Avon Fire & Rescue Service represents the UK at international conference on firefighter safety

Avon Fire & Rescue Service’s Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Luke Gazzard, recently represented both the Service and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) at the prestigious Science to the Station conference, held at the National Emergency Training Centre in Emmitsburg, USA.

At the event, Luke Gazzard, along with colleagues, presented an insightful piece on the UK’s approach to managing Fire Contaminants. This topic is of critical importance, as it directly impacts the health, safety, and wellbeing of firefighters both in the UK and around the world.

Luke said: “Fire releases toxic and harmful contaminants which can spread in the air, on our skin, on firefighting kit, in our stations and on other surfaces like fire engines. This was a fantastic opportunity to present the UK’s perspective and share the journey we’ve undertaken in managing fire contaminants.”

Avon Fire and Rescue Services’ contamination working group, led by operational firefighters, have worked hard to make changes to keep firefighters safer from contamination. In the past few years, the Service has installed cleaner working policies and new fire engines with dedicated compartments for dirty fire kit, as well as new specialised washing machines for decontaminating equipment at fire stations. Alongside this, the Service has run numerous awareness campaigns reminding firefighters about the importance of wearing the right PPE and decontaminating themselves, and showering as soon as possible after a fire.

Luke added: “Prioritising firefighters health and wellbeing and making changes to our processes and our equipment is vital in our fight against contaminants. Collaborating with international experts is key to ensuring the continued health ,safety and wellbeing of our firefighters, and I’m excited about the future research and developments this will bring.”

The conference brought together leading fire safety researchers and experts from across the globe to share knowledge and collaborate on advancing firefighter safety. The presentation highlighted Avon Fire & Rescue Service’s ongoing work to reduce exposure to harmful contaminants.

We look forward to future collaborations and continued advancements in safeguarding the health and wellbeing of firefighters.

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