Wildland Firefighter

What are some control measures workplaces can implement for wildland firefighters?

Biological hazards Chemical hazards Ergonomic hazards Physical hazards Psychosocial hazards Safety Hazards

• requirement Encourage vaccination, such as the rabies vaccine, if available and appropriate.
• administrative Have procedures in place to respond swiftly to insect stings and potential allergic reactions.
• requirement Provide insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin.
• requirement Provide mosquito nets when spending time in unscreened outdoor structures, such as tents.
• requirement Ensure full body tick checks are completed after working outdoors, concentrating on feet, armpits, back of knees, elbows, hair, and behind ears, waist, and groin areas.
• ppe Purchase per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS)-free personal protective equipment for firefighters where possible.
• requirement Use the air recirculation mode in vehicles to minimize the intake of outside air during heavy smoke conditions.
• requirement Use air scrubbers (air filtration units) where possible, such as in incident base camps.
• requirement Establish decontamination zoning using a red, yellow and green (or hot, warm and cold) system to prevent harmful chemicals from travelling to clean areas.
• administrative Rotate crews out of areas with heavy smoke.
• requirement Avoid positions downwind when firefighting.
• requirement Avoid travelling deep into the active burn area when not required.
• requirement Minimize mop-up operations, where possible, by using roads or other natural features, such as rock bands, as indirect firelines to reduce the amount of time spent near the active fire’s edge.
• requirement Locate camps and staging areas upwind of the fire to limit smoke exposure.
• requirement Clean vehicle and aircraft cabins once they have returned to a base post-shift.
• requirement Avoid transporting contaminated gear in personal vehicles.
• ppe If transporting contaminated gear in personal vehicles cannot be avoided, personal protective equipment and fireline workwear should be bagged in a waterproof bag, sealed, and isolated from any occupant(s) in the vehicle. Hands should be washed or gloved when handling gear, and vehicles should be cleaned after transport. Fireline workwear should be laundered at the earliest opportunity upon returning to the base.
• requirement Provide workers with showers and clean clothing immediately after returning to base.
• administrative Optimize shift schedules, including managing work-rest cycles to avoid fatigue.
• administrative Provide breaks to reduce strain from awkward positions or repetitive physical tasks.
• requirement Encourage proper techniques for physical tasks, such as digging and shovelling.
• requirement Acclimatize workers to hot environments gradually to prevent heat stress. For new and returning workers, increase the duration and level of physical activity gradually.
• administrative Rotate workers throughout the day to minimize heat exposures and exertion.
• requirement Establish work-rest regimens as recommended in health and safety legislation and guidance.
• requirement Implement a hearing conservation program.
• requirement Provide proper clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun exposure.
• administrative Train workers to identify and manage stress.
• requirement Provide a debriefing session or counselling after traumatic incidents to help workers process their experiences.
• requirement Keep tools and equipment in good working order.
• administrative Ensure vehicles are regularly inspected and encourage safe driving practices.
• requirement Keep camps away from food-rich or wildlife-prone areas.
• requirement Use proper food storage and disposal methods to prevent attracting animals.
• administrative Implement procedures for handling wildlife encounters.
• requirement Ensure aviation operations follow strict safety protocols, such as those from Transport Canada, to minimize the risk of incidents.
• requirement Implement an emergency preparedness and response plan.

What are some general measures wildland firefighters can take?

• requirement Wear seatbelts and adjust to suit road conditions.
• requirement Avoid driving when fatigued or impaired.
• requirement Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet.
• requirement Avoid smoking.
• requirement Get plenty of sleep to ensure rest and recovery.
• requirement Rest in cool areas and stay hydrated when possible.
• requirement Maintain situational awareness and be aware of escape routes.
• ppe Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• administrative Report hazards, injuries, and illnesses to your supervisor.