FY2019 Arlington Fire Department Annual Report FY 2019 | Page 39
Health, Safety, and exposure reduction
The Department reviewed and analyzed current literature, industry best practices, and our internal Occupational
Safety and Health (OSH) Committee data concerning fire ground exposure to toxic and cancer-causing
agents. One outcome of this analysis was an investment in improving the availability of clean structural
firefighting clothing and equipment (PPE) and clean air with our self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
A stakeholder group researched and developed new PPE specifications for firefighting clothing, and a new vendor
contract is in progress. The Department also purchased additional SCBA units to increase our available inventory
for rapid replacement, and made significant investments in facility infrastructure to provide PPE washing appliances
and SCBA air fill stations to most fire stations. Of the Department’s 17 stations, 12 have their own SCBA air fill
station and PPE washing appliance. Four other stations will have washing appliances and all members have access
to clean air and PPE 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
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