Get documents about "fire investigator and cancer _2_
Shared by: ajizai
-
Stats
- views:
- 1
- posted:
- 11/2/2011
- language:
- English
- pages:
- 6
Document Sample
Vancouver Fire Fire investigators are effects to firefighters. This, of course, applies to
Investigators are often in the structure fire investigators who spend more time in
sworn limited before the fire is out, overhaul or post-fire environment compared to
commission officers before and during line firefighters.”
and members of the International Association of overhaul. They are exposed to many of the same Fire investigators routinely dig though fire debris
Fire Fighters Local 452. However, they do not hazards as firefighters but when it comes to the for evidence, exposing themselves to substances
have the benefits of presumptive disease amount and length of exposure to carcinogens which may sicken them years later.
legislation that firefighters currently have. They and other hazards, they are at much greater risk.
are currently in PERS and therefore must work to
age 65 compared to LEOFF retirees who may HYBRID DUTIES
retire in their 50’s because of hazards, stress and Fire investigators share some of the same risks
shorter life expectancies. as both firefighters and law enforcement. Yet for
the purposes of retirement systems, and
EXPOSURES presumptive disease they are considered
Both Firefighters and Fire Investigators are neither. So if firefighters have 100% higher risk to
exposed to toxic compounds and gasses exposures then the general public, it would
including at least 20 documented carcinogenic stand to reason fire investigators will be in the
(cancer causing) elements. Research has found same higher risk for these toxins, because of
that firefighters have 100% higher risk of their job duties.
testicular cancer and a 50% higher risk of multiple
melanoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. WHAT ARE THE RISKS?
Prostate cancer a 28% increased risk compared Cancer:
with the general population. In 1997, NIOSH initiated a study due to the fact POLYCYCLIC AEROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
that two ATF fire investigators in their 30’s had (PAH)
FIREFIGHTERS contracted bladder cancer. They determined that The American Journal of Industrial Medicine
Firefighters go in to a structure with protective their fire investigators were at risk. ATF reports that a known carcinogen found in fire
gear & breathing apparatus. They work in teams implemented a respiratory protection program debris, is PAH. It states that absorption via the
under the incident command system. They for its fire investigators in 1999 as a result of this skin is the primary route of PAH uptake. “The
ensure the fire is extinguished and get back in study. While the City of Vancouver also skin is therefore as or more important than the
service as soon as possible. Not every firefighter subsequently initiated a respiratory protection airways in absorption of PAH. PAH has been
responds to every fire. Some will go weeks or program for fire investigation, the risk cannot be linked to testicular, lung, breast, skin, bladder,
months and not see a fire scene. They certainly fully eliminated. prostate and other cancers.
are exposed to multiple hazards during this
dangerous work. PHOENIX STUDY
The City of Phoenix published a study of 26 fires
FIRE INVESTIGATORS for post fire contaminates and found chemicals
Fire investigators are in many more fire scenes exceeding the occupational exposure limits.
than a firefighter simply because of the These included acrolein, formaldehydes,
specialized service they provide. Fire glutaraldhydes, benzenes, NO2, SO2, CO &
investigators typically spend significant time on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
scene. The exposure to hazardous chemicals, “The chemicals found to exceed occupational
dust and structural dangers are frequently exposure limits in the Phoenix study
prolonged by several hours or even several days. demonstrate the potential of adverse health
Page 1 of 6
Structural Collapse: Why Vancouver Deputy Fire Marshal’s not
Nov 21, 2005 ... On January 19, 1999, a New York, covered by LEOFF or presumptive disease
43-year-old male career fire investigator died legislation?
after being crushed by a chimney that collapsed. The bottom line is, DFM’s were required to take
Chemicals: a civil service test but the test was not specific to
Inhalation – gases and airborne particulates can the job as firefighter.
be inhaled. http://www.drs.wa.gov/member/handbooks/leo
Absorption – chemicals, including dust, smoke or ff/plan-2/leoff2hbk.pdf page #4
vapors, can enter your body through your skin or
eyes. See how the job description mirror’s what a
Ingestion – chemicals can enter your body Vancouver’s Deputy Fire Marshal does.
Falls: through your mouth. http://citynet/fire/admin/jobdescriptions.asp
On July, 18, 2000, two Illinois, arson investigators Injection – chemicals can enter your body
were dispatched to the scene to conduct an through an accidental impact, cut or puncture to WHAT CHANGE IS NEEDED?
"origin-and-cause" fire investigation. During this your skin. Fire investigators should be a part of the same
investigation, Arson Investigator #1 (the victim) presumptive disease legislation that firefighters
lost his balance and fell, pinning his camera Asbestos Mesothelioma: have due to the increased risk of cancer and
between the left side of his chest and a bed In the United States, over 35 million residences other illnesses. And have the same protection of
frame/slats... ultimately the injuries he sustained harbor asbestos-containing materials that have retirement’s benefits because of hazards, stress
led to his death on August 9, 2000. the potential to release toxic fibers into the air if and shorter life expectancies.
they are damaged by a fire. This is a serious
Responding to Fires: heath risk for homeowners, firefighters and
Dec 9, 2009 HOUSTON (KTRK) – “One arson other first responders, as asbestos exposure is QUESTIONS?
investigator did not make the scene of a morning the only known cause of pleural mesothelioma, a Contact Dan McCoy, Deputy Fire Marshal – City
fire in the Heights. That's because the fatal type of cancer that attacks the lungs and of Vancouver (360) 487-7217.
investigator is in the hospital. The arson unit was does not have a cure. Asbestos fibers are friable
on the way to the fire when it collided with and can lodge in your protective gear or on your
another car on 11th and North Durham.” equipment during fire investigation only to
become airborne again while doffing the gear or
Criminals: stowing it in your vehicle. The time between
Fires are sometimes crime scenes exposure and the appearance of symptoms can
Jun 30, 2008, CHICAGO — Donald Cox was be as long as 20 to 50 years.
investigating the apparent firebombing of a
southeast side home Sunday when he was struck Exhaustion:
by a bullet below his left ribs…Arson Fire investigators get calls at all hours to rush to
investigators usually work by themselves, but in a fire incident and conduct physically exhausting
the future, "There's going to be two arson work similar to firefighters who have an
investigators per car,'' Orozco said. increased risk of heart attack.
March 17, 2010 HENRY COUNT, Ga Fire
Investigation Turns Into Police Shootout.
Page 2 of 6
LEOFF’s definition of a Fire fighters
EO -covered employers
Updated March 2006
Law enforcement officers
Page 3 of 6
protective equipment, adequacy of fire exits, and
general compliance with fire prevention laws and Perform related duties and responsibilities as
standards. required.
Advise property owners on the removal of fire
hazards; enforce compliance to correct hazards. QUALIFICATIONS
Receive and investigate complaints regarding fire Knowledge of:
violations; recommend corrective actions and
VANCOUVER FIRE DEPARTMENT’S JOB
enforce compliance. Fire hazards and the related prevention and
DESCRIPTION OF A DEPUTY FIRE MARSHAL abatement methods.
Investigate fires to determine causes and damages;
DEFINITION keep records of fire losses, investigations, fire Principles of fire prevention and safety
deaths and injuries; collect, photograph and education, including effective teaching and
To perform a variety of fire prevention and maintain evidence; prepare detailed reports presentation techniques.
inspection work including fire code enforcement and documenting investigation findings.
fire safety education program administration; act as Fire prevention inspection methods and
Public Information Officer as assigned. Respond to requests and inquiries from the fire techniques.
suppression personnel, general public, contractors,
architects, and media relations regarding fire and Fire fighting techniques, incident command
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED life safety codes and standards. system, and fire suppression equipment.
Principles of fire behavior.
Receive general supervision from a division chief. Assume duties of Public Information Officers at
emergency incidents under the Incident Command Techniques of fire and arson investigation.
System; act as liaison with the news media;
ESSENTIAL AND OTHER FUNCTION perform public relations activities such as Laws and ordinances pertaining to fire
STATEMENTS--Essential and other important coordinating press conferences, preparing news prevention, the Uniform Fire Code, and the
responsibilities and duties may include, but are not releases, and preparing audio visual materials. Uniform Building Code.
limited to, the following:
Safe work practices and procedures.
Examples of Essential Functions: Examples of Other Functions:
Public relations as they relate to obtaining
Participate in the coordination of the Fire Serve as an expert witness testifying in court cases cooperation and compliance to fire codes
Suppression Division's fire safety education involving fire and code violations. and laws.
activities; provide training on fire and safety
programs, fire and life safety codes, and inspection Maintain a variety of records, files and maps Computers and software application
practices. related to fire prevention and safety activities and programs.
programs.
Participate in the development and delivering fire Ability to:
safety and prevention educational programs to Conduct inspections for business license
local schools, community groups, and members of compliance. Conduct fire inspection and code
the general public. enforcement work.
Enter a variety of information into a computer.
Conduct annual inspections for existing buildings Respond to inquiries, complaints and
and fire code permits inspections of buildings and Ensure various equipment used in performing requests for service in a fair, tactful and firm
property for fire hazards, efficiency of fire duties is properly maintained. manner.
Page 4 of 6
typical way to obtain the knowledge and inspections; frequent evening work to attend various
Speak publicly and give presentations. abilities would be: meetings; considerable amount of driving is required.
Deal effectively with property owners, Experience:
managers and the general public in difficult
work situations. Five years experience as a deputy
fire marshal at the city of Est. 1990
Detect fire hazards and make Vancouver. Rev. 6/98 dw
recommendations for their correction.
Training:
Give instructions on ways to prevent and
eliminate fire hazards. Equivalent to the completion of the
twelfth grade supplemented by
Conduct preliminary fact-finding inspections specialized training in fire science,
and investigations, including evidence fire prevention, fire investigation, or
gathering. a related field.
Properly interpret and make decisions in License or Certificate
accordance with laws, regulations and
policies. Possession of an appropriate valid driver's
license.
Observe and record findings during
inspections. Meet NFPA 1031, step III, standard for Fire
Prevention as defined in the Senior Fire
Communicate clearly and concisely, both Prevention Officer step program.
orally and in writing; communicate with the
general public and the news media in such a Meet NFPA 1033, step III, standard for Fire
way as to be easily understandable to them. Investigator Prevention as defined in the
Senior Fire Prevention Officer step program.
Establish and maintain cooperative working
relationships with those contacted in the Meet NFPA 1035, step I, standard for Fire
course of work, and perform work with a Public Educator as defined in the Senior Fire
customer service orientation. Prevention Officer step program.
Perform basic mathematical calculations and Possession of a Uniform Fire Code
read blueprints or building plans. Certification from the International Fire
Code Institute.
Handle many different tasks in a short
amount of time.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Experience and Training Guidelines Travel from site to site in residential or commercial
Any combination of experience and training environment; conduct inspections in potentially
that would likely provide the required hazardous buildings and at fire sites; may be on-call
knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A 24 hours per day for emergencies, investigations, and
Page 5 of 6
INFORMATION:
Contacts: Ron Myers presumptive disease lawyer
in Seattle 360.459.5600 who was active in the
legislation process to get it passed
Keven Rojecki: Tacoma city counsel position # 6
Look for any training that is liken:
- part of EVAP
- part of respiratory training
- Adventist wellness testing
- Federal money for In the line of duty
death
get copy of firefighter’s presumptive disease law
then mirror for DFM
Page 6 of 6
