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IAFF National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Report of the Month
Fire Fighters May be Suffering from Cyanide Poisoning
This National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Reporting System discusses the importance
of mandatory use of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) in any situation
involving exposure to combustible products. Never assume smoke is safe. Cyanide
(HCN) is a deadly gas present in the plastics and polymers found in household
goods, furnishings and home construction.
“Once the fire was knocked down, they began the mop-up and overhaul… without
SCBA masks in place. As the structures were a total loss, they were out in the
open air. They adjusted their positions as the winds shifted and generally
stayed out of the smoke that remained. However, the wind direction was
unpredictable and occasionally they found themselves in the smoke for a few
seconds before they got clear again…sound familiar?
At one point, one of the fire fighters took a breath at just the wrong moment
and sucked in a lung full of nasty tasting smoke. Within moments he felt light
headed and somewhat disoriented. His crew members report that he was not
responding normally to verbal commands and seemed lethargic but alert.”
To read the entire report , visit
www.firefighternearmiss.com, click on search reports, click on report number
search, enter 09-857, and click on find report.
Cyanide gas, which is 35 times more toxic than Carbon Monoxide (CO), is produced
when products – including wool, silk, cotton, nylon, plastic, and polymers,
foam, melamine and synthetic rubber – burn. It can be absorbed, inhaled or
ingested, and targets the heart and brain. HNC often incapacitates the victim
within a short period of time, and has a half life in blood of one hour.
Fire fighters continue to be exposed to and overcome by Cyanide smoke on the
fire scene. Because the half life is so quick, it may or may not present. In
Providence, Rhode Island, in 2006, eight fire fighters had elevated levels of
Cyanide and required treatment, and one collapsed on the scene. Cyanide is
suspected of sickening seven fire fighters fighting the Station Fire in the
Aliso Canyon, California.
Discussion Questions:
1. Does your department have a training program to ensure that fire fighters are
aware of the hazards posed by Cyanide at fires?
2. Does your department have and comply with mandatory mask regulations?
3. Does your department ensure members wash their turnout gear, shower and
change clothes after every fire?
4. Does your department have Cyanide detection equipment that can be deployed in
the field for use at fires?
5. Does your department have Cyanide poisoning antidote kits?
Note: The questions posed by the reviewers are designed to generate discussion
and thought in the name of promoting fire fighter safety. They are not intended
to pass judgment on the actions and performance of individuals in the reports.
Stay safe
Don’t forget to enter your near-miss report
www.firefighternearmiss.com
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