A listener emailed us asking about the practice of washing up after a fire when using firefighting gear, and how that compares to using chemical protective clothing. We dig into the topic and see if this trend really lives up to the hype.

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Episode Overview

In this insightful episode, the Hazmat Guys dive deep into a topic that straddles both fireground operations and hazmat protocol: the proper decontamination of bunker gear. Prompted by a thoughtful listener question, the hosts challenge widely accepted practices like soapy brushing and hosing down gear while it's still being worn. They explore why these methods may not only be ineffective but potentially harmful, especially when comparing structural firefighting gear with chemical protective clothing (CPC).

Segment Breakdown & Timestamps

00:00 – 04:52 | Introduction & Common Misconceptions

The hosts introduce the episode’s focus and discuss how cultural habits in the fire service affect decontamination practices.

04:53 – 06:03 | Firefighter Mentality & Misinformation Online

A candid look at how firefighters prefer simple instructions, often leading to adoption of ineffective practices found on social media.

06:04 – 07:04 | Listener Question: Misting vs Soapy Brushing

A listener describes his experience promoting gross decon and questions whether misting might be a better method than scrubbing.

07:05 – 10:03 | Hazmat Guys’ Response & The PRISM Study

The hosts explain how showering in gear can worsen contamination by pushing toxins through to the skin. Refer to the PRISM series for evidence.

10:04 – 11:18 | Clarifying the Goal: Exposure vs. Contamination

Emphasis on stopping exposure by removing gear immediately rather than focusing on just cleaning the gear itself.

11:19 – 14:55 | Defining Bunker Gear and CPC

The hosts detail what bunker gear is designed for (NFPA 1971) vs. what CPC is engineered for—highlighting the vast differences.

14:56 – 20:59 | Deep Dive: Gear Construction and Purpose

In-depth comparison of how bunker gear and CPC are constructed, tested, and what types of hazards they are built to protect against.

21:00 – 23:46 | Comparing Chemical Absorption and Retention

How bunker gear can absorb and retain chemicals vs. how CPC prevents this through specialized design and materials.

23:47 – 27:32 | Cleaning Protocols & Standards (NFPA 1851 & 1991)

Discussion of NFPA standards for gear maintenance and how CPC undergoes much more rigorous decon procedures.

27:33 – End | Wrap-Up and Key Takeaway

Final thoughts reinforcing the idea that decon practices should be gear-specific and not one-size-fits-all.

Resources & References

• PRISM Study by BARDA: View Report
• NFPA 1971 Standard: NFPA 1971 – Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting
• NFPA 1851: Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting
• NFPA 1991, 1992, 1994: Standards for CPC based on hazard type