Fire fighting, police, prisons and the armed forces - 407 entries found

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1994

CIS 95-703 Dobbelstein W.J.
Plastics recycling - New hazards for the fire brigade?
Kunststoffrecycling - Neue Gefahren für die Feuerwehr? [in German]
Recent fires in Germany in plants where plastics were stored for recycling are used to illustrate the hazards to fire fighters. Burning polyvinyl chloride released high amounts of hydrochloric acid which affected the respiratory system of the fire fighters. Carcinogenic dioxins and furans were detected in the soot. For the prevention or spread of fires it is recommended to store the plastic waste material in small units which are accessible from two sides and to install an adequately dimensioned water extinguishing systems. Fire fighters need to wear respirators and protective clothing.
Brandschutz, Feb. 1994, Vol.48, No.2, p.80-92. Illus. 37 ref.

CIS 94-2049 Washburn A.E., LeBlanc P.R., Fahy R.F.
Firefighter fatalities remained low in 1993
Tables, graphs and descriptive text show that, although the number of firefighter deaths in the USA in 1993 (77) was 2.2% higher than the 75 recorded in 1992, it is still almost 30% lower than the 107 deaths reported in each of the two preceding years, and less than half the number for 1978 (171). Most deaths occurred at the site of the fire (44.2%) or during response to an alarm (26.0%). Stress was the leading cause of death, with half of the fatalities due to heart attacks. More volunteer firefighters died than career firefighters. Short sub-articles describe boiling liquid expanding vapour explosions, the US Public Safety Officers' Benefits Act (indemnities to families), firefighter deaths in training, illustrative incidents, and the action undertaken by one urban fire department when two firefighters died.
NFPA Journal, July-Aug. 1994, Vol.88, No.4, p.55-57, 59-70. Illus.

1993

CIS 94-1388 Davis R.L., Mostofi F.K.
Cluster of testicular cancer in police officers exposed to hand-held radar
Within a cohort of 340 police officers, six incident cases of testicular cancer occurred between 1979 and 1991. Occupational use of hand-held radar was the only shared risk factor among all six officers, and all routinely held the radar gun directly in close proximity to their testicles. Health effects of occupational radar use have not been widely studied, and further research into a possible association with testicular cancer is warranted.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Aug. 1993, Vol.24, No.2, p.231-233. 6 ref.

CIS 94-886 Society of Occupational Medicine and Hygiene - Meetings of 13 Oct., 10 Nov., 8 Dec. 1992 and 12 Jan. 1993
Société de médecine et d'hygiène du travail - Séances des 13 octobre, 10 novembre, 8 décembre 1992 et 12 janvier 1993 [in French]
Themes of papers presented at the meetings of 13 Oct., 10 Nov., 8 Dec. 1992 and 12 Jan. 1993 of the Society of Occupational Medicine and Hygiene (France): the clothing industry in the centre of Paris (recommendation to include arthrosis of the navicular bone of the hand in the French Schedule as an occupational disease among garment-cutters); protection of garbage workers against risks due to medical refuse present in domestic waste; occupational lead poisoning in connection with the renovation of an older building; cholinesterases: value of isolated variations of their levels; one case of thallium poisoning in a mineralogy laboratory; a case of chronic transfusion hepatitis affecting a nurse; occupational stress: in-plant experimental approach; sleep apnoea and aptitude to work in fire brigades; comments on the Decree of 29 May 1992 pertaining to the prohibition of smoking at work.
Archives des maladies professionnelles, 1993, Vol.54, No.7, p.587-606.

CIS 94-346 Karter M.J., LeBlanc P.R.
U.S. firefighter injuries in 1992
Summary of a survey of US fire departments conducted by the National Fire Protection Association. The 97,700 injuries sustained by firefighters in the line of duty in 1992 was a decrease of 5.4% from the previous year, and the rate of 6.7 injuries per 1,000 incidents was a decrease of 5.6%. Most injuries (53.5%) occurred at the scene of the fire; the other four duty categories were, in descending order of importance, other on-duty, non-fire emergency, training and responding to or returning from an incident. Tables and charts break down the figures by nature of injury, type of duty, cause of injury, size of community protected and region of the country. Data on vehicle accidents and on the number of fires are also given. Fourteen specific incidents are described to illustrate the different circumstances in which injury can occur.
NFPA Journal, Nov.-Dec. 1993, Vol.87, No.6, p.56-67. Illus.

1992

CIS 97-861 Standard on fire department safety and health program
This standard provides a framework for a safety and health programme for a fire department or any type of organization providing similar services. Contents: scope, purpose and implementation of the standard; organizational statement, risk management plan, roles and responsibilities, record keeping; training and education; operation of vehicles and equipment; protective clothing and equipment; emergency operations; facility safety; medical and physical requirements; member assistance programme.
National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269, USA, 1992. 63p. Bibl.ref. Index.

CIS 96-1894 Saito M., Asano S., Nozawa K.
Fire fighters' physical and mental fatigue in 24-hour shift work
24-Jikan kakujitsu kinmusha no hirō tokusei - shōbō taiin o taishō to shite [in Japanese]
Heart rate, blood pressure at rest, handgrip force, vertical jumping, body flexibility, physical working capacity, perceived exertion during bicycle exercise and subjective symptoms of 14 firefighters (aged 29-48) were measured for 10 consecutive days during which the subjects alternated between 24h on duty and 24hr off. The only statistically significant change over this period was a slight decrease in the height to which subjects could jump. Perceived exertion increased over the observation period for subjects in their 40s and decreased for the younger ones. Subjective symptoms of physical, mental and sensory fatigue increased over the 10 days, i.e., the 24hr off-duty period was insufficient for recovery. The 24hr shift, which involves mainly sedentary work at night, seems to produce psychological discomfort but to have little physical effect.
Hiro to Kyuyo no Kagaku, 1 June 1992, Vol.7, No.1, p.63-74. Illus. 11 ref.

CIS 93-1570 Biava P.M., Audisio R., Centonze A., Barbieri A., Bisanti L., Duca G.
Cross-sectional study on the health status of traffic wardens exposed to urban air pollution
Indagine epidemiologica sulle condizioni di salute dei vigili urbani di Milano in rapporto all'inquinamento da traffico veicolare [in Italian]
An investigation on the health effects of occupational exposure to motor vehicle exhaust and environmental pollutants was carried out on traffic wardens in Milan (Italy). Randomised samples of 292 traffic wardens and 60 controls underwent a physical examination and laboratory tests. No significant difference was observed between the exposed and control groups as regards general morbidity, apart from musculo-skeletal disorders in females. The mean blood lead level (PbB) among traffic wardens was 15.2µg/dL compared with 11.7 in controls (p<0.01). The carboxyhaemoglobin concentration (COHb) in traffic wardens decreased from 2.8% (smokers) and 1.2% (non-smokers) at the beginning of the shift to 4.3% (smokers) and 2.5% (non-smokers) (p<0.01) at the end of the shift. PbB was significantly correlated (r=0.17) with Median Nerve Motor Conduction Velocity (NCV) and Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) (r=-0.24) in the exposed group. COHb was significantly correlated with HDL cholesterol (r=-0.20) in the exposed group. It is questionable whether very low PbB levels can affect NCV and SBP directly or rather whether PbB, as well as COHb, should be regarded as tracers of exposure to those urban pollutants leading also to cardiovascular and nervous disorders.
Medicina del lavoro, May-June 1992, Vol.83, No.3, p.249-258. 30 ref.

CIS 93-1680 Washburn A.E., LeBlanc P.R., Fahy R.F.
Report on 1991 fire fighter fatalities
This report describes patterns in firefighter deaths and identifies areas where continued efforts need to be focused. The types of duty associated with firefighter deaths are examined, along with the causes and nature of fatal injuries and the ages of the firefighters who died. The frequency of deaths in vacant buildings, in incendiary or suspicious fires and in motor vehicle accidents is highlighted and a comparison is made of career and volunteer firefighter deaths. Finally, the study presents summaries of individual incidents that illustrate important problems in firefighter safety.
NFPA Journal, July-Aug. 1992, Vol.86, No.4, p.40-54. Illus. 4 ref.

CIS 93-964 Karter M.J., LeBlanc P.R.
NFPA reports on US fire fighter injuries in 1991
This report is based on data collected by the 1991 NFPA Survey of Fire Departments for US Fire Experience. It includes: an estimate of the total number of 1991 firefighter injuries; estimates of the number of injuries by type of duty; trends in firefighter injuries and injury rates from 1987 to 1991; fireground injuries by cause; fire department vehicle accidents and resulting firefighter injuries; average number of fires and fireground injuries per department by population of community protected; descriptions of selected incidents that illustrate firefighter safety problems.
NFPA Journal, Nov.-Dec. 1992, Vol.86, No.6, p.56-65. Illus.

CIS 92-2051 Arias Díaz V., Archanco López-Pelegrín C., Montes Ramos M.
Health education. A strategy for the control of biological risks in hospital workers and of nosocomial infection
La educación sanitaria. Una estrategia en el control del riesgo biológico de los trabajadores hospitalarios y de la infección nosocomial [in Spanish]
A training programme on health education was carried out in a penal hospital in Spain with a view to the control and prevention of hospital infections and accidents. Courses were designed and given to various categories of workers with potential exposure to infection: sanitary assistants, clinical assistants, guards and cleaning staff. The programme was evaluated through a survey of the working processes and a questionnaire survey. The results showed that working processes were standardised and safety and health measures improved after the course.
Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, Jan.-Mar. 1992, Vol.39, No.155, p.3-20. 18 ref.

CIS 92-2091 McCloy E.
Management of post-incident trauma: A fire service perspective
Post-incident trauma has specific features relating both to the incident and to the symptoms it produces. Reactive symptoms occur in most people in the immediate after-period but rising or persisting anxiety towards the end of the first week indicates a risk of a serious disorder developing. Immediate management involves debriefing and peer group support of the participants in the incident. For those who continue to experience persisting anxiety after the first week, referral to occupational health advisers or general practitioners is necessary and, if symptoms persist or recur, referral to specialist advisers such as psychologists or psychiatrists may be required. The most important factor in the treatment of post-incident trauma is to acknowledge its existence. Whilst the coping mechanisms are well established in theory, they require widespread implementation in practice.
Occupational Medicine, Aug. 1992, Vol.42, No.3, p.163-166. Illus. 4 ref.

CIS 92-1189 Ford J., Smith S., Luo J.C., Friedman-Jimenez G., Brandt-Rauf P., Markowitz S., Garibaldi K., Niman H.
Serum growth factors and oncoproteins in firefighters
Firefighters are potentially at increased risk for cancer and non-malignant respiratory disease due to their toxic exposures. A cohort of firefighters was therefore screened for the presence of 9 different growth factors and oncoproteins thought to play a role in the development of various malignancies and pulmonary fibrotic disease. Fourteen of the firefighters were found to be positive for β-transforming growth factor (β-TGF) related proteins compared to none in a control group. Results suggest that β-TGF may be a possible biomarker for monitoring firefighters and other exposed workers for cancer or non-malignant respiratory disease.
Occupational Medicine, Feb. 1992, Vol.42, No.1, p.39-42. 26 ref.

1991

CIS 92-1907 Bandaranayake D.R., Salmond C.E., Tobias M.I.
Occupational risk of hepatitis B for police and customs personnel
A cross-sectional study was undertaken to establish whether New Zealand police and customs officers are at excess risk of hepatitis B virus infection as a consequence of occupational exposure to human blood and penetrating injury. The control group was comprised of civilians employed by both police and customs organisations. The prevalence of hepatitis B markers in the control group, when standardised for age, sex and ethnic distribution, was 13.4%, which agrees well with New Zealand blood donor figures. The prevalence ratios for police officers and customs officers compared with the civilians (adjusted for age, sex, and ethnic distribution) were 0.82 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63-1.06) and 0.49 (95% CI 0.34-0.70), respectively. Multivariate analysis failed to demonstrate any significant association between occupational variables and marker prevalence. There was an association between time spent living in high-risk areas of the country and marker prevalence.
American Journal of Epidemiology, 15 Dec. 1991, Vol.134, No.12, p.1447-1453. 11 ref.

CIS 92-1041 Boyce R.W., Jones G.R., Hiatt A.R.
Physical fitness capacity and absenteeism of police officers
Police officers (n=514) were studied to determine the relationship between physical fitness capacity and annual absenteeism rate. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that for officers aged 34 years and younger, only 5% of the variability in absenteeism could be accounted for by age, sex, and physical fitness variables. For officers 35 years old and older, 7% of the variability was explained by these variables, and a bicycle ergometer score was a significant predictor of absenteeism. Each individual test and an overall physical fitness score were classified into five levels. There were no significant differences between overall fitness levels and absenteeism. However, men 35 and over who were most fit on the bicycle ergometer test had fewer absences, and women 34 and under who were thinnest had more absences. In conclusion, at least among police officers, the extent to which physical fitness capacity can predict absenteeism is low.
Journal of Occupational Medicine, Nov. 1991, Vol.33, No.11, p.1137-1143. 19 ref.

CIS 92-225 Selden A., Ahlborg G.
Mortality and cancer morbidity after exposure to military aircraft fuel
In order to elucidate a possible excess risk of lymphatic malignancies due to aircraft fuel exposure in the Swedish Armed Forces (SAF), a historical prospective cohort study was conducted. During a 9-year follow-up period, 3 cases of malignant lymphoma were detected versus 3.21 expected tumours of the lymphatic system among 2176 men. It is concluded that no evidence was found for an association between military aircraft fuel and the occurrence of malignant lymphomas or other malignancies among exposed men in the SAF. Further follow-up is necessary for a definite risk assessment.
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, Aug. 1991, Vol.62, No.8, p.789-794. Illus. 17 ref.

CIS 92-323 Cowan D.N., Brundage J.F., Pomerantz R.S., Miller R.N., Burke D.S.
HIV infection among members of the US Army Reserve Components with medical and health occupations
Members of the US Army Reserve Components are routinely tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Tests between 1985 and 1989 showed that levels of infection were not higher among women or among currently married men with medical occupations compared with those with non-medical occupations. Prevalence and incidence were elevated among never-married men with medical occupations compared with never-married men with non-medical occupations. Based on report civilian occupation, male registered nurses and men with other medical occupations, excluding physicians and dentists, had a significantly higher prevalence of infection than men in non-medical occupations. These findings may have application in the design and interpretation of results of health care worker HIV surveillance programmes.
Journal of the American Medical Association, 5 June 1991, Vol. 265, No.21, p.2826-2830. 29 ref.

CIS 91-1923 Goldberg R.L., Hicks A.M., O'Leary L.M., London S.
Lead exposure at uncovered outdoor firing ranges
Excessive lead exposure of shooting instructors at indoor firing ranges and covered outdoor firing ranges has been documented. The City of Los Angeles assessed exposure of its full-time shooting instructors at uncovered outdoor ranges via air monitoring and blood lead-level measurements. Results of these tests revealed that significant lead exposure and absorption can occur at outdoor firing ranges. The use of copper-jacketed ammunition may decrease air lead levels and decrease lead absorption by range instructors.
Journal of Occupational Medicine, June 1991, Vol.33, No.6, p.718-719. 9 ref.

CIS 91-892 Crouch K.G., Peng T., Murdock D.J.
Ventilation control of lead in indoor firing ranges: Inlet configuration and booth and fluctuating flow contributions
Ineffective ventilation systems in indoor firing ranges have been shown to produce an airflow pattern with large scale eddies and recirculation of gun emissions to occupied parts of the range. Smoke relase studies in two firing ranges confirmed the relative importance of the air inlet to the success of the ventilation system. A subsequent laboratory study involved the use of a full-scale model for the evaluation of various inlets and obstacles to flow. For steady airflows, use of a double perforated panel at the inlet was found to be effective in many cases. The introduction of a fluctuating flow at the inlet significantly reduced exposure caused by eddies.
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Feb. 1991, Vol.52, No.2, p.81-91. Illus. 13 ref.

1990

CIS 92-886 Hansen E.S.
A cohort study on the mortality of firefighters
A cohort of firefighters was followed up through 10 years with regard to cause-specific mortality. Comparisons were made with another cohort of civil servants and salaried employees in physically demanding jobs. After a latency of five years, an excess mortality from cancer was seen for persons aged 30 to 74 (standardised mortality ratio (SMR) 173, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 104-270). A significant increase in lung cancer was seen in the group aged 60 to 74 (SMR 317, 95% CI 117-691), whereas non-pulmonary cancer was significantly increased in the group aged 30 to 49 (SMR 575, 95% CI 187-1341). It is concluded that inhalation of carcinogenic and toxic compounds during firefighting may constitute an occupational cancer risk.
British Journal of Industrial Medicine, Dec. 1990, Vol.47, No.12, p.805-809. 37 ref.

CIS 92-599 Münch R.
Problems facing fire brigades: Stress and qualifications of firemen
Probleme im Alltag der Feuerwehren: Belastbarkeit und Tauglichkeit von Feuerwehrleuten [in German]
This outline of the selection process of firemen in the Federal Republic of Germany reveals that professional firemen have to undergo tests of their physical and mental capacity. The aptitude of volunteer firemen is, however, left to their own judgement. The physical workload of firemen includes lifting and carrying tasks under adverse conditions (e.g. wearing heavy respirators) and back-straining postures. Mental stress of firemen involves anxiety in dangerous situations, fear of death and coping with human tragedies.
Brandschutz, Nov. 1990, Vol.44, No.11, p.633-635.

CIS 92-168 Rosénstock L., Demers P., Heyer N.J., Barnhart S.
Respiratory mortality among firefighters
In order to assess the possibility that an unusually strong "healthy worker effect" among firefighters might mask the increased risk of respiratory disease, a mortality analysis of firefighters was carried out in 3 cities in relation to the United States population and also to a comparison cohort of police officers. The firefighters were employed between 1945 and 1980 and experienced 886 deaths by 1 January 1984; compared with the United States population they had a significantly reduced risk of dying from all causes and from non-malignant circulatory diseases, but no significant difference in risk of non-malignant respiratory diseases. Compared with police, the firefighters experienced a trend toward improved mortality outcomes for all causes investigated, but they had an excess of deaths from non-malignant respiratory diseases. The results indicate that firefighters are probably at increased risk for dying from non-malignant respiratory diseases; this increased risk may have been missed in previous studies because of the limitations of using a general reference.
British Journal of Industrial Medicine, July 1990, Vol.47, No.7, p.462-465. 23 ref.

CIS 91-2095 Brown J.M., Campbell E.A.
Sources of occupational stress in the police
This paper describes an empirical study (n=954) of occupational stress conducted in a large provincial English police force. Conceptual distinctions were made between stressors, i.e., potential external sources of adverse reactions; felt stress, i.e., self-perceived negative impact; and distress, i.e., self-reported symptoms of anxiety, depression, social dysfunction, and somatic disturbance. Findings indicates that overall exposure rates are highest for organisational and management stressors rather than routine operational duties. Differential rates of exposure, felt stress, and distress are reported for different ranks of officers. The paper confirms the nature of postulated sources of police stress from earlier studies and extends analysis to differentiate between exposure to stressors and experience of distress.
Work and Stress, Oct.-Dec. 1990, Vol.4, No.4, p.305-318. Illus. 32 ref.

CIS 91-1485 Torres Girardi E.
Prevention of the risks of fighting forest fires
Prevención de riesgos en el combate de incendios forestales [in Spanish]
Training manual. Contents: functions of the members of the fire-fighting team; personal protective equipment; portable fire-fighting equipment and tools; preventive maintenance of tools; principal types of accidents involving tools; basic principles of fires and fire fighting; hazardous situations to avoid in fire fighting; check list of basic fire-fighting safety.
Asociación Chilena de Seguridad, Casilla 14565, Correo Central, Santiago, Chile, Dec. 1990. 66p. Illus. 10 ref.

CIS 90-2021 Joint meeting on conditions of employment and work of fire-fighting personnel
Réunion paritaire sur les conditions d'emploi et de travail du personnel de lutte contre l'incendie [in French]
Report prepared by the ILO to serve as a basis for the discussions of the Joint Meeting held in Geneva, Switzerland, 9-17 May 1990. Aspects covered: legal status of fire-fighters, trade union rights, equality of opportunity, pay and conditions of employment, working times, occupational safety and health, pension rights.
ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, May 1990. 92p. Price: CHF 17.50.

1989

CIS 93-431 Electrical safety handbook for firefighting personnel - Instructions on how to cope with electrical hazards in rescue and fire situations
Instructions on how to cope with electrical hazards in rescue and fire situations are outlined in this booklet. Topics covered: basic facts about electricity; injuries caused by electric shock; fallen wires on the street; victims trapped in vehicles by fallen wires; Padmount transformers and kiosk; using water safety on electrical fires; dealing with electrical wires when fire fighting in houses and other buildings; substation fires; unauthorised persons in substations; fires and explosions in underground electrical vaults; and special procedures.
Ontario Hydro, 700 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X6, Canada, 2nd ed., 1989. 44p. Illus.

CIS 92-495 Marchant R., Guernsey J., Yoshida K.
Health effects of working at the site of the Gander Arrow air crash
This report describes an investigation of health concerns arising from work at the site of an air crash in Newfoundland, Canada in December 1985. A literature review indicates that the major chemical hazards related to firefighting at air crash sites are irritant gases, organic solvents and metals known to affect the lungs and kidneys. Although the evidence did not suggest a significant toxic exposure, the exposed group did experience more headaches, dizziness, sore joints, chest pains, severe colds and fatigue than the control groups, and it was concluded that a significant number of the workers suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorders. Recommendations are given for the recognition and treatment of such disorders.
Dalhousie University, Faculty of Medecine, 5849 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3H 4H7, Mar. 1989. 125p. Bibl.ref.

CIS 91-429 Viral hazards: H.I.V., hepatitis A, hepatitis B
This advice booklet deals with risks of viral infections (human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis A and B viruses) likely to be confronted by fire service personnel in performing its duty. Information covered: viral hazards - precautions for fire service personnel; transmissions of HIV, hepatitis A and B viruses; operational precautions; additional personal precautionary measures; exposure and contamination; decontamination; contaminated equipment; additional essential precautions. Appendices: I - hepatitis virus; II - product information; III - reporting a case of disease; IV - AIDS policy.
Fire Brigades Union, Bradley House, 68 Coombe Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT2 7AE, United Kingdom, 1989. 12p.

CIS 90-1948 Kilburn K.H., Warsaw R.H., Shields M.G.
Neurobehavioural dysfunction in firemen exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs): Possible improvement after detoxification
Fourteen firemen were exposed to fumes, smoke and gases from polychlorinated biphenyls during a transformer-house fire in 1987. The firemen were studied 6 weeks later, after undergoing 2-3 weeks of a detoxification programme consisting of medically supervised dieting, exercise and sauna. The neurological impairment found in the firemen after the fire improved after the detoxification programme, showing this kind of impairment to be reversible. However, self-appraisal scores for increased depression, anger, fatigue and reduced vigour did not change after the programme.
Archives of Environmental Health, Nov.-Dec. 1989, Vol.44, No.6, p.345-350. 29 ref.

CIS 89-2078 AIDS precautions - Correctional institutions
Précautions relatives au SIDA - Etablissements correctionnels [in French]
Data sheet from a series of 10 on AIDS-related hazards and prevention in the workplace. Contents: personal protection, cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, 250 Main St. E., Hamilton, Ontario L8N 1H6, Canada, 1989. 1p.

1988

CIS 90-1713 Jones I.E.
Protective clothing design
The increase in the number of injuries following spillage or fire involving hazardous materials had led to a heightened awareness of the need for adequate protective clothing for the emergency services that have do deal with such incidents. The large variety of protective clothing currently available leads to a complexity of choice for the services concerned. Factors to be considered when choosing the correct protection include: compatibility with the hazard - one particular material may not provide adequate protection for the full range of hazardous substances likely to be encountered; compatibility with the size of the wearer; choice between body-only protection or coverall protection; disposable clothing. It is recommended that rather than diversifying the ranges of materials and garments to cope with the increasing range of hazardous substances encountered, manufacturers of protective clothing should concentrate on producing one single but safe garment for use by all emergency services.
Loss Prevention Bulletin, Apr. 1988, No.80, p.1-3.

CIS 90-685 Douglas R.B., Blanks R., Crowther A., Scott G.
A study of stress in West Midlands firemen, using ambulatory electrocardiograms
The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that a fireman's work may subject him to cardiovascular stresses and to identify those areas of a fireman's duties which are most stressful. The West Midlands Fire Brigade (United Kingdom) was selected as being suitable for the study because it has a large number of full-time men (over 2000) engaged in various degrees of activity. A stratified sample of 100 officers and men was drawn from 12 stations to include busy and less busy stations. Long runs of ECG (63 hours each for the men, 48 hours each for the residential officers) were examined for ventricular ectopic beats and classified for severity according to a modified Lown grade scale (Lown and Wolf 1971) and then integrated over time to reflect frequency of occurrence as well as severity. This was called the ventricular cardiac strain score (VCSS). Higher scores were found in those under stress due to number of call-outs, level of seniority and diary-recorded stressful events.
Work and Stress, Oct.-Dec. 1988, Vol.2, No.4, p.309-318. 8 ref.

CIS 90-689 Smith T.
Pilot study: Cardiac measures of stress in British Prison officers
This paper considers the experience of stress in British prison officers and in particular the physiological effect of work activity on them. It reviews the evidence provided by some international studies as well as the recent occupational mortality statistics produced by the Office of Population Census and Surveys (OPCS) of the United Kingdom (1986). In particular, the paper concentrates on the benefits of using ambulatory measures of heart rate as a measure of stress and illustrates this with the initial data of a study carried out at HM Prison, Gartree. Results are described in terms of mean heart rate by time and by work activity.
Work and Stress, Oct.-Dec. 1988, Vol.2, No.4, p.301-308. Illus. 17 ref.

CIS 90-688 Rutter D.R., Fielding P.J.
Sources of occupational stress: An examination of British prison officers
The purpose of this paper is to identify the major sources of occupational stress experienced by British prison officers and to examine their effects on job stress and job satisfaction. 81 officers from HM Prison, Maidstone (United Kingdom), took part in a questionnaire study, and three main findings emerged. First, lack of staff and resources were ranked as the most likely sources of stress, and areas of the prison where confrontations with inmates were most likely to occur were ranked as the most stressful locations. Second, officers who reported the highest levels of job stress had the lowest job satisfaction and the greatest wish for more emphasis on control and security of inmates. Third, when the sources of stress were factor-analysed and used to predict overall job stress and job satisfaction, the single most important predictor of job stress was found to be the factor labelled "confrontations with inmates" and, for dissatisfaction with the job, it was "poor morale and resentments". The paper discusses the theoretical implications of the findings.
Work and Stress, Oct.-Dec. 1988, Vol.2, No.4, p.291-299. 15 ref.

CIS 90-687 Härenstam A., Palm U.B., Theorell T.
Stress, health and the working environment of Swedish prison staff
A random stratified sample of just over 2000 was drawn from staff working in 67 different prisons in Sweden. Questionnaires on working conditions and symptoms of ill health were administered and subjects were given health examinations. Biochemical plasma tests were made and factual information on the prisons was collected for use in the analyses. There were differences between prisons in terms of both objective and self-reported working conditions which appeared to affect health status, physiological state and sick leave rate. Cardiovascular and hypertensive conditions were found more often among prison staff than among a large reference group. Sick leave rates among prison staff were very high compared with this reference group. The data allowed the identification of several factors which might counteract the effects of stress at work: a supportive management style, goal consensus among staff, a high degree of decision latitude, satisfaction with work performance and a supportive psychosocial climate.
Work and Stress, Oct.-Dec. 1988, Vol.2, No.4, p.281-290. 16 ref.

CIS 90-134 Dubrow R., Burnett C.A., Gute D.M., Brockert J.E.
Ischemic heart disease and acute myocardial infarction mortality among police officers
The relationship between the occupation of police officer and ischaemic heart disease (IHD) mortality was examined through case-control studies using 1968-78 death certificate records from the states of Rhode Island and Utah (USA). IHD was divided into two subcategories - acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and other IHD. In both states, the odds ratio (OR) for AMI was significantly elevated (Rhode Island, OR = 1.3, Utah, OR = 1.8), and was higher than the OR for other IHD (Rhode Island, OR = 1.1; Utah, OR = 1.4). The odds ratio for AMI was higher in the < 65yr age group (Rhode Island, OR = 2.1; Utah, OR = 2.1) than in the ≥65yr age group (Rhode Island, OR = 0.9; Utah, OR = 1.6). These results suggest that the elevated risk for IHD among police officers observed in this and other studies is primarily due to an elevated risk for AMI. The pattern of diminishing risk with age suggests a risk factor, possibly stress, the effect of which diminishes when exposure ceases at retirement.
Journal of Occupational Medicine, Aug. 1988, Vol.30, No.8, p.650-654. 33 ref.

CIS 89-1642 Widetschek O.
Protection prior to, during and after accidental releases of dangerous materials as seen by Austrian fire brigades
Schutz vor, bei und nach Gefahrgutunfällen aus der Sicht der österreichischen Feuerwehren [in German]
Shortcomings of former and improvements introduced by new legislation in Austria on the transport and accidental release of dangerous substances are pointed out. Present capabilities of Austrian fire brigades to deal with accidental releases are analysed. It is concluded that Austrian fire brigades are not properly equipped.
Brandschutz, 1988, Vol.42, No.4, p.200-207. Illus. 8 ref.

CIS 89-1648 Mirbach W.
Transmission of information on dangerous materials
Übermittlung von Gefahrgut-Daten [in German]
The fire brigades of county Rhein-Sied in the Federal Republic of Germany used a data sheet for exchanging important information on dangerous substances spilled in accidents with the coordinating centre. The data sheet follows a British model and consists of 14 entries on two pages. The form is reproduced.
Brandschutz, 1988, Vol.42, No.4, p.178-181. Illus.

CIS 89-481 Horsfield K., Guyatt A.R., Cooper F.M., Buckman M.P., Cumming G.
Lung function in West Sussex firemen: A four year study
A comparative study of a group of 96 West Sussex (England) firemen and a control group of 69 volunteers, consisting of non-smoking men from various other occupations, was carried out to examine long term lung damage in firemen. Lung function tests, covering a wider range than has been previously used in similar studies, were repeated every 6 months for two years and annually for a further two years. The results were expressed in terms of the rate of exchange with time of the lung function variables. Many of the variables deteriorated in both firemen and controls, but the rate of deterioration was greater in the controls than in the firemen. The results show no evidence of chronic lung damage in the firemen and a lower rate of deterioration of lung function with age than in the control subjects. This is attributed to the selection of fit men for the service, continued physical training, and the regular use of breathing apparatus.
British Journal of Industrial Medicine, Feb. 1988, Vol.45, No.2, p.116-121. 16 ref.

CIS 89-677 Acquired immune deficiency syndrome in correctional institutions
Fact sheet on AIDS for the information of ocrrectional officers, in order to prevent them from being infected by HIV.
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), 1625 L Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20036, USA, 1988. 6p.

CIS 88-2032 Fire fighter fatality report - 1987
124 U.S. fire fighters died in 1987 compared to 113 in 1986. 50% of the deaths were from stress leading to heart attacks. Apparatus and motor vehicle accidents accounted for 33 deaths.
Fire Command, June 1988, Vol.55, No.6, p.18-20. Illus.

1987

CIS 95-884
Centre national de Prévention et de Protection (CNPP)
Self-contained open-circuit breathing apparatus
Appareils respiratoires isolants à circuit ouvert [in French]
This videotape, aimed at fire-fighters and emergency crews, explains the proper use of such equipment: choice of equipment (depending on available time, location and ambient air composition); open-circuit and positive-pressure equipment (composition, elements, use); functioning; what should be checked before use; positioning before use; guidance to proper use; maintenance; storage; charging of cylinders; periodic checks of equipment.
La Médiathèque du Risque, 5 rue Daunou, 75002 Paris, France, 1987. VHS videotape or slide show (length: 15min). Price: FRF 1630.00 (plus tax). ###

CIS 92-330 Workplace prevention and management of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and human immunodeficiency virus infections (HIV) - Interim guidelines for providers of pre-hospital emergency care, resuscitation training
Part of a series of infection control guidelines to prevent the transmission of AIDS virus (HIV) infection in the community, in institutions and in other workplaces. A definition of AIDS, its cause, symptoms, transmission, risk activities, exposure tests, treatment, preventive measures and education are briefly explained. Specific precautions are outlined for paramedics, emergency medical technicians, law enforcement personnel, firefighters, lifeguards and others involved in first-response medical care.
Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Division, Suite 1000, 330 St. Mary Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 3Z5, Canada, 1987. 22p. 22 ref.

CIS 92-329 Workplace prevention and management of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and human immunodeficiency virus infections (HIV) - Interim guidelines for correctional and detentional facilities
Part of a series of infection control guidelines to prevent the transmission of AIDS virus (HIV) infection in the community, in institutions and in other workplaces. A definition of AIDS, its cause, symptoms, transmission, risk activities, exposure tests, treatment, preventive measures and education are briefly explained. Specific topics covered for prisons, jails and juvenile detention centres: education of staff and inmates; infection control measures; identification and evaluation of AIDS virus infections; confidentiality; management of AIDS-infected inmates and staff; provision of support services.
Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Division, Suite 1000, 330 St. Mary Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 3Z5, Canada, 1987. 22p. 22 ref.

CIS 89-649 Hagberg D., Holmér I.
Heat tolerance of part-time and full-time firefighters
Tolerans för varmt arbete hos hel- och deltidsanställda brandmän [in Swedish]
Thermal balance and heat tolerance were investigated in 12 part-time (D) and 12 full-time (H) firefighters. They exercised on a bicycle for 90-120min. until exhausted. The ambient air temperature was 36-38°C and relative humidity was 50%. The 2 groups were comparable in terms of body weight, height, age and physical work capacity. Heart rate, mean skin temperature, body temperature and the rating of perceived exertion were significantly higher in group D than in H. The sweat rate tended to be higher in the H group. No definite differences in energy expenditure, time to exhaustion, and rating of temperatue and comfort were observed. The results indicate more efficient adaptation and tolerance to work in hot environments for group H.
Arbetarskyddsstyrelsen, Publikationsservice, 171 84 Solna, Sweden, 1986. 27p. Illus. 31 ref.

CIS 88-1665 Washburn A.E., Harlow D.W., Fahy R.F.
U.S. fire fighter deaths
This report on the 113 deaths presents statistics on the type of duty, causes and nature of fatal injury or illness, ages of the fire fighters, fire ground deaths, other findings, motor vehicle accidents and comparison between career and volunteer fire fighters. Twenty incidents are described to illustrate important problems in safety.
Fire Command, June 1987, Vol.54, No.6, p.20-34. 5 ref.

CIS 88-1662 Picher M.A.
Fire fighter heart attacks
Heart attack has been the leading cause (47%) of fire fighter deaths in the US. Of these fatalities, 40.5% occurred in fire fighters who had prior heart problems; 50% died during fire fighting activities. Statistics are given for age and rank at death. Selected incidents are described.
Fire Command, July 1987, Vol.54, No.7, p.16-20. Illus.

CIS 88-1194 Vena J.E., Fiedler R.C.
Mortality of a municipal-worker cohort: IV. Fire fighters
The mortality experience of 1,867 white male fire fighters who were employed for the City of Buffalo a minimum of 5 years with at least 1 year as a fire fighter was studied. All-cause mortality (470 observed deaths) was close to the expected standardised mortality ratio (SMR) = 95. Significantly elevated SMRs were found for benign neoplasms (SMR = 417), cancer of the colon (SMR = 183), and cancer of the bladder (SMR = 286). Cause-specific mortality is presented by number of years employed, calendar year of death, year of hire, and latency. Cancer mortality was significantly higher in the long-term fire fighters, and risk of mortality from all malignant neoplasms tended to incrase with increasing latency.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 1987, Vol.11, No.6, p.671-684. 33 ref.

CIS 88-1207 Ahmed N.S., El-Gendy K.S., El-Refaie A.K., Marzouk S.A., Bakry N.S., El-Sebae A.H., Soliman S.A.
Assessment of lead toxicity in traffic controllers of Alexandria, Egypt, road intersections
Blood lead level (BPbL) was determined in forty-five traffic controllers working at Alexandria road intersections. Central nervous system dysfunction in the subjects studied was investigated by means of performance tests. Biochemical indicators related to lead exposure such as δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase and haemoglobin in their blood were also determined. Results indicated that most of the subjects studied have a comparably high BPbL. They also showed significantly poorer performance scores than those obtained in a previous study of a group of textile workers of the same age and educational level. The mean BPbL in the traffic controllers was 68.28 ± 13.22µg/dL. This is a very high level when compared to an acceptable level of 30.00µg/dL. All neurobehavioral symptoms demonstrated in the traffic controllers could be attributed to a high level of lead exposure.
Archives of Environmental Health, Mar. 1987, Vol.42, No.2, p.92-95. Illus. 8 ref.

CIS 88-1373 Williams M.A., Petratis M.M., Baechle T.R., Ryschon K.L., Campain J.J., Sketch M.H.
Frequency of physical activity, exercise capacity, and atherosclerotic heart disease risk factors in male police officers
A total of 171 male police offers volunteered to assess risk factors for developing atherosclerotic heart disease and to evaluate the relation of fitness to risk. Substantial numbers of offices had elevated risk: 22% were smokers, 76% had elevated cholesterol, 26% had elevated triglycerides, 16% had elevated BP, and 60% had elevated body fat. Increased fitness was associated with decreased risk. Compared with Group II (moderate fitness) or Group III (low fitness) Group I (high fitness) had significantly lower values of body fat, diastolic BP, total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins, lipid ratios, triglycerides, and smoking incidence. Low fitness was associated with the highest prevalence of abnormal exercise tests. Police officers may have a high prevalence of risk and increased fitness may be associated with reduced risk.
Journal of Occupational Medicine, July 1987, Vol.29, No.7, p.596-600. 30 ref.

CIS 88-600 Rol de la Morena M.J.
Risks in the work of firemen
Los riesgos en el trabajo de los bomberos/Los riesgos en el trabajo de los bomberos [in Spanish]
The percentage of injuries among firemen is one of the highest for all professions. The first part of this article gives a general review of the dangers and stress factors involved in this type of work. The second part is dedicated to the study of 974 firemen in Madrid during 1986. Of these, 102 were injured and one killed. More than half of the injuries occurred during training activities and only about 20% in the place of emergency. No fireman at all was hurt during transportation to the place of emergency. The age group 26-45yrs old was that most affected by accidents. The most frequent injuries were: sprains, broken ligaments, fractures and contusions.
Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, Apr.-June 1987, Vol.34, No.135, p.55-58. 9 ref.

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