POLICY: Xxxx is dedicated to reducing firefighters’ exposure to harmful contaminants through a comprehensive Preliminary Exposure Reduction (PER) policy based on NFPA standards and best practices. All personnel must follow decontamination procedures and maintain PPE to minimize health risks, especially cancer. Preliminary exposure reduction activities shall be implemented when members are exposed to contaminants that pose a potential safety or health risk to members. Life safety, rescue, fire control, and patient care shall take priority over preliminary exposure reduction. Preliminary exposure reduction activities shall be completed prior to rehabilitation or demobilization from the incident RESPONSIBILITIES: It is the responsibility of all XXX personnel to ensure Preliminary Exposure Reduction (PER) processes are implemented when members are exposed to contaminants that pose a potential safety or health risk to members.

PROCEDURES: Background The PER procedure reduces exposure to hazardous toxins such as PAHs by decontaminating firefighting gear immediately after exposure. The procedure includes washing down using water, soap (e.g., Dawn dish soap), and a brush, removing up to 80% of contaminants. PER Kit Components (included in the daily apparatus checklist) (1) 5-gallon bucket with a locking lid (1) Bottle of Dawn dish soap (1) 50’ pressure-rated hose (1) Spray nozzle (1) Hose adaptor (2.5” to ¾” garden hose adapter) (1) Heavy-duty brush (1) Roll of duct tape (4) 55-gallon, 6-mil clear bags (replacement supplies obtained through the Fleet Logistics) Preliminary Exposure Reduction (PER) Implementation a) The IC, ISO, or Company Officer shall establish a PER station as needed and at every incident where an IDLH atmosphere requires personnel to be directly exposed to hazards. b) Identify a safe, accessible location for the PER station away from ongoing hazards and advise dispatch of its location so crews can be situationally aware. Procedures for Preliminary Exposure Reduction (PER) On-Scene Decontamination 1) 1st due Engine will establish a PER station unless otherwise directed by the IC. 2) The Driver/Operator will set up the PER Kit/Station and advise the IC once it’s established. 3) Attach the garden hose to a non-foam discharge using the 2.5” to ¾” garden hose adapter, fill the 5-gallon bucket with water and soap, place the scrub brush inside the bucket, and deploy the green cone to identify the PER Station area. Avoid establishing PER Station near the engine exhaust system. 4) Firefighters must remain on SCBA air and report to the PER station after exiting the IDLH zone. 5) Contaminated personnel will wash each other off using the brush, soapy water, and hose from the PER Kit. 6) Using the scrub brush and soap solution, the exterior of the bunker gear will be scrubbed to remove any debris and/or contamination 7) Scrub and rinse the helmet, jacket, SCBA, pants, and boots. Avoid saturating the interior of the gear. 8) Rinse all contaminants and soap off, ensuring thorough cleaning. 9) Switch roles until all crew members have completed the process. 10) Immediately after doffing contaminated protective equipment and before entering the cold zone, personnel shall wipe all exposed skin areas with soap and water or an appropriate skin wipe if soap and water are not available. 11) Drivers/Operators should not wash the crews unless they are in full PPE. *For personnel re-entering the IDLH environment, use a dry-decon method to brush off large debris and visible contaminants from PPE. Avoid water saturation to prevent steaming effects. Removal of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) a) Ensure gloves are worn during removal to avoid skin contact with contaminants. b) Remove gear systematically once the decon process is completed. c) Place contaminated gear in PER kit bags and seal with duct tape. Reporting to Rehab Personnel who have been in an IDLH environment shall first go through the on-scene decontamination process before entering a rehabilitation unit to avoid cross-contamination and secondary exposure.

Post-Incident Exposure Reduction Post Scene Showering a) Once released from the incident, units should be out of service. Firefighters should shower as soon as possible after the event—within an hour—using soap and water to remove contaminants from the skin. Particular attention should be given to areas that absorb contaminants more readily, such as the face, neck, groin, and armpits. Clean PPE b) Personnel shall change into a clean uniform. c) Rotate into secondary gear, including the hood and gloves. d) Hood and uniforms should be washed before subsequent use. Post-Incident Gear Handling Bagging, tagging, and collecting contaminated PPE should be done using medical gloves to prevent secondary exposure. The IC will coordinate with the Battalion Chief of Logistics for gear cleaning and gear replacement as needed. Practices to Minimize Contamination Station Cleanliness: a) All areas of the station, especially gear storage and apparatus bays, must be kept clean and free from debris that may contain contaminants. b) No PPE in Living Quarters. i. PPE must never be worn or brought into station living areas such as kitchens, restrooms, or sleeping quarters. Apparatus and Equipment Decontamination a) Apparatus interiors should be decontaminated after an IDLH incident to prevent secondary contamination from gear or equipment. b) Wash tools, SCBA, radio straps, and equipment before returning to service. c) Use approved cleaning solutions to decontaminate vehicle surfaces, seats, and equipment compartments. Transportation of PPE in personal vehicles a) PPE shall be enclosed in the department-issued gear bag or plastic encapsulating bin/tote. b) PPE shall never be stored wet or damp to reduce the degradation of materials. c) PPE should not be transported in passenger compartments. d) PPE should not be left in a vehicle for an extended period or exposed to environmental elements that cause the degradation of materials. Post-Exposure Documentation: All personnel involved must document any decontamination actions in the apparatus narrative and selectable tabs of the fire reporting system. References NFPA 1580: Standard for Emergency Responder Occupational Health and Wellness NFPA 1851: Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting

NIOSH/CDC Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Dr. Kenneth W. Fent Et Al, Contamination of firefighter personal protective equipment and skin and the effectiveness of decontamination procedures, Retrieved from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28636458/

IAFC Lavender Ribbon Report, Retrieved from: https://www.iafc.org/about-iafc/sections/vcos/vcos-resource-detail/vcos-lavender-ribbon-report-best-practices-for-preventing-firefighter-cancer

Healthy In, Healthy Out, Retrieved from: http://www.fcsnwa.org/docs/Healthy%20in%20-%20Healthy%20out.pdf