Chemical Exposures – Protection & Safety

During October and November we’ve discussed Exposures on this blog.  Most recently our focus has been on Chemical Exposures.  In thinking about these, we’ve discussed general information regarding dealing with HazMat situations, and more specific issues such as working with your local fixed facilities.  Knowing the basics about dealing with possible hazmat incidents is key to safety, and being prepared by coming up with plans with your local fixed facilities helps prevent Chemical Exposures even more, but having the right protection and being able to monitor what’s in the air is paramount to keeping your team, and your communities, safe no matter what you face.   That’s why we’ll finish up this series with a focus of protecting yourself and your communities from possible Chemical Exposure during any incident, whether it occur at a fixed facility incident, road accident, general structure fire, or even a wildland fire.  Let’s start by stating that each department should have their teams crossed trained to be ready to face HazMat incidents, especially unexpected ones, and have quality decontamination tools on hand, even if they have to use DIY solutions.  Below are some details to get you up to speed, and give you some things to think about, regarding PPE, Decontamination, and Air Monitoring.

PPE

Wearing quality PPE, including respiratory protection is the best thing you can do to prevent Chemical Exposure in any incident.

            Hazardous Materials PPE (OSHA)

PPE resources for first responders (CHEMM)

Decontamination

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Knowing how to quickly and effectively decontaminate anyone who comes in contact with a hazardous material during an incident is something that can best be done after proper preplanning and practice.  Keep in mind that decontamination should be started by first responders.  Waiting for the HazMat team can cause dangerous delays.

Air Monitoring

Always perform some sort of air monitoring to determine the safety of all those present – civilians who will likely be evacuated and the first responders dealing with the situation.  Air monitoring should also be done after an incident to ensure the safety of the emergency personnel dealing with salvage and overhaul, and the civilians who will be re-entering the area.   Finally, remember that not all PPE protects you from all hazardous materials, so monitoring air should be your first step when deciding what PPE to use when entering a HazMat incident.

Image courtesy of Deep Water Horizon response via flickr

• During incident
  Air Monitoring at Structure Fires, Fire Engineering, 2010

• After incident
  Hazmat Survival Tips: Air Monitoring during Salvage and Overhaul Operations (Fire Engineering, 2008)

TCFP Library Audio-Visual Resources

HAZMAT INCIDENT MANAGEMENT STEP 4: PROTECTIVE CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT 

HAZMAT/WMD SELF PROTECTION FOR FIREFIGHTERS 

HAZMAT INCIDENT MANAGEMENT STEP 7: DECONTAMINATION 
AIR MONITORING PART 1: CONTAMINATION ASSESSMENT  
AIR MONITORING PART 2: DIRECT READING INSTRUMENTS  

Newest Research

Check out this new study regarding all these issues!  It's a MUST READ!

Does your department's SOPs follow OSHA guidelines?

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?