Structural Fire Fighting

A structure fire is one of the most toxic environments that a fire fighter typically encounter during their career. In the past, it was not uncommon for a fire fighter to remove their SCBA's during the overhaul process. Even though the main fire had been controlled, there were still natural and synthetic materials smoldering and/or burning which created a dangerous environment. The products involved during the combustion of these materials are often highly toxic. Carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen are all common constituents. Personal portable or portable sample drawing instruments are generally used to protect the fire fighter of exposure to these hazardous atmospheres. 

Arson Investigation

Arson investigation is important in determining how a fire is started. A portable sample drawing instrument with parts per million (ppm) range can be used to pin-point an area where flammable liquids may have been used to start a fire. Generally, even after a fire is extinguished, trace amounts of hydrocarbon vapor may be present. Using a sensitive hydrocarbon detector, investigators can determine how and where the fire was started. 

CO Detector Alarm Calls

With the advent of home carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, fire departments routinely respond to CO detector activations. In this case, the fire fighter needs a small reliable portable instrument to verify actual concentrations of CO. A sample drawing instrument allows the fire fighter to inspect garage and furnace areas where CO may be found. 

Gas Leaks

Many Fire Department engines are equipped with a CGI (combustible gas indicator). CGI's are used to pin-point the source of natural gas and propane leaks in and around homes and businesses. To search for natural gas or propane gas leaks, a portable sample drawing instrument would be the correct choice. The probe could easily be used to sample around fittings, valves, packing glands or wherever gas leaks may be found. 

HAZ-MAT Response

HAZ-MAT response teams require several different products to determine the actual hazard at the scene. Products may include photo-ionization detector, detector tubes and halocarbon detectors. For detection of oxygen, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, and combustible gas, a portable sample drawing instrument is best. This instrument can also assess the integrity of AFFF foam blankets at flammable liquid spill incidents. To assist in incident reporting, a data logging instrument is necessary. The data collected during an incident can be up-loaded to a computer and displayed in a graphic or text format for reporting. 

Confined Space Rescue 

Since many confined space incidents involve the potential for atmospheric hazards, the need for a portable gas detector is obvious. The same hazards that create an emergency are often still present when the rescue service arrives. The motto of one Fire Department is: "Don't bring victims to the incident." Fire fighters can use both personal portable multi-gas monitors or portable sample drawing for determining if the confined space atmosphere is safe for entry so they themselves do not become the victim! 

Fire fighters routinely put their life on the line when involved in emergencies. Thermo Scientific manufacturers a wide variety of personal portable and portable sample drawing instruments such as the Genesis, and the Innova-ST (formerly Model GT-402) that are designed to meet the rigorous needs of fire fighters in all capacities! For the fire services industry, choose the best, choose Thermo Scientific!