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Noise Exposure Safety

 

Working in noisy environments presents daily safety challenges to wildland firefighters. Noise exposure research clearly indicates that accidents and injuries increase in noisy work environments. Additionally, did you know that hearing loss is permanent? The good news is it’s also preventable.

Those most at risk of excessive noise exposure include:

  • Sawyers/swampers
  • Heavy equipment operators
  • Helitack/helibase/airtanker base personnel 
  • Engine and pump operators
  • Masticator/chipper workers
  • Operators of weed whackers/leaf blowers/air compressors
  • Retardant mixing personnel

Noise exposure will cause:

  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Distraction
  • Miscommunication
  • Inability to hear warnings
  • Increased errors

Mitigation Techniques

  • When possible, stay as far away from the noise source as possible.
  • Limit the amount of time you are exposed to the noise.
  • Give your ears a break from the noise when possible; the quiet break will help conserve your hearing.
  • Always wear hearing protection making certain that:
    • Your hearing protection has a Noise Reduction Ratio (NRR) of at least 20 dBA (level of protection in decibels) which is listed on the package.
    • You know how to insert/use/maintain them.
    • Your ear plugs are clean.​
      • NOTE: dirty ear plugs are better than no ear plugs but grab some extras because they work better when changed often.
    • When not in use, keep your ear plugs somewhere safe and clear (preferably not your Nomex buttonhole).
6. Be alert. Keep calm. Think clearly. Act decisively. On the left side of a split screen, four firefighters stand near a wildland fire, listening to a radio in the hands of one.  On the right side of the screen, a supervisory firefighter talks into a handheld radio.

6. Be alert. Keep calm. Think clearly. Act decisively.

Remaining alert, keeping calm, thinking clearly, and acting decisively are important components of decision-making on wildland fire incidents. This Standard Firefighting Order illustrates a supervisor providing direction and establishing leader's intent to help a crew working on a growing fire.

Read about all 10 Standard Firefighting Orders.

Discussion Questions

  • How can exposure to excessive noise reduce the firefighter’s ability to maintain good situational awareness and fulfill the 10 Standard Fire Orders?
    • Be alert. Keep calm. Think clearly. Act decisively.
    • Give clear instructions and be sure they are understood.
    • Fight fire aggressively, having provided for safety first.
  • Are you wearing hearing protection when you work in all noisy environments?
  • What are some solutions for a flight helmet that lets noise in because the ear cup doesn’t fit correctly?
  • When working with chainsaws, mowers, and weed whackers, etc., at home, how do you protect your hearing?

Action:

  1. Look at your ear plugs. If they’re dirty, get a new pair and a spare.
  2. Find out if your unit has a hearing conservation program and join it.
  3. Consider turning down your music just a little bit, especially when you listen with earbuds.

 

Last Modified / Reviewed:

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NWCG Latest Announcements

NWCG Risk Management Committee Releases Safety Bulletin: 24-001 Use of Respirators on Wildland Fires

Date: November 7, 2024
Contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) has released Safety Bulletin: 24-001 Use of Respirators on Wildland Fires. As wildland fire respirators are available through several established vendors, wildland fire personnel need to understand regulations and limitations of respirator use in the workplace.

Safety Bulletin 24-001 outlines the following topics regarding respirator use for wildland fires:

  • Requirements for Respirator Use
  • Voluntary Respirator Use
  • Current Respirator Options
  • Unknown Risks of Respirator Use

This bulletin also provides mitigation recommendations to help reduce smoke exposure for wildland firefighting efforts.

References:

NWCG Safety Bulletin: 24-001 Use of Respirators on Wildland Fires

NWCG Smoke Management Guide for Prescribed Fire, PMS 420-3

VIDEO: Protecting Wildfire Personnel from Smoke - How Incident Management Teams Address Smokes Risks

VIDEO: Smoke, Knowing the Risks

The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Medical Unit Leader (MEDL)

Date: October 16, 2024
Contact: Incident Medical Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Medical Unit Leader, PMS 350-39 and NWCG Position Task Book for Medical Unit Leader (MEDL), PMS 311-39 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for MEDL includes the Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book, were developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. The Performance Support Package will support trainees, those qualified in the position, and evaluators.

References:

NWCG Medical Unit Leader Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Medical Unit Leader, PMS 350-39

NWCG Position Task Book for Medical Unit Leader (MEDL), PMS 311-39

The Wildland Fire Learning Portal is Now Available

Date: October 9, 2024
Contact: Wildland Fire Learning Portal

The Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP) is back online following a migration to a new learning management system (LMS) application. The WFLP team is actively addressing any issues that may arise as a result of the update, and appreciates your patience as the team works to enhance your experience. NWCG will share information from the WFLP as it is available.

Should you have any issues with accessing or using the WFLP, please use the link below to submit a ticket through the Help Center.

References:

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Wildland Fire Learning Portal Help Center

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases New Equipment Bulletins

Date: September 27, 2024
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released three new Equipment Bulletins:

  • ETC-EB-24-003 Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) in fuel containers.
  • ETC-EB-24-004 Two-compartment fuel and oil container (Dolmar) unavailable in the United States (US) and reminders for upkeep of current inventories.
  • ETC-EB-24-005 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Inspection, Care, and Maintenance.

These bulletins remind field going personnel of important issues related to equipment for wildland firefighting efforts.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC-EB-24-003 Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) in fuel containers

ETC-EB-24-004 Two-compartment fuel and oil container (Dolmar) unavailable in the United States (US) and reminders for upkeep of current inventories

ETC-EB-24-005 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Inspection, Care, and Maintenance