Investigating the Impact if Using Personal Protective Equipment for Hazardous Materials amongst Firefighters in the City of Johannesburg

Abstract

Firefighters respond to various types of emergencies in the emergency services, including incidents involving hazardous materials. Four levels of chemical protective suits are identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Level A is a fully encapsulating suit that envelops both the wearer and the breathing apparatus. Level B can be encapsulating or non-encapsulating. Level C is a coverall with a canister respiratory device, and Level D is the normal work uniform. Level A and Level B generate high temperatures. Prolonged exposure causes some firefighters to suffer heat exhaustion, heat stress, heat cramps, heat stroke, and heart attack. The study aimed to investigate the challenges of using chemical protective suits among firefighters in the City of Johannesburg in South Africa. The study simulated a spillage incident with 30 subjects to measure the temperature generated by Level A and B suits while performing three hazardous materials operational activities: damming, dyking, and diverting. Screening of vital signs was implemented using BP and pulse machine, thermometer and Glasgow coma scale before and after exercises. Questionnaires were distributed to the fire personnel within the region on the current practice of the chemical suit’s use. The results show elevated temperatures, which increase the risk of subjects while wearing Level A suits compared to those wearing Level B suits, which generate less. The results were analysed and interpreted using Cronbach and Pearson test tools to provide a solution to the identified problems. Short-term exposure reduces the risk to subjects. However, this requires more resources.