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| Image courtesy of jasonEscapist via flickr - click to enlarge |
Last week we discussed the wounds that fire departments are reporting to us. It seems that many of these wounds could have been avoided had the department’s standard operating procedures (SOPs) for PPE been followed. This week we’ll focus on injuries incurred when not wearing gloves.
“No Gloves” Injuries
Quite a few injuries result when personnel don’t wear gloves when they should. When this occurs in your department, you’ll want to ask yourself, “Why are you taking off or not wearing the gloves?” Is it because gloves interfere with your dexterity, making it difficult to perform the task at hand? Is it habit (and not a good one) that you need to correct? Should the department look into the brand or type of glove the department is using and evaluate them for their effectiveness?
Check out some examples of Wounds occurring when the injured party is not wearing gloves:
“Fire fighter was part of a three-man team that had responded to a private residence for a water flow alarm and smoke investigation. Sprinkler system had extinguished fire in main room. While doing a secondary search for extension, fire fighters discover flame and called for water supply. While refitting equipment, adjacent room flashed causing burns to fire fighter's hands before he could complete putting his gloves back on.”
“Employee was at scene of MVA and attempted to pry tail pipe on muffler away from tire. Hand slipped and received laceration to index, middle and ringer of right hand. Went to hospital ER and received stitches to 2 fingers. He was not wearing fire fighting gloves at the time of injury.”
“During overhaul operations, the firefighter was standing on the base of a "pull-down" attic ladder. He began to climb the ladder to hand tools to a firefighter working in the attic when the ladder broke. As the firefighter was falling, he grabbed the side of the ladder and lacerated his finger. The firefighter was not wearing gloves at the time of injury. The laceration required five stitches.”
“At a structure fire, fire fighter was working in an attic space checking fire conditions. He removed his gloves to use the thermal imaging camera when the attic flashed over causing second degree burns to the back of his hands. He was wearing all of his PPE and SCBA except for his gloves. He was transported to the hospital.”
“Firefighter was loading hose tray back on engine and was not wearing gloves. A burr on the metal sliced his right thumb open.”
What is the problem & how can it be fixed?
You often find yourselves in urgent situations. These situations can cause you to cut corners. This is understandable, but doing so puts you in harm’s way. Additionally, some gloves keep you from being able to perform your duties by limiting dexterity. Having high-quality gloves and a variety of gloves readily available will ensure that you wear the right gloves for the job and keep yourself safe. Taking the time to stop, pick the right gloves, and then get on with your job is worthwhile; at least when compared to missing work!
Wear high quality, appropriate, gloves that meet national standards
Inspect gloves properly (video)
NFPA 1971 Standard for Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting – paying attention to upcoming revisions
Does your department provide a variety of gloves to you for a variety of types of jobs? What’s your favorite type of glove for specific duties?
Is it realistic for you to pick the right gloves, at the right time, to do the job right?
