OFMA Lunch & Learn - Fire Investigator Health & Safety

OFMA Lunch & Learn - Free to OFMA/OBOA Members - earn one hour of ICC continuing education credit for attending this free virtual training.  

Join us for the June OFMA Lunch & Learn -

This month's topic is: Fire Investigator Health & Safety

This course provides fire investigators with essential knowledge and practical strategies to reduce the health and safety risks associated with fire scene investigations. Participants will examine common hazards—including structural instability, hazardous materials, toxins, environmental exposures, and physical stress—and learn how to apply evidence‑based safety practices throughout the investigation process. Emphasis is placed on risk assessment, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), contamination control, scene management, and long‑term health considerations such as cancer prevention and behavioral wellness. Through scenario-based discussions and real-world case examples, investigators will learn to protect themselves and their teams while conducting thorough and professional fire investigations.

Learning Objectives

• Identify and assess major health and safety hazards commonly encountered at fire and explosion scenes, including structural, environmental, chemical, and biological risks.

• Demonstrate proper selection, use, and limitations of personal protective equipment (PPE) and decontamination procedures to minimize exposure to toxic byproducts, particulates, and other contaminants.

• Apply best practices for safe fire scene investigations, including risk management, team communication, environmental monitoring, and strategies that promote long-term investigator health, such as cancer‑prevention measures and behavioral wellness support.