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logical said:
I would just not go into such environments.
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Aside from my 21 years in the U.S. Air Force, I spent about 7 years in "hazardous material/spill management, hazardous waste classification, treatment, storage, & disposal, & first responder situations"...lots of chemistry, "rocket science", and team work - I loved it!
I used that training and certification to do my job, which included responding, entering, testing, neutralizing, & disposing of the left over "gunk". It had it's "exciting" moments - but all of the training, certs, & planning rendered positive - safe results. "Knock on wood", the worst exposure that I ever experienced was carbon monoxide on a 4-wheeler that had a faulty exhaust system...oh and maybe the asbestos they say I have in both lungs (but that's another longer story)!
I depended on serviceable/certified equipment...keep in mind, I don't think any of my experiences hold a candle to what full & part time firefighters, LEOs, & paramedics go through...Hats off, total respect, and salutes to them (as well as <font color="blue">"THANK YOU"</font>)!</font>