Thanks to everyone who helped me with my previous thread on the toxicity of residues left over after a fire.

I have read a lot about the chemical components of this "soot" and have read a lot of research on its hazardous nature including a white paper by the Firefighter Cancer Support Network in Indianapolis classifying the residue as carcinogenic and absorbed through the skin. (Thank you Fire Service College, Moreton.)

In the light of this information, however, I am even more confused. Perhaps those in the know could help me again? (Please, pretty please?)

Many of the possible and probable components of "soot" (including benzene, chloroform, styrene and formaldehyde) are all listed on EH40 with specific WELs (as well polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH's) (which have a biological monitoring guidance value)) but since the soot is a mixture of these and hundreds of other compounds in almost infinite permutations and concentrations depending on the nature of the fire itself, I am very unsure what WELs are appropriate? Or indeed what level of PPE/ RPE is required and what control measures the HSE would expect?

Now that we can assume that this soot is carcinogenic when absorbed through the skin; COSHH regs appendix 1 states that ""In all cases, prevention or adequate control of exposure should be achieved by measures other than personal protective equipment." It also suggests a raft of control measures including LEV, sampling, WELs, health surveillance etc. Yet not all of these are fully appropriate or applicable to the restoration of buildings damaged by fire.

Specifically, I assume that some method of sampling should be carried out on the site damaged by fire prior to work commencing and appropriate working exposure limits applied accordingly? If so, what kind of sampling and which WELs should be referred to?

Also what level of health monitoring or biological monitoring are advisable?

Hank
When quoting the ACOP you missed the bit which says” so far as is reasonably practicable”; so you can rely on PPE if there is no alternative.

Assuming that you can measure the exposure levels and there are limits for it or youy set your own limits, will it provide additional information regarding control measures?

The most likely route of exposure will be by skin contact and if dust/aerosoals can be generated, by inhalation. I very much doubt that engineering controls such as those for Asbestos will be in the ALARP category.

Otherwise it is down to PPE , maintainance of personal hygiene & welfare facilities that are the key--all facilitated via effective training.

I'll go with Chis on this.

Ultimately, the issue is one of managing unavoidable exposure and the management system chosen must recognise this.

The waste may need to be classified as hazardous waste - perhaps there's a DGSA out there who could pronounce on this? The EA will certainly be very interested in any potential for environmental contamination!

Appropriate PPE and "clean-up" as for example may be appropriate for a Non-licensed, notifiable asbestos exposure would be a pragmatic way to go but perhaps with the recognition that fire debris has diifferent constuents and characteristics.

Yes it does, thank you. The low levels and how to effectively sample/ measure them was one of my major concerns.

Thank you for a very full answer. I think I'm getting somewhere. Can I ask what type of bioligical sampling you would recommend though Chris?