Before switching from SCBA to an APR at a hazmat incident, who must be notified first?

Notifying the safety officer before switching from a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) to an Air-Purifying Respirator (APR) at a hazardous materials incident is vital for ensuring safety protocols are followed. The safety officer is responsible for monitoring and ensuring the safety of all personnel on scene, making them the appropriate authority to evaluate whether it is safe to switch respiratory protection based on the current conditions and potential hazards present.

The safety officer assesses various factors, including atmospheric contamination levels and the potential for exposure to hazardous substances. Since the APR does not provide the same level of protection as an SCBA, confirming with the safety officer whether the environment is safe for such a transition is essential. They will take into account any atmospheric testing results and the specific hazards of the incident.

Other personnel, such as the incident commander or team members, may also have roles to play in the operation, but the safety officer is specifically tasked with health and safety oversight. The public information officer typically handles external communications and does not have a direct role in personnel safety decisions during active field operations.