robert tutterow

I think history will show that we are in the early stages of a fundamental change in how the fire service operates. The changes are going to be prompted by “exposure reduction controls.” Remember that term; it could become a common phrase.

It will impact operations, personal protective equipment (PPE), equipment, apparatus, fire station design, and budgets. The focus of this month’s column is on the budgetary aspect.

Operations will be impacted in that fires will be treated “somewhat” like hazmat scenes. The “somewhat” part is that PPE, where at all possible without a big negative impact on service delivery, will go through “advanced” cleaning after every exposure. This is after there has been an on-scene “preliminary reduction control” process completed—i.e., gross decontamination. For career departments, companies will be out of service until the firefighters have all showered following an exposure. WHAT? Yes, this will happen and is already standard protocol for some departments. Career departments routinely go out of service for training and other obligations. Company “move-ups” to cover while other companies are at working incidents or training activities will be extended a few minutes to allow for firefighter showering. Volunteer departments will also cover for other departments.

PPE

PPE will be impacted, as most departments, if they haven’t already, will have at least two sets of PPE per firefighter. For example, the Seattle (WA) Fire Department has already issued its firefighters three sets of PPE. PPE will be made of materials that are less likely to absorb contaminants and are easier to clean. PPE designs will also change to facilitate cleaning. For example, helmets will be more easily disassembled to facilitate cleaning. We have already seen the introduction of barrier hoods to minimize contamination to the head and neck area. At least one self-contained breathing apparatus manufacturer has introduced a new design that is easier to decontaminate. I’m sure the other manufacturers will follow suit.

Apparatus and Equipment

Equipment design and materials will change to make cleaning and decontamination easier. Cleaning supplies will come to market that are specifically designed to clean equipment. For example, there will be a resurgence of hose-washing machines. Special cleaning agents and processes will emerge that are suited for use in removing the products of combustion.

Apparatus cabs will become easier to decontaminate. Seat coverings and floor coverings will be made of materials that are readily decontaminated. The cab interior design will have smoother corners, rather than sharp recess corners, to make cleaning easier. And some day, we may even see power sources that do not use carcinogenic diesel fuel.

Stations

Many fire stations will be designed or renovated to minimize exposures. The concept of hot-warm-cool zones is already emerging. The hot zone is for contaminated PPE and equipment. The cold zone comprises the station’s living areas where no contamination should be present. The warm zone is the transition area between the hot and col