Post Incident Exposure Reduction And Decontamination 206-01

Question 1

What is the purpose of the standard operating procedure (SOP)?

Answer 1

To reduce the exposure of personnel to soils and contaminants on the exterior of the ensemble or ensemble elements following incident operations.

Question 2

What does Preliminary Exposure Reduction (PER) refer to?

Answer 2

Techniques used for reducing soiling and contamination levels on the exterior of the ensemble following incident operations.

Question 3

Why is PER important for firefighters?

Answer 3

It leads to improved levels of firefighter health and safety by limiting exposure to hazards.

Question 4

Is PER considered cleaning or decontamination?

Answer 4

No, PER is not considered cleaning or decontamination.

Question 5

What does PER aim to minimize?

Answer 5

The transfer of soils and contaminants from the emergency scene to apparatus, station, and personal vehicles.

Question 6

What is necessary for full cleaning of the ensemble or ensemble elements?

Answer 6

Advanced or specialized cleaning processes.

Question 7

What have studies shown about firefighters and cancer?

Answer 7

Firefighters have an increased chance of developing certain cancers due to exposure to contaminants.

Question 8

What is the relationship between certain cancers and the Saskatchewan Workers Compensation Board?

Answer 8

Several cancers are eligible for benefits under the policy for presumption of occupational disease.

Question 9

What reduction percentage has been shown with decontamination and PER techniques?

Answer 9

A median reduction of up to 85% of fireground contaminants.

Question 10

Fill in the blank: Preliminary Exposure Reduction is a method for reducing the exposure of firefighters to _______.

Answer 10

[soils and contaminants]

Question 11

True or False: PER is solely focused on cleaning the ensemble.

Answer 11

False

Question 12

What is the Clean Cab Concept?

Answer 12

The techniques used to minimize the transfer of soils and contaminants from the incident scene to the apparatus.

This concept aims to maintain the cleanliness of emergency vehicles during operations.

Question 13

Define On-Scene Decontamination.

Answer 13

The method of performing exposure reduction techniques described in this document.

This process is crucial for reducing contamination during emergency responses.

Question 14

What does Preliminary Exposure Reduction (PER) refer to?

Answer 14

The techniques used for reducing soiling and contamination levels on the exterior of the ensemble (turnouts) or ensemble elements following incident operations.

PER is essential for maintaining the safety and integrity of firefighting gear.

Question 15

What is included in a PER Kit?

Answer 15

• A 5-gallon pail
• A small bottle of liquid Tide
• An expandable hose
• A garden nozzle
• An adapter for hose connection to the pumping apparatus
• A soft bristle brush

The PER Kit is located on all front line apparatus to facilitate decontamination.

Question 16

True or False: The PER Kit is located on all front line apparatus.

Answer 16

True

This ensures that crews have immediate access to decontamination supplies.

Question 17

What is the main goal concerning contaminated equipment in the crew cab of apparatus or service vehicles?

Answer 17

To ensure that no contaminated equipment is transported in the crew cab unless deemed clean by an officer.

Question 18

When can contaminated equipment be transported in the crew cab?

Answer 18

If all visible particulate has been rinsed off and the officer deems it clean enough.

Question 19

What should be done when transporting contaminated equipment that cannot be secured in the truck bed?

Answer 19

The service truck should be called to pick up and return contaminated equipment.

Question 20

Under what circumstances may equipment or tools be transported in the crew cab?

Answer 20

When there is no other option and after on-scene decontamination procedures have been conducted.

Question 21

What must be done once the apparatus transporting contaminated equipment returns to the station?

Answer 21

The apparatus must be decontaminated.

Question 22

What is the purpose of the on-scene decontamination/preliminary exposure reduction (PER) process?

Answer 22

To mitigate exposure to contaminants on firefighting ensembles after an emergency scene.

Question 23

Who is responsible for assigning a crew to conduct PER?

Answer 23

The Incident Commander.

Question 24

What is the first step personnel must take when conducting PER?

Answer 24

Retrieve the PER Kit from the appropriate apparatus.

Question 25

What should firefighters do immediately after exiting the emergency scene?

Answer 25

Carry out PER if their protective ensemble could have become contaminated.

Question 26

What should a firefighter do if they are returning to the emergency scene after air cylinder change?

Answer 26

Brush off any dry debris from the helmet, facepiece, and SCBA.

Question 27

What techniques are included in the dry mitigation method?

Answer 27

Brushing debris off the exterior of ensembles with a soft bristle brush.

Question 28

What is the key aspect of the wet mitigation technique?

Answer 28

Gently rinsing the exterior with low-pressure and low-volume flow water.

Question 29

What should not exceed 410 kPa (60 psi) during the wet mitigation technique?

Answer 29

Pump pressure.

Question 30

What is permitted to aid in the wet mitigation technique?

Answer 30

A mild detergent.

Question 31

What must not be used during the mitigation process?

Answer 31

Heavy scrubbing or high-velocity water jets.

Question 32

When conducting both dry and wet mitigation, which should be performed first?

Answer 32

Dry mitigation.

Question 33

What should be done with ensemble elements after mitigation?

Answer 33

Isolate and bag them, avoiding transportation in passenger areas.

Question 34

What must be done following preliminary exposure reduction?

Answer 34

The ensemble elements must undergo appropriate cleaning and decontamination procedures.

Question 35

What is the Clean Cab Concept?

Answer 35

All equipment, including SCBAs, should be sprayed off and brushed before being placed back in the apparatus.

Question 36

What should be done to SCBAs before they are stowed in apparatus seats?

Answer 36

Ensure PER techniques have been conducted.

Question 37

What should be done with the SCBA before returning it to the seat holder?

Answer 37

Place it in a spill cleanup bag with the open end facing up.

Question 38

What must the driver/operator do before personnel enter the apparatus?

Answer 38

Apply a disposable seat cover to every seat occupied by crew members exposed to contaminants.

Question 39

What must personnel use after conducting appropriate PER techniques outside the cab?

Answer 39

Decontamination wipes carried on all frontline apparatus ## Footnote These wipes are essential for cleaning contaminants from the skin.

Question 40

List the steps personnel should follow when using the provided wipes.

Answer 40

* Remove wipe from packaging and open fully * Clean face including lips, nostrils, eyelids * Wipe entire back and neck area * Wipe the chin/jaw and front neck area * Wipe inside, outside and behind the ears * Run a wipe over your head and through hair * Clean arms, hands, fingernails and under any rings * Wipe underarms * Wipe body and stomach and any other exposed skin * Blow your nose to remove any contaminants ## Footnote Multiple wipes may be required depending on the level of soiling and contamination.

Question 41

What should personnel don before getting into the cab?

Answer 41

XXL TYVEK boot covers ## Footnote This is necessary after contaminants have been controlled.

Question 42

What should personnel do in situations of extreme contamination?

Answer 42

Replace station wear components or footwear with items from personal equipment kit ## Footnote This ensures that they are not exposed to further contaminants.

Question 43

What must be done with all contaminated personal station wear upon return to the station?

Answer 43

Bagged and laundered ## Footnote Proper laundering is essential to remove contaminants.

Question 44

What should firefighters do promptly upon returning to the station?

Answer 44

Shower and change all clothing worn under turnouts ## Footnote This should be done if not already completed on scene.

Question 45

What type of water should be used for showering after an incident?

Answer 45

Tepid water ## Footnote Hot water can open pores and allow toxins to penetrate the skin.

Question 46

If showering is not an option, what areas should firefighters clean?

Answer 46

Vulnerable areas such as underarms, groin areas, head, and facial areas ## Footnote This is crucial for reducing exposure to contaminants.

Question 47

Before consuming food or water in the station, what must firefighters do?

Answer 47

Thoroughly clean their face and hands ## Footnote This helps prevent ingestion of contaminants.

Question 48

What is the duty of the company officer regarding personal protective equipment (PPE)?

Answer 48

Ensure all crew members have PPE that is in a state of readiness and properly cleaned ## Footnote This includes balaclavas, gloves, and helmet liners.

Question 49

What should firefighters do with their station wear immediately after changing clothing?

Answer 49

Launder in the residential style washer and dryer using supplied detergent ## Footnote Station wear is not to be laundered in commercial extractors.

Question 50

True or False: Firefighters may transport contaminated turnouts home.

Answer 50

False ## Footnote Contaminated turnouts should not be taken home or stored in personal vehicles.

Question 51

What method should be used for decontaminating equipment and tools upon return to the station?

Answer 51

Hot water and a mild soap and water solution ## Footnote This ensures that all apparatus, equipment, and tool surfaces are cleaned thoroughly.

Question 52

What areas of the apparatus may require decontamination?

Answer 52

All floors and seating areas ## Footnote This is necessary if they were exposed to contaminants during the incident.