When considering the purchase of new SCBA, it is important to understand the compliance implications of purchasing “refurbished” SCBA from a supplier not authorized by its manufacturer. Several businesses in the United States and Canada advertise and sell SCBA that are “refurbished” or “reconditioned” units from various SCBA manufacturers. U.S. OSHA regulations [29 CFR 1910.134(h)(4)] require that “the employer shall
While volcanic eruptions are rare, the impact can be severe not just on everything it touches, but on the people living near the volcano. Depending on the type of volcano, and the force of the eruption, a variety of hazards may be present. These hazards can include mudflows and flash floods, landslides and rockfalls, earthquakes, lava flow, falling ash, and
Cases of Valley fever have been increasing, but many are not aware of this fungal agent and that it can be quite dangerous. What is Valley Fever? Valley fever (Coccidioidomycosis) is caused by inhalation of the spores of Coccidioides immitis fungus. The fungus is commonly found in the soil of southwestern states of the United States, and more likely to
After a growing number of reports of firefighters being diagnosed with cancer, a variety of organizations collaborated to study this newly recognized risk. Recently, one of the largest studies of firefighter cancer risks among United States firefighters, conducted by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health with funding by the U.S. Fire Administration and led by the Centers for
When it comes to personnel, volunteer fire departments are no different than corporations or nonprofit groups. They all need people in the boat rowing toward the same agreed-upon destination. And while that rowing requires hard skills, like a strong back, it also requires soft skills — such as the ability to work as part of a team. In firefighting, the
A rapid intervention team (RIT) must have a thorough knowledge of basic and advanced search procedures to be effective at reaching the downed firefighter quickly. The time saved at reducing the search time can be time used at completing an RIT bag change and extrication if needed. This search knowledge can only be gained through constant training and understanding of