To consider the Management of Contaminants report (CFO/05/2627).

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Dave Mottram introduced the report and advised that a presentation would accompany the item. Group Manager for Health and Safety and Operational Assurance, Danila Breathnacht, delivered the presentation to Members on the Authority’s management of contaminants.

It was highlighted that the Authority had adopted a proactive, evidence-based approach to reducing firefighters’ exposure to contaminants and continued to review arrangements in line with national guidance, scientific research, and operational learning.

Members were informed that the Authority had been at the forefront of contaminant management since 2015 and had continued to strengthen its approach following national reports and guidance. Measures introduced included enhanced decontamination procedures, personal issue Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), station zoning, clean cab arrangements, improved laundering processes, additional respiratory protection and increased staff training and awareness.

It was highlighted that a significant cultural change had taken place across the Service, with greater emphasis placed on cleanliness and decontamination following incidents. Danila noted that arrangements were regularly reviewed against national best practice and that contaminant specific Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) assessments had been developed and shared regionally. Members noted that all significant developments were considered internally through the Health and Safety Committee to ensure decisions were informed by operational experience, staff representation, scientific evidence, and organisational risk.

Members were reminded of the Authority’s reality testing through the Operational Assurance Framework which included station visits, observing working practices, workplace and appliance inspections, and direct engagement with crews about contaminant management. Such testing provided assurance that the contaminant management procedures were understood and consistently applied in practice.

It was noted that organisational learning from incidents, debriefs and national guidance was also incorporated into regular operational learning briefings. This provided staff with timely updates on emerging themes, health and safety learning, contaminant management and national developments.

This had helped create a positive learning culture where improvements continued to evolve as operational experience and scientific evidence developed.

Councillor Tony Murphy thanked Danila for the presentation and asked whether the Fire and Rescue Service would automatically assume the worst when attending major fires, particularly where hazards such as asbestos or other contaminants may be present. He also queried how firefighters were protected from contamination and whether public advice to keep windows and doors closed during major incidents related to harmful contaminants as well as smoke.

Danila explained that the Authority adopted a worst-case-scenario approach until risks were fully assessed and the highest appropriate level of protection would always be used. It was advised that established procedures were in place to manage known hazards such as asbestos and that recent research had improved understanding of contaminants within smoke, leading to enhanced decontamination practices. It was confirmed that firefighters were provided with specialist protective equipment and noted that the Service continued to monitor emerging research on contamination risks. Danila added that public safety advice was intended to protect residents from smoke and associated contaminants and acknowledged that there may be opportunities for further public education on this issue.

Councillor Chris Page welcomed the report and commented on the significant cultural change that had taken place within the Fire and Rescue Service over recent decades, particularly in relation to health, safety, and wellbeing. He noted that attitudes towards smoke exposure had changed considerably and that the Service now promoted a learning culture that supported continuous improvement. Councillor Page sought reassurance that incident reviews were conducted in a supportive, non-blame environment, enabling staff at all levels to contribute openly and share learning.

Danila confirmed that fostering a positive learning culture was a key part of the Service's approach to operational assurance. It was explained that staff were encouraged to share all feedback both examples of good practice and lessons learned from incidents so that knowledge could be disseminated across watches, stations, and departments. Members were advised that incidents involving more than two appliances or a Station Manager were routinely reviewed, with debriefs undertaken by crews and subsequently analysed by Officers to identify learning opportunities, notable practice, and emerging trends. It was highlighted that findings were fed back to the officers delivering the training through quarterly meetings and, where appropriate, communicated to staff through operational learning briefs. Danila emphasised that the process was focused on continuous improvement rather than blame, with the overarching aim of improving safety for both Merseyside communities and Service personnel.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Dave Mottram reconfirmed that there had been a significant cultural shift within the Service. He explained that operational assurance observations and inspections were undertaken in a supportive capacity and focused on learning and improvement rather than criticism. Members were advised that this reflected the Service's One Team Vision and commitment to keeping staff and communities safe was emphasised to Members.

Councillor Chris Page reminded Members that station visits provided an opportunity to see contamination control measures in practice and the chance to speak directly with firefighters about their experiences. He noted that these visits offered reassurance that the procedures discussed were embedded across the Service and thanked staff for their ongoing commitment to maintaining high standards.

RESOLVED that:

a)    arrangements in place for the management of contaminants within MFRS, as detailed within the report and accompanying presentation be noted; and

b)    the approach adopted had been scrutinised.