Module 3: Health and Safety - IAFF

IAFF Training for Hazardous Materials: Technician© Student Text
the National Fire Protection Association has developed a
standard for fire department occupational safety and health
programs (NFPA 1500). This standard specifically addresses
the need for a comprehensive approach to the health
and safety of fire fighters and emergency medical care
providers.
A medical surveillance program can help to determine if
you can safely perform job duties and use personal protective
equipment. It is also designed to detect early changes
in body system functions that may have been caused by
exposures. Early detection encourages early treatment so
that permanent damage does not occur. It is important to
remember that medical surveillance programs do not take
the place of other health and safety strategies or your annual
medical exam with your private physician. All of these
programs working together help to protect your health.
The Importance of Monitoring
Health Status
To effectively track the status of your health, you must have
a baseline physical and assessment followed by routinely
scheduled evaluations. It is from these snapshots that key
information about health changes can be detected. These
snapshots are made up of information from a number of
different sources. The sources, when taken together, give a
detailed portrait of your personal health.
Sources of information include:
• Questionnaire data
• Physical examinations
• Diagnostic medical testing
• Biological monitoring
Questionnaire Data
Questionnaires provide important information regarding
your medical, occupational, family, and other personal
background. A special emphasis is placed on current
symptoms that might be related to hazardous materials
exposure.
3-56 Module 3: Health and Safety