As you may/may not realize, Firefighters are exposed to potentially dangerous levels of ultrafine particulates at the time when we are least likely to wear our SCBA. Because of this, researchers believe we may face an increased risk for heart disease from exposures during firefighting and overhaul.
In a study conducted collaboratively by the University of Cincinnati (UC), Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and the Chicago FD, researchers have found that more than 70 percent of particulates released during fires are "ultrafine," invisible to the naked eye but able to be inhaled into the deepest compartments of the lung.
CLICK HERE for more details: http://tinyurl.com/2wfa2hj
"It was a metal tank; it was in a Humvee," said Ross County Sheriff George Lavender Jr. "It’s a pressurized tank to force the water out. The air pressure going in forces the water out and the end cap blew off and struck the firefighter that was killed."
The Sheriff along with others are investigating FF Seitz’ death, including the possibility of equipment failure. A currently un-named fire equipment distributor was urging departments using air-powered systems to stop using them until the investigation is complete. The company later took down the warning after it learned questions remained about the LODD, but issued a statement that said, "If you have any doubt about whether you have equipment that may not meet American Society of Mechanical Engineers standards, you should check it out because that can be dangerous."
We will provide more details on FF Seitz’ death and the question about the equipment very soon.
-Working on a unit that goes non-stop in a 24 hours or similar shift?
