A report by NIOSH suggests that firefighter trainers could
be overexposed to chemicals in smoke simulants used in training exercises. The
smoke simulants are used to help train firefighters on proper techniques for
rescuing victims and attacking the blaze in low visibility conditions.
The report was conducted via examination of air samples,
observations of training exercises, interviews with trainers, review of fire
department fire fighter training logs of injuries and illnesses and analysis
of medical records concerning a trainer’s exposure to oil-based smoke simulants
resulting in acute respiratory injury and hospitalization.
The study found that in certain training environments,
levels of mineral oil mist, diethylene glycol, formaldehyde and acrolein often
exceeded exposure limits.
To reduce exposure, NIOSH suggests taking the following
precautions to employers:
- Rotate training officer duties during a full day of training exercises.
- Do not allow trainers to re-enter the training tower without wearing appropriate respirators until the smoke simulant has visibly cleared.
- Require trainers to wear self-contained breathing apparatus when inside the training tower, even if they are outside the training room.
- Self-contained breathing apparatus or full-facepiece air purifying respirators must always be used during training exercises that involve smoke simulants. These respirators should feature cartridges or canisters that are effective against oil-based aerosol and formaldehyde.
- Ensure that all respirators are maintained and fit properly.
- Create a schedule for changing out respirator cartridges and canisters.
- Encourage trainers to report any health concerns or symptoms associated with work tasks.
View the complete report here.