Examining Behaviors Related to Retirement, Cleaning, and Storage of Turnout Gear Among Rural Firefighters

Background: Although the increased occupational exposures among career firefighters are well documented, there are gaps in research related to exposures among volunteer firefighters. This study was completed in a state where the majority of firefighters are volunteers. We aimed to examine if differences existed in career versus volunteer firefighters' behaviors related to the retirement, cleaning, and storage of turnout gear which may increase occupational exposures. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to a convenience sample of 300 firefighters during a training event for both volunteer and career firefighters from one fire district in Kentucky. We measured factors that may affect behaviors related to retirement, cleaning, and storage of turnout gear, such as age of turnout gear at retirement, frequency of cleaning, and location of storage. Results: Two hundred and seventy-five firefighters out of 300 invited participants completed the survey, for a response rate of 92%. The majority of the participants were compliant with National Fire Protection Association Standards with most reporting cleaning their gear as needed, storing gear at the fire station, and retiring gear within 10 years of the manufactured date. Most of the participants (88%) were concerned about job-related exposures and felt susceptible to diseases like cancer and respiratory illness. The structural issues of cost and accessibility were identified as the primary barriers to the proper retirement and cleaning of turnout gear, especially among volunteer firefighters. Conclusions/Application to Practice: Most participants retired, cleaned, and stored turnout as recommended. The majority of participants were concerned with job-related exposures. The structural issues of cost and accessibility were identified as the primary barriers to the proper retirement and cleaning of turnout gear, especially among volunteer firefighters. By identifying differences, tailored trainings could be aimed at volunteer firefighters to help reduce their exposures.