b'O P E R A T I O N S F ire departments should conduct a risk/benefit analysis E M E R G E N C Ythat takes into consideration the risk of fire fighters being unnecessarily exposed to carcinogens. It is important to limit toxic exposures to personnel on scene as much as possible. Additionally, Incident Commanders (IC) can minimize risks by cancelling units that are not needed.Upon arrival at the incident, units should stage uphill and upwind of the fire when practical. Keep apparatus windows closed and keep air conditioner and heat turned off to minimize airborne contaminants entering the cab and contaminating the interior. If you need to keep the air conditioner and heat on, we recommend using indoor air circulation mode to prevent airborne contaminants entering from the outside.If the apparatus is not involved in an integral process of fireground operations (pumping, supplying or aerial operations), turn off the motor to reduce the diesel exhaust on the scene.On-deck and Rapid Intervention Crews (RIC) can be readily available without standing in the smoke. Stay outside of the smoke envelopethe area surrounding the scene where airborne contaminants are presentand be aware of the greater picture. This envelope depends on atmospheric conditions. For example, on low-wind days with atmospheric inversion, the smoke envelope may surround a fire scene with a large spread of emissions in all directions.Responders, including the pump operator/engineer and IC, should wear appropriate PPE whenever the situation warrants. Some personnel may need to wear Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) when exposed to the products of combustion or hazardous materials.All personnel engaged in firefighting shall use SCBA from initial attack throughout overhaul. FCSN 2011 states that not wearing SCBA is the single most dangerous voluntary activity in todays fire service. Such usage should include not only interior structural firefighting, but also for car fires and dumpster fires.EMERGENCY LEFT: RTI conducted a fluorescent aerosol test that found aerosol particles can penetrate a fire fighters hood and deposit on the skin. There were very heavy aerosol deposits on the Minimize risk by limiting exposure neck, cheeks, ears and hair to toxic carcinogens on scene, in transit due to penetration through the hood. The dark bands below the ears were relatively clean areas and during cleanup that were covered by the mask straps.Test conducted by RTI International, Research Triangle Park, N.C.,and sponsored by the International Association of Fire Fighters.14'