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Are You Following These Essential Fire Service Decontamination Procedures?

    

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The carcinogens that firefighters are exposed to present a serious health risk. A NIOSH study found that firefighters had a higher number of cancer diagnoses and related deaths. Because of this, researchers have recommended training and use of protective equipment during all stages of a fire to help reduce the health risks. 

In addition to exposure at the fireground, any contaminated equipment that is transferred back to the station is also a potential source of exposure. Fortunately, there are steps teams can take to reduce this type of exposure and protect the long-term health of firefighters. Follow these essential fire service decontamination procedures to reduce risk.

Decontaminate at the Fireground

After a fire has been contained, equipment and gear should be decontaminated at the fireground to reduce cross-contamination. Decontaminating as quickly as possible—ideally immediately after the fire has been contained and the scene has been secured—also reduces exposure time. Although it might not be possible to completely avoid interaction with the harmful carcinogens created during a fire, quick decontamination will limit exposure time. At a minimum, rinse gear with water to remove gross contamination. Ideally, use a product that neutralizes the chemicals to further limit exposure. 

Isolate Contaminated Equipment

When transferring used gear and equipment back to the station, isolate it as much as possible. Designate areas in vehicles for transporting contaminated equipment and gear, and don’t store or transport any other items in those areas. At the station, don’t allow any gear to come into living and dining areas. Pay special attention to footwear because it’s easy to transfer contaminants between areas this way. Require all team members to remove boots before entering common areas. 

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Decontaminate Storage Areas

When it’s not possible to completely isolate contaminated equipment, clean the areas that it touched as soon as possible. For example, if a firefighter rides in the cab or other seating area with contaminated gear, those areas should be treated to eliminate cross-contamination. At the station, treat storage areas that hold contaminated gear (including lockers or closets where gear is stored) in order to prevent future cross-contamination.  

Create Systems

Use a color-coding system to indicate what gear is clean and ready to use and what equipment needs to be decontaminated. Create a system for ensuring that all contaminated equipment gets treated in a timely manner. The longer that contaminated gear remains untreated, the higher the risk of cross-contamination. Launder all clothing that was worn under equipment and any washable gear as soon as possible after use. Use a log book to record who did the work, when it was done, and what gear was treated.

How D7 Helps

D7 foam can be sprayed at the fireground to neutralize the harmful chemicals present on turnout gear and equipment. Unlike spraying with water or scrubbing, the clinging foam works without mechanical action and doesn’t cause damage to the materials or shorten their lifespans.  

D7 spray or foam can also be used to clean storage areas at the station and in vehicles to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Vehicle cabs and other areas that have come into contact with used gear can be decontaminated between use. If boots or other articles are worn into common areas, D7 can be used on most materials to remove any potential contamination. D7 is so versatile, it can also be used for laundering clothing and washable equipment at the station.

D7 complied with NFPA 1851 12.4 and 12.5 standards when used as a wash formula in Cleaning Efficacy testing for firefighter turnout gear. Further research has shown that turnout gear laundered with D7 fared better with water and abrasion resistance testing compared to gear laundered with recommended detergents. And gear laundered with D7 showed the largest reduction in chemical contaminants of the detergents tested. Very little D7 is needed to remove or inactivate heavy metals, semi-volatile organic compounds, and microorganisms, so the cost to wash a set of turnout gear is only around $o.42.

To learn more about why it’s so important to decontaminate firefighter gear and how D7 can help, download our free e-book, The D7 Guide to Firefighter Turnout Gear Decontamination, today.

Firefighter Turnout Gear Decontamination