Responding to a vehicle leaking fuel is a fairly “routine call” in the fire and emergency service. Calls of this nature can take on the appearance of looking benign, but pose a serious threat to first responders. Understanding the chemical and physical properties of gasoline or diesel fuel is the key to safely operating on scenes of this nature. Even though responders typically respond in open air environments when dealing with gasoline or diesel fuel leaks, there is still an Immediate Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) component. Developing a “best practices” approach to donning all appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) will afford responders the best protection possible. In this week’s featured firefighter near-miss report, the fire crew didn’t conduct a detailed risk assessment prior to engaging in mitigation tactics to control the leak.This report details the complacency and apathy that can hinder any crew that is operating offensively on a gasoline or diesel fuel leak.
“While on scene of an auto accident with an active fuel leak, one crew was dealing with the fuel leak…all patients were clear of the area…a firefighter was on a charged hoseline with turnout gear and SCBA with no mask…the engineer was attempting to stop the leak wearing no turnout gear…a second firefighter was reported to have been soaked from head to toe with fuel.”
This report illustrates that responders need to ensure that a detailed and thorough risk assessment is completed prior to engaging in mitigation tactics. The flammable, combustible and carcinogenic factors were not entirely addressed and firefighters’ lives were put at risk. Fortunately, as a result of this incident, the crews identified and addressed training needs in their after action report. Developing a “best practice” approach to ensure all PPE and SCBA are in place on every call that poses an IDLH threat is the foundation for success.
Consider the following questions for discussion:
- What level of hazardous materials training competency do your members have?
- Is gasoline flammable or combustible? What is the difference between these two?
- Is it safe to simply ‘wash down’ a gasoline spill? What mitigation attempts can be made by a single engine in your department?
- Does your department have a policy that addresses PPE and SCBA on incidents of this nature?
- When was the last time you did a “basic” training on gasoline or diesel leaks?
Have you had a near-miss because you didn’t address all of the safety considerations while operating on a fuel leak? Submit your report to www.firefighternearmiss.com today to pass on your experience. For more on the value of firefighter near-miss reporting, CLICK HERE.
Note: The questions posed by the reviewers are designed to generate discussion and thought in the name of promoting firefighter safety. They are not intended to pass judgment on the actions and performance of individuals in the reports.
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