How can fire control workers protect themselves from thermal exposure?

Using insulated protective gear and maintaining a safe distance are key strategies for fire control workers to guard against thermal exposure. Insulated protective gear is specifically designed to reflect heat and provide a barrier against extreme temperatures and flames encountered during firefighting operations. This type of gear helps to minimize the risk of burns and heat-related injuries, allowing firefighters to carry out their tasks more safely and effectively.

Keeping a safe distance is equally important, as it reduces the likelihood of direct exposure to flames and heat. By maintaining appropriate distance from the fire, workers can effectively manage risk while still performing their duties. Combining insulated gear with strategic positioning enables fire control workers to protect themselves from the intense thermal environments they may encounter in their line of work.

The other choices do not provide effective means of protection against thermal exposure: avoiding water can be detrimental in fire control situations, as water is essential for cooling and extinguishing fires; not wearing protective gear completely exposes a worker to hazards; and depending solely on cooling fans does not adequately address the extreme temperatures present in firefighting scenarios.