The Role of Monitoring in Occupational Health and Safety for Firefighters
There are few occupations which face danger as directly as firefighting. By the nature of their work, fire fighters are routinely exposed to dangers such as extreme temperatures, smoke inhalation, toxic gas, physical stresses and other environmental and occupational hazards. Consequently, it is essential that appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and established safety monitoring protocols are employed to mitigate and track exposure to hazardous gases and other environmental conditions.
The consequences of inadequate risk management in firefighting can be fatal. Exposure to certain hazards may lead to short-term health consequences such as heat stroke and asphyxiation or increase the risk of long-term negative health outcomes including cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, and cancer. Firefighters must be confident in their own equipment and safety in order to perform to the best of their ability. Portable gas detection and fit testing are two fundamental aspects of improving the safety of firefighters when attending to dangerous environments.
Fit Testing and Gas Detection Solutions for Occupational Safety in Firefighting
Environmental hazards faced in firefighting can be mitigated through appropriate selection and use of PPE alongside suitable gas detection solutions to prevent, or at least minimise, hazard exposure.
Fit Testing Masks Used by First Responders
Respirators or self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBAs) are the first layer of protection from inhalation of smoke, dust, fumes and other hazardous airborne substances. Fit testing for all tight-fitting masks used by firefighters is essential to ensure that the respiratory protective equipment (RPE) worn is adequately protecting the wearer from dangers faced in the field.
Some respiratory protective devices which are commonly donned by firefighters include:
Disposable respirators
Reusable filter respirators
Reusable powered air respirators
Self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBAs)
Respirator fit testing devices detect whether air is leaking through gaps in the seal between the respirator facepiece and the face of the wearer. Fit testing may be qualitative (QLFT) or quantitative (QNFT), with QNFT generally being preferred as it is the more objective and comprehensive test.
Quantitative fit testers such as the OHD Quantifit2 can test a range of different masks and SCBAs quickly and accurately. Due to the need for firefighters to respond rapidly to emergencies, individuals should be fit tested for each respirator or SCBA type they may wear at least once a year or when any significant change in face shape occurs such as weight gain or loss. This should be conducted by a trained professional such as a RESP-FIT accredited individual who has demonstrated respirator fit testing competence. Regularly conducting fit testing means firefighters can enter emergency situations prepared and confident in the protection provided by their RPE.
Personal Gas Monitoring
Personal gas detection is commonly used in firefighting to mitigate exposure to toxic gases. Smoke is a complex mix of hundreds of chemicals, many of which are harmful to human health. Toxic gases are known to remain present in potentially hazardous concentrations for significant periods of time after the fire has been extinguished.
Carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) are two hazardous gases which are commonly considered to pose some of the most severe threats to firefighters. CO is an odourless and colourless asphyxiant, undetectable without specialised equipment. In contrast HCN, also an asphyxiant, has a slight ‘almond-like’ odour and is near colourless.
There is growing concern regarding HCN exposure due to the increasing prevalence of synthetic building materials which emit high levels of HCN when burned. Due to the difficulty for these gases to be detected through human senses, specialised safety equipment is required so that firefighters can be made aware if these gases are present.
Personal gas monitors are generally designed to be wearable, providing the user with constant real-time gas concentration readings. Some personal gas monitors detect a single type of gas whereas others provide simultaneous measurements for multiple gases. A single gas monitor such as the Industrial Scientific Tango TX1 Single Gas Monitor, may be used to detect CO where it is the only gas of significant concern. Multi-gas monitors, like the Industrial Scientific Ventis Pro5 Confined Space Multi-Gas Monitor can detect a number of gases depending on the customisable sensor configuration used.
The primary purpose of personal gas monitors is to provide workers with advance warning when certain gas concentration thresholds are exceeded or approached. Single gas detectors like the Tango TX1 employ simple yet effective visual and audible alarms. Multi-gas detectors often provide additional safety features. For example, the Ventis Pro5 also has an inbuilt panic button and man-down alarm which will activate after a defined period of time without wearer motion, notifying other team-members and supervisors of potential hazards or prompting emergency rescue procedures.
Firefighters are often subjected to another group of gases that can pose serious risk to human health, known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs include compounds such as hydrocarbons which may act as accelerants and are generally both toxic and highly flammable, making them a risk for inhalation and of worsening fire conditions. VOCs are commonly detected through the use of portable photoionisation detectors (PIDs). These are often handheld, however some personal gas monitors, such as the MX6 iBrid Portable Muti Gas Monitor and Ventis Pro5 provide users with the option for inbuilt photoionisation sensors alongside electrochemical and infrared gas sensors, capable of detecting a large range of VOCs.
If safe exposure thresholds are exceeded, firefighters can take appropriate action which may include not entering the site, leaving the vicinity, or changing firefighting strategy.
Gas Detection for Arson Investigation
Gas detectors are not only useful for safety purposes but are also a valuable tool for arson detection. Photoionisation detectors (PIDs) are routinely used for detecting low levels of VOCs and other gases. Providing instantaneous readings, PIDs can indicate the presence of many accelerants including hydrocarbon-based fuels such as kerosene, butane, and gasoline.
Portable devices such as the ION Science Tiger XT are designed to rapidly detect over 750 VOCs and other toxic compounds. This allows for easy and extensive testing throughout the fire site and significantly reduces the cost and quantity of lab samples required. In Australia, fire investigation is often undertaken by a combination of police, fire agencies and independent consultants. Portable PID detectors are a fundamental tool in the investigation process and fire investigators are generally trained in their use.
Due to the high-risk nature of firefighting, risk management and hazard control are essential. Fit testing, in conjunction with personal gas detection and the use of PIDs, are key aspects in mitigating hazardous gas exposure and consequently improving health and safety outcomes for firefighters. Air-Met Scientific distribute a comprehensive range of portable gas detection solutions, including personal gas monitors and PIDs available for sale and rental. For more information, contact your local Air-Met Scientific today.
