A pilot survey of Southeastern firefighters: Safety practices, use of protective gear, and injury

Kahn, S.; Leonard, Clint; Lee, Young Gun; Boatwright, Rick; Flamm, Tom; Woods, Jason

doi:10.1016/j.burns.2019.03.012

Cited by 14 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…However, a previous study that analyzed some video recordings found that more than 40% of firefighters used their gear improperly or failed to wear it at all 35 ) . In a recent U.S. survey, more than 60% of respondents also replied that they had previously fought fires without a complete set of gear 36 ) . Both the above-mentioned studies and the present study showed low wear compliance rates for the hood, i.e., the hood was frequently omitted.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An empirical investigation of firefighting personal protective equipment and burn injuries in Korea

Kim

Lee

2022

Ind Health

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This study aimed to investigate the current situation of firefighting burn injuries and personal protective equipment (PPE) in Korea using a questionnaire. A questionnaire was constructed and then distributed to fire stations via the Fire & Disaster Headquarters of Korea. Responses from a total of 536 firefighters who were currently responsible for suppressing fire or doing rescue work were analysed (39.2 ± 8.58 y in age, 173.8 ± 5.0 cm in height, 73.4 ± 8.9 kg in body weight). The results showed that 22% of firefighters had experienced burns but of these 93% of were burns of less than 1% of total body surface area. The most common body site of burn injury was the hands (37%) and the head (face and neck) (34%). There were significant relationships between PPE non-compliance and career years, especially for the hood and boots.According to firefighters their gloves were the most vulnerable part of their PPE. We also elucidated relationships between the body sites most vulnerable to burn injuries and PPE wear compliance by item. The present results suggest that officially-undisclosed minor burn injuries but prevailing among firefighters can be reduced through improving firefighters' protective helmet, hoods and gloves.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An empirical investigation of firefighting personal protective equipment and burn injuries in Korea

Kim

Lee

2022

Ind Health

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“…It is visible that the clothing is assigned for cleaning after a shorter period of use than a few or a dozen years ago. As noted by Kahn et al [27], the perception of the culture ing from rescue operations (p = 0.751). Also, studies of the correlation between the type of the cleaning agent and the sensation of smell from dirt deposited on the outerwear after the firefighting operation ("yes, " "moderate, " "slight, " "none") did not confirm significant dependencies (p = 0.390).…”

Section: Information On the Health Impact Of Participation In Rescue Operationsmentioning

confidence: 72%

Hazard of chemical substances contamination of protective clothing for firefighters – a survey on use and maintenance

Krzemińska¹,

Szewczyńska²

2021

Int J Occup Med Environ Health

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Objectives:The objective of the work was to analyze the impact of selected factors concerning the use and maintenance of firefighters' protective clothing worn during rescue operations on the hazard of contamination by chemical substances. Material and Methods: The participants were firefighters (N = 688) from rescue and firefighting units of the State Fire Service in Poland, aged <30, 31-40, 41-50 or >60 years, with different seniority: up to >21 years of service. The survey questionnaire developed by the authors was used. The questionnaire was available online. The Statistica 10.0 statistical package using the χ 2 test was applied in the analysis of the significance of the results. Results: As reported by the vast majority (>60%) of the firefighters, the maintenance was carried out after recording an average or a high level of contamination. It was pointed out that removal of the contaminants from protective clothing was difficult (83%). The surfaces of the legs and sleeves of protective clothing were the most contaminated areas. A feeling of discomfort was observed (90%) after returning from firefighting operations due to fire, smoke, or combustion residues. Conclusions: It is necessary to conduct training and information actions concerning the use and maintenance of protective clothing and the harmfulness of chemicals contaminating the garments used by firefighters. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2022;35(2)

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“…In a second study that conducted a pilot survey of firefighters in the Southeastern United States, similar factors were identified as reasons that firefighters didn’t use or misused (including not maintaining) PPE. 37…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In a second study that conducted a pilot survey of firefighters in the Southeastern United States, similar factors were identified as reasons that firefighters didn't use or misused (including not maintaining) PPE. 37 PPE knowledge and utilization-Gaps. The literature search revealed limited research on knowledge and use of PPE to counter illicit opioid exposure.…”

Section: Personal Protective Equipmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Occupational Safety and Health and Illicit Opioids: State of the Research on Protecting Against the Threat of Occupational Exposure

et al. 2021

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The nationwide opioid crisis continues to affect not only people who use opioids but also communities at large by increasing the risk of accidental occupational exposure to illicit opioids. In addition, the emergence of highly potent synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and carfentanil increases the need to protect workers who may encounter unknown drug substances during job activities. To support the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Opioids Research Gaps Working Group, we examined the state of the literature concerning methods to protect workers against accidental occupational exposure to illicit opioids, and have identified unmet research needs concerning personal protective equipment, decontamination methods, and engineering controls. Additional studies are needed to overcome gaps in technical knowledge about personal protective equipment, decontamination, and control methods, and gaps in understanding how these measures are utilized by workers. Increasing our knowledge of how to protect against exposure to illicit opioids has the potential to improve occupational health across communities.

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A pilot survey of Southeastern firefighters: Safety practices, use of protective gear, and injury

Cited by 14 publications

References 6 publications

An empirical investigation of firefighting personal protective equipment and burn injuries in Korea

An empirical investigation of firefighting personal protective equipment and burn injuries in Korea

Hazard of chemical substances contamination of protective clothing for firefighters – a survey on use and maintenance

Occupational Safety and Health and Illicit Opioids: State of the Research on Protecting Against the Threat of Occupational Exposure

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