ABSTRACT

Continued exposure through contaminated PPE ensembles has also been linked to firefighter cancer. The following action research study will suggest for the BFP to institutionalize a policy adopting the NFPA 1851 as the standard operating procedure (SOP) for the decontamination of personal protective equipment ensembles in order to protect firefighters from the health risks present in the PPE during and after fire suppression operations. This research will also recommend that all firefighters be granted their own set of PPEs in order to prevent sharing it with their duty relievers. Sharing of PPEs due to lack of supplies obviously posed risk to firefighters’ health and wellness. The research will go into examining the situations encounters on the field and make inquiries of the extent of the knowledge and practices of those assigned in the operations with regards to the decontamination procedures specified by the NFPA 1851. The research will look for literature relating to the manner of decontamination procedures and the implications of the its presence or lack thereof with regards how it may impact the health risk of the personnel assigned to respond in fire opeartions. The research will also suggest developing a training and education program for fire personnel to raise awareness of the inherent hazard in the present cultural practice of wearing contaminated personal protection equipment ensembles. The changes advised by this research study are part of a wider attempt to change the Bureau of Fire Protection's current organizational culture in order for fire personnel to adapt to a more favorable attitude toward long-term health and wellbeing.