By: ETD Team
Each February, the second week marks National Burn Awareness Week, a time to raise awareness around one of the most painful and life-altering injuries anyone can face. For the fire service, this week is also a powerful reminder: burns don’t just happen on the fireground—they can happen during overhaul, in the station, or even through contaminated gear that retains heat and chemicals long after the flames are out.
The Hidden Burn Risk: Your Gear
While external flames are a visible threat, thermal retention and chemical exposure pose a more subtle but equally dangerous burn hazard. Buildup of hydrocarbons and persistent contaminants in turnout gear can result in steam burns, skin irritation, and chemical burns, even during non-fire events.
Contaminants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) not only increase cancer risk but can also compromise the protective integrity of gear fabrics, allowing heat to penetrate faster or causing unexpected reactions when mixed with water or sweat.
Prevention Means Cleaning, Not Just Inspection
National Burn Awareness Week isn’t just about household safety tips or electrical cords; it’s about pushing for best practices that protect our firefighters every single shift. That means:
- Regular, documented turnout gear inspections as outlined in NFPA 1851
- Advanced cleaning that removes deeply embedded carcinogens and chemicals, not just surface-level dirt
- Repair and replacement of compromised components that reduce thermal protection
- Education at the individual level about how to recognize gear that may pose a thermal or chemical hazard
How ETD Supports Burn Prevention
At Emergency Technical Decon, we’re not just focused on clean gear; we’re focused on safe gear. Our Liquid CO2+ cleaning process is proven to remove more than 84% of PFAS, along with significant reductions in SVOCs and PAHs, without degrading the gear’s protective materials.
Paired with detailed inspection records and optional repairs through our ISP-certified facilities, we help fire departments maintain compliance while drastically lowering exposure risks—including those tied to burns.
Explore how our advanced decontamination and inspection solutions can reduce risks and extend the life of your gear. Reach out today.
