PPE and Contaminants the journey so far

Transcription

1 PPE and Contaminants the journey so far NFCC Strategic Lead for Health & Safety Chief Fire Officer Chris Davies QFSM, MBA

2 Introduction In 2016 the NFCC became increasingly aware of International and National research into the exposure of firefighters to contaminants in the operational environment. This has led to questions such as; - Are our Firefighters safe? - Are our Firefighters exposed to contaminants in the Operational Environment, suffering a higher risk of developing a cancer related disease?

3 Background Research

4 Background

5 Background Safe Systems of Work Lifestyle PPE Research Technological advancements Hydration Decontamination Procedures Personal Hygiene Health & Wellbeing

6 Development of PPE

7 Introduction to the PPEC Working Group

8 Introduction to the PPEC Working Group Project Task Is there a connection between an increased rate of cancer in fire fighters and contaminants left on fire fighter s PPE after a fire?

9 Introduction to the PPEC Working Group Initial project considerations 1. What is the international problem? 2. Does the UK have an equivalent problem? 3. How far do current procedures address the issue? 4. Do alternative procedures/ideas/technologies exist? 5. Does existing research indicate any such gaps in UK approach?

10 Progress to date Personal Protective Equipment Contamination (PPEC) Working Group Achievements to date Key Stakeholders Engagement, Collaboration & Partnership working Completion of Stage 1 of the Project Literature Review Part 2 of the Literature Review will be available shortly!

11 Literature Review Findings Much of the literature reviewed reflects practices in other countries; therefore, the conclusions cannot necessarily be applied to the UK. Pg. 4. Following examination of a number of studies it is difficult to form a firm conclusion on whether or not fire fighters are at higher risk of developing cancer when compared to the rest of the population. Pg. 5. According to Cancer Research UK (20174), incidences of cancer amongst the population are rising each year, increasing over 30% since the 1970 s. Pg. 5 There are a very limited number of sources, which measure the level of contaminants on fire fighter PPE post-event. Pg. 6

12 Literature Review Findings Historically, fire fighters viewed the contamination of their PPE as a sign of experience and wore their soiled equipment in order to gain respect from their peers Pg.5 Studies looking into the long-term effects of specific chemicals mostly relate to industrial exposure rather than the fire fighting profession. Pg. 6 To ascertain if there is a link between contaminated PPE and an increased risk of cancer, a significant piece of work would have to be undertaken and still may only result in recommendations. Pg. 7 PPE off-gassed volatile chemicals into the atmosphere for up to 25 minutes, the levels recorded though were well below the occupational exposure limits. Pg. 6 Merseyside Fire and Rescue Study found that the exposure based on one set of contaminated PPE was less than the working exposure limits for all volatile organic chemicals examined. However, a limitation of the study would be that it did not look into the effect of the concentration when multiple sets of contaminated PPE are transported simultaneously. Pg. 6 It is not possible to prove or disprove a link between contamination on fire fighter s PPE and an increased risk of cancer. Pg. 6

13 Key focus areas moving forward Include 5 Key Focus Areas; 1. Review Practices, Safe Systems of Work 2. Investigate potential possible sources of points of entry / contamination 3. Identify what material / treatments are used within PPE Manufacturers 4. Investigate the Potential need for wider studies 5. To investigate: How clean is clean?!

14 What can we do now! 1. Wear your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) it s there to protect you! 2. Follow the preventative measures recently issued Think Contaminants 3. Follow the current practices for cleaning decontamination and storage methods for PPE before, during and after an incident.

15 What can we do now! No more Macho Culture

16 What can we do now! Clean is the new tough!

17 Miami dust

18 End Thank you Questions?