b'O P E R A T I O N SE M E R G E N C Yl66% of the firefighters reported not always CLEANING TURNOUTSreporting hazards on the job.Preliminary exposure reduction (PER) happens at the fire scenelAbout one-third of firefighters reportedfirst. Turnouts should then be cleaned after each exposure toexperiencing coughing, wheezing, toxic products of combustion. Exposures can be from car fires,shortness of breath, and/or chest tightness dumpster fires, structure fires and training burns. Accumulation ofshortly after fire suppression, overhaul, or soot and chemicals on turnouts can lead to persistent exposures oflive fire training.carcinogens to fire fighters. Structural turnouts, including gloves, helmet, hood, boots, pants and coat, should be cleaned accordinglFirefighters reported not always usingto manufacturers recommendation and NFPA 1851. SCBA when exposed 12% during fire suppression, 25% during live fire training, IAFF PFAS and Fire fighter Turnout Gear and 38% during overhaul.The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and l9% reported not always following the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro Chiefs) have come together to notify members of the adverse health risks from fireIncident Chain of Command (ICC) during fighter turnout gear. Recent studies have shown that all threeemergency response.layers of fire fighter turnout gear contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of fluorinated chemicals knownSource: Washington Firefighter Surveyas forever chemicals that have been linked to cancer and2018 Safety and Health Assessment and Researchfor Prevention (SHARP) Program other serious health effects. These studies highlight the risksWashington State Department of Labor and Industriesassociated with the materials and finishes used in turnout gear even before it is exposed to its first fire.The IAFF and Metro Chiefs share a commitment to eliminating PFAS chemicals from turnout gear. They are working together to engage with regulatory bodies and are in ongoing conversations with manufacturers. Meanwhile, they urge fire fighters to minimize exposure to PFAS in turnout gear by taking the following precautions:Turnout gear should NOT be taken into firehouse living areas.When transporting gear in a personal vehicle, it should be inCLEANING SCBAa sealed container or bag and preferably NOT transported in theSCBA gear washers are crucial for maintaining the health and passenger compartment. safety of fire fighters and have become a best practice to provide Apparatus cabs should be cleaned regularly and after thorough cleaning. Hazardous environments can contaminate every fire. SCBA with chemicals, toxins and particulate matter. Regular Wash your hands after handling turnout gear. cleaning and decontamination can reduce the risk of exposure to fire fighters. Proper maintenance of the gear also can extend Legacy turnout gear should be replaced as new PFAS-freeits lifespan and ensure it functions properly. Compliance with technologies become available. regulations is also important, as regulations dictate proper Do not wear turnout gear on responses where this level ofcleaning and maintenance for SCBA. protection is not necessary.ABOVE: Bagging up contaminated turnouts and SCBAs prevents cross-contamination.20'