CO2 cleaning of firefighter turnout gear recommended globally by the Urban Fire Forum
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The 2024 Urban Fire Forum (UFF) Position Statement addresses the growing risks posed by lithium-ion battery (LIB) fires and the need for enhanced decontamination methods for firefighter PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
As LIB fires become more common due to the increasing use of energy storage systems, they release toxic contaminants, including hydrogen fluoride, heavy metals, and various gases. These chemicals are hazardous, and although PPE offers some protection, the contaminants can persist on gear, leading to ongoing exposure.
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Ample evidence leaves no doubt that the prevalence of lithium-ion battery (“LIB”) fires is growing as global reliance on these mobile and stationary energy storage systems is exponentially increasing. According to CBS News a year ago, “Last year, there were more than 200 fires blamed on lithium-ion batteries in New York City. Since 2019 the city recorded 326 injuries related to these types of fires.”
In addition to the rapid escalation in the intensity of fire conditions, LIB fires create several distinct contaminants during thermal decomposition due to the use of lithium, fluoride, and phosphorous-based chemistry, involvement of heavy metals, and reactions with other products of combustion to produce a wide range of highly toxic compounds.
These compounds entail hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen cyanide, various lithium, fluoride, and phosphorous gases and inorganic chemicals, heavy metals such as cobalt, manganese, and nickel, per- and polyalkylfluorinated substances (PFAS), as well as the more common polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
While appropriate PPE in the form of SCBA protects against the inhalation of these substances and turnout gear lessens firefighter skin absorption exposure, significant hazards still exist for the less
volatile, water-insoluble chemicals that can remain in firefighter PPE causing prolonged contact exposure when handled and worn. The greater persistence of some of these compounds presents significant challenges for PPE decontamination.
Key recommendations include:
- Advanced Cleaning Procedures: Routine cleaning is essential but may not be sufficient for removing the persistent contaminants from LIB fires. Departments should consider both advanced and specialized cleaning methods, such as CO2 dry cleaning, depending on the severity of contamination.
- Decision-Making for Decontamination: A step-by-step approach is suggested for deciding whether advanced or specialized cleaning is necessary, based on factors like the fire environment, firefighter exposure, and contamination severity.
- Research and Technological Advancements: Ongoing research is needed to improve cleaning technologies. High-performance cleaning systems should be made more accessible through grants or regional cleaning facilities.
- Codes and Standards: The document encourages active participation in developing NFPA codes and standards to address LIB contamination and better protect firefighters.
In conclusion, LIB fires present unique risks, and specialized cleaning techniques are vital for ensuring firefighter safety. Further innovation and collaboration are necessary to effectively address these emerging hazards.