Analysis of the organization of activities and accepted practices in the rescue and firefighting units of the State Fire Service in terms of minimizing the secondary exposure of firefighters to toxic products of thermal decomposition and combustion

Scientific studies of firefighter exposure to toxic products of thermal decomposition and combustion have resulted in the classification of this profession as causing cancer. In view of this, the priority of the activities of the formation of the State Fire Service (SFS) becomes protection from direct, but also secondary contact with these products. It is noted that protective clothing without cyclic and regular cleaning will not be able to perform its primary function due to the penetration of toxins into the material. Consequently, instead of protecting against contaminants, it will lead to contact with them. Based on these facts, special attention began to be paid to educating and raising awareness among firefighters on the proper use, cleaning and maintenance of PPE and personal equipment. It has become a requirement to separate clean and dirty areas in fire stations to ensure the preparation of this clothing and equipment for reuse. These recommendations are aimed at reducing firefighters’ secondary exposure to post-fire products. The article presents the results of a survey study on the analysis and evaluation of the organization of activities and adopted practices in the fire and rescue units of the SFS in terms of minimizing the secondary exposure of firefighters to toxic products of thermal decomposition and combustion carried out in Poland on a group of 622 professional firefighters. The results indicate the validity of the chosen direction of change, while also presenting situations and challenges that firefighters continue to face at their places of duty.