9781284172256_SLID_CH02.pptx

CHAPTER 2 Fire Fighter Health and Safety  Knowledge Objectives List the major causes of death and injury in fire fighters. Describe the 16 fire fighter life safety initiatives. Describe some of the organizations that set the regulations, standards, and procedures intended t...

CHAPTER 2 Fire Fighter Health and Safety  Knowledge Objectives List the major causes of death and injury in fire fighters. Describe the 16 fire fighter life safety initiatives. Describe some of the organizations that set the regulations, standards, and procedures intended to ensure a safe working environment for the fire service Describe the connection between physical fitness and fire fighter safety.  Knowledge Objectives Describe the components of a well-rounded physical fitness program. Explain the practices fire fighters should take to promote optimal physical and mental health. Explain the role of a critical incident stress debriefing in preserving the mental well-being of fire fighters. List signs and symptoms of behavioural and emotional distress.  Knowledge Objectives Describe the purpose of an employee assistance program. Explain how fire fighter candidates, instructors, and veteran fire fighters work together to ensure safety during training. Describe how to safely mount an apparatus. Describe how to safely ride a fire apparatus to an emergency scene. Describe how to safely dismount an apparatus.  Knowledge Objectives Describe hazards and safety measures associated with riding apparatus. List the NFPA standards that require fire fighters to wear safety belts while riding in a fire apparatus. List the prohibited practices when riding in a fire apparatus to an emergency scene. Describe how to manage traffic safely at an emergency scene.  Knowledge Objectives List the four general principles that govern emergency vehicle operation. Explain how the teamwork concept is applied during every stage of an emergency incident to ensure the safety of all fire fighters. Describe how the personnel accountability system is implemented during an emergency incident. Explain considerations for hazard and scene control.  Knowledge Objectives List the common hazards at an emergency incident. Explain how to shut off a structure’s electrical service. Describe the measures fire fighters follow to ensure electrical safety at an emergency incident. Explain how to shut off a structure’s gas service.  Knowledge Objectives Explain how to shut off a structure’s water service. Describe how to lift and move objects safely. Explain how rehabilitation is used to protect the safety of fire fighters during an emergency incident. Describe how to ensure safety at the fire station. Describe how to ensure safety outside of the workplace.  Skills Objectives After studying this chapter, you will be able to perform the following skills: – Mount an apparatus safely. – Dismount from an apparatus safely.  Introduction Firefighting is inherently dangerous. Departments must do what they can to reduce known hazards and dangers. The final responsibility for personal safety falls to the individual fire fighter.  Causes of Fire Fighter Deaths and Injuries In 2016 in the United States, 69 fire fighters were killed in the line of duty. Deaths occur: Source: National Fire Protection Association, Fire Fighter Fatalities – During operations – At nonemergencies – In the station in the United States, 2016. – During training – Responding to or returning from emergencies  Causes of Fire Fighter Deaths and Injuries Cardiac events and vehicle crashes are Source: National Fire Protection Association, Fire Fighter the leading causes of fire fighter deaths. Injuries in the United States, 2016. According to the NFPA, in the United States 62,085 fire fighters were injured in the line of duty in 2016.  Reducing Fire Fighter Deaths and Injuries Most injuries are preventable. – Near-Miss Reporting System A successful safety program will address regulations, standards and procedures, personnel, training, and equipment.  Regulations, Standards, and Procedures Standards are issued by nongovernmental entities and are generally consensus based. Fire service safety is governed by: – NFPA 1500 – Provincial/territorial and federal agencies programs, such as the OSHA in the United States Regulations are issued and enforced by governmental bodies. Every department should have SOP/SOGs.  Personnel A health and safety program is only as effective as the individuals who implement it. Teamwork is essential to safe operations. Freelancing, or acting independently of orders or SOPs, is extremely dangerous and has no place on the fire ground. A fire fighter who freelances endangers not only himself or herself but everyone else at the scene who may need to rescue that fire fighter.  Training Knowledge and skills from training are essential for safety. – Fire fighters must avoid sloppy practices or shortcuts. – They also must learn how to identify hazards and unsafe conditions. Fire fighters must continually seek out additional courses and work to keep their skills current.  Equipment Fire fighters must know how to use equipment properly and operate it safely. Equipment must be properly maintained. Follow manufacturers’ operating instructions and safety procedures. Personal Health and Well-Being Each department member is responsible for personal health, conditioning, and nutrition. Fire fighters must exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, get an adequate amount of sleep, and take preventive measures to avoid illness.  Physical Fitness All fire fighters should spend at least an hour each day in fitness training. Must be a career-long activity © Jones & Bartlett Learning. Photographed by Glen E. Ellman.  Nutrition Healthy foods include – Fruits – Vegetables – Healthy fats – Whole grains – Lean protein Pay attention to portion sizes.  Hydration Consume 237 to 296 mL of water for every 5- 10 min of physical exertion—up to 4 litres of water each day. Proper hydration enables muscles to work longer and reduces the risk of illness and injury.  Sleep Establish a consistent sleep schedule and routine.  Heart Disease A leading cause of death in Canada as a whole and among fire fighters in particular A healthy lifestyle helps to reduce risk factors. Regular physical examinations will identify heart disease at an early stage.  Cancer Petroleum-based synthetic materials in furnishings increase the toxicity of modern fires. Cancer can be caused by carcinogens such as exhaust from diesel engines, poisonous gases in smoke, and chemical particles. Protective gear, especially hoods and gloves, contain high concentrations of carcinogens. In Canada, cancer causes 50 fatalities per 100,000 fire fighters.  Cancer: Protective Actions Remove bunker gear and contaminated clothing ASAP. Use SCBA from initial attack to finish of overhaul. © Jones & Bartlett Learning. Photographed by Glen E. Ellman. Perform gross field decontamination of PPE to remove as much soot/particulates as possible. Use cleansing wipes to remove soot from body immediately and while on the scene. Change your clothes and wash them; shower thoroughly.  Cancer: Protective Actions Clean your PPE, gloves, hood, and helmet immediately after a fire. Do not take contaminated clothes or PPE home or store them in your vehicle. Decontaminate the fire apparatus interior after fires. Keep bunker gear out of living and sleeping quarters. Stop using tobacco products. Use sunscreen or sun block.  Tobacco, Alcohol, and Illicit Drugs Many fire departments prohibit the use of tobacco products by fire fighters, on or off duty. Alcohol is another substance to avoid. – Excessive alcohol can damage the body, affect performance, and cause cancer. Illicit drug use has absolutely no place in the fire service. – Many departments have drug-testing programs. Counselling and Critical Incident Stress Management Fire fighting stressors include: – Those directly connected to fighting the fire – Rendering emergency medical care – Added burdens such as interrupted sleep and meal schedules Stress can produce a variety of symptoms. Maintain a healthy lifestyle to combat stressors. Identify and use resources to maintain behavioral health.  Critical Incident Stress Management Critical incidents include death, suicide, serious injury, terrorism, etc. Some individuals have a high capacity to deal with stressful situations; others react negatively. Critical incident stress can be cumulative. The recognized stages of emotional reaction include anxiety, denial, anger, illogical function, remorse, grief, and acceptance. CISM prevents emotional reactions from having a negative impact.  Critical Incident Stress Management CISM teams usually respond immediately after an incident, and peer support teams provide ongoing support. Monitor yourself and team members for © Tom Carter/Getty Images. signs of mental stress.  Suicide Awareness and Prevention In 2016, there were 99 reported fire fighter suicides in the Unites States. A fire department is three times more likely to be affected by suicide than a line-of-duty death. While fire fighters receive training, they may not be prepared for a traumatic situation. You must recognize signs of stress or depression in others and help them get assistance before the problem gets worse. Employee Assistance Programs Provide help with a wide range of problems – Physical problems – Financial problems – Emotional problems – Substance abuse problems Fire fighters who use an EAP can do so with complete confidentiality and without fear of retribution.  Safety During Training Developing the proper working habits during training courses helps ensure safety later. Do not attempt anything you feel is beyond your ability or knowledge. If you see something that you feel is an unsafe practise, say something. Do not freelance at any time. Work as a team! A fire fighter injured during training should not return until medically cleared for duty.  Safety During the Emergency Response Safety begins with being prepared. When you receive the alarm, walk quickly to the apparatus; do not run. You do not want © Jones & Bartlett Learning to slip and become injured.  Safety During the Emergency Response © Jones & Bartlett Learning. Photographed by Glen E. Ellman. © Jones & Bartlett Learning. Photographed by Glen E. Ellman.  Riding the Apparatus Personal protective gear should be properly positioned so you can don it quickly before getting into the apparatus. Be sure that seat belts are properly fastened before the apparatus begins to move. All equipment should be properly mounted, stowed, or secured. Wear hearing protection. Always check for traffic before exiting.  Traffic Safety on the Scene Follow SOPs. Placement of emergency vehicles is critical. If working on highway incident, wear high- visibility safety vests © Mike Legeros. Used with permission. Comply with all applicable traffic laws.  Safe Driving Practices In the United States in 2016, there were 15,425 collisions involving fire department emergency vehicles. Emergency driving requires added considerations. Driving while impaired is asking for trouble. Many jurisdictions require a special driver’s license to operate fire apparatus. Many collisions occur when the operator loses control of the vehicle. Laws and Regulations Governing Emergency Vehicle Operation Emergency vehicle operators are subject to traffic regulations. Exemptions are legal only when operating in emergency mode. Operator can be found liable. An exemption does not relieve the driver from reasonable care. Follow provincial/territorial laws and regulations.  SOPs for Personal Vehicles The use of personal vehicles to respond to fire and emergency medical services (EMS) calls constitutes a fire department function. Fire departments should have SOPs that explain the requirements for use of personal vehicles.  Vehicle Collision Prevention Take the characteristics of your vehicle into account. Anticipate the road and road conditions. Make allowances for weather conditions. Understand areas of greatest risk, such as intersections. Be alert for other emergency vehicles. © Jones & Bartlett Learning. Drive with a cushion of safety.  The Importance of Vehicle Maintenance Perform regular maintenance on fire department and personal vehicles, including: – Engine – Transmission – Brakes – Tires – Suspension and steering system – Windshield wipers and washers – Headlights, taillights, and turn signals  Safety at Emergency Incidents Do not charge blindly into action. Your job is to pay attention and report things that do not match expectations. Wait for the officer in command to “size up” the situation before acting. – Follow the officer’s instructions. – Always work in assigned teams. – Do not freelance.  Teamwork Maintain a minimum of two fire fighters in each team. Never work alone. Entire team must leave together. Maintain contact with © Jones & Bartlett Learning. each other at all times.  Personnel Accountability Accountability system should record: – Individuals assigned to each team – Assignments for each team – Team’s current activities Provides an up-to-date accounting of everyone who is working at the incident Fire fighters must learn their department’s accountability system, how to work within it, and how it works within the ICS.  Scene Hazards Be aware of your surroundings. Always operate within established boundaries and protected work areas. Changing fire conditions will affect safety. Do not let down your safety guard.  Utilities One of the first tasks at most structure fires – Once utilities are controlled, this should be communicated to the IC. – If control cannot be completed, the IC should determine the safest course of action. All fire fighters should know how to shut off a building’s electrical, gas, and water service.  Electrical Service Invisible emergency scene hazard Type of electricity delivery depends on utility. company/age of system Energized power lines may be present. Always check for overhead power lines © Jones & Bartlett Learning. Photographed by Glen E. Ellman. when raising ladders.  Electrical Service During any firefighting operations, the electric power supply should be turned off. Park apparatus outside the area and away from power lines. A downed power line should be considered energized until the power company confirms that it is dead. Do not use water to suppress fires near downed power lines.  Electrical Service In general, to turn off an electrical service to a structure, you must first identify the circuit breaker box that supplies the building or part of the building in which you need to disconnect the power. Then you can turn off the main circuit breaker that supplies the whole breaker box. Work with the utility company if required.  Gas Service: Natural Gas Delivered through a network of underground pipes Usually controlled by a single valve outside building or in basement © lucag_g/Shutterstock.  Gas Service: LPG Delivered by a tank truck and stored on the premises Shut-off is located at the storage tank. Rotate the handle into the fully closed position. Courtesy of Amanda Mitchell.  Water Service Can usually be shut off by closing one valve at the entry point Underground valve often accessed through a curb box Another valve is usually found inside the building where the water line enters.  Lifting and Moving Do not try to move something that is too heavy alone—ask for help. Prevent back injuries by always bending at the knees and using the legs to lift. Use handcarts, hand trucks, and wheelbarrows to move objects over long distances. Do not move an injured person unless his or her life is in danger.  Adverse Weather Conditions Dress appropriately for adverse weather conditions. Watch your footing on slippery surfaces. Check your department’s SOPs for acceptable PPE use in adverse weather.  Rehabilitation Provides periods of rest and recovery for emergency workers Personnel should not be released until they are rested, refreshed, and ready for another work cycle. © Jones & Bartlett Learning. Photographed by Glen E. Ellman.  Violence Do not proceed to the scene until the police have declared it safe. Use situational awareness at all times. If the scene is not secure and there is any threat to personal safety, slowly back away from the emergency scene to a safe distance and ask the police to secure the scene. If you are confronted with a potentially violent situation, do not respond violently.  Safety at the Fire Station Be careful when working with power tools, ladders, electrical appliances, pressurized cylinders, and hot surfaces. Proper maintenance includes sharpening, lubricating, and cleaning each tool. All fire fighters should be able to do basic repairs. Injuries that occur at the firehouse can be just as devastating as those that occur at an emergency incident scene.  Safety Outside Your Workplace Follow safe practices when you are off duty. An unintentional injury can end your career as a fire fighter. Keep your seat belt fastened. © Jones & Bartlett Learning. Photographed by Glen E. Ellman.  Summary Every fire fighter and fire department must have a strong commitment to safety and health. Safety must be fully integrated into every activity, procedure, and job description. In the United States, the majority (42 percent) of all fire fighter deaths are caused by stress, overexertion, and medical issues. Cardiac events account for 38 percent of these deaths.  Summary Motor vehicle accidents are the second leading cause of fire fighter fatalities in the United States. Always wear your seat belt. The majority of all fire-ground injuries are caused by overexertion, or strain. Fire fighters must always consider three groups when ensuring safety at the scene: – Their personal safety – The safety of other team members – The safety of everyone else  Summary A successful safety program must have four major components: standards and procedures, personnel, training, and equipment The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s “16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives” describes the steps that need to be taken to change the current culture of the fire service to help make it a safer place for all fire fighters.  Summary Safety and well-being are directly related to personal health and fitness. You should eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, stay hydrated, and sleep for 7 to 8 hours. A well-rounded fitness routine includes weight training, cardiovascular workouts, and stretching. A well-rounded diet includes appropriate portions of fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, whole grains, and lean protein.  Summary Employee assistance programs are available to provide fire fighters with confidential assistance in dealing with a physical, financial, emotional, or substance abuse problem. The aim of counselling, peer support teams, employee assistance programs, and critical incident stress management programs is to prevent emotional reactions from having a negative impact on the fire fighter’s work and life, over both the short term and the long term.  Summary Many fire fighter fatalities occur during training exercises. Do not attempt anything you feel is beyond your ability or knowledge. If you see something you feel is unsafe, say something. Response actions include receiving the alarm, donning protective clothing and equipment, mounting the apparatus, and transporting equipment and personnel to the emergency incident quickly and safely.  Summary The response process begins when the alarm is received at the fire station. Don your PPE before mounting the apparatus or after arriving at the emergency scene. While riding in the apparatus, your seat belt should be secure, and you should be concentrating on mentally preparing for the emergency. Consider any relevant factors that could affect the emergency, such as the weather and the time of day.  Summary Upon arrival at the scene, traffic safety should be a major concern. Always check for traffic before exiting the apparatus. Follow departmental SOPs to close streets quickly and block access for civilian vehicles. Four general principles govern emergency vehicle operation: – Emergency vehicle operators are subject to all traffic regulations unless a specific exemption is made.  Summary – Exceptions are legal only when operating in emergency mode. – Even with an exemption, the emergency vehicle operator can be found criminally or civilly liable if involved in a crash. – An exemption does not relieve the operator of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with reasonable care for all persons using the highway.  Summary Emergency driving requires good reactions and alertness. Driving while impaired or distracted is unacceptable. Your driving record, both on duty and off duty, will impact your career. Safe driving practices will prevent most vehicle collisions. Anticipate the road and road conditions. Make allowances for weather conditions. Learn where the greatest risks are located on your routes. Be alert for the presence of other emergency vehicles.  Summary Fire fighters should always work in assigned teams and be guided by a strategic plan. Teamwork and disciplined action are essential to provide for safety and efficient operations. Upon arriving at the scene, check in to the personnel accountability system. This system tracks personnel and assignments at the emergency scene. Several types of systems are acceptable.  Summary To protect the safety of fire fighters, controlling utilities is one of the first tasks to be accomplished. The electrical service and gas supply should be shut off and locked. Do not try to move a heavy object alone—ask for help. The fire station is just as much a workplace as the fire ground. Continue to follow safe practices when you are off duty.