Call_0004-_SOO_A-_Respiration_Protection_for_Firefighters_during_Overhaul.pdf

Respiration Protection for Firefighters during Overhaul Operations Statement of Objectives BAA 13-012/Call 0004/ SOO A

October 13, 2015 Science and Technology Directorate Department of Homeland Security

DISTRIBUTION NOTICE: Further dissemination only as directed by DHS Office of Policy DESTRUCTION NOTICE: Destroy by any method that will prevent disclosure of contents or reconstruction of the document.

Respiration Protection for Firefighters during Overhaul Operations Statement of Objectives

September14, 2015 i

Table of Contents

1.0 Purpose

2.0 Scope (Capability Gap)

3.0 Period and Place of Performance

4.0 Background

5.0 Functional Requirements

5.1 Overall Concept of Operations

5.2 Threat

5.3 Operating Constraints (Current Technology Shortfalls)

5.4 Specific Required Capabilities

5.4.1 Operation

5.4.2 Functionality

5.4.3 System Characteristics

5.5 System Performance

5.5.1 Mission Scenarios

5.5.2 Compatibility and Interoperability

5.5.3 Human Interface Requirements

5.5.4 Alert Requirements

5.5.5 Logistics and Readiness

5.5.6 Durability

5.6 System Support

5.6.1 Maintenance

5.6.2 Capabilities and Limitations

5.6.3 Supply

5.7 Training

5.8 Storage

5.9 System Affordability

5.10 Certification Requirements for Product Conformity

1.0 Purpose

The purpose of the proposed solution is to reduce the risk of respiratory exposure, including the absorption of harmful toxins (e.g., smoke, and combustion products, such as gases, vapors, or particulate matter) and carcinogens, during overhaul and fire-cause determination periods by firefighters and other emergency responders. The technological solution should reduce human exposure to known and unknown toxins, and complement current structural firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE) to address a cold smoke threat environment (also known as the overhaul phase of a structure fire) during the immediate post-fire stages including fire investigation, if required.

2.0 Scope (Capability Gap)

This capability gap was identified during the 2015 First Responder Resource Group (FRRG) annual conference as being relevant and necessary to multiple emergency responders, primarily firefighters. This technology will potentially lead to a reduction in the number of firefighters contracting respiration-related cancers. The intention is to provide a safe and comfortable alternative to the current breathing apparatus worn during firefighting, in order to encourage longer wear, and thereby protect against inhaling harmful toxins in a cold smoke environment. The issue has become more pressing due to the marked change in the type and amount of currently-used construction materials, combustibles, and other elements encountered a result of a fire incident.

Studies show that firefighters are removing their breathing apparatus well before the air is actually safe to breathe1. Firefighters traditionally rely upon carbon monoxide (CO) detection as the signal for removing their mask, with an acceptable limit of CO level being below 35 parts per million (ppm) to wear a lesser level of respiratory protection, and remove their SCBA. However, leading air quality studies of toxin exposure during overhaul firefighting note that there are many other chemicals and potentially toxic gases present during the cold smoke environment which are inhaled, ingested, or absorbed though skin contact. Exposure to these gaseous and particulate agents has been linked to serious and chronic effects, resulting in increased firefighter mortality and morbidity.2

Premature removal of respiratory protection during fire overhaul activities or in the general area can expose firefighters and fire investigators to unknown variety of toxic chemicals and particulates.

Typical structure fires involve high temperature destruction of many types of plastics, foams, various species of wood, fabrics, and other materials. As a result, there are short- and long-term toxic exposure consequences for firefighters not wearing SCBA through all firefighting stages to include eye, lung, and throat irritations, as well as having significantly higher cancer rates than found among the general public. One recent study conducted by researchers at the National

1 Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal, Regional Hazardous Materials Team HM09-Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, “A Study on Chemicals found in the Overhaul Phase of Structure Fires using Advanced Portable Air Monitoring available for Chemical Speciation,” February 25, 2011. Also, National Fire Academy, Executive Fire Officer Program Applied Research Project, “Firefighter Safety During Overhaul at the Manhattan Fire Department,” June 2007:

http://www.oregon.gov/osp/sfm/documents/airmonitoringreport.pdf.

2 Underwriters Laboratories, Inc, “Firefighter Exposure to Smoke Particulates,” DHS AFG Grant #EMW-2007-FP- 02093 Final Report, April 1, 2010.

Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, found, “Significant positive associations between fire-hours and lung cancer mortality and incidence were evident. A similar relation between leukemia mortality and fire-runs was also found.”3

Even with the awareness that postponing the removal of the SCBA greatly enhances the firefighter’s health and safety, it also means their working conditions are more difficult and uncomfortable. It is imperative that the proposed solution does not add to the existing weight of the SCBA significantly (see National Fire Protection Association [NFPA] 1981: Standard on Open-Circuit SCBA for Emergency Services compliant devices). Firefighters still need to wear the SCBA during the firefighting stage of operations. From an operational perspective, the solution should be transported and stowed on the emergency vehicle, and retrieved by the firefighter for use during overhaul. Even so, it is imperative that this “attachment” not cause undue physical burden carrying it along with his/her normal complement of equipment). Additionally, the proposed solution should consider the ability to remove the SCBA tank while continuing to wear the mask. The solution would optimally be able to determine when the air is clean enough to reduce the level of respiratory protection a firefighter needs to wear to ensure his or her safety. If the solution includes a suite of sensors to determine when the new respiratory protection can be used versus the SCBA, there must be a clear indicator notice when this switch can safely occur (if sensors are a part of a proposed solution there must be a clear articulation of the chemicals to be detected and the level of sensitivity).

The goal of this technology development project is to reduce morbidity, mortality, and long-term risk of contracting cancer and other occupational diseases by providing a less-stress inducing form of protection against hazardous toxins and carcinogens at PPE interfaces.4

3.0 Period and Place of Performance

The contract length shall be executed between 12-18 months; the solution shall ideally be rated at technology readiness level (TRL) 7 at 12 months, and be ready for technology transfer and/or commercialization after 18 months. All developmental activities will be performed at contractor-designated site(s). DHS may require the contractor to perform critical design reviews and/or product presentations at DHS-specified locations.

4.0 Background

Exposure to man-made carcinogens such as benzene, nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, ozone, hydrochloric acid, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and several other fire produced toxins, suggests rigorous respiratory protection measures are critical both during and after an active fire event. A 2011 study conducted in Oregon identified 20 known chemicals which attributed to

3 Occupational and Environmental Medicine, “Exposure–response relationships for select cancer and non-cancer health outcomes in a cohort of US firefighters from San Francisco, Chicago and Philadelphia (1950–2009), ” Published Online First 11 February 2015, Occup Environ Med doi:10.1136/oemed-2014-102671:

http://oem.bmj.com/content/early/2015/02/11/oemed-2014-102671?papetoc. Updates to an issue on Fire Retardant Chemicals & the Impact on FF Cancer Rates (#31): 19 can be found by contacting the LSU Stephenson Disaster Management Institute, Joey Booth, jbooth7@lsu.edu.

4 See National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) studies: (1) Occupational and Environmental Medicine (OEM) Oct. 14, 2013 and OEM Feb. 11, 2015.

http://oem.bmj.com/content/early/2015/02/11/oemed-2014-102671?papetoc cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other occupational diseases among firefighters, fire inspectors, and other first responders.5 Another large federal study spanning nearly 60 years, including thousands of firefighters from three states, was conducted by the U.S. Fire Administration, published by a major international peer-reviewed journal also concluded there were increased levels of lung cancer and leukemia mortality risks due to firefighter exposures6.

Current respiratory protection for structural firefighting, i.e. SCBA, is heavy and adds physical strain, specifically to the shoulders, leading to further firefighter fatigue. As such, firefighters generally remove the apparatus as soon as possible often before the air quality is deemed safe. The proposed solution will remove the “guess work” involved with determining whether the air is safe to breathe by allowing firefighters to rely on a more comfortable and safe alternative to the SCBA.

For example, in addition to its applicability for firefighting, this solution could potentially also safeguard law enforcement personnel responding to a methamphetamine lab incident.

Research on firefighter chemical exposures during the overhaul phase using real-time portable monitoring instruments demonstrated that many harmful chemicals are present in fires of different structural types at levels that exceed the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) IDLH values.7 The chemicals of concern included both organic and inorganic substances.

This study also referenced a growing body of research, which shows the presence of many chemicals and known carcinogens, which are produced in a structure fire, and should be monitored after the fire is reduced or extinguished. However, the report notes the fire service community continues to rely solely on CO detectors for establishing safe SCBA utilization protocols and guidelines.8 These studies suggest that firefighters may benefit from changing on-scene practices after aggressive firefighting activities are completed in order to further protect themselves from unnecessary chemical exposures.

5.0 Functional Requirements

5.1 Overall Concept of Operations

Conceptually, the proposed solution should be integrated into – or modify – existing PPE while providing first responder’s with a lightweight, flexible option without sacrificing their comfort or mobility. It should reduce short- and long-term illness and catastrophic health concerns for firefighters by providing them with an alternative to the traditional SBCA worn for respiratory

5 Ibid (Oregon Study).

6 US Fire Administration, FEMA, OEM journal article, “Exposure–response relationships for select cancer and non-cancer health outcomes in a cohort of US firefighters from San Francisco, Chicago and Philadelphia (1950–2009)”, originally published October 14, 2013, and republished on February 11, 2015.

7 Ibid (Oregon Study).

8 Ibid (Oregon Study). Particular reference to: (1) D. Bolstad-Johnson, J. Burgess, C. Crutchfield, S. Storment, R.

Gerkin, J.R. Wilson, “Characterization of Firefighter Exposures During Fire Overhaul.” Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc.

J. 61:636-641 (2000); (2) T. R. Anthony, P. Joggerst, L. James, J. L. Burgess, S. S. Leonard, E. S. Shogren, “Method Development Study for APR Cartridge Evaluation in Fire Overhaul Exposures,” Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J. Vol. 51 No. 8 pp 1-14 (2007); (3) H. Harrison, D. Elkabir, “Products of Combustion,” Health Protection Agency, Chemical Hazards and Poisons Division, London UK. (2002); and (4) L. Weger. “Surviving Fire Entrapments, comparing conditions inside vehicles and fire Shelters, “Appendix B. Characterizing Gases Generated in Vehicles and Fire Shelters. (2008).

safety today. Although primarily developed for firefighters, the device may be utilized by other types of emergency responders, including law enforcement and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) personnel in response operations.

Because there is the potential that the post-fire overhaul phase concept of operations (CONOPS) may change in order to accept the technology solution, consideration must be given to the specific impacts to NFPA 1584 Standard on the Rehabilitation Process for Members During Emergency Operations and Training Exercises. This standard ensures personnel safety support by evaluating firefighters at an incident scene and ensuring their physical capability to perform duties.

According to recommendations cited in a 2002 RAND Corporation Report9 of the responders involved in either the WTC attack or the April 19, 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, improved respiratory protection that lasts longer than the standard SCBA 30-minute functional limit is necessary for responder safety. Findings included awareness that many responders were exposed because they lacked access to respirators for events of longer duration.

5.2 Threat

The incidence of cancer and other respiratory-related illnesses within the firefighter sector are not likely to decline without the proper skin, eye, and respiratory equipment development used to protect against hazardous chemicals found in active fire or overhaul scenes. This technology shall protect firefighters from toxic respiratory exposure while reducing the chances of contracting cancers and/or other respiratory-related illnesses.

5.3 Operating Constraints (Current Technology Shortfalls)

Despite advances in design and materials used for constructing PPE, cancer and other occupational disease rates have not decreased. As previously noted, current fire overhaul CONOPS calls for removal of the SCBA if CO levels warrant. Data illustrates the practice of removal is dangerous to responders and is associated with both short- and long-term health consequences.

5.4 Specific Required Capabilities

5.4.1 Operation

Any additional preparation or training required to operate the device must be documented within the current CONOPS.

5.4.2 Functionality

Key required functional characteristics (i.e., Threshold or “T”) for the proposed respiratory solution are:

• Meet or exceed federally-defined Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) air habitability levels for IDLH;

• Be compatible with existing SCBA mask NFPA standards (NFPA 1981), and not interfere with any other operational capability of the SCBA mask should the solution be integrated with current technologies;

9 RAND Corporation Report, “Give Emergency Workers Better Tools, Training, Organization,” Summer 2002:

http://www.rand.org/pubs/periodicals/rand-review/issues/rr-08-02/emergency.html.

http://www.rand.org/pubs/periodicals/rand-review/issues/rr-08-02/emergency.html

• Make allowances for the manual labor working environment:

o Positive pressure;

o Reduce current profile;

o Be lightweight (10 to 15 pounds);

o Not add to shoulder strain when working overhead;

o Work with current SCBA face piece;

o Be operational in all contaminated environments; and o Be high heat resistant.

• If the solution is integrated with the current full SCBA face piece with the expectation that it is always worn (e.g., during active firefighting and during overhaul), then it must allow the firefighter to switch between the SCBA harness and cylinder assembly without exposing the operator to unfiltered atmosphere. In this event, the solution’s objective is that the SCBA harness and cylinder assembly can be dismounted once the novel solution is operational with the existing face piece. If instead the solution will be stored in the emergency vehicle until it is needed and therefore donned and doffed in a safe zone, then the requirement becomes a change in CONOPS;

• If the solution intends to use a partial face piece (nose and mouth with flip shields and separate overhaul goggles, similar to a P-100 half-face piece, but with protection from gases and vapors), it does not require integration if it is donned and doffed in a warm or cold zone environment (no exposure);

• Eye protection is critical to ensure harmful gases and vapors are not absorbed through the eyes. Additionally, it must protect the user against flying debris incurred during an overhaul.

• Must provide eye and respiratory protection in a hot environment without the eye protection fogging and impeding the firefighters vision;

• The solution must provide firefighters with the enhanced operational capability of fire suppression, overhaul, cause determination, and other relevant emergency operations, which include:

o Operational dexterity;

o Maintain visibility; and o Be a significantly lighter SCBA/respiration option for cold smoke environment

(versus fire suppression).

• The solution must protect the respiratory tract (to include nose and mouth) and the eyes while allowing firefighters to operate during the overhaul phase (post fire) without causing significant physical fatigue by limiting mobility;

• Must extend on-scene operational time beyond existing breathing air limits of NFPA 1981 compliant SCBA (typically between 30 - 60 minutes of air capacity from extinguishment of the fire), by extending operational time to 90 minutes (T);

• If the solution includes the scenario of air tank removal, it must take into account the potential of an oxygen deficient atmosphere and wide variety byproducts of combustion and toxic industrial chemicals present in the atmosphere; and

• Include an alert feature equivalent to NFPA 1981 specifications.

Ideally, the technology should also endeavor to meet (i.e., Objective or “O”) the following additional requirements:

• Should consider ability to remove the SCBA while maintaining the mask;

• Potentially should use cold air so as to encourage responder use, add comfort, and mitigate user fatigue and stress;

• Should extend on-scene operational time beyond to four (4) hours (O);

• The solution may also consider the possibility of redesigning the SCBA structural load for post-fire response operations:

o Removing the SCBA and inserting an air purifying respirator (APR) which provides clean air, but the solution cannot impede visibility and normal overhaul operations.

However, the solution must address the inherent issues with current APR technology, including the fact that they are negative pressure unless powered, which results in a lower level of protection as more contaminants may seep in around the mask seal to the face. APRs are also limited in the concentration of each gas that it can effectively filter. The higher the concentration of gases, the more gas that gets past the filter. In addition, APRs may not keep up with the volume of air being drawn in when physical exertion is high. APRs that filter toxic gases also have a shelf life that begins when the cartridge is open and worn. Even after wearing, the APR will continue to degrade if not used and lacks a way to determine whether it is still effective. All of these factors need to be taken into consideration when designing a solution, as it would be very costly to use a new APR cartridge for each new incident.

• The solution must allow the user to breathe normally in order to prevent respiratory exertion, which results in increased fatigue.

5.4.3 System Characteristics

The functional and operational physical characteristic requirements for the proposed solution are:

• Lightweight – Solution shall weigh approximately 25% less than the current SCBA (approximately 35 lbs. for a SCBA using a 45-minute bottle of oxygen) for a total additional weight of between 10 (O) to 15 (T) pounds;

• Does not impede visual acuity – no fogging;

• Does not impede upper body movement - The air assembly must reduce the profile of a firefighter wearing the current SCBA devices and weigh less, and allow for more movement without shoulder strain (e.g., the weight distribution should not remain the same to the shoulders and upper torso);

• Design should maximize mobility and minimize snag or trip hazards; and

• Ability to extend operational time to at least 90 minutes.

5.5 System Performance

5.5.1 Mission Scenarios

Conceptually, the use of this technology in the field will be the same as current-day respiratory protection system use, with the exception that users will wear the device longer. The anticipated results will positively impact the firefighter’s mission performance by extending on-scene operations time, reducing fatigue on the wearer, and allowing for better maneuverability if the firefighter can remove the heavy and very dirty SCBA face piece.

5.5.2 Compatibility and Interoperability

If required by the proposed solution, it must be compatible with existing NFPA 1971 compliant Structural Firefighting PPE and/or existing NFPA 1981 compliant SCBA.

5.5.3 Human Interface Requirements

The proposed solution must be non-toxic and hypoallergenic, similar to the existing NFPA compliant firefighter PPE technologies.

5.5.4 Alert Requirements

The proposed solution shall include a Service-life Indicator (equivalent to NFPA 1981 specifications).

5.5.5 Logistics and Readiness

The logistical support shall be compliant with 29 CFR 1910.134 respiratory protection definitions, requirements, and standards.

5.5.6 Durability

The proposed solution shall meet NFPA 1981 and 1971 Standards.

5.6 System Support

5.6.1 Maintenance

All maintenance for the item(s) and related equipment shall be defined by the contractor, including: the required maintenance schedule, identification of the specific system components, type of maintenance required, and whether the equipment can be repaired in the field or must be sent back to the manufacturer.

5.6.2 Capabilities and Limitations

As with any equipment, the capabilities and limitations of the solution shall be made clear to all users. This should include any special cleaning procedures or storage conditions required to preserve the protective properties of the equipment. Wear, maintenance, and care must be compatible with other first responder respiratory equipment currently in use.

5.6.3 Supply

Supply shall be determined by the individual departments based upon cost, quantity needed, and effectiveness of the solution.

5.7 Training

A training program (preferably train-the-trainer) should accompany the solution, and is required to meet or exceed OSHA requirements for Respiratory Protection Program. Additionally should be in accordance with departmental mandatory requirements to allow user agencies to provide effective training to the employees who require the use of this the solution. The training must be comprehensive, understandable, and recur annually and more often if necessary.10

10 User agency training program requirements are contained in 29 CFR 1910.134(k).

Training information as required shall be provided on any specialized equipment, and will include instructions for proper storage, clean, deploy, and maintain the basic ensemble. Any specialty requirements of personnel conducting maintenance, storage, extraction, or delivery will be identified including certification requirements. Training material shall be available initially in hardcopy, and subsequently in soft-copy format.

5.8 Storage

The manufacturer shall identify all storage requirements for the device developed under this statement of objectives.

5.9 System Affordability

According to the FRRG, a national subject matter expert body that has representation from all major first responder disciplines, it is believed that the unit cost for this technology should ideally be no greater than the current market costs of a Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR).

5.10 Certification Requirements for Product Conformity

This proposed solution must meet all of the following system performance specifications and standards:

• NFPA 1981 Standard (referenced in full above);

• NFPA 1584 Standard (referenced in full above);

• NFPA 1971 Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity

Fire Fighting;

• NFPA 1404 Standard for Fire Service Respiratory Protection Training;

• NFPA 1989 Standard on Breathing Air Quality for Emergency Services Respiratory

Protection;

• Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHA) Respiratory Protection 1910.134

Standard; and

• American National Standards Institute (ANSI).