Training Fire Exposures from the Source: Developing RiskBenefit Framework
Underwriters Laboratories Inc., Principal Investigator - Dr. Gavin Horn
RELEVANCE
Although epidemiological data reveal an increased risk of some cancers among firefighters and fire instructors, little information exists on the connection between training fuel sources and chemicals available for exposure during training. Furthermore, no research has examined the effectiveness of different intervention approaches such as alternative training fuels or novel training props to reduce risk while providing high-quality training.
METHODS
Using a multi-scale engineering approach, building off previous DHS FP&S studies, we will (a) characterize training fuel risk from controlled bench-scale experiments to full-scale training fire environments and b) qualitatively assess the value of training fire environments in the context of fire dynamics lesson against the risks generated by these fuels. The ability to link across scales could provide a screening method for currently suggested control measures as well as those proposed in the future.
ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES
We anticipate finding a wide range of products of combustion from various training fuel choices and that intervention fuels may lower this risk while still providing a high-quality training environment. We will also develop an actionable risk-benefit framework that can be implemented by the fire service and included in NFPA 1403. Our results will allow the fire service to make informed decisions about training fuel selection to balance contamination reduction and preparation for fire ground activities.