DECON campaign: firefighters’ exposure to fire contaminants at Grenfell Tower
Firefighters exposed to toxic smoke at Grenfell Tower fire suffering debilitating health effects, research finds
New research has found that 136 firefighters who were exposed to toxic smoke at Grenfell are now suffering from long term health disorders 1 in 4 Grenfell firefighters surveyed have reported life changing health effects since, including 66 cases of digestive diseases, 64 respiratory diseases, 22...
Making history
A few days before Firefighter went to print, I attended a historic meeting. For the first time in more than 20 years, the FBU has been invited to advise ministers directly on fire service policy. For years, we have warned of a postcode lottery on fire cover, caused by fragmentation and underfunding...
Labour conference demands urgent action to prevent another Grenfell tragedy
Labour Party conference has unanimously passed a motion demanding urgent government action to tackle the building safety crisis in the wake of the damning Grenfell Tower Inquiry report. The motion, submitted by the Fire Brigades Union, condemns deregulation and austerity as central causes of the...
Meet the rep - Barry Johnstone, Scotland, Health & Safety
1. What made you want to become a rep? John McKenzie and Gus Sproul cornered me! Jokes aside, I was at a local branch meeting and raised a few issues that we were on my mind relating to H&S within the station. A lot of things were happening that should have been picked up on. We did not have an H&S...
Water rescue
Water rescue training is vital for firefighters, but comes with risks, particularly from waterborne illnesses and dry suit issues. Exposure to pathogens in rivers or lakes can cause serious diseases: LEPTOSPIROSIS: Found in water contaminated by animal urine, can lead to severe complications...
