All suspicious activity and/or loss/theft Signup and view all the answers

Who can be contacted for questions or clarification on MCFRS policies?

The Division of Operations Chief Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for ensuring that personnel wipe all exposed skin surfaces with cleansing wipes in the rehab area?

To remove soot and reduce cancer risk Signup and view all the answers

Why must apparatus windows be left open for at least 1 hour after personnel return from suppression or overhaul operations?

To allow trapped gasses and vapors to escape Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum personal protective equipment (PPE) required for personnel cleaning equipment that contains visible particulate matter?

Issued particulate filter mask and EMS grade gloves Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of decontaminating grossly soiled gear by brushing off visible contamination before it is donned again or transported in apparatus?

To reduce the risk of cancer and other health risks Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for ensuring that personnel do not wear grossly soiled gear in the passenger compartment of apparatus?

Unit Officers Signup and view all the answers

Why must personnel wear hand protection when cleaning or replacing equipment on the scene?

To protect hands from hazardous substances Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of requiring personnel to clean themselves to remove as much soot as possible from exposed skin surfaces?

To reduce the risk of cancer and other health risks Signup and view all the answers

Why must personnel review the overhaul information on quicklinks for more details?

To obtain detailed information on overhaul procedures and cancer risk reduction Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason behind the focus of Fire Chiefs General Order 16-07?

To reduce chemical contaminants exposure Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of elevated core body temperatures?

Adverse blood chemistry changes Signup and view all the answers

When is an air quality solution engineered, according to Fire Chiefs General Order 16-07?

When the heat index is greater than 80 degrees Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended practice to prevent heat stress?

Showering as soon as possible after each fire Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to wash firefighting gear regularly?

To prevent contamination Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of having a clean second set of gear available?

To have a spare set in case of contamination Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to be mindful of transferring contaminants hand-to-mouth?

To prevent contamination Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of striking a balance between heat stress and chemical contaminants exposure risks?

To minimize exposure risks Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source for heat index determination?

OSHA Heat Index Smartphone App Signup and view all the answers

When is the heat index calculated using the air temperature and relative humidity?

When the OSHA Heat Index Smartphone App is not available Signup and view all the answers

What is added to the air temperature to account for heat retention of turn-out gear?

10 degrees Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum heat index required for consideration of downgrading respiratory protection levels?

80 degrees Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the heat index?

To determine the heat stress risk Signup and view all the answers

When can personnel downgrade their level of respiratory and personal protective equipment?

When the heat index is below 80 degrees Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the OSHA Heat Index Smartphone App?

To determine the heat index Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of reducing protection levels when the heat index is below 80 degrees?

No benefit Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of wiping all exposed skin surfaces with cleansing wipes in the rehab area?

To remove visible particulate matter Signup and view all the answers

Why should personnel wear hand protection when cleaning or replacing equipment on the scene?

To prevent skin irritation from soot Signup and view all the answers

What should personnel do to remove as much soot as possible from their body?

Wipe all exposed skin surfaces with cleansing wipes Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of ensuring that the rehab area is free from vehicle exhaust, smoke, or other obvious contaminants?

To create a safe environment Signup and view all the answers

Why should personnel review the overhaul information on quicklinks?

To learn about the proper use of respiratory protection equipment Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of decontaminating grossly soiled gear by at least brushing off visible contamination?

To create a safe environment Signup and view all the answers

Why should apparatus windows be left open for at least 1 hour after returning from suppression or overhaul operations?

To allow trapped gasses and vapors to escape Signup and view all the answers

What should personnel wear when cleaning equipment that contains visible particulate matter?

Issued particulate filter mask and EMS grade gloves Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Metering and Sensor Requirements

Metering must be continuous with a frequency of checks not exceeding 15 minutes for each compartment.
The minimum sensor compliment includes:
- O2 sensor with alarm set at 20.7%
- CO sensor with alarm set at 25 PPM
- HCN sensor with alarm set at 5 PPM
- PID 10.6 EV bulb with alarm set at 10 PPM

Mandatory SCBA Requirements

If the meter user witnesses any of the following, they must immediately recommend the returned use of SCBA:
- Activation of any alarm on the meter
- Tearing, even in the absence of meter readings
- Any person complaining of shortness of breath or other respiratory complaints
- Any person complaining of eye or skin irritation
- Presence of any substance or container larger than typical for household use, suspected to contain hazardous materials

Additional Considerations

Personnel may require respiratory protection due to sensor readings, even if it's safe to trade out their turnout coat for a long-sleeved shirt.
Insufficient resources (meters or personnel) should not allow personnel to downgrade their respiratory protection.

Respiratory Protection Policy

MCFRS Policy 26-06AMII requires the use of RPE in IDLH and hazardous/toxic atmospheres.
A hazardous and toxic atmosphere is defined as an environment that may present or contain respiratory hazards during MCFRS activities.

Overhaul Operations

The use of appropriate RPE during overhaul operations is mandatory to reduce the incidence of cancer among MCFRS personnel.
Personnel must continue to use SCBA until conditions meet the outlined parameters.

Downgrading Respiratory Protection

To reduce the level of respiratory protection from SCBA to particulate filter masks, all of the following requirements must be met:
- Each compartment must be evaluated individually by a Safety Officer, Haz-Mat Officer, or Chief Officer.
- The compartment must be free of visible smoke.
- Forced-air ventilation using a non-carbon-monoxide generating fan must be in place.
- Meter readings and atmospheric conditions must be within established limits.
- Only particulate filter masks issued by MCFRS may be used.

Incident Commander Responsibilities

The Incident Commander will ensure that the minimum PPE used by personnel conducting overhaul is:
- Issued particulate mask
- Long-sleeved shirt

Apparatus and Equipment Security

Apparatus and equipment should never be left unattended during routine business, such as inspections or shopping.
One crew member must remain with the apparatus at all times.
Apparatus and equipment may be left unattended only if within sight of MCFRS personnel at stations and MCFRS facilities.
Stations must remain secured at all times and ready for response.
Bay doors must be closed or set to close automatically when leaving the station.

Respiratory Protection and Cancer Risk Reduction

The use of Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE) is mandatory in hazardous and toxic atmospheres, including overhaul operations.
RPE must be used during the entirety of overhaul operations to reduce the incidence of cancer among MCFRS personnel.
Compartments in structures contain respiratory hazards and require RPE use until conditions meet specific parameters.

Parameters for Downgrading Respiratory Protection

The compartment must be evaluated individually by a Safety Officer, Haz-Mat Officer, or Chief Officer.
The compartment must be free of visible smoke.
Forced-air ventilation using a non-carbon-monoxide generating fan must be in place.
Meter readings and atmospheric conditions must be within the limits established by the Safety Section Chief.
Only particulate filter masks issued by MCFRS may be used.

Minimum PPE and Sensor Compliment

Minimum PPE includes an issued particulate mask, long sleeved shirt, and metering.
Metering must be continuous with a frequency of checks not exceeding 15 minutes for each compartment.
Minimum sensor compliment includes:
- O2 sensor with alarm set at 20.7%
- CO sensor with alarm set at 25 PPM
- HCN sensor with alarm set at 5 PPM
- PID 10.6 EV bulb with alarm set at 10 PPM

Mandatory SCBA Requirements

The use of SCBA may be necessary if certain conditions are met, such as alarm activation, tearing, respiratory complaints, eye or skin irritation, or the presence of hazardous materials.

Respiratory Protection and Cancer Risk Reduction

MCFRS mandates the use of appropriate RPE during overhaul operations to reduce the incidence of cancer among personnel.
RPE is required during overhaul because compartments in structures contain respiratory hazards.
SCBA must be used until conditions meet specific parameters, including:
- Evaluation by a Safety Officer, Haz-Mat Officer, or Chief Officer
- No visible smoke in the compartment
- Forced-air ventilation using a non-carbon-monoxide generating fan
- Meter readings and atmospheric conditions within established limits
- Only particulate filter masks issued by MCFRS may be used

Minimum PPE Requirements

Personnel conducting overhaul must wear:
- Issued particulate mask
- Long sleeved shirt
- Gloves
- Issued eye protection
- Helmet
- Issued turnout pants and boots

Apparatus and Equipment Security

Apparatus and equipment should never be left unattended, except when within sight of MCFRS personnel.
Stations must remain secured at all times and ready for response.
Bay doors must remain closed unless fire rescue personnel are actively engaged in activities in the apparatus bays or have direct visual observation.

Rehab Area Requirements

The Incident Commander or designee will ensure that:
- No turnout gear is present in the rehab area
- The rehab area is free from vehicle exhaust, smoke, or other obvious contaminants
- Personnel entering the rehab area wipe all exposed skin surfaces with a cleansing wipes
- Food consumed in the rehab area can be eaten without being touched by bare hands unless hand washing is available

Unit Officer Responsibilities

Unit Officers will ensure that:
- Personnel do not wear grossly soiled gear in the passenger compartment of apparatus
- Grossly soiled gear is transported back to the station in a separate compartment
- Apparatus windows are left open for at least 1 hour after personnel return from suppression or overhaul operations

Personnel Responsibilities

Personnel are responsible to:
- Clean themselves to remove as much soot as possible from the head, neck, jaw, throat, underarms, and hands
- Wear at least an issued particulate filter mask and EMS grade gloves when cleaning equipment that contains any visible particulate matter

Firefighter Safety and Decontamination

Firefighters are exposed to chemical contaminants and heat stress during emergency operations, increasing the risk of certain cancers.
The focus of FCGO 16-07 is to balance the risks of heat stress and chemical contamination.

Atmospheric Conditions and Meter Readings

When the heat index is 80 degrees or greater, air quality solutions are engineered, and personnel can downgrade respiratory and personal protective gear during overhaul.
The heat index is calculated using the air temperature and relative humidity, with a 10-degree adjustment for heat retention of turn-out gear.
The OSHA Heat Index Smartphone App is the primary source for heat index determination.

Meter Use

Meters are used to monitor the scene atmosphere, and users have no other responsibilities during this time.
Meters must be used according to established equipment operating protocols and cannot be used when there is visible smoke.

Decontamination Procedures

Firefighters should shower and change clothes as soon as possible after each fire.
Firefighting hoods, gloves, and utility gloves should be washed at least once a month or after each gross contamination.
Personnel should keep a clean second set of gear available for use.

Rehab Area Guidelines

The rehab area should be free from vehicle exhaust, smoke, or other contaminants.
Personnel should wipe all exposed skin surfaces with cleansing wipes before entering the rehab area.
Food consumed in the rehab area should be eaten without being touched by bare hands, unless hand washing is available.

Gear Decontamination

Grossly soiled gear should be decontaminated by brushing off visible contamination before reuse or transportation.
Unit officers should ensure that grossly soiled gear is not worn in the passenger compartment of apparatus and is transported back to the station in a separate compartment.

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Description

This quiz covers the mandatory requirements for metering and sensor usage in firefighting, including the minimum sensor compliment and SCBA usage guidelines.