To consider Report CFO/002/21 of the Chief Fire Officer, concerning the publication of an independent UCLAN report entitled ‘Minimising firefighters’ exposure to toxic fire effluents – interim best practice’ and the recommendations made therein.

A presentation will be provided in support of this report.

Members considered Report CFO/002/21 of the Assistant Chief Fire Officer, concerning the publication of an independent UCLAN report entitled ‘Minimising firefighters’ exposure to toxic fire effluents – interim best practice’ and the recommendations made therein.

Members were advised that the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), commissioned a report published in November 2020, titled “Minimising Firefighters Exposure to Toxic Effluents”. 

The research behind the report was comprehensive and contained a review of current and previous UK FRS’s decontamination processes and policies; and also a survey of over 10,000 firefighters.

Members were then provided with a presentation by GM Craig Whitfield – Health & Safety Manager, which provided the Committee with some background information, assurance around where MFRS was at present with regards to the report recommendations; and information regarding how MFRS proposed to move forward and the involvement of the HSE. 

It was highlighted to Members that the report made a number of recommendations, split into two areas. One being recommendations for FS personnel, with regards to individual responsibility; and the other being for FRS’s, in terms of looking at the broader picture, with regards to mechanisms, policies and procedures, to implement and support the recommendations.

Members were advised that the first recommendation for staff, was in relation to responsibility for protective equipment, such as breathing apparatus (BA). They were advised that the recommendation was very clear, in that during fire activities, respirators or BA, should be worn; and this is extended to post-fire, where crews are turning over, or dampening down materials that have been on fire. It stated that respirators should be the last piece of equipment to be disrobed, once they are out of the risk area. Members were assured that MFRS are compliant with this practice already.

Again, Members were assured that MFRS are ahead of this recommendation, with a clear and robust cleaning kit policy, already in place.

Members were informed that MFRS had been at the forefront in leading on some of the work around this since 2013/14, and so were in a good position when the report was published in November 2020.

Members were advised that MFRS have an established HS&W Committee, which a Joint Statement, signed by all relevant parties including Trade Union representatives, Occupational Health, and Health & Safety. Members were informed that the HS&W Committee meets on a quarterly basis; and is the driver of this work, with support from the H&S Department.

Members were advised that the Beureu Veritas research and report, was commissioned by MFRS in 2014/15; and resulted in the production of three papers. Members were advised that the reports produced by Beureu Veritas, went through the relevant Committees at the time; and were also shared nationally, again underpinning the lead role MFRS have taken in this area.

The presentation then highlighted “Tool Box Talks” developed by the H&S Team, to be delivered to all operational crews and station based Station Managers. Members were informed that this complimented the training recommendation within the UCLAN report.

A question was raised by Members with regards to comments received from staff via the representative bodies, around changes to shift systems and the requirement for staff to transport some equipment in their own vehicles. It had been suggested that staff could be asked to transport potentially contaminated equipment in their own vehicles, in which children and other family members could also be travelling.

Members were assured that this was not the case and did not adhere to the Clean PPE Policy, which applies whether in a domestic vehicle, fire appliance, or any other operational aspect. Members were advised that any kit suspected to be contaminated was not deemed to be fit for operational duty, until it has been fully decontaminated and therefore, should not be transported. They were also informed that specific antibacterial wipes were provided for the cleaning and decontamination of helmets at scene, prior to being placed back into a kit bag; and items that could absorb contaminants were sent off-site for specialist cleaning.

Members queried the age of some PPE equipment and requested  if the figures could be broken down to see how MFRA compared to other FRAs. Officers agreed to provide that information if it was available and it was noted that MFRAs Asset Management Plans, included a refresh of equipment such as PPE.

Members were informed that the current fire kit being distributed was brand new and top of the range and that the remaining stock was still fit for purpose with long asset dates remaining on them.

Resolved that:

(a)              the recommendations of the report specifically those for ‘Fire Personnel’ and those for ‘Fire and Rescue Services’ be noted;

(b)            the work carried out by MFRS in relation to contaminants and firefighter   safety, including future developments be noted; and

(c)             that the content of the presentation from the H&S Manager be noted.