FBU welcomes HSE plans to inspect Fire and Rescue Services on cancer prevention

These inspections plan to cover a range of procedures and practices spanning everything from precautions at the scene of a fire right through to how PPE and contaminated workwear are cleaned.

HSE representatives have informed the FBU that the plan will be published in April 2025. This follows on from HSE officials carrying out ‘fact-finding’ visits to inform draft inspection standards, which will use research on contaminants commissioned by the FBU and carried out by Professor Anna Stec at the University of Central Lancashire*.

The new initiative emerges after the World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer categorised the occupation of firefighting as being carcinogenic to humans.

The FBU has long called for action to protect firefighters from contaminants and prevent occupational cancers. The Trade Union’s DECON campaign also demands regular health monitoring to catch diseases early coupled with legislation to compensate and support firefighters who receive a cancer diagnosis.

Riccardo la Torre, national officer at the FBU, said: “The Fire Brigades Union welcomes plans to inspect Fire and Rescue Services for measures taken to protect firefighters from cancer and disease-causing contaminants. Reducing and eliminating firefighters’ exposure to these contaminants is crucial for preventing occupational cancers. Proper regulation would be a significant step forward and has the potential to save lives.”

He continued: “We will be monitoring the development of this initiative closely and await further details from the HSE. The FBU will continue to fight for the urgent action needed to prevent cancers that can impact firefighters, as well as health monitoring to catch diseases early and compensation for those who fall ill, which will bring us into line with other parts of the world.”

*A summary of the research findings, originally published back in January 2023, can be accessed online at https://www.fbu.org.uk/news/2023/01/10/firefighters-far-more-likely-die-cancer-and-heart-attacks-public