PPE Cleaning Validation Validation of Cleaning Procedures for Fire Fighter Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) MEETING MINUTES PROJECT TECHNICAL PANEL MEETING NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH (NIOSH) MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA THURSDAY, 13 OCTOBER 2016; 8:00 AM 4:00 PM 1) Call to Order, Agenda and Attendees. The meeting was called to order at 8:00 am by Casey Grant of the Fire Protection Research Foundation. Maryann D'Alessandro of NPPTL welcomed everyone to the NIOSH Morgantown facility, and all attendees provided self-introductions. The meeting agenda was circulated and is included as Attachment A along with a summary of the meeting attendees that is included as Attachment B. In addition, the Project Roster was circulated and an updated version is included as Attachment C, along with the Project Summary included as Attachment D. 2) Project Background and Meeting Objectives. Casey Grant provided a high-level overview and his slides are included as Attachment E. The meeting objectives were indicated as the following: To re-familiarize the panel members and guests with the specific scope, goals, and approach for the project research with an emphasis on expected project outcomes To report on initial findings to date in each of the individual research areas and obtain input on the current direction being taken To have an open and critical discussion on improvements and enhancements that can be made to the research program To develop a consensus for the form and types of guidance that should be provided to the fire service and the structure of proposed changes to NFPA 1851 3) Review of Project Activities: Overview of Research Approach. Multiple presentations provided an update on specific project activities and details. Jeff Stull led this review, starting with an Overview of Research Approach that he presented. The following observations, questions, and comments were offered during the discussion of this topic (as recorded on flipcharts): - Is a global approach possible? (A: Will be challenging). - ISPs are a key group in final approach, though any one group will be limited in overall perspective. - Validation of ISP approach needs to be straight forward. 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471 Telephone: +1.617.984.7281 Fax: +1.617.984.7010 Email: Foundation@NFPA.org www.nfpa.org/foundation
- Validation will need to be directly applicable to garments and configurations of PPE. - Need to be focused on future materials that minimize contamination (e.g., Nano-technology, etc.). - Ease of cleaning needs to be explicitly stated as a performance characteristic for PPE, etc. (in the standards, field guidance, etc.). 4) Review of Project Activities: Review of Original FPRF Research and Findings. Jason Allen addressed a Review of Original FPRF Research and Findings and the work being conducted by Intertek at both their New York and Pennsylvania facilities. The following observations, questions, and comments were offered during the discussion of this topic (as recorded on flipcharts): - Need to focus on overall efficiency of cleaning method (i.e., an index; we do not need a detailed analysis for each case). - Focus on NFPA 1851: Need proposal in Jan 2017 with fine-tuned comments in late summer of 2017. - Clarify use of nebulizer? (A: Clarification provided). - Clarify rinse & submersion process? (A: Clarification provided). 5) Review of Project Activities: Chemical Contamination Research and Findings. Two separate NIOSH teams presented, first with the research team addressing Chemical Contamination Research and Findings led by Jay Tarley, Crystal Forrester and Lee Greenawald. They specifically addressed large and small scale contamination exposures, organic chemical contaminant sampling and analysis, inorganic chemical contaminant (heavy metals) sampling and analysis, and a method for field contamination of samples in a repeatable and reproducible manner (represented by the MCC unit illustrated in Attachment F). The following observations, questions, and comments were offered during the discussion of this topic (as recorded on flipcharts): - For live burns, what about upholstered furniture (i.e., fire retardants)? (A: This will be considered). - What about the holistic effect of organic and inorganic off-gases in combination? (A: This will be considered, though is a challenge except for metals which are more straight forward). - Will alternate cleaning methods be used for inorganics? (A: Approach clarified which need to be portable, etc.). - Clarify Jane Lew burns? (A: Con Ex Box). - Can mass spectroscopy be used? (A: There are practical challenges). - All contaminants have challenges, but organics have numerous possibilities. - Focus on chemical side. - Looking for a simple, transferable procedure, that is realistic and practical. - Need to set priorities. - Need to know: What s on new gear, and what s on gear after a fire, and what is harmful? - Need to be clear on the baseline, and have measures of effectiveness. - Any evidence will assist with training & outreach. - How deep do we go with organics? (A: We need to keep this practical). - With the NFPA 1851 focus, this is a long term issue, but we need to prioritize impactful enhancements. - Need to clarify the samples for the MCC (with multiple samples). - Need to be aware of repeatability and reproducibility. - Consider analytical baseline for the MCC testing (for NFPA 1851). --- Page 2 of 5 ---
- Characterization of the contaminants is very important, but we need to not over-think what we can do. - Ultimate future goal is gear not susceptible to contamination. This is the long-term solution. - Once exposed, gear should have advance cleaning. - Keep in mind practical functionality like with very busy units (e.g., FDNY). - Defining a significant exposure is elusive and is often up the AHJ. - Our final goal should be no contaminated gear is acceptable. - Need for gross decontamination is a reality and needed. - Consider alternative approaches (e.g., disposable, etc.). - Need to consider reality with cost; consider all the ilities. - Operability and functionality are important. - Need to maintain emphasis on equipment for critical equipment needs (e.g., extractors for all FDs). - The project deliverables will set future baselines for equipment, etc. - We need to set the bar; we need to set the standard for cleaning. - We have a limited time frame and agenda. We have a proposed approach for the short-term, which can be used by NFPA 1851. We need guidance on priorities. 6) Review of Project Activities: Biological Contamination Research and Findings. This was followed by the biological focused NIOSH research team members John Noti and Bill Lindsley addressing Biological Contamination Research and Findings, which specifically included contaminant selection and characterization and preliminary decontamination findings. The following observations, questions, and comments were offered during the discussion of this topic (as recorded on flipcharts): - Field tests (biological) has merit for quality control. - High temps are important, and clarification of cause and effect would be helpful. - Need to do various bio-contaminants separately. 7) Review of Project Output and Research Implementation. This interactive review and discussion activity was led by Jeff Stull with support from Tim Tomlinson. This focused on deliverables other than the project documentation and a cleaning validation method, and specifically addressed fire service field guidance and proposed changes to NFPA 1851. The following observations, questions, and comments were offered during the discussion of this topic (as recorded on flipcharts): What should be addressed in Best Practices? - When to trigger cleaning. - What cleaning approach to use. - Inspection for degradation (e.g. thermal assault). - Threshold criteria for initiating the cleaning process, addressing all applicable variables. - Consideration of available resources. - Use of swatches/surrogates for analysis. - Handling and storage of contaminated PPE and gear. - Following well-established protocols already in place for HazMat events. - Parallel the use of SCBA in IDLH with the use of gear that will need to be cleaned (i.e., if SCBA, then cleaning will be required). If you mask-up, you can contaminate gear. - Be clear on next steps with contaminated gear. - Need practical realistic guidance. --- Page 3 of 5 ---
- Consider all variables that impact contamination (e.g., number of events, type of events, available resources, etc.). - Increase advanced inspections in relation to increased cleanings. - Provide specific wash/clean diary for all gear (to monitor degradation, etc.). - Drying of gear also needs to be considered. - Disposal of gear that cannot be cleaned needs consideration. - Provide evidence on the destructive nature of cleaning. (& overall degradation impact). - Be careful on limitations on number of washings, which will likely result in less frequent cleanings. - Establish realistic baselines for all parts of the fire service (e.g. NFPA 1710/1720 etc.). - Focus on processes that will provide the greatest overall impact. - Address outdated gear and how its handled. - Consider an approach that focuses on Good/Better/Best. (Do not distinguish on types of FD or FF approach on Health and Wellness). - Providing baseline targets for long term. - Promote good hygiene for all FFs. - Provide and process standards to promote solutions. - Good/Better/Best approach has merit. - Clarify approach for routine cleaning. What should be addressed in NFPA 1851? - Smoke is a hazardous contaminant - Definition of soiled is questionable and needs clarification. - Cleaning approach needs a lot of work. - Clarify approaches used in other professional sectors (e.g., healthcare). - Fire service is very incident related, unpredictable, and greatly variable, unlike other sectors. - Need to address and define field (i.e., gross) decontamination. But what good is gross decontamination? What is effective? What should be recommended? Routine cleaning is misleading. - Routine cleaning is by the end-user and important. It has an important place, as a lead-in to further cleaning. - Reducing particulates will help. - Also address station uniforms. - Promote good personal and equipment hygiene. - NFPA 1851 has provided significant positive impact, but it is certainly open to improvement. - Define Decontamination, which needs to be coordinated with Contamination. - Is specialized cleaning still appropriate? It is confusing. More FFs face HazMat in structural FF, rather than through HazMat events. Some call this HazMat Decontamination. Dependent on FD clarification (when sending to an ISP). Consider variables that cause an ISP to retire the gear. FF typically do not know what they were exposed to at any particular incident. All fireground contaminants are HazMat. --- Page 4 of 5 ---
- NFPA 1500 has been working on this issue, and Fireground Toxic Contaminates is now a defined term being brought forward. This will be further explored. 8) Next Steps. The Research Team will continue to work on the project taking into account the details addressed at this Panel meeting. There is a lot of interest in this project, and thus outreach related efforts will continue. Efforts will be made to provide a solid basis for public inputs into NFPA 1851 due by the end of the 2016 calendar year. This input can be further refined prior to the meeting of the NFPA 1851 Technical Committee in late February 2017. In preparation, around mid-december 2016 Casey will circulate a scheduling poll for an upcoming conference call meeting with the Panel to be held sometime during late January 2017. 9) Adjournment. Thanks was expressed to all attendees, and the meeting adjourned prior to 4:00 pm. (Meeting Summary by C. Grant, 11/November/2016) Attachments Attachment Description No. of Pages A Meeting Agenda 2 B Meeting Attendees 1 C Project Roster 3 D Project Summary 2 E PowerPoint Slides by C. Grant 3 F Mountaineer Combustion Chamber 1 --- Page 5 of 5 ---
PPE Cleaning Validation Validation of Cleaning Procedures for Fire Fighter Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) PROJECT MEETING Thursday, 13 October 2016 8:00 am 4:00 pm National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Room L1ABCD 1095 Willowdale Road Morgantown, West Virginia 26505 Project Overview The Fire Protection Research Foundation was awarded a grant by the Department of Homeland Security to develop methods to validate cleaning procedures for fire fighter protective clothing for both chemical and biological contamination. With the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Intertek Testing Services (ITS), and International Personnel Protection, Inc. (IPP) as its research partners, the Research Foundation is carrying out a series of investigations to determine how well existing and emerging cleaning procedures can remove contamination from fire fighter protective clothing and to ultimately answer the question of How Clean is Clean. The overall intent of this research program is to provide definitive guidance for the fire service in the appropriate cleaning/decontamination/sanitization of protective clothing and recommend specific changes to support improved cleaning practices as part of NFPA 1851 and related standards. Meeting Objectives 1. To re-familiarize the panel members and guests with the specific scope, goals, and approach for the project research with an emphasis on expected project outcomes 2. To report on initial findings to date in each of the individual research areas and obtain input on the current direction being taken 3. To have an open and critical discussion on improvements and enhancements that can be made to the research program 4. To develop a consensus for the form and types of guidance that should be provided to the fire service and the structure of proposed changes to NFPA 1851 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471 Telephone: +1.617.984.7281 Fax: +1.617.984.7010 Email: Foundation@NFPA.org www.nfpa.org/foundation
AGENDA Last Updated: 10 October 2016 1. Welcome, Introductions, General Background (8:00 am - 8:45 am) Casey Grant 2. Overview of Research Approach (8:45 am - 9:30 am) Jeff Stull a) Key research questions b) Research program design c) Projected outcomes d) DISCUSSION: Industry expectations 3. Review of Original FPRF Research and Findings (9:30 am - 10:00 am) Jason Allen Break (10:00 am -10:15 am) 4. Chemical Contamination Research and Findings (10:30 am -12:00 noon) Jay Tarley Crystal Forester Lee Greenawald Jeff Stull a) Large and small scale contamination exposures b) Organic chemical contaminant sampling and analysis c) Inorganic chemical contaminant (heavy metals) sampling and analysis d) DISCUSSION: Reconciling large and small scale contamination approaches Lunch (12:00 noon - 1:00 pm) 5. Biological Contamination Research and Findings (1:00-1:30 pm) John Noti Bill Lindsey a) Contaminant selection and characterization b) Preliminary decontamination findings 6. Project Output and Research Implementation (1:30 pm - 2:30 pm) Jeff Stull Tim Tomlinson a) Fire service guidance b) Proposed changes to NFPA 1851 and other standards c) DISCUSSION: Strategy for affecting fire service practices 7. Meeting Summary, Next Steps, & Future Meeting (2:30 pm - 3:00 pm) Casey Grant 8. Lab tours pending time permitted (3:00 pm and onward) Page 2 of 2
PPE Cleaning Validation Panel Meeting Thursday 13/October/2016, Morgantown, WV Final Summary of Meeting Attendees: 13 October 2016 Attendees: Lanny Adkins, WV Fire Academy (WV) Jason Allen, Intertek (NY) Don Beezhold, NIOSH HELD (WV) David Bernzweig, Columbus Fire Department (OH) Francoise Blachere, NIOSH HELD (WV) Ken Block, Edmonton Fire/Rescue & Metro Chiefs Representative (ED) Bill Brooks, Alliance Corp - UniMac (WI) Ken Brown, VA State Firefighter s Association & NVFC (Alt to Brian McQueen) Roger Curtis, ECMS Curtis & Sons (CA) Maryann D'Alessandro, NIOSH NPPTL (PA) Charlie Dunn, TenCate Protective Fabrics Daniel Farcas, NIOSH HELD (WV) Crystal Forester, NIOSH NPPTL (WV) Pat Freeman, Globe Manufacturing (NH) Casey Grant, FPRF (MA) Lee Greenawald, NIOSH NPPTL (WV) James Harris, NIOSH NPPTL (WV) Bill Haskell, NIOSH NPPTL (MA) Diane Hess, PBI Performance Products (NC) Steve King, Chair NFPA 1851 (NY) Steve Lakey, Northwest Safety Clean (WA) Karen Lehtonen, LionFirst Responder Products (OH) John Lemley, Morgantown Fire Department (WV) Bill Lindsley, NIOSH HELD (WV) Stephen Martin, NIOSH DRDS (WV) Ed McCarthy, Boston Fire Department (MA) John Noti, NIOSH HELD (WV) Bryan Ormond, NCSU (NC) Russ Osgood, Portsmouth Fire Dept & FCSN (NH) John Powers, NIOSH NPPTL (WV) Matt Reed, WV Fire Academy (WV) Fanny Rieunier, Ministry of Interior & Liaison for ISO TC92/SC3 (Liaison: France) Molly Riley, Virginia Beach Fire Dept. (VA) Deborah Sbarra, NIOSH NPPTL (WV) Marni Schmid, Fortunes Collide & Secretariat NFPA 1851 (MI) Dan Silvestri, 9-1-1 Safety (PA) Bob Sliger, Fairmont Fire Department (WV) Jeff Stull, International Personal Protection (TX) Jay Tarley, NIOSH NPPTL (WV) Eddie Taylor, WV Fire Academy (WV) Robert Thewlis, NIOSH HELD Tim Tomlinson, Addison FD (TX) Robert Tutterow, NFPA Fire Service Section (NC) Dick Weiss, LA County Fire Dept. (CA) Page 1 of 1
PPE Cleaning Validation Validation of Cleaning Procedures for Fire Fighter Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) PROJECT CONTACTS Last Updated: 11 November 2016 Project Technical Panel David Bernzweig, Columbus Fire Department (OH) Ken Block, Edmonton Fire/Rescue & Metro Chiefs Representative Ken Brown, VA State Firefighter s Association & NVFC (Alt to B. McQueen) Roger Curtis, ECMS Curtis & Sons (CA) Steve Lakey, Northwest Safety Clean (WA) Mark Lambert, WV Fire Academy & NAFTD (WV) Ed McCarthy, Boston Fire Department (MA) Brian McQueen, FASNY & National Volunteer Fire Council (NY) Mark Miller, Phoenix Fire Dept. (AZ) Bryan Ormond, NCSU (NC) Russ Osgood, Firefighter Cancer Support Network (NH) (Alt to Keith Tyson) Larry Petrick, IAFF (DC) Billy Reynolds, Virginia Beach Fire Dept. (VA) (Alt to M. Riley) Jim Riley, Boston Fire Department (MA) (Alt to E. McCarthy) Molly Riley, Virginia Beach Fire Dept. (VA) Thomas Smith, FDNY (NY) Tim Tomlinson, Gear Cleaning Solutions (TX) Robert Tutterow, NFPA Fire Service Section (NC) Keith Tyson, Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FL) Dick Weise, LA County Fire Dept. (CA) Chris Youngblood, Austin Fire Dept. (TX) 614-774-7446 Email: Safety@local67.com 780-496-3801 Email: ken.block@edmonton.ca 804-971-7983 Email; kbrownret@aol.com 510-839-5111 Cell: 213-321-9393 Email: rcurtis@lncurtis.com 253-277-4131 Cell: 503-314-4832 Email: Steve@northwestsafetyclean.com 304-406-7479 Email: mlambe13@mail.wvu.edu 617-828-3978 Email: Edward.mccarthy@boston.gov 315-736-7479 Cell: 315-552-8245 Email: fasnydirector@gmail.com 602-534-2396 Email: mark.a.miller@phoenix.gov 919-524-1569 Email: rbormond@ncsu.edu Email: rosgood@fcsn.net Email: LPetrick@iaff.org 757-385-2891 Cell: 757-403-2687 Email: wreynold@vbgov.com 617-549-9850 Email: james.riley@boston.gov 757-385-2892 Email: mriley@vbgov.com 718-999-2922 Email: Thomas.Smith@fdny.nyc.gov 214-774-2213 Cell: 940-300-5718 Email: tim@gearcleaningsolutions.com Email: rdtutterow@gmail.com 786-351-3276 Email: KTyson@FCSN.net 951-807-1914 Email: rweiselacofd@yahoo.com 512-974-0286 Email: Christopher.Youngblood@austintexas.gov 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471 Telephone: +1.617.984.7281 Fax: +1.617.984.7010 Email: Foundation@NFPA.org www.nfpa.org/foundation
Phase 1 Project Contacts Steve Allison, Fire-Dex (OH) Jack Binder, Edmar Chemical Company (OH) Bill Brooks, Alliance Corp. (WI) Charlie Dunn, TenCate Protective Fabrics Chris Farrell, NFPA & Staff Liaison for NFPA 1851 (MA) Rob Freese, Globe Manufacturing (NH) Pat Freeman, Globe Manufacturing (NH) (Alternate to Rob Freese) Diane Hess, PBI Performance Products (NC) Karen Lehtonen, LionFirst Responder Products (OH) Dan Silvestri, 9-1-1 Safety (PA) Liaison Contacts Marcus Baker, Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board (Australia) Pierre Carlotti, Ministry of Interior & Liaison for ISO TC92/SC3 (France) Eric Guillaume, Efectis & Liaison for ISO TC92/SC3 (France) Bill Haskell, NIOSH NPPTL (MA) Steve King, Chair NFPA 1851 (NY) Gregory Mackin, Boston Fire Department (MA) Fanny Rieunier, Ministry of Interior & Liaison for ISO TC92/SC3 (France) Marni Schmid, Fortunes Collide & Secretariat NFPA 1851 (MI) 330-723-0000, x365 Email: steveallison@firedex.com 800-401-4780 Email: jackbinder@edmarchem.com 920-570-0824 Email: Bill.Brooks@AllianceLS.com Email: c.dunn@tencate.com 617-984-7325 Email: cfarrell@nfpa.org 800-232-8323 Email: robf@globefiresuits.com Email: patf@globefiresuits.com 704-554-3313 Email: Diane.Hess@PBIProducts.com 937-415-2932 Email: klehtonen@lionprotects.com 484-433-4072 Email: Dan@911se.com 0409 178 285 Email: mbaker@mfb.vic.gov.au Email: pierre.carlotti@interieur.gouv.fr Email: eric.guillaume@efectis.com Email: czi8@cdc.gov 631-242-0621 Email: tikitai@aol.com 617-343-3080 Email: greg.mackin@boston.gov +33(0)1.55.76.26.18 Email: fanny.rieunier@interieur.gouv.fr 612-247-6429 Email: marni@fortunes-collide.com Page 2 of 3
Core Research Team Jason Allen, Intertek (NY) Daniel Farcas, NIOSH HELD (WV) Crystal Forester, NIOSH NPPTL (WV) Casey Grant, Fire Protection Research Foundation (MA) Lee Greenawald, NIOSH NPPTL (WV) Ann Kotz, Intertek (PA) Bill Lindsley, NIOSH HELD (WV) Stephen Martin, NIOSH DRDS (WV) John Noti, NIOSH HELD (WV) Deborah Sbarra, NIOSH NPPTL (WV) Jeff Stull, International Personal Protection (TX) Jay Tarley, NIOSH NPPTL (WV) 607-758-6537 Cell: 607-423-5617 Email: jason.allen@intertek.com 304-285-6076 Email: yfe2@cdc.gov Email: ckf7@cdc.gov 617-984-7284 Cell: 617-659-1159 Email: cgrant@nfpa.org Email: ilv1@cdc.gov Email: ann.kotz@intertek.com Email: wlindsley@cdc.gov Email: stm9@cdc.gov Email: ivr2@cdc.gov Email: drc3@cdc.gov 512-288-8272 cell: 512-623-9558 Email: intlperpro@aol.com 304-285-5858 cell: 681-209-2571 Email: jst9@cdc.gov Additional Research Team Contacts Francoise Blachere, NIOSH HELD (WV) Renee Dotson, NIOSH HELD (WV) James Harris, NIOSH NPPTL (WV) Ryan Lebouf, NIOSH DRDS (WV) Todd McEvoy, Intertek (PA) Eric Peterson, Fire Protection Research Foundation (MA) Heather Reed, NIOSH NPPTL (PA) 304-285-5884 Email: czv3@cdc.gov Email: ced9@cdc.gov Email: jrh6@cdc.gov Email: igu6@cdc.gov Email: todd.mcevoy@intertek.com 617-984-7281 Email: epeterson@nfpa.org 412-386-4621 Cell: 412-463-9561 Email: yvt5@cdc.gov Page 3 of 3
PPE Cleaning Validation Validation of Cleaning Procedures for Fire Fighter Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (for more information see www.nfpa.org/ppecleaning) PROJECT SUMMARY Last updated: 5 February 2016 Background: Fire fighter exposure to personal protective equipment (PPE) that is dirty, soiled, and contaminated is an increasing concern for long-term fire fighter health. This exposure to persistent harmful contaminants in PPE is an extremely serious problem both on the fireground to highly toxic substances including a variety of carcinogens, and more insidiously to an increasing range of infectious pathogens that are encountered in patient care and different emergency operations. Fire fighter PPE becomes contaminated during these exposures and there are no industry standards that conclusively and reliably show that clothing is being adequately cleaned. While general cleaning procedures have been established in NFPA 1851, Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting, there are no procedures or requirements to demonstrate whether current cleaning practices, including those specified in NFPA 1851, will remove contaminants from fire fighter protective clothing. This project is intended to establish clear and definitive guidance to the fire service for applying cleaning and decontamination procedures that effectively remove both chemical and biological contaminants. Research Goal and Objectives, and Conceptual Approach: The overall goal of this project is to improve fire fighter safety and health by reducing continuing exposure to harmful contaminants in unclean or inadequately cleaned PPE. The objectives to achieve this goal are twofold: (1) To characterize fireground and emergency scene contamination leading to these exposures and develop the methodology for the consistent measurement of cleaning effectiveness; and (2) determine implementable cleaning, decontamination, and disinfection strategies that effectively reduce fire fighter exposures to persistent contaminants. The approach taken by this project is illustrated in Figure 1: Project Conceptual Approach. Figure 1: Project Conceptual Approach 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471 Telephone: +1.617.984.7281 Fax: +1.617.984.7010 Email: Foundation@NFPA.org www.nfpa.org/foundation
Project Phases and Tasks: This project involves the following four key phases of activity: 1) Identification of Contaminants: Confirm identification and ability to characterize persistent chemical and biological contaminants in fire fighter PPE through target substances and microorganisms. 2) Establishment of Soil and Chemical Contamination/Decontamination Procedures: Develop and validate specific procedures that determine the effectiveness of laundering and other cleaning methods in removing specific soils and chemical contaminants. 3) Establishment of Biological Contamination/Disinfection or Sanitization Procedures: Develop and validate specific procedures that determine the effectiveness of laundering or disinfection/sanitization processes that remove/deactivate biologically-based contaminants. 4) Creation of Overall Fire Service Guidance: Prepare clear and definitive information for the fire service industry (fire fighters, fire departments, clothing manufacturers, material suppliers, cleaning/care organizations, and cleaning agent or equipment manufacturers) on appropriate approaches for properly cleaning fire fighter protective clothing and equipment. The specific tasks of this project are based on these four phases of the project, and these are illustrated in Figure 2: Project Tasks. Figure 2: Project Tasks Implementation and Schedule: This three year project is due to be completed no later than August 2018, and is funded through an AFG Fire Prevention & Safety Grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security / Federal Emergency Management Agency. The Research Foundation will lead a unique research team partnership composed of the FPRF, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), International Personal Protection (IPP), and Intertek. The research team, along with several Independent Service Providers (ISPs), will work with the fire service partners and others to validate and optimize fire fighter PPE cleaning validation methods. For more information see www.nfpa.org/ppecleaning. Page 2 of 2
10/6/2016 How Clean is Clean? Panel Meeting for The Validation of Fire Fighting PPE Cleaning Procedures Thursday, 13 October 2016 8:00 am 4:00 pm National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 1095 Willowdale Road (Room L1ABCD) Morgantown, West Virginia 26505 Fire Protection Research Foundation and National Fire Protection Association. All Rights Reserved. Welcome, Introductions, General Background 1) Welcome and Introductions Opening Remarks Update on Logistics Meeting Purpose and Overview 2) Overview of Related Activities a) Investigation of Turnout Clothing Contamination and Validation of Cleaning Procedures b) PPE Cleaning Validation c) Campaign for Contamination Control d) Fire Fighter Cancer Cohort Study Summary Overview: PPE Cleaning Validation AFG Project # EMW-2014-FP-00403 (Note: FY2014) Funding: DHS/FEMA Fire Grant (R&D) 3 Years Recipient: Fire Protection Research Foundation o Primary Point of Contact (PI): Casey Grant o Project Technical Director: Jeff Stull Project Contractors: o (1) International Personnel Protection / (2) NIOSH / (3) Intertek o ISPs: Gear Cleaning Solutions / ECMS / Northwest Safety Clean Points of Contact (for the research team) Casey Grant, Executive Director, Fire Protection Research Foundation Jeff Stull, President, International Personnel Protection, Inc. Jay Tarley, Physical Scientist, NIOSH National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory Jason Allen, Chief Scientist & Technical Advisor, Intertek Testing Services www.nfpa.org/ppecleaning 3 A unique public/private consortia 4 Project Advisory Panel Overall project includes fire service partners and ISP project participants Fire Dept. Partners: Addison TX, Austin, Boston, Columbus, Edmonton, FDNY, LA County, Phoenix, Virginia Beach Fire Service Organizations: FCSN, IAFF, Metro Chiefs, NVFC, NFPA Fire Service Section ISPs: GCS, ECMS, Northwest Safety Clean Investigation of Turnout Clothing Contamination and Validation of Cleaning Procedures Intended to jump start research prior to obtaining AFG research funding Support by consortia of organizations Fire-Dex Globe Manufacturing Lion First Responder Products L.N. Curtis & Sons National Fire Protection Association PBI Performance Products TenCate Protective Fabrics 5 6 1
10/6/2016 Project Scope: PPE Cleaning Validation Comprehensive project to validate cleaning procedures Key Questions to be Answered: Can better gear cleaning guidance be provided to the fire service? Does cleaning adequately remove chemical and biological contaminants? When do departments know their gear is clean? How can research findings best be transitioned to practice? Important Questions for All Fire Fighters Will fire ground contaminants hurt me? Am I being exposed to contaminants that will cause cancer or other long term health problems? Is dirty gear dangerous? If I clean my PPE, will it be safe to use? Are there steps I can take to minimize exposure? How bad are these contaminants? What about biological exposures, like MRSA or EBOLA? Just how clean is clean? 7 8 Underlying Issues Exposure to contaminants (e.g., fireground, EMS, hazmat, etc.) is an increasing concern for long-term fire fighter health Cancer and other diseases resulting from chronic exposures has become a leading concern Presumed to be associated with fireground exposures relating to protection/hygiene practices and persistent harmful contamination found in fire fighter gear Origin of Industry Standards Work by FIERO, SAFER, CAFER, and NAFER led to first cleaning guidance First edition of NFPA 1851 in 2001 Established fire department responsibilities for selection, care, and maintenance Revisions in 2008 and 2014 General cleaning instructions maintained Decontamination not addressed 9 10 NFPA 1851 Task Group Activity Assigned to examine revisions to NFPA 1851 cycle for planned 2018 revision Update cleaning procedures and address persistent contamination Investigate new cleaning technologies Provide means for verifying cleaning efficacy Research Objective (questions) NFPA 1851 procedures effective? What are the common turnout contaminants? What level of contamination is acceptable? Should other detergent attributes be specified? How well are persistent contaminants removed? Do NFPA 1851 procedures work for other elements? Is 105 o F wash temperature too low Can alternative cleaning processes be applied? What are the effects of cleaning additives Are residual levels of cleaning agents left in clothing? Apply different procedures for shells versus liners? Project Deliverables Final Project Report - Will include the following: 1) Documentation of entire project. 2) Proposed Validation Test Approach (for use beyond only PPE, but also other applicable areas like hose, apparatus, stations, etc.) 3) Field Guidance, in format friendly annexes to provide important useable guidance for fire fighters, fire departments, ISPs, manufacturers, and other interested parties Changes will also be proposed to update NFPA 1851 11 12 2
10/6/2016 Communications Web Portal: www.nfpa.org/ppecleaning (includes a succinct 2-page project summary of project intended for all audiences, and sign-up for interested parties). Presentations & Webinars (multiple venues) Published Articles (e.g., Fire Engineering, NFPA Journal, etc.) Press Releases, Blogs, etc. (focus toward reaching mainstream fire service) To Follow Project Related Activities see www.nfpa.org/ppecleaning Fire Engineering April 2016 13 14 Thank You Contact Information: Casey Grant (point of contact) Fire Protection Research Foundation One Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA USA 02169-7471 Email: cgrant@nfpa.org Jeff Stull (Technical Director) International Personnel Protection, Inc. Email: intlperpro@aol.com Project Website: www.nfpa.org/ppecleaning Fire Protection Research Foundation and National Fire Protection Association. All Rights Reserved. 15 3
Plan View Frame for Samples 240 Detail of Bottom Inset to Hold Specimen Frame 240 Frame With Upper and Lower Sandwich Using Hardware Cloth Circular or square opening Optional Fan Typical Clamps,60 Pressure Relief Baffle,60 60 Support Frame,To Scale 30 Diameter Tubing 60 in Length (quantity ø 64 to 72) Internal Funnel with Exterior Frame 60 3 60 Opening Access Door with Vent Damper 55 Gallon Barrel 60 Tubing Sector 240 Metal Lid for Cleaning Access 240 Clamp Ring 180 Damper 60 3 60 Opening (into barrel) Optional Optional Top Design Screen of Hardware Cloth