Dräger, a pioneer in the fields of medical and safety technologies, is calling for improved equipment cleaning procedures within the firefighting industry after a survey revealed that 100% of firefighters admit to concerns that exposure to carcinogens would impact their long-term health.
Serving as a follow-up to Dräger’s 2020 ‘Health for the Firefighter’ survey, the new survey investigated the health concerns of serving firefighters, with regards to the threat posed by carcinogens, contaminants, and viruses such as Covid-19.
Of the 100% of firefighters concerned about their future health, 65% said their concerns were ‘considerable’. This is almost double the number from the initial research two years ago when the number stood at 34%.
Carcinogen exposure
Almost three-quarters (71%) of respondents said that reducing their exposure to carcinogens was ‘extremely important in their working environment, with a further 18% declaring they found it ‘very important.
Unsurprisingly, concern about exposure to Covid-19 has reduced since the 2020 survey, with 46% stating moderately to considerable concern compared to a previous figure of 68%.
More than three-quarters (78%) of survey respondents claimed that the washing of masks or cleaning apparatus in a mechanical cleaning machine would improve support for a safer environment and protect their health.
Cleaning of masks
Unsurprisingly, concern about exposure to Covid-19 has reduced since the 2020 survey
Interestingly, however, despite 80% of respondents claiming that the cleaning of masks, PPE and BA, and associated equipment was ‘extremely important in their working lives when asked if their approach towards cleaning their equipment had changed following the Covid-19 pandemic, just under half (49%) agreed.
The survey also asked firefighters which technologies would be most important in protecting firefighters’ long-term health. A significant four out of ten (40%) opted for ‘contamination detection equipment’ as key to their long-term health, with 30% saying that biometric monitoring should also be prioritized.
This research follows a report released by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a World Health Organisation (WHO) body, in which firefighting was declared as a ‘carcinogenic occupation’.
Supporting fire service
Liz Milward, Marketing Manager of Emergency and Rescue Services, says: “Ultimately, the purpose of Dräger’s study is to inform how the industry can further support Fire Services and their personnel, and help drive the cultural and technological advances that are required to protect firefighter health.”
A podcast will follow, hosted by UK Fire and accompanied by the Fire Services College, in which the results will be discussed and analyzed by sector specialists.