Our Self-Reporting Tool to Track On-the-Job Exposures
The Personal Exposure Reporter, known as PER, is a free online application that allows firefighters to keep a digital record of on-the-job exposures. Researchers analyze these exposures for cancer risk factors related to firefighting. When we collect and analyze occupational hazard exposure data, we equip firefighters with the information they need to protect their health and wellness. Your participation in PER helps us identify risks in the fire service. The PER data collected is maintained solely by the University of Miami and is not shared with any fire service, union membership, or government agency.
Any firefighter can create their own PER account.
Reporting Different Kinds of Exposures
From volunteer and career firefighters, to investigators and structural firefighters, we know that no two roles within the fire service are the same. As such, exposures vary across the fire service. That’s why we created a reporting system inspired by user experience that can be completed in 15 minutes or less. We gather a minimal critical information without being overly burdensome. Currently, PER offers the following types of reporting programs.
The Fire Incident Report is a core component of the Personal Exposure Reporter (PER) system. This comprehensive report allows firefighters to document their exposures during various fire suppression activities, including both standard structural fires and specialized Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) incidents. The Fire Incident Report captures critical information about the incident, including scene conditions, gear worn, decontamination practices, and any occupational exposures or medical symptoms experienced. For ARFF fire incidents, the report includes specialized fields to capture unique aspects of airport-based firefighting, such as exposure to aircraft engine exhaust, use of specialized foam agents, and specific decontamination practices relevant to ARFF operations.
The Fire Investigation Report captures unique exposure risks faced by fire investigators. Reviewed by the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI), this report stands out as the only known exposure tracking method specifically tailored for fire investigators. The report's comprehensive structure covers crucial aspects of fire investigation, including detailed information about the fire type, scene conditions, and specific investigative activities performed. It captures nuanced data on personal protective equipment usage, respiratory protection, and decontamination practices that are unique to investigative work. The report also addresses often-overlooked details such as the duration of exposure during digging and reconstruction activities, and the presence of visible contaminants on the body. Every fire investigator is strongly encouraged to utilize this report to document their exposures, contributing to both their personal health monitoring and the broader advancement of safety in fire investigation practices.
The Fire Training Report addresses the critical need to capture exposures during various training activities, an often overlooked but significant source of potential contaminant exposure. This specialized report allows firefighters and fire training personnel to document exposures during minimum standards training, recruit academy, and in-service training activities. It collects vital information on training scenarios, equipment used, decontamination practices, and any observed health effects. By providing a standardized method for recording these training-related exposure events, the report fills an important gap in our understanding of firefighter health risks throughout their careers. Whether you're a trainee participating in a recruit academy, an experienced firefighter engaging in routine in-service training, or an instructor overseeing these activities, this tool enables you to maintain a comprehensive record of training-related exposures, contributing to a more complete picture of occupational health in the fire service.
The Hazardous Materials Report captures detailed information about hazmat incidents, including ARFF fuel spills at airports. This report documents a wide range of hazmat scenarios, from gas leaks to aircraft fuel spills. The report records critical exposure data, including the types of hazardous materials encountered, the duration and nature of exposure, and the level of personal protective equipment used. For ARFF fuel incidents, it captures specific details such as the location and size of the spill, and the type of fuel involved.
The Water Rescue Report is designed to address the unique exposures and risks associated with water rescue operations. This focused report captures critical information about the specific nature of water-related incidents, including the type of water body involved and potential environmental hazards. The report documents key exposure factors such as water entry, submersion details, and the presence of potential contaminants like agricultural runoff or surface sheens. It also tracks the use and decontamination of personal protective equipment used during water rescues. Additionally, the report documents any signs or symptoms experienced by responders as a result of the incident.
The Search and Rescue Report captures the unique exposures and risks associated with search and rescue operations. This report covers a wide range of factors, from the type of structure and occupancy classification to specific on-scene activities performed by responders. Importantly, this report goes beyond physical exposures to acknowledge the potential psychological impacts of search and rescue operations. It includes questions about traumatic events encountered during the incident, such as dealing with deceased individuals or participating in the treatment of severely injured persons. By providing this thorough method for recording search and rescue events, the report serves as a valuable tool for tracking both the physical and mental health impacts of these challenging operations.
In partnership with the International Association of Arson Investigators, through its Health & Safety Committee, the University of Miami's Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center has developed a reporting instrument for fire investigators worldwide to document accident and near-miss incidents. This report aims to capture previously uncollected data on these events, encouraging voluntary reporting for personal records and, with consent, informing policy-making and identifying training gaps in the industry.
The COVID-19 Report, released in March 2020, demonstrates the adaptability of the PER system in responding to emerging risks faced by firefighters and emergency responders. This report allows users to document both potential exposures through contact with COVID-19 patients and personal infections. For contact reporting, it captures details about interactions with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 positive individuals, including the nature and duration of contact, protective equipment used, and any immediate health effects. In cases of personal infection, the report documents testing information, experienced symptoms, quarantine details, and pre-existing health conditions.
Getting Familiar with PER
PER makes self-reporting exposure simple and easily trackable. Watch our video to learn how to create an account, submit an incident report, log symptoms, and more.