The working group, which focuses on one of the industry’s growing priorities, has been recognised at the Excellence in Fire and Emergency Awards.
Nominated in the Excellence in Contaminants and Decontamination category, the team work to improve the procedures around firefighter exposure to dangerous contaminants at and following incidents.
The risks of harmful contaminants firefighters are exposed to is an issue that has gone under the radar for too long.
These contaminants can lead to cancers and other diseases, so it is vital that we have procedures which help to manage and mitigate the risks of exposure, ensuring equipment, kit and vehicles are kept clean and safe, whilst our people have access to the facilities that can best protect them.
The group is made up of people from across the organisation, including union representatives and one of the only full-time employed roles nationally which focuses solely on fireground contamination.
Over the past 18 months, they have worked to analyse and explore international research and academic studies, whilst also collaborating with fire services from Australia, Sweden, USA and Ireland.
The group has been involved in the Service’s programme of investment, which has seen clean and safe zoning introduced into our fire stations and improved shower facilities, helping manage fireground contamination risk.
The Service has invested into clean appliance cabs with ionizing devices and external BA storage, as well as introducing alternative firefighting technology which allows firefighters to fight compartment fires from outside the building, thus removing the need to enter the compartment.
Director of Corporate Services, Matt Robertson said:
“It is fantastic to see our Fire Contaminants Working Group recognised on a national level with this award nomination.
“The team leads the way in exploring the risks faced by frontline firefighters, and they continue to work hard raising awareness of the dangers of contaminants.
“The working group is made up of people from across our organisation, showing that all our teams are committed to improving our facilities, equipment, vehicles and procedures to ensure we can keep our firefighters, and those who work in risk zones, as safe as possible.”
The Excellence in Fire and Emergency Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of the fire and emergency services. Chief Fire Officers, their teams, industry supporters, suppliers and front-line firefighters come together to celebrate the work of brigades, teams and individuals who have really made a difference.
The awards take place on Friday 5th December in London.
It isn’t the first time the organisation has been recognised at the awards. In 2016, Hampshire’s very own Chas McGill received the Outstanding Contribution to the Fire and Rescue Service award at the Excellence in Fire and Emergency Awards. The former Hardley station commander was an operational firefighter for more than 52 years, and also received an MBE for his incredible service.
