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Department of Safety and Professional Services
Department of Safety and Professional Services

Firefighter Exposure Protection

DSPS's standard on Fire Department Safety and Health identifies areas where fire departments must ensure that firefighters are limiting their risks and exposures to hazards or potential hazards that can be dangerous to their life and health. Many of the standards noted in SPS 330 are based upon best practices from NFPA 1500 or are directly referenced from OSHA standards.  

Firefighter Exposures

Type

Risks

Protections

Inhalation

On-Scene (without SCBA)

  • Gases such as hydrogen cyanide, benzene, and naphthalene

  • Particulate matter

On-Scene (without SCBA)

  • Don respiratory protection while in smoky conditions

  • Wear SCBA during overhaul

Rehab

  • Off gassing from PPE

  • Smoke in air

  • Exhaust

Rehab

  • Avoid off-gassing gear by airing out after doffing

  • Avoid diesel exhaust

  • Ensure rehab is set up away from smoky area or diesel exhaust

Ingestion

On-Scene, Rehab, and Transit

  • Swallowing contaminated material from the nasal or oral passageway

  • Eating material that has been cross-contaminated by hands

On-Scene, Rehab, and Transit

  • Clean hands and face as soon as possible after removing SCBA

  • Clean hands and face when entering rehab

Absorption

On-Scene, Rehab, and Transit

  • Vapors and small particulate may penetrate PPE

  • Cross-contamination from gear and tools

On-Scene, Rehab, and Transit

  • On-scene decontamination

  • Use proper equipment removal procedures

  • Clean skin on scene as soon as possible

  • Shower as quickly as possible after completing fireground activities

  • Ensure tools and PPE are fully cleaned and ready for next response

SPS 330 Requirements:

Fire Departments must provide and enforce the use of personal protective equipment to firefighters.

Fire Departments must ensure that personal protective equipment is inspected and maintained.

Fire Departments must provide information and training to firefighters on how to properly use, maintain, and decontaminate their personal protective equipment.  Firefighters must also have training of the limitations of their personal protective equipment.

SPS 330 Requirements:

Prior to initial fit test, firefighters must complete a medical evaluation.

Firefighters must be fit tested annually.

Firefighters cannot have facial hair or any condition that interferes with the seal of their facemask if expected to wear an SCBA.  If a firefighter wears glasses, they must be worn in a manner that does not interfere with the mask seal.

Different styles of facial hair that can or can not be worn with respirators. Facial hair that interrupts the line or seal of the respirator is marked as unacceptable. Facial hair that fits within the respirator or falls outside and away from the seal are acceptable.

Additional Resources:

SPS 330

Medical Evaluation Form Template

National Firefighter Cancer Registry

NIOSH Firefighter Cancer Study

Contamination Control Study

PFAS Study

For Additional questions regarding SPS 330 requirements, use the Inspector Look-Up Tool to find the DSPS Fire Coordinator for your county.

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