Preventing PFAS and AFFF exposure: Safety tips for rail yard teams

There are health risks associated with PFAS exposure, including cancer and immune system effects, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. If you have suffered health problems due to exposure to PFAS, we can assist you in pursuing compensation.

The hierarchy of controls: A proven framework

Occupational health authorities recommend following the hierarchy of controls to reduce chemical exposure in the workplace. A priority is to eliminate hazards before implementing engineering, administrative, and personal protective measures.

Elimination and substitution: The first line of defense

Eliminating AFFF use is the most effective way to prevent PFAS exposure. Rail yards should substitute AFFF containing PFAS with safe alternatives whenever possible. There are now foams that are free of PFAS and fluorine, but they must first be tested for their efficacy and validation.

You should only use AFFF when necessary and if there are no safer alternatives. Decreasing reliance on legacy AFFF reduces primary exposure pathways and protects workers from accumulating dangerous chemicals.

Engineering controls: Modify the work environment

When elimination is not immediately feasible, modify the work environment to limit exposure:

• Install ventilation systems or exhaust hoods in areas where AFFF concentrate is stored, transferred, or tested. These systems help reduce airborne PFAS aerosols that workers can inhale during routine operations.
• Contain spills immediately and use containment measures to prevent foam-laden runoff from spreading into work areas or groundwater. Proper containment systems prevent secondary exposure and environmental contamination.

Administrative controls: Train and document

There are several ways to reduce exposure risks at work, including training workers and implementing workplace practices.

• Provide hazard communication training on PFAS hazards and use Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to understand risks and controls. A worker needs to be aware of what he or she is handling and how to protect themselves.
• Limit access to areas where AFFF is handled or sprayed unless personnel with proper training and equipment are present. Unnecessary exposure puts workers at risk without any operational benefit.
• Track and document AFFF use and exposure incidents so employers are aware of when and how exposure occurs. If a worker develops health issues later in life and needs to establish their exposure history for legal purposes, such documentation may be useful.

Personal protective equipment: The last line of defense

Although personal protective equipment is considered to be the last line of defense, appropriate gear remains necessary if other methods are not able to control exposure completely:

• Respirators help prevent inhalation of mists and aerosols during foam application or cleanup. The standard dust mask is not sufficient to protect against PFAS.
• Wear chemical-resistant gloves, splash goggles, and protective clothing when handling AFFF concentrates.
• When fighting an active fire with AFFF, full structural firefighting gear, including boots and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), is required.

Safe practices for gear and work areas

Cleaning and decontamination

To minimize residual PFAS on surfaces, clean turnout gear and equipment promptly after exposure to AFFF. Leaving fabrics uncleaned allows chemicals to set into them and spread contamination throughout the fabric.

Store PFAS-contaminated gear in sealed containers or bags to prevent spreading residues in work or living areas. Open storage allows PFAS particles to become airborne and contaminate clean spaces.

Never take PFAS-contaminated gear into personal vehicles, break rooms, or living quarters. This practice transfers contamination to areas where family members and coworkers can be exposed. PPE contamination itself can be a source of secondary PFAS exposure, so careful removal, containment, and decontamination of gear are necessary.

Hygiene measures

• Wash your hands and exposed skin frequently, especially before eating, drinking, or touching your face. PFAS can be absorbed through hand-to-mouth contact.
• Use HEPA-filtered vacuums or damp cleaning methods instead of air blowers to remove PFAS-laden dust in maintenance and apparatus bays. Using air blowers can spread contaminated particles throughout a work area, increasing the risk of inhalation.

Protect your health and your legal rights

You may be able to file a FELA claim if you have been exposed to PFAS through AFFF handling at rail yards and have developed cancer or chronic illnesses because of your exposure. For over 35 years, Environmental Litigation Group has represented victims in toxic exposure cases. Get in touch with us today to discuss your case and find out what legal options you have.