The Hidden Dangers of Neglecting Firefighter Bunker Gear Maintenance

The Hidden Dangers of Neglecting Firefighter Bunker Gear Maintenance

Turnout gear, also known as firefighter bunker gear or firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE), provides essential protection for firefighters to safely perform their duties. Proper use and maintenance of this gear is crucial for firefighter safety and effectiveness.

Firefighting exposes bunker gear to hazardous conditions, toxins, and contaminants over time, making regular cleaning vital to prevent the spread of contaminants, maintain the protective properties of the gear, and reduce health risks. Adhering to NFPA 1851 standards through routine inspections, cleanings, and advanced decontamination procedures ensures gear effectiveness and longevity.

Contamination Risks

Neglecting regular cleaning and maintenance of turnout gear can compromise the effectiveness of the gear and increase the risk of exposure to harmful substances ³. Proper care and maintenance of bunker gear is crucial, as compromised gear can pose a major hazard to firefighters, and exposure to UV light can be damaging to the integrity of the gear fabric ⁵.

Carcinogen and Toxin Exposure

1. Carcinogens and toxic chemicals from fires can transfer to skin and living/storage areas if not properly decontaminated, increasing the risk of cancer diagnosis and death for firefighters.
2. Firefighters are more susceptible to contracting illnesses and cancers due to consistent exposure to chemicals, carcinogens, diseases, and toxins.
3. Dirty bunker gear, once a badge of honor, is now a sign of irresponsibility as it can harbor harmful carcinogens.
4. Bunker gear is now stored away from sleeping quarters to safeguard firefighters against these carcinogens.

Gear Integrity Risks

1. Improper care of bunker gear can lead to shortened lifespan of the equipment and absorbing more heat from a fire.
2. Recent research has identified carcinogens, including PFAS ‘forever chemicals’, present in firefighter PPE gear.
3. Carcinogens from exposure to modern synthetic building materials in fires also get absorbed into the gear.
4. Each fire should be treated as a micro chemical hazard.
5. Chemicals from fires get lodged in turnout gear and on skin, risking cross-contamination of other surfaces and people.

Minimizing Exposure

Recommendations to minimize exposure and cross-contamination include:

1. Not bringing bunker gear home
2. Not working out in bunker gear
3. Managing gear with gloves
4. Cleaning exposed skin before leaving the station
5. Cleaning gear after major exposures per NFPA 1851 guidelines

PFAS Contamination

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has conducted research that found firefighter turnout gear often contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are linked to increased cancer risk and other health effects. Key findings include:

• The NIST study found that these PFAS chemicals are released more when the gear undergoes wear and tear.
• PFAS are referred to as ‘forever chemicals’ because they don’t break down in the environment.
• The CDC has found that most Americans have detectable amounts of PFAS in their blood, and firefighters may have higher than average levels of at least one type of PFAS.

NIST chemist John Kucklick stated: “Using PFAS in turnout gear may or may not be an acceptable risk, given all the other hazards that firefighters already face. This data will help people weigh those costs and benefits”.

Health Implications

Decontamination Effectiveness

Wet-soap decontamination, using water and dish soap applied to the gear and scrubbed with a brush, is the most effective method, removing an average of 85% of PAH contamination. This highlights the importance of following proper decontamination procedures to minimize health risks associated with exposure to harmful substances present in firefighter bunker gear.

Respiratory Concerns

1. Inhalation of particulates and chemicals from contaminated gear can lead to respiratory issues, including:
   • Irritation of the respiratory tract
   • Increased risk of developing chronic respiratory diseases
   • Exacerbation of existing conditions like asthma
2. Proper decontamination procedures help reduce the concentration of harmful substances, mitigating the risk of respiratory problems.

Carcinogenic Exposure

1. Firefighters have an increased risk of developing various types of cancer due to exposure to carcinogenic substances present in smoke and soot ³.
2. Inadequate decontamination of bunker gear can lead to prolonged exposure to these carcinogens, further elevating cancer risk.
3. Adherence to decontamination protocols is crucial in minimizing the absorption and transfer of carcinogenic compounds.

Dermal Exposure

1. Contaminants present on firefighter bunker gear can be absorbed through the skin, leading to potential health issues.
2. Proper decontamination reduces the risk of dermal exposure to hazardous substances, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other toxins.

By following recommended decontamination procedures, firefighters can significantly reduce their exposure to various health hazards associated with contaminated bunker gear, thereby minimizing the risk of developing respiratory issues, cancer, and other adverse health effects.

Decontamination Procedures

Following NFPA 1851 Guidelines

Adhering to the NFPA 1851 standard, which outlines guidelines for the inspection, cleaning, and repair of structural firefighting ensembles, is critical to maximize the effectiveness and longevity of protective gear. The standard emphasizes the importance of combining advanced cleaning with regular inspections to address lingering contaminants that routine cleaning might miss ².

Working with Specialized Service Providers

1. South Coast Fire and Safety is recognized by gear manufacturers for their advanced cleaning services and expertise in following strict NFPA guidelines to ensure compliance.
2. Working with verified Independent Service Providers (ISPs) specializing in PPE care and maintenance is recommended to ensure the proper cleaning and maintenance of firefighter turnout gear.
3. Cypress Creek Fire Department takes several steps to prevent cross-contamination and protect firefighters from cancer-causing toxins, including sending all bunker gear to Lion Group Inc. for routine cleaning and maintenance.

Decontamination Process

The decontamination process involves:

1. Choosing the right product, such as D7, a chemical detoxifier proven for firefighter turnout gear decontamination.
2. Applying the product (D7 can be applied as a spray, foam, or soak) at the fireground to neutralize toxic chemicals without the need for scrubbing ⁶.
3. Separating contaminated gear from uncontaminated gear.
4. Laundering washable gear according to NFPA 1851 guidelines.
5. Regularly inspecting gear for signs of wear, tear, or contamination ⁶.

Effective Decontamination Methods

1. Wet-soap decontamination, using water and dish soap applied to the gear and scrubbed with a brush, is the most effective method, removing an average of 85% of PAH contamination ³.
2. D7 has been tested and passed NFPA 1851 standards for semi-volatile organic compound reduction, heavy metal reduction, and biological contamination reduction ⁶.

NFPA Research Initiatives

The NFPA has undertaken three major research projects to establish comprehensive best practices for effectively cleaning and sanitizing firefighter PPE ¹²:

1. Identifying the most effective and practical decontamination approaches.
2. Creating tools for fire departments to assess PPE contamination.
3. Establishing metrics to help improve cleaning products and services.

These projects, funded through DHS/FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grants, have produced various reports, videos, and other resources to support the fire service.

Integrating Decontamination into Training

Decontamination should be part of regular training to become second nature ⁶. Firefighters can use APX Fire RMS Software solutions to inspect, investigate, map, pre-plan, and report on their firefighting operations, which includes managing their turnout gear ¹.

Conclusion

Maintaining firefighter bunker gear through proper decontamination procedures is crucial for safeguarding the health and well-being of firefighters. Neglecting regular cleaning and maintenance can lead to increased exposure to harmful substances, compromising the protective properties of the gear and posing significant risks to respiratory health, dermal exposure, and even cancer development. Adhering to NFPA 1851 guidelines, working with specialized service providers, and incorporating effective decontamination methods into standard operating procedures should be a top priority for fire departments to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of firefighter turnout gear.

While the importance of decontamination cannot be overstated, it is equally vital to recognize the broader implications of firefighter safety. Ongoing research initiatives, training programs, and the integration of comprehensive gear management systems can further enhance the fire service’s ability to mitigate the risks associated with contaminated bunker gear. By prioritizing firefighter safety through a proactive and multifaceted approach, fire departments can foster a culture of responsibility and accountability, ultimately protecting those who put their lives on the line to serve their communities.

FAQs

Why is it crucial for firefighters to wear proper gear?

Firefighters are equipped with turnout gear, which includes protective clothing such as pants and jackets. This gear is designed with three layers to safeguard firefighters from a variety of hazards, including radiant and thermal exposure, unexpected flashovers, and physical dangers like punctures and abrasions. Additionally, this gear aims to balance safety with the necessary dexterity and comfort for firefighters to perform their duties effectively.

How frequently should firefighter bunker gear be replaced?

According to NFPA 1851, a standard that outlines the guidelines for selecting, caring for, and maintaining structural firefighting protective clothing and equipment, any gear that is more than 10 years old from the date of manufacture should be taken out of service.

What are the most hazardous aspects of being a firefighter?

Firefighting is one of the occupations with a high rate of injuries and illnesses. Firefighters are frequently exposed to perilous situations, such as collapsing structures and extreme exposure to fire and smoke. To mitigate these dangers, firefighters must wear appropriate protective gear.

To what extent does bunker gear protect firefighters?

Bunker gear is highly protective when combined with other equipment such as self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), personal alert safety system (PASS) devices, and modern communication tools. This ensemble is engineered to shield firefighters from smoke, heat, water, steam, and flashovers, and can even provide short-term protection against direct flame contact.