Health & Safety

2020 Fire Investigator Behavioral Health Survey

2020 Updated Health & Safety Infographic

The International Association of Arson Investigators, Inc. (IAAI) announces the release of the third edition of its Health & Safety Committee’s document, “Fire Investigator Health and Safety Best Practices.” This third edition includes updates, additions, and enhancements that improve the overall content and provides the latest research information and best practices regarding fire investigator health and safety matters. Prepared by the H&S committee and its advisory panel of subject matter experts and others (listed in the document), it has been approved by the Executive Team for dissemination.

This video provides guidance from the International Association of Arson Investigators on the proper donning and doffing (removal) of personal protective equipment to mitigate hazards at the post-fire scene, focusing on respiratory protection. The video includes recommended PPE ensembles for different situations, demonstrations of proper donning and doffing procedures, and procedures for cleaning, maintaining, and storing PPE.

Compares different types of respiratory protection.

Fire Investigator Accident and Near-Miss Reporting Program

Visual Overview of Fire Investigator Best Practices

Fire Investigator Physical Exam Letter

The IAAI adopts a position of supporting, enhancing and educating its members regarding the latest research information and best practices regarding fire investigator health and safety matters throughout all its activities, efforts and publications.

Every fire investigator is ultimately responsible for their health and wellbeing. There are known and suspected cancer-causing elements at almost EVERY post-fire scene in the form of gases, vapors, and particulates that cannot be seen. Protecting oneself from these hazards can lead to a healthier life. These are the top tips on how to do that.

To establish a baseline for moving forward, a benchmark survey was developed and sent out to all IAAI members. Members and chapter presidents were encouraged to share the survey with non-IAAI members to gain the largest number of responses possible. The goal was to have a survey that had content validity by ensuring that the question set captured all aspects of the topic, and the survey included a set of internal control questions designed to measure the respondents’ knowledge base regarding selected fire investigation topics.

Data from the Health & Safety Benchmark Survey

To promote health and safety knowledge, awareness, discussion, and action among members of the IAAI, its Chapters, and the fire investigation community in general.