Use Of Respirators In Urban Search And Rescue (Usar)

As a result of the June 2003 pay agreement and the agreed introduction of CBRN work into the UK Fire Service, the Fire Brigades Union was asked to begin negotiations on31 March 2005, with the ODPM officials regarding the use of respirators for USAR. The USAR technicians who will be responsible for intrusive searching are clearly unable to perform the tasks required using positive pressure breathing apparatus in line with the existing Fire Brigades Union Conference policy. The intention of the ODPM is that respirators be used by USAR technicians at USAR incidents for intrusive searching. Conference recognises the need for safe systems of work at USAR incidents and accepts that respirators may be the only viable system to provide respiratory protection for technicians engaged in intrusive searching at USAR incidents. Conference recognises the need to restrict the introduction of this equipment into working environments where there is no viable alternative. Conference reiterates that respiratory protection in all other working environments remains Positive Pressure Breathing Apparatus. We therefore urge Conference to reconsider its position and support the use of respirators for work of this nature. Conference therefore recognises the need to modify our existing policy on RPE and for our representatives at national level to consult on introduction of this equipment (subject to the provisions identified above) in the appropriate national forums.