FIRE SERVICE- MONITORING OVERHAUL

I believe that due to the nature of modern construction practices and products Overhaul is a neglected aspect of Fire Department Operations that requires a gas monitoring protocol. The byproducts of combustion such as Hydrogen Cyanide, Carbon Monoxide, Acrylonitrile and other toxic gases can remain at the fire scene long after the flames are out. The act of walking through the ashes is enough to release pockets of trapped gases and stir up dust clouds that may be coated with these chemicals.

Monitoring for the presence of these chemicals during overhaul requires at the very least, CO and HCN capability. The addition of a Photo-Ionization Detector (PID) for broad range volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) is desirable.

While levels of toxic gases may be very low in Overhaul, the Time Weighted Average (TWA) becomes critical. Prolonged exposure at low levels is the same as short exposure at high levels.

When in doubt, wear your SCBA!!

For more information on the toxic effects of smoke
visit FireSmoke at: http://www.firesmoke.org/