SCBA on Fire Investigations

[Insideman]

Folks,

Does any department mandate that their fire investigators wear SCBA while digging a cold fire? A few departments in Northern Virginia are attempting to go this route. They discuss the gases that are unknown along with safety first. Most of the folks making the policy haven't ever investigated a fire scene.

[JBoggs13]

We typically dont see much of that here in Wake County (NC). I dont recall ever seeing a Wake County or Raleigh Investigator wearing an SCBA while digging; HOWEVER I'm sure in some instances, ie the Apex EQ Fire last year, there may have been some use.

Typically, investigators in this area dont dive right in untill most of the hazards have been abated. Granted, we know the most toxic of fire gasses are present AFTER extinguishment, considering there is no more fire to burn them off.

I guess the best solution is good (but smart) ventilation, and equiping investigators with personal multi-gas detectors. The past few fires my chief and I have dug, the monitor was brough in (just trying it out and curiosity).

Good topic, good point. Definatley something to consider since most investigations begin during or subsequently to Overhaul.

[7192]

With more and more cases of cancer popping up within the field, I am seeing more and more departments moving to this as a policy. I think that they are more doing it to protect you, more them from future litigation.

[Insideman]

I believe that positive pressure fans at the front door help even on a cold fire while digging. SCBA will hamper any investigation and there may be back injuries also.

[grumpier old man]

Command and the Inv side (PSP) should know in advance as preplans for major commerical sites which would burn, on the record,there is still used ASBESTOS in commerical buildings as well as residental.. Fiberglass insulation is not any thing one would want to be around as inhaled fibers as well as any contaminants posted or un posted inside the pending or on going investigation....places like AUTO ZONE or other auto supply houses STOCK many different solvents and cleaners which IF not completely incinerated can be a respitory threat... older STEAM plants as super heated air can be also hazardous,and the covered pipes noted above,May still be there as not been removed yet as found by DEP and forced removal....\

If the investigation is at a still standing structure,which has been DE- ROOFed as such,going thru the interioe debris is a concern as to the investigsative team...one hopes such a fire would completely reduce that threat but again...my yrs since my accident with LIVE STEAM will tell u this... COPD is no picnic and will end my life just like any other respitory conditon caused by smoking,or coal mining, or even welding fumes,or other pathagenic cause....be safe.. if in doubt.. wear one..only time post un use will tell u if u are marked for DEATH as for my self its been since 1973...and O2 use is being done spiratically now..as well as Prednizone...on regular basis.....u do not want to join this club...

[TheNatureBoy]

I-Man,

Although it is not stipulated by my department (in writing), all of our investigators carry an MSA half-mask with cartridges. I would encourage you and your department to do the same.

I have been in FID for 6 plus years and can honestly say that using the half masks can make a difference even when the fire has long been extinguished. The products of combustion are constantly off-gasing well after most, if all, the suppression crews have left the scene. While PPV or natural ventilation removes most of the visible smoke, much of the gases are still contained within the debris we dig through.

I know that wearing a full SCBA can be a pain, but I would take it over no protection anytime.

If you need any more info, PM me and I will try to answer your questions.