6-23 Safety during salvage and overhaul
Background
Firefighters may be involved in salvage and overhaul operations following extinguishment of fires. Salvage and overhaul include looking for hidden sources of fire and protecting valuables from fire and water damage.
Concerns/hazards
Following the extinguishment of fires, products of combustion may create a hazardous atmosphere. During salvage and overhaul, respiratory exposure is a common risk to firefighters. Toxicity levels from the fire may be at their worst during the smoldering phase.
There are also a number of other risks to firefighters during salvage and overhaul, such as slips, trips and falls or the collapse of unstable structures.
Actions for employers
Employers must:
- make firefighters aware of the hazards of salvage and overhaul operations
- train firefighters on working safely during salvage and overhaul operations
Employers should:
- ensure that firefighters wear personal protective equipment, including appropriate respiratory protection and skin protection, during salvage and overhaul operations
- ensure that risks are continuously assessed during salvage and overhaul
- develop procedures for salvage and overhaul
Safety considerations during salvage and overhaul
Consider the following when developing procedures for salvage and overhaul operations:
- structural integrity of the building
- risk of sprains, strains and other physical injuries
- contamination through inhalation, ingestion, sharps or contact with contaminants, toxins or potential carcinogens such as asbestos
- isolating gas and electricity if possible
- ventilation should be ongoing until salvage and overhaul activities have been completed
- monitoring physical stress
- provision of rehabilitation
Applicable regulations and acts
Read:
- Occupational Health and Safety Act
- clause 25(2)(a) for providing information and instruction to a worker
- clause 25(2)(d) for making workers aware of hazards
- clause 25(2)(h) for taking every precaution reasonable in the circumstances to protect workers
- Regulation 833 - Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents for occupational exposure limits and respiratory protection program requirements
Applicable standards
For guidance on the administration of an effective respiratory protection program, fit testing protocols and training requirements, read CSA Standard Z94.4 Selection, use and care of respirators
Related
Read firefighter guidance notes: