Exposures - Chemical

For the next few weeks we’ll focusing on a particularly scary and unpredictable type of exposure – Chemical Exposure.

The good news about Chemical Exposures is that they are relatively few and far between, though when something does happen it can be devastating, and they can have long-term effects, including Cancer.  The total number Chemical Exposures we’ve seen in 2011 is 119.  This is less than five percent of the total injuries reported.  The most reported Chemical Exposures occur during Fire Suppression, with the next largest number occurring during Station Duties.  

Chemical Exposures by Activity (2011) - click to enlarge

 

The Chemical Exposures you’re reportedly coming into contact with include: household cleaning items, gasoline, hydraulic fluid, foam, battery acid, H202 (hydrogen peroxide), CO (carbon monoxide), pesticides, Freon, Ammonium Persulfate, chlorine fumes, paint and unknown hazardous chemicals.  

86 percent of these exposures were reported without noted reaction or symptoms; 15 percent reported respiratory system effects via inhalation; 1 percent report physical effects, such as blistering and redness; and 1 percent report allergic-type effects, such as hives and rash.

Chemical Exposures by Symptoms (2011) - click to enlarge

 

Check out some examples of Chemical Exposures occurring during Fire Suppression:

Structure fire involving a pesticide business. Possible exposure to 70 plus hazardous chemicals according to MSDS sheets on location.

While fighting a dumpster fire containing Ammonium Persulfate the plume of smoke momentarily change directions and engulfed firefighter. He was in full PPE with SCBA per SOP and ERG recommendations. He later complained of a feeling like "sunburn" on face and burning eyes.

Attempting to put out paint cans, which exploded, with reaction to water causing exposure to chemical w/ a PH of 14.

A chemical mixing company burned. They had approximately 300 chemicals in various amounts in, and around, their building. This firefighter was exposed to the smoke and/or fumes of the fire. Department has had base line blood work done on employees and has filled out exposure forms for future reference.

Check out some examples of Chemical Exposures occurring during Station Duties, Skills Training & Rescue Non-Fire activities:

Fire personnel was emptying out a one gallon pressurized garden sprayer that had Superall in it and as personnel was walking to sink to drain product into sink the wand hose came unattached from the sprayer and discharged the product into personnel's right eye.

Firefighter was filling fuel tank on vent fan at fire station. While pouring gasoline from contain into funnel which was connected to fuel tank, gasoline splashed from funnel into firefighter’s face and right eye when funnel was removed from fuel tank spout. 

Employee was running a weekly test on our stand-by generator at their assigned fire station when the battery exploded. A very small amount of acid from the battery landed on employee's face. The employee was wearing protective glasses at the time of the incident and no acid entered his eyes. 

Firefighter was in a training exercise and was hooking up a 1 3/4 supply line to pumper. Before he had completed his connection another firefighter opened up the valve to the discharge outlet. When this valve opened up it sprayed water and foam in the face of the firefighter. 

Employee was checking the ambulance and while he was moving H2O2 he started to have a burning sensation on his hands. He washed his hands and the burning stopped. H2O2 was removed and replaced. Possible reaction with rubbing alcohol and H2O2

While working major accident, firefighter had burning sensation on finger tips. Skin was turning white and scaly in appearance. Believing to be chemical burn, firefighter rinsed hands at scene. Firefighter believed he contacted substance from gloves being used.

Records & Exams

Not only must you report your Chemical Exposures to us, but you must also keep good records on any exposures occurring within your department, due to long term issues that can arise.  OSHA regulations instruct you on these records management requirements.   Additionally, NFPA 1500 Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program, states that you must conduct baseline medical exams (including blood work) for all staff (or at least those on the HazMat teams) each year, or after an exposure.  These can be compared with new blood tests through the years to uncover work-related exposures.

Does your department conduct these regular medical exams?

Are you surprised at how often you can be exposed to harmful chemicals?

Does your department have SOPs on these exposures?