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Posted By Brenda H
Can anyone advise me on the type of PPE that should be adopted for the removal of burnt out vehicles.
I'm aware that the residue from burnt out cars can contain harmful chemicals, hydrofluric acid etc, my research indicates that butyl gloves should be worn when handling burnt out vehicles, obviously along with overalls.
Does anyone have any additional information?
Cheers
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Posted By Chris Packham
In theory for hydrofluoric acid you would use butyl, but in practice the amount present will be small, so a good nitrile gauntlet will offer adequate protection for the limited exposure you are likely to encounter.
A nitrile gauntlet (not thin, single use type) is also the preferred glove for the oils, hydraulic fluid, diesel, etc. Nitrile does not work with petrol, but with a burnt-out vehicle this will probably not be a problem!
You will also need to consider the potential for physical damage to the nitrile gloves. I would suggest that Kevlar gloves are worn over the nitrile to provide physical protection from sharp edges, etc.
You will also need to consider training in glove use, since if hands are contaminated when gloves are removed this largely negates the benefit of the gloves. It is also a regulatory requirement.
Chris
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Posted By Thomas Kennedy
Brenda
Some additional information on the hazards associated with burning vehicles. Sorry its so long!
Types of fuel in use; petrol, diesel, LPG, LNG and CNG.
Vehicle fuels - Some modern vehicles now use a fuel combination having the ability to switch between LPG and petrol. Fuel lines may run through various structural sections within a vehicle.
Fluoroelastomers - used in wiring looms, gaskets and seals. Decomposes in high temperature to produce hydrofluoric acid.
Vehicle windscreen seals and some vehicle gaskets - as windscreen seals and some vehicle gaskets decompose within a fire, they are transformed into a black sticky substance.
Carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), arimid reinforced plastic (ARP) glass fibre reinforced plastic and kevlar - once cut or involved in a fire will produce strong, sharp microscopic fibres. Dry fibres can become airborne and may lodge in the lungs if inhaled. Avoid handling fibres and keep fibrous materials wet. Gloves and breathing apparatus must be worn.
Projectile and flame jet hazards - various vehicle components when involved in fire may collapse or fracture violently causing projectile and flame jet hazards. Examples of these hazards are gas struts in boot lids, drive shaft units, hydrogas and hydropneumatic suspension units, shock absorbers, pressurised fuel storage tanks, propellant containers for airbags and seat belt pre-tensioners, also spring brake actuators found on large vehicles. Pressurised fuel storage tanks found on vehicles normally consist of LPG, however a few vehicles also use
LNG or CNG. These containers present the risk of projectile and the production of flame jet hazards if escaping gas is ignited.
LPG being heavier than air will cause it to accumulate at low levels. Sources of ignition must be removed from within the area whenever a pressurised fuel leak is suspected.
LPG and alternative fuel vehicles - Note: The construction of alternative and dual fuel vehicles is becoming more frequent. Additionally many independent companies are converting older existing vehicles to use alternative and dual fuel systems.
Many vehicles in other European countries such as Holland and Italy use alternative and dual fuel vehicles. These systems also include motor cycles.
Toxic gases - produced from polyurethane used in vehicle upholstery and vehicle batteries - Breathing apparatus must be worn.
Vehicle air bags - exercise caution if air bag has not actuated. Airbags will deploy in a fire as temperatures approach 150°C.
Electric vehicles - danger of explosive gases given off when water is applied to the batteries. Some electric vehicles incorporate dual power systems i.e. high voltage. If these vehicles are severely distorted e.g. at an incident or submerged within water, there is a risk of injury from electrocution by the high voltage electrical system fitted. An increasing number of manufacturers are adapting existing models and creating new models incorporating electric and dual power systems.
Consideration should be given to the wearing of electrical gloves prior to battery disconnection.
Chemical burns - batteries involved in fires can disperse acid causing burns.
Alloys - magnesium alloy wheels and engine blocks may burn. When water is applied a violent reaction may occur. Large quantities of water are required to extinguish these fires.
Smoke generation security devices - wear breathing apparatus.
Booby traps - LPG cylinders deliberately left in vehicles, razor blades embedded in steering wheels and door handles, hypodermic syringes in vehicle seats.
Air-conditioning units - release of freon or other refrigerant gases.
Other hazards - include tailgate lifts and mechanical tipping mechanisms.
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Posted By Brenda H
Thanks guys for the extensive information!
Are there any guidance papers/documents you can refer me to where this information has come from or is this general 'best practice' knowledge?
Cheers, B
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Posted By Chris Packham
Brenda
Re my comments on gloves, this is partly from my own experience (and gloves are a particular interest of mine) and partly from numerous research studies etc. that have been done on gloves as well as the seminal work on gloves (Protective Gloves for Occupational Use, ISBN 0-8493-1558-1)
If you need more just get in touch (01386 832 311)
Chris
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Posted By Brenda H
Ok thanks Chris, will get in contact if we require further info.
B
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Posted By Thomas Kennedy
Brenda
The details I posted were an extract from LFB guidance.
I meant to give you some information on gloves too.
Firemaster gloves are standard issue for fire fighters. They are constructed from 'Pyrohide' leather with a Gore-Tex moisture barrier. They are fire resistant and waterproof protecting the hand while remaining supple and dextrous.
technical specification
EN420 1994 & exceeds EN659 1995, designed to safety standard EN469 for clothing.
leather formulation:
fire resistant
water-repellent
Scotchguard leather protector
supple & dextrous
highly tactile in wet or dry conditions
GORE-TEX moisture barrier
KEVLAR slash-resistant lining
NOMEX double-ribbed fire-resistant lining
NOMEX fire-resistant thread
Reinforced leather palm
Developed & made by SB Ltd in the UK.
style: Fire resistant leather glove. Wrist style with Nomex cuffing. Reinforced leather palm.
manufacture: Lockstitch seams on outer body of glove and cuffed wrist.
materials:
leather cow hide - grain side. Thickness: 1mm - 1.1mm. Colour: Lime green.
lining Kevlar/Cotton, weight: 250gms/m².
cuffing black 100% Nomex.
Gore-tex glove insert a two-layer laminate comprising of a Tricot-Knit laminated to a microporous film of expanded polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE), incorporating an oleophobic polymer treatment. Weight: 70g/m². MVTR:>4500g/m²/24 hrs.
threads sewn Normex thread throughout.
size range: x/small, small, medium, large, x/large, xx/large.
inspection:
Examined in accordance with Firemasters quality management system applicable to the production and test inspection of gloves in leather and fabric. BS EN: ISO9002 1994. This glove meets all the requirements of EN420 1994 in respect of ergonomy glove construction, comfort and efficiency
I hope this helps.
Thomas
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