What are duties of a firefighter that relate to chemicals in the workplace?

Firefighters play a crucial role in responding to incidents involving hazardous materials, including chemicals in the workplace. Their duties related to chemicals can vary depending on the nature of the incident, but generally include the following:

1. Hazardous Materials Response:

• Firefighters are trained to respond to incidents involving hazardous materials, including chemical spills, leaks, or releases.
• They assess the situation, identify the chemicals involved, and determine the appropriate response and protective measures.

2.Chemical Identification and Information:

• Firefighters need to identify the types of chemicals present in a hazardous materials incident to assess the level of risk and plan an effective response.
• Accessing Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) or Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for information about the properties and hazards of specific chemicals is a common part of their duties.

3.Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Use:

• Firefighters must use appropriate personal protective equipment, such as chemical-resistant suits, gloves, masks, and respiratory protection, to ensure their safety while dealing with hazardous materials.