UK: Firefighters union opposes new breathing apparatus policy

The following is an abridged version of an article that appeared on the FBU website.

The policy and its risks

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has criticised a new policy that would instruct firefighters to proceed towards a fire without activating their Breathing Apparatus (BA). The policy, proposed by the National Fire Chiefs Council, aims to save time and oxygen in high-rise fires. However, the FBU argues that the policy would put firefighters at risk of being overwhelmed by smoke or other hazards before they could put on their BA, and would mean increased exposure to toxic fire contaminants.

The investigation and the advice

The FBU has welcomed the decision of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to investigate the new policy, after a year of delays and complaints. The HSE had initially stated that the issue did not fall within their remit, but later apologised and conceded that their approach had been inadequate. The FBU has issued advice to its members not to comply with the proposed practice, and to activate their BA before going beyond the bridgehead, which is a safe position within the building.

The reaction and the future

The FBU has branded the new policy as “dangerous and irresponsible” and “one of the biggest threats to firefighters’ health and safety in decades”. The union has said that it will challenge any fire and rescue service that tries to implement the policy, and that it is prepared to take whatever action is necessary to stop it. The union has also stressed the importance of human involvement in creating a successful health and safety culture. Some fire authorities in London, Birmingham and Manchester have already said that they will not implement the policy, but others have indicated that they will push ahead.

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