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Prior to going inside, ensure that the atmosphere has been analyzed and is safe. Confirm that the electricity has been shut off prior to examining any electrical circuit, appliance, or wiring. Avoid working alone. If an accident occurs, no one may be present to help. Use proper personal protective equipment at all times, including approved boots with steel toe and midsole, gloves, helmet or hardhat, respiratory protection (self-contained Breathing. 63 Apparatus (SCBA) or particle respirators), eye protection, and a work uniform. Finally, do not eat or drink at the fire scene. FIRE SCENE HAZARDS Respiratory Hazards Heated air and gases generally rise during the fire. As the area cools, gases drop to lower levels. The atmosphere must cool before investigators spend extended periods processing the fire scene. If it is not possible to allow for cooling and to provide adequate ventilation, then respiratory protection should be used. Common combustible materials will give off toxic gases when exposed or involved in fire. Structural Hazards Investigators also must be concerned with structural hazards. Did the fire weaken support structures, stairways, ladders, rails, or walkways? Are there glass and jagged metal hazards present? Is there a possibility of structural collapse? Fire suppression activities can result in structural damage such as hanging steel beams; holes or missing floor plates in walkways. Water and fire fighting foam residues may make surfaces extremely slippery and dangerous to walk upon. Extreme care must be exercised, especially in engine rooms after a fire where dim lighting and slippery surfaces make walking conditions hazardous. In sifting through fire debris, remember that ashes on top may be cold while the ashes in lower layers may be still hot. Hazardous Substances Materials containing asbestos may be found in some ships. Materials which contain asbestos deteriorate during fire, releasing asbestos fibers into the air. The primary hazard to the investigator is inhalation. Asbestos fibers can be reduced by wetting down the area. Investigators also should observe safety precautions such as wearing a respirator mask with a particle filter, and bagging uniforms and washing them separately. If breathing apparatus (SCBA) is available, use it. PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyl(s) are found in electrical equipment. The main hazards are skin exposure and ingestion. PCBs can be spread by fire. If involved in fire, dioxin is created in the smoke. PCBs are nonvolatile. Safety precautions include chemical-resistant gloves and shoe covers, and the use of a respirator mask. Chemiral fires present a variety of hazards, such as instability, combustibility, explosive tendencies, oxidation, corrosiveness, and water or air reactivity.