Wireless Sensor Systems Make Fire Overhaul Safer RAE Systems, Inc.

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Wireless Sensor Systems Make Fire Overhaul Safer

Copyright © 2012 RAE Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. RAE Systems and the RAE Systems logo are registered trademarks of RAE Systems, Inc.

iOverview The smoldering fumes of a recently-doused fire can be filled with dangerous and toxic gases and vapors, which threaten the life and health of firefighters involved in the fire overhaul operations. These threats come from the synergistic effects of chemicals, such as carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen cyanide (HCN), which can work together to effectively shut down a person’s respiration. Direct exposure to these dangerous aerosols and particles during fire overhaul present a real risk for immediate harm or acute and chronic health problems, including heart failure and cancer.1 To help protect firefighters, many fire departments are now deploying wireless gas detection systems and personal monitors once a fire has been extinguished. These systems give commanders greater visibility and control during cleanup operations and help ensure firefighter safety, i.e., how long to wear their air and whether it’s safe to take off their air. This eBook discusses key emergency responder airborne fire-overhaul threats and the latest gas-detection solutions capable of raising firefighter, EMS and public safety.

1 http://www.firefightercancersupport.org/items/Library_PFDCyanideReport.pdf

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Copyright © 2012 RAE Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. RAE Systems and the RAE Systems logo are registered trademarks of RAE Systems, Inc.

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The Danger’s Not Over if the Fire Is Out Fire overhaul includes searching for possible sources of re-ignition, and investigating the origin of the fire. The process includes sifting through smoldering ashes and partially burnt materials, where poisonous gasses such as CO are formed due to incomplete gas combustion. CO is just one of the potentially toxic vapors frequently found during fire overhaul operations. Other chemicals and compounds include sulfur dioxide (SO2), hydrogen cyanide (HCN), nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2), formaldehyde, benzene and phosgene. HCN is created when materials such as laminates, synthetics, foams, plastics, and wood burn. Many of these materials are found in furniture and upholstery in homes and offices, and as a result, the smoke of a typical residential or office fire today is more toxic than ever.

HCN and CO–known as the “toxic twins” of fire overhaul–are still present during a fire overhaul, and each can have devastating short-term and long-term health effects if inhaled. Even though there’s still a clear danger, many firefighters remove their self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) during overhaul operations. One reason for this is that many firefighters believe that conditions during overhaul are safer than during the actual fire. Another reason is that their SCBA gear is bulky and uncomfortable. Whatever the reason, it’s not a good idea.2

Just Because You Don’t See It . . . Doesn’t Mean It Isn’t There HCN and CO are invisible gases that cannot be detected by the color or the amount of smoke emitted by a fire. They can only be detected by metering and monitoring. Exposure to large amounts of cyanide can cause convulsions, unconsciousness or death. CO can cause tissue hypoxia when inhaled, which prevents the blood from carrying sufficient oxygen, and can cause dizziness, nausea, headache and, at higher concentrations, convulsions, tachycardia and death. When inhaled together, the so-called “toxic twins” can have a synergistic effect, experts say, causing even more harm.

The chart below lists HCN exposure levels deemed safe by various government agencies. 10 ppm is OSHA’s permissible exposure limit (PEL). 50 ppm is the level at which HCN is considered immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH), and at 3,000 ppm, HCN is rapidly fatal.

2 http://www.firesmoke.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/FireEMS_Supplement.pdf

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Wireless Sensor Systems Make Fire Overhaul Safer

Copyright © 2012 RAE Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. RAE Systems and the RAE Systems logo are registered trademarks of RAE Systems, Inc.

Wireless Gas Detection Helps Keep Firefighters Safe Many of the toxic gases found during a fire overhaul can only be detected with gas detection instruments. Not only are today’s gas detectors more effective than ever, they can now be connected wirelessly to create a system that makes fire overhaul much safer. A typical configuration might include:

• One or more area monitors, such as RAE Systems’ AreaRAE multi-gas detection monitor, • Personal monitors, such as RAE Systems’ ToxiRAE Pro or multi-gas monitors such as the MultiRAE, and • Real-time wireless monitoring and control software platform to a command center, such as RAE Systems’

ProRAE Guardian.

The area monitor provides information on a number of different gases, including HCN, CO, and other hazardous gases. When equipped with a wireless interface, it can transmit continuous data readings in real time back to the command center. In addition to the area monitor, individual firefighters can be outfitted with personal monitors.

iiPersonal monitors are available that can detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs), toxic gases and oxygen, and combustible gases and vapors. These personal monitors can also be wirelessly connected to a monitoring network and the readings recorded to give a continuous log of time-based exposure levels. This log can then be used to verify that OSHA exposure levels for responder (or worker) safety are not exceeded.

Tying the system together is the real-time monitoring and control software platform. This platform collects data from each instrument and provides a comprehensive real-time display of gas-and-radiation data at any time and from any location. This data gives commanders a full picture of the threats at the overhaul site and allows them to determine whether it is safe for firefighters at the scene to remove their SCBA facemasks and to direct firefighters to potential hotspots.

Wireless area monitoring is an effective way to have a command presence at an overhaul location. Monitors can be quickly deployed and can begin sending real-time data in minutes to a portable computer. It’s a powerful tool that gives commanders vital information and helps keep firefighters safe.

A system consisting of area gas and radiation-detection, personal monitors, and a system that’s wirelessly collecting and mapping the readings can help keep firefighters safe during an overhaul.

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Copyright © 2012 RAE Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. RAE Systems and the RAE Systems logo are registered trademarks of RAE Systems, Inc.

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Fire Smoke Coalition Aims to Save Lives According to the Center for Disease Control, between 1997 and 2006, there were 30,564 fire deaths and 151,575 injuries attributable to fire. Only 1% of those represent burn injuries. The rest were the result of smoke inhalation. It’s the mission of the Fire Smoke Coalition, based in Indianapolis, IN, to raise awareness about smoke inhalation and help save lives.

The 501(c) (3) non-profit organization has a number of programs aimed at helping firefighters detect and prevent smoke dangers and to help medical personnel diagnose and treat victims with injuries or health problems caused by breathing toxic smoke. The programs include “smoke symposiums,” held throughout the U.S., that cover the emerging threat of the “Toxic Twins,” including CO and HCN; “perceptions, myths and misunderstandings” regarding smoke exposure dangers; and the long-term health effects from exposure. Learn more at www.firesmoke.org. Model Operating Procedures for Fire Smoke Safety Increasingly, fire service organizations are realizing the inherent dangers of fire smoke and particulates, especially during cleanup operations following a fire, known as fire overhaul.

California firefighter, paramedic and HazMat specialist Katie Roberts of the Santa Clara County Fire Department, points to another Golden State fire department in Sacramento for developing a comprehensive procedure manual that takes into account new understandings regarding the dangers of exposure to fire smoke. These standard operating procedures (SOPs) help ensure the health and safety of its firefighters and citizens. It’s available online at on the Fire Smoke Coalition website at www.firesmoke.org/wp-content/.../07/SacramentoOverhaulSOG.pdf.

Here are some highlights of the SOPs used in Sacramento:

• HOT/WARM AREAS: Breathing apparatus (SCBA) will be used during overhaul in areas deemed Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH).

• COLD AREAS: Use of a N95 respirator is the minimal requirement. Full-face respirators with P100 cartridges or SCBA are required for asbestos protection at pre-1980 structures where the building materials have been burned or disturbed.

• PRIOR TO OVERHAUL: Purge the work area using positive-pressure mechanical ventilation with exhaust extension tubes for gas-powered blowers. This is required even when breathing apparatus is used to “reduce the potential for dermal absorption of toxins.”

• CREW ROTATION: If possible, rotate crews that have used three air bottles, which suggests they have spent an excessive amount of time working in a SCBA.

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Wireless Sensor Systems Make Fire Overhaul Safer

Copyright © 2012 RAE Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. RAE Systems and the RAE Systems logo are registered trademarks of RAE Systems, Inc.

Learn More: Additional Useful Information, Videos, Reference Data and Links

1. Learn more, and see videos on wireless gas detection including how to obtain remote access to real-time gas, radiation, and biometric data to enhance safety HERE (http://www.raesystems.com/emergency-responder/)

2. Watch videos on FireSmoke training seminars HERE (http://www.firesmoke.org/home/videos/) 3. Download the new Application Note, AP-236, (Monitoring Benzene and Choosing an Appropriate Monitor for

Personal Protection and Compliance with Exposure Limits) HERE (http://www.raesystems.com/downloads/app-notes) 4. Download a checklist on Response Scenarios Using Wireless Detection in Public Event Safety HERE

(http://www.raesystems.com/public-event) About RAE Systems Inc. RAE Systems is a global sensor and wireless-system innovator that designs and manufactures a full line of fixed, portable, handheld and personal chemical- and radiation-detection instruments. The company’s life- and health-saving detectors are used in 120 countries by many of the world’s leading industrial organizations, emergency responders and government agencies. RAE Systems offers a variety of rapidly deployable and custom-configurable sensor solutions for radiation monitoring. RAE Systems delivers cohesive, wirelessly connected threat-detection solutions that create a layered defense against gas and VOC threats and other gas and combustible risks. RAE Systems’ solutions for Oil & Gas monitoring and protection are:

• Versatile: RAE Systems’ easily deployable fixed and portable monitors placed in sensitive areas transmit sensor information in real-time to a central location for quick interpretation, analysis and action.

• Wireless: Wireless atmospheric monitoring that utilizes cost-effective equipment that is easy to install and operate can assist plant managers and operations commanders and first responders with real-time information on potential hazards.

• Proven: With more than 15 years of experience, RAE Systems’ innovative solutions have a verified track record.

RAE Systems offers a wide range of rugged, yet easy-to-use monitors that enable continuous, real-time safety- and security-threat detection in nearly every environment, along with wirelessly connected solutions that lead the industry in performance and reliability. RAE Systems’ intrinsically safe and globally certified monitors help elevate safety for workers, responders and the public at large; reduce project downtime; and maintain regulation compliance. i Photo: Cyanide Poisoning Treatment Coalition (2006), Falls Church, VA ii FireSmoke.org trainer, Captain Jason Krusen, explains how to use a portable HCN or CO single-gas monitor at a FireSmoke training seminar.