Hazardous Materials

Personal Protective Equipment Options

for the

Fort Thomas, Kentucky Fire Department

Jeffrey S. Parker

Managerial Issues in Hazardous Materials Professor Randy Hannifen

January 15 th , 2009

Hazmat PPE Options for FTFD 2

ABSTRACT

This research was conducted to comprehensively determine the personal protective equipment for

hazardous materials response appropriate for my department. The first consideration will need to be the basic

mission of my department. Secondly, our policies that carry out this mission and reflected by standard

operating guidelines would be reviewed. If there is a need to review and revise these policies, now is the time

to do it. All training, equipment, PPE, and expectations are based on these S.O.G.s. We need to develop these

S.O.G.s to the point where we are satisfied with them, then we may base all purchases on our expected

operations.

We must evaluate four factors. First, we need to determine the hostile environments we have the

probability and possibility to encounter. This will allow us to make some judgments applicable to our

jurisdiction, regarding capabilities and vulnerabilities. Our needs must be directed at the probabilities, and also

allow for possibilities. We need to determine what tasks will need to be performed. What is our local

department’s capability? Our operations must be guided by policy guided by frequency of use, capabilities,

training requirements, and efficiency. The tasks we perform will determine the protection needed.

INTRODUCTION

Mission Of The Department

The following is our mission statement:

“The mission of the Ft. Thomas Fire Department is dedicated in serving the citizens to prevent loss of life, personal injury, and property damage through emergency response, current departmental training, fire Prevention, and community education. The department will provide emergency medical services at the level of advanced life support towards the health, safety, and well-being of the patient/s. The department will provide optimal services in an efficient manor to the needs of our community and recognized by our community and our peers as leaders in the event of an emergency. The department will set examples of professionalism regardless of rank or position and actively participate in community events. The department will assist neighboring fire departments through mutual aid agreements to the extent that the City of Ft. Thomas is not left in harms way.” The mission says we will engage in emergency response to prevent loss of life, injury, and property

damage. It also says we will provide medical care at the level of advanced life support. It says we will provide

these optimal services in an efficient manner. It mentions participation in the mutual aid system. This tells us

Hazmat PPE Options for FTFD 3

that we need to determine what needs we have, how we can most efficiently meet these needs, and that this

may be with the assistance of an outside agency. Our needs are based on probability of incident type and the

possibility of incident severity. This would require a judgment or a calculated risk analysis.

Risk

The overall risk is divided into accidental risk and intentional risk. One could consider that our

accidental risk has not changed significantly since 9/11/01, and that our risk from intentional events has.

However, to some extent the vigilance to safety in the hazardous materials industry has increased do to

criminal threat considerations, and this has improved accidental safety to an undetermined degree. Our

criminal risk of a harmful incident was formally self-assessed in 2003.

Risk Assessment Needs Assessment

Shortfalls or “Gaps”

Desired Capabilities

Current Capabilities Vulnerability

Assessment Threat

Assessment

City of Fort Thomas, Ky.

This part of our risk was divided into vulnerabilities and threats. Our needs are based on this overall risk and

tells us where we need to be or “desired capabilities”. We measure where we are currently, and the difference

between current and desired capabilities represents our shortfalls. The shortfalls represent resources that

include PPE. The possibility of death, injury, or long term health hazards are all risks than need to be

lowered or eliminated.

Hazmat PPE Options for FTFD 4

These are methods to do this:

1 st choice- elimination of the risk,

2 nd choice- lowering of the frequency,

3 rd choice- elimination of the consequence, or

4 th choice - lowering of the consequencePriorities

We do not always have the financial resources to provide for all needs immediately and we must

prioritize. When looking at hazards, we may rate the problem per types of incidents. Then each type of

incident would have certain common hazards. These hazards could be predicted to some degree in fixed

facilities, but not in transportation incidents. This prevents us from relying on prediction of hazards to equip

ourselves. We must be prepared using an all hazard approach. However, we can control what personnel’s

roles would be. This determines the hazard level.

Probability of Occurrence Severity Factor Hazard Rating

Likely (3)

Possible (2)

Unlikely (1)

Not Possible (0)

High (3)

Average (2)

Low (1)

Probability X

Danger Chemical Spill or Leak ü ü 9 Highway ü ü 9 Rail ü ü 6 Earthquake ü ü 6 Conflagration ü ü 6 Tornado ü ü 6 Industrial Disaster ü ü 6 Terrorist Attack ü ü 6 Aircraft ü ü 4 Flood ü ü 4 Severe Storm ü ü 3 Nuclear Attack ü ü 3 Civil Disturbance ü ü 2 Marine ü ü 2 Volcano ü ü 0 Hurricane ü ü 0 Large Wildland Fire ü ü 0

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Expected Probable Hazards

Our department is expected to perform on a “Hazardous Materials Operations Level”. This will not include

offensive operations. Offensive operations will be conducted by regional hazardous materials personnel.

NFPA 472 states that the operations level should be designated with competencies for various

responsibilities. There are core competencies and there are mission specific competencies. The core

competencies are analyzing the incident, planning the response, implementing the response, and evaluating

the response. Mission specific competencies include technical decontamination, mass decontamination,

product control, air monitoring and sampling, victim rescue and recovery operations, evidence preservation

and sampling, and response to illicit laboratory incidents. After we more clearly define the roles that our

department and that of the regional team play, we would be able to know the mission-specific competencies.

Presently, the core competencies of the operations level match the role our department plays. The mission-

specific competencies listed are performed by the regional team.

Fixed Facility Most Significant Hazards

Highest Level of FTFD PPE

Highest Level of Regional

HAZMAT PPE OPERATIONS LEVEL TECHNICIAN

LEVEL SPILL FIRE SPILL

NK Water Plant & Reservoir – Memorial Pkwy

Sodium Hypochlorite 12.5% Sodium Hydroxide Hydrofluosilic Acid Potassium Permanganate

Structural FF Gear W

ith SCBA

Level D

Level B Level C Level A Level C

NK Water Plant & Reservoir – Alexandria Pike

Sodium Hypochlorite Sodium Hydroxide Hydrofluosilic Acid Potassium Permanganate

Level B Level C Level A Level C

St Luke Hosp East – North Grand Ave. Liquid Oxygen

Radioactive Medical Materials

SPECIAL THERMAL Level C

Automobile Fuel Stations Gasoline Structural FF Gear With SCBA Structural FF Gear With SCBA Moore’s Home Center Propane

Possible Hazards

A review of our fixed facilities gives us a picture of our predictable hazards in these locations; however,

transportation hazards are nearly unpredictable.

Hazmat PPE Options for FTFD 6

Elements of a Personal Protection Program

Personal protection equipment can obviously prevent harm, but also cause harm to the user. This harm can

be caused by both incorrect use and malfunction of the equipment. Elements of a comprehensive program

should include:

1. Hazard Assessment - This has been elaborated on earlier. It includes a hazard assessment of chemicals

stored, transported, or used in the community.

2. Medical Monitoring of Personnel – The entirety of evaluation of personnel’s fitness for duty prior to

use, and medical monitoring during and after emergency incidents.

3. Equipment Selection – The is the focus of this report and considers the combination of:Environment

encountered

i. Toxicity

ii. Flammability

b. Personnel Objective

i. Offensive

ii. Defensive

c. Personnel that will use the equipment

4. Training – Must have an effective training program

5. Inspection – Equipment must be inspected at acceptance, at regular intervals prior to use while being

stored, and just after use if reusable.

6. Maintenance - Equipment must be maintained as applicable per the manufacturer’s guidelines.

7. Storage - Equipment must be stored per the manufacturer’s guidelines in order to prevent damage

and extend the useable life.

8. Respiratory Protection Program – This program should exist in fire departments as SCBA are

routinely in use. This includes:

Hazmat PPE Options for FTFD 7

a. Policy that address factors affecting the mask seal such as facial hair, eyeglass use, chewing

gum, or chewing tobacco.

b. Medication use in addition to overall fitness for duty evaluation.

Available Types of PPE

The EPA, OSHA, and the NFPA all have standards applicable to levels of personal protection.

Considering that each has a differing mission and role to play, and that they advocate for different

stakeholders, this should guide us on which we will use to follow in defining out personal protection. Two of

these are promulgate law, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Occupational Safety and Health

Administration. The EPA is primarily concerned with protecting the environment, and OSHA is primarily

concerned with protecting the worker. However, these laws are defined by an administration of government

that may be effected to some degree by political considerations. However, the standards are law. The National

Fire Protection Association is a minimum standard written through a consensus derived from firefighters,

construction industry, manufacturers, and other groups. These standards are not law. Many thousands of

hazardous materials first responders are part of an association that advocates for safety. This association is

called the International Association of Fire Fighters. This organization has developed training and lists the

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health as a source for its curriculum.

This curriculum meets OSHA and NFPA standards. NIOSH was created by the same law in 1970

that OSHA was created from. OSHA creates regulations and enforces them. NIOSH conducts scientific

research and makes recommendations for regulations. One can not assume that all recommendations are

followed. NIOSH would seem to be THE place for the most up to date and stringent information for

protection. The most specific protective information and protective material compatibility information comes

from the manufacturer. This would appear to be the “fox watching the hen house”. However, the financial

disincentive derived from legal liability from human injury and/or death drives these industries to thoroughly

study their product and disseminate information to the public. However, the material safety data sheet

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(MSDS) sheet for a particular manufacturer does not always list protection as simply “level A”. For example

the MSDS for chlorine produced by BOC Gases, of Murray Hill, New Jersey specifies protection in this way:

The responder then needs to take this information and then match up a personal protective complement that

is sufficient.

Protection Levels

The following charts summarize the commonly referred to levels of personal protection. These charts show

uses, features, pros and cons, and relative costs.

EYE/FACE SKIN RESPIRATORY OTHER/GENERAL Gas-tight safety goggles or full-face respirator

PVC, Kel- F® or Teflon®

Positive pressure air line with full-face mask & escape bottle or self-contained breathing apparatus should be available for emergency

Safety shoes, safety shower, eyewash "fountain", face shield

TYPE PROTECTION LEVEL

Costs Protection PROS CONS USES Respiratory Skin Eye

LEVEL

A

Range from $1,000 to $4,000)

Highest level Highest level Highest level Best protection known at this time Can virtually eliminate possibility of contact with environmental hazards (provides its own environment)

Bulky Requires manpower to don and doff Physically stressful No cooling or heating Psychologically stressful (confinement) Work duration limited due to heat Reduced mobility, dexterity increases response time Communication may be difficult Will not survive fire conditions

Constant high concentration exposure (work activities such as plugging/patching) Skin absorbable chemicals Suspected or confirmed carcinogens EPA recommends Level A for entry into confined (closed) areas of unknowns

LEVEL

B

Ranges from $45 (non­ compliant) to $1,500

Highest level Lesser Level Highest level High level of respiratory protection Increased mobility/dexterity (theoretically) May be cooler Compliant garments have good penetration characteristics

Not gas/vapor tight not designed to protect from vapors/gases Not designed or tested (NFPA 1992) to be used at scenes involving carcinogens or skin absorbable chemicals Offers no thermal protection Can only be used in very controlled situations Offers no thermal protection

Probable exposure to low concentrations

Incidental Splash

Chemical is mainly a respiratory hazard

LEVEL

C

Inexpensive Lesser Level Lesser Level Optional Reduced respiratory stress (both physical and working time), because of APR use Tested against penetration and liquid integrity Light weight, less physical stress More comfortable Basically designed to be disposable (no reuse testing)

Can only be used in very controlled situations Greatly reduced flammability rating— no flash protection Reduced strength from typical Level B Requires oxygen­sufficient atmosphere Cannot be used in IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health) environment Can only be used after a thorough site assessment

Reduced level of respiratory protection needed Well characterized and measured products Splashes or incidental contact with product will not cause harm to skin or be absorbed NFPA 1993 garments made for support zone activities, such as decontamination (in some cases), and remedial site mitigation.

LEVEL

D

Inexpensive No Protection No Protection Optional Allows for more efficient work activities in non­ emergency situations

Not for use in an emergency situation; typically worn only when moving product within a facility

Atmosphere contains no known hazard Work activities preclude splashes, immersion, or the potential for unexpected inhalation or contact with hazardous materials THERE IS NO EMERGENCY!

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OSHA General Comment

Consists of: SCBA, Pos Press Supplied Air Resp W/ Escape SCBA

Full­face or half­mask, air purifying respirators

Escap e mask

Totally­ encapsulatin g chemical­ protective suit. Disposable protective suit, gloves and boots (depending on suit construction, may be worn over totally­ encapsulatin g suit)

Hooded chemical­ resistant clothing (overalls and long­sleeved jacket; coveralls; one or two­ piece chemical­ splash suit; disposable chemical­ resistant overalls).

Hooded chemical­ resistant clothing (overalls; two­piece chemical­ splash suit; disposable chemical­ resistant overalls)

Coverall s & Hard Hat

Long underwea r

Gloves, outer, & inner chemical resistant Boots, chemical resistant, steel toe and shank

Boot­ covers, outer, chemical resistant, disposabl e

Safety glasses or chemical splash goggles

Face shield

LEVEL A

To be selected when the greatest level of skin, respiratory, and eye protection is required.

ü ü ü Option

ü Option

ü

LEVEL B

The highest level of respiratory protection is necessary but a lesser level of skin protection is needed

ü ü ü Option

ü ü Option

ü Option

LEVEL C

The concentration(s) and type(s) of airborne substance(s) are known and the criteria for using air purifying respirators are met.

ü ü Optio n

ü ü Option

ü ü Option

ü Option

LEVEL D

A work uniform affording minimal protection: used for nuisance contamination only

ü Optio n

ü ü Option

ü Option

ü ü Option

ü Option

ADDED CLOTHING

GLOVES BOOTS

RESP

Hazard has been identified. Requires highest level of protection for skin, eyes, and respiratory based on either the measured (or potential for) high concentration of vapors, gases, or particulates; or high potential for splash, immersion, or exposure to unexpected vapors, gases, or particulates that are harmful to or capable of being absorbed through the skin. High degree of hazard to skin are known or suspected, & skin contact is possible. Operations in confined, poorly ventilated areas & absence of conditions requiring Level A have not yet been determined.

Hazard requires high level of respiratory protection, but less skin protection. Less than 19.5 percent oxygen. Presence of incompletely identified vapors or gases is indicated by a direct­reading organic vapor detection instrument, but vapors & gases are not suspected of containing high levels of chemicals harmful to skin or capable of being absorbed through skin. This involves atmospheres with IDLH concentrations that present severe inhalation hazards & that do not represent a severe skin hazard; or that do not meet the criteria for use of air­purifying respirators.

The atmospheric contaminants, liquid splashes, or other direct contact will not adversely affect or be absorbed through any exposed skin; The types of air contaminants have been identified, concentrations measured, and an air­purifying respirator is available that can remove the contaminants; and All criteria for the use of air­purifying respirators are met.

No known hazard & no potential for splash, immersion, or unexpected inhalation of or contact with hazardous levels of any chemicals.

SUITS EYE / FACE

Hazmat PPE Options for FTFD 11

The following is a summary of available personal protective equipment (PPE) that is available:

LEVEL A - Du Pont Responder® Suit $787.95

Level A - Single taped seams, Standard face shield(PVC 40 mil), Internal adjustment belt, Gas tight zipper

closure, Double storm flap, Two exhaust valves, Expanded back, Replaceable butyl gloves, Attached sock boots,

Outer boot flaps

LEVEL B -

Tychem™ SL $122.95

Encapsulated suit - is a lightweight fabric that provides effective and economical Level B protection against

a broad range of chemicals. Encapsulated suit is roomy enough to accommodate turnouts and SCBA being

worn underneath. The encapsulated suit has a rear entry design with expanded back and 48” zipper.

Encapsulated suit has a strong heat-sealed storm flap with Velcro, 20 mil PVC face shield, elastic wrists, 2

exhaust ports with shrouds and attached sock boots with boot flaps.

Tychem® F Coverall $47.95

Represents a remarkable step forward in the provision of individual protection for both Armed Forces and

Civilian Populations in areas where chemical and/or biological warfare could take place, or where there is a

risk of contamination from an industrial accident. Tychem® F coveralls provides a tough and safe barrier to

many chemical warfare agents in a liquid, gas or aerosol formats and represents the first simple, economic

and disposable material for individual protection suits.

Level C

Response Suit $62.00

Coverall with attached hood and inner cuff. Heavy duty PVC on high count nylon

polyester-.35mm thickness. Meets Federal Apparel Flammability Act FDS 5903.1.

Reinforced knees, elbows and crotch area to prevent splitting. Heavy duty elastic

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adjustable suspender with deluxe suspender clip. Adjustable waist snaps for the perfect fit. Clear I.D. badge

pocket on chest

Level D

Response Suit $8.65

Coveralls combine microporous film laminate with a polypropylene non-woven substrate for improved

protection plus comfort. Provides excellent barrier for improved splash and dry particulate protection — ideal

for paint spraying, liquid handling, sand blasting, hazardous fiber and dust handling. Biologically inert, low-

linting and treated to minimize static buildup. Serged seam construction with zipper front. Elastic wrists and

ankles. Attached hood and boots. Soft, inner polypropylene fabric absorbs moisture-helps reduce heat stress

and increase productivity. Economical, disposable and completely incinerable

Terrorism

There are effective guidelines that are useful from several sources. One such source is NFPA 1994. Another basic guide for all hazardous materials responses including possible or known terrorist incidents for initial guidelines is the US DOT Emergency Response Guidebook.

CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL TERRORISM NFPA 1994

SINGLE EXPOSURE GARMENTS

CHALLENGE SKIN CONTACT

VAPOR THREAT

LIQUID THREAT VICTIM’S CONDITION

CLASS 1 Vapors

Aerosols Pathogens

Not Permitted

Unknown or Not Verified

High Unconscious

Not Symptomatic Not Ambulatory

CLASS 2

Limited Vapors Liquid Splash

Aerosols Pathogens

Not Probable IDLH Moderate Mostly Alive, but Not

Ambulatory

CLASS 3 Liquid Drops Pahogens

Not Likely TLV STEL Low to None Self-Ambulatory

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CONCLUSIONS

In analyzing my department’s jurisdiction, resources, past and future frequency and type of response,

the department needs to retain an operations level for an awareness and defensive posture, with increased

support of a regional entity that will be capable and available for offensive maneuvers at the technician level.

After working thoroughly sorting out the appropriate roles that our local department and the hazardous

materials team plays, the appropriate PPE can be recommended.

o The department of (19) members and shift staffing of maximum of (6) and a minimum of (4) needs to

purchase and maintain;

• The latest in SCBA respiratory protection;

• Structural Firefighting gear

• (12) sets of protective suits classified as Level D

• (6) sets of protective suits classified as Level B

These may be used as appropriate in defensive situations or decontamination operations that

allow this level of protection.

o The regional hazardous materials response team needs a full complement for the number of

responders plus backup of;

• SCBAs

• Supplied Air Respiratory Equipment

• Escape Air Capability

• Level A suits

• Level B suits