There is currently
little knowledge of firefighters’ exposure to such toxic air
pollutants as carbon monoxide, respirable particles, polyaromatic
hydrocarbons and dioxins.
The Bushfire CRC is tackling this important occupational health and
safety issue by identifying key toxic pollutants, evaluate their
concentration and provide the tools and techniques to measure,
evaluate and control the exposure of fire-fighters (and to some
extent communities) to these substances.
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Fabienne Reisen with air monitoring equipment
used by firefighters on the fireground.
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Health and safety
exposure guidelines will be utilised in developing strategies to
reduce exposure risks to comply with OHS regulations. Short-term
risks from exposure to air toxics in bushfires and long term risks
from ongoing exposures to carcinogens and lung irritants will be a
major focus. The project will also develop a review of Australian
and international literature to determine the relevant safety
levels for bushfire fighters.
Research includes a selection of commercial air sampling devices or
the development of specific devices that firefighters will wear for
several hours. Selection criteria will include robust devices to
endure the harsh field conditions, those specific to the air
contaminants, and to be supported by reliable chemical analyses.
Field monitoring programs will be conducted over four fire
seasons.
The outcomes of the research will improve management of air toxics
exposures of Australian bushfire firefighters.
Project D 2.2 Leader: Mick Myer, CSIRO - Marine and Atmospheric
Research, Ph: (03) 9239 4435
