Electrical safety in the workplace receives boost with new NFPA resources

by AmericasFeatured NewsHealth and SafetySafety

Focus on electrical safety at recent NFPA conference

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) conference, which took place in Las Vegas, Nevada, last month spotlighted the critical issue of electrical safety in the workplace.

Discussions centred on preventing electrical fatalities and achieving compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) regulations.

A particularly poignant presentation from Brandon Schroeder, a survivor of an electrical arc flash incident, underscored the significant personal impact such incidents can have.

The conference highlighted a universal commitment to increasing knowledge about electrical safety to foster improvements in this area.

New resources launched by NFPA for enhanced electrical safety

The NFPA is taking significant steps towards educating those interested in electrical safety.

To keep workplaces free from electrical incidents, NFPA recommends implementing an electrical safety program (ESP).

NFPA’s Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace requires employers to establish and document an ESP appropriate to the risk level associated with electrical hazards.

To assist in creating effective ESPs, NFPA has recently launched a complimentary fact sheet detailing the key components that should be included, such as awareness and safety planning, procedures, lockout/tagout, equipment condition and inspections, and ESP evaluation.

In addition to the ESP fact sheet, NFPA is also organising a free webinar titled “How to Enhance Workplace Electrical Safety at Your Company,” scheduled for Tuesday, July 11.

The webinar will discuss strategies for making a positive impact on electrical safety at your facility.

Speakers will include Daniel Majano from Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), Don Johnson, an arc flash survivor, and Ryan Grimes from Toyota North America.

Importance of continuous education in electrical safety

The commitment to increasing knowledge around electrical safety, both from management and employees, is paramount for its successful implementation. Staying updated on the changes in requirements and safe work practices can mitigate electrical hazards.

By attending the upcoming NFPA webinar, stakeholders can contribute towards creating a safer work environment.

Additional resources and methods to achieve electrical safety in the workplace can be found on the Electrical Safety Solutions for the Workplace webpage by NFPA.

About NFPA

The National Fire Protection Association is a global non-profit organisation devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. They provide and advocate consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education to ensure safety across various sectors.

IFSJ Comment

This focus on improving electrical safety in the workplace is a significant development, bringing with it the potential to save lives and protect businesses.

These resources from NFPA offer a practical, accessible route to better understand and implement crucial safety protocols.

International Fire & Safety Journal applauds these initiatives and looks forward to following their impact in the field.

This news is of great importance, and we believe it will contribute significantly to enhancing safety measures in workplaces around the world.

We encourage our readers to engage with these resources and join the ongoing conversation about electrical safety.

New bill proposes early cancer detection funding for firefighters

by AmericasFeatured NewsHealth and Safety

Josh Gottheimer announces ground-breaking cancer detection bill

In the presence of members from the Professional Fire Fighters Association of New Jersey (PFANJ), at the Hackensack Fire Headquarters, Representative Josh Gottheimer from New Jersey has unveiled new federal legislation.

This legislation promises to make a difference by providing funding for fire fighters to undergo multi-cancer early detection tests, along with other preventative tests, free of charge.

In the announcement, Gottheimer highlighted the significance of the proposed legislation.

Endorsements for the early cancer detection bill

The Fire Fighter Investments to Recognize Exposure to Cancer Act (FIRE Cancer Act), has earned the endorsement of the International Association of Fire Fighters, the PFANJ, and a number of other fire service agencies.

The general president, Edward Kelly, showed strong support for the legislation: “This legislation is an important tool in our fight against cancer,” said Kelly. “If we can make sure fire fighters get tested early for multiple types of cancer, countless fire fighter lives will be saved.”

The silent killer: firefighters and cancer risk

Gottheimer addressed the often overlooked health risk fire fighters face: “What’s not talked about enough is the silent killer [cancer] fire fighters come home with after the fire. Early cancer detection saves lives, and the fire fighters need resources to access cancer testing,” he said.

He further pointed out, “If you are a fire fighter, you should be screened for cancer on a regular basis without having to worry about the cost.”

Echoes of New Jersey state legislation

It is important to note that similar legislation has already been implemented at the state level in New Jersey.

PFANJ President Steve McConlogue mentioned the crucial role the association played in the passage of the state legislation: “The PFANJ led the way lobbying for the passage of that state legislation and fully supports the FIRE Cancer Act.”

McConlogue also emphasised that “Multi-cancer early detection testing will continue to be a priority for the PFANJ, as the health and safety of our members is always paramount.”

Implications of the bill becoming law

Should this bill be signed into law, it will offer fire fighters access to comprehensive health evaluations, blood tests, and ultrasounds that could detect more than 50 types of cancer.

IFSJ Comment

This new legislation represents a critical step in recognising and addressing the health risks that fire fighters are exposed to.

Early detection of cancer can significantly improve survival rates, making this a crucial development for those in the fire service.

Historic firefighter cancer legislation approved in Canada

by AmericasFeatured NewsHealth and Safety

Parliament unanimously passes significant legislation for occupational cancer in firefighters

In a momentous move, Canada’s Parliament has unanimously passed historic legislation, Bill C-224, creating a national framework to address the occupational cancer faced by firefighters. The legislation was developed in association with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), a substantial victory for them and their Canadian affiliates.

Supporting cancer research and establishing Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month

The newly passed legislation proposes a range of measures intended to actively bolster research, education, cancer screenings, and knowledge dissemination. This support aims to enhance the scope of occupational cancer coverage at a provincial level and ensures fair compensation and assistance for firefighters diagnosed with the disease. Additionally, the law designates January as Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month in Canada.

Legislation receives unanimous support from all parties

Montréal-area Liberal MP Sherry Romanado introduced the bill in January 2022, which was supported unanimously throughout the legislative process by all parties. The IAFF collaborated with Romanado, helping the bill through multiple House of Commons and Senate votes as well as two sets of committee hearings.

Notable figures recognise the importance of the legislation

Edward Kelly, General President of the IAFF, celebrated the passage of the bill, describing it as a significant stride in combating cancer, the leading cause of firefighter fatalities in Canada and the United States. Kelly thanked MP Romanado for proposing the bill, Senator Hassan Yussuff for championing it in the Senate, and Conservative Senator David Wells for his early endorsement. Montréal Local 125 President Chris Ross was also acknowledged, whose friendship with Romanado influenced her decision to develop the legislation. Kelly was quoted saying: “This historic legislation is a critical step forward in our fight against cancer and the toll it has taken on our members.”

Firsthand experiences inspire action

Sherry Romanado, whose father and husband were firefighters, acknowledged the lengthy process to get her bill approved but expressed pride in contributing to the protection of those in the profession. She stated: “Like I said many times before, they are always there for us, and we had the obligation to also be there for them.”

Next steps and historical efforts

Following the enactment of the legislation, Health Canada officials have already scheduled meetings with the IAFF to commence work on the national framework. It is worth noting the previous significant achievement by the IAFF in 2018, when the Canadian Government, following a 25-year lobby by the IAFF, established the Memorial Grant Program for First Responders. This program provides a $300,000 payment to the families of firefighters who lose their lives in the line of duty, including those who succumb to recognised occupational illnesses such as cancer.

Since the establishment of this benefit, the families of 278 Canadian IAFF members who have died in the line of duty have received a total of $83.4 million. In the past decade, 431 Canadian IAFF members have succumbed to recognised occupational cancers.

The full news release can be found on the IAFF’s official website.

Act ensures safety for pregnant firefighters from 27 June

by Featured NewsHealth and Safety

Introduction of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), a pioneering US federal law, will come into effect on June 27, 2023. This new law mandates employers to provide ‘reasonable accommodations’ to pregnant or postpartum employees, thereby enabling them to work safely. This legal update is anticipated to significantly support members of fire departments where specific policies for pregnant or postpartum workers may not be currently in place.

Employers’ responsibility and the role of employees

As Audrey Owczarzak, Secretary of Newport, KY Local 45 and member of the Elected Human Relations Committee, highlights, firefighters need to proactively request these adjustments. Despite the advent of this new legislation, employers are not expected to proactively suggest suitable accommodations.

The act, modelled after the American Disabilities Act (ADA), strictly prohibits employers from retaliating against employees requesting these accommodations. As attorney Tamara Imam elucidates, employers cannot engage in coercion, intimidation, threats, or any form of interference against employees making such requests, assuring their protection.

Examples of reasonable accommodations and the role of employers

The law outlines several potential accommodations including flexible working hours, appropriately sized uniforms, additional break time, and excusal from strenuous activities or exposure to potentially harmful compounds. Employers are required to negotiate in good faith with the employee over the feasibility of these accommodations. They may also request necessary documentation from the employee’s healthcare provider to assist with this process.

However, if an employer can demonstrate that complying with a request may result in ‘undue hardship’ to their business operations, they may refuse the accommodation.

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act: Implications and further discussions

Barbara Sellers, President of Shreveport, LA Local 514, emphasises the need for further discussions on what the act implies for firefighters and rescue workers. Key issues include potential effects of on-the-job exposures on the unborn child and the financial implications of reduced working hours. The new act intends to increase employer responsibility for employee welfare.

The Act provides recourse for violation of its provisions. After June 27, 2023, complaints can be lodged with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. As such, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act signifies a positive shift towards a safer and more accommodating working environment for pregnant and postpartum firefighters.

Cancer testing initiative launched for London firefighters

by Featured NewsHealth and Safety

Fire Brigades Union and University of Central Lancashire launch health research project for firefighters

A pioneering health research project has commenced in London, spearheaded by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) and conducted by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). The project aims to test hundreds of firefighters for early signs of cancer and other health-related issues. Despite firefighters being at increased risk of occupational cancer, they currently do not receive regular health monitoring in the UK.

Groundbreaking health checks and the urgent need for action

The health checks, which are set to run until June 24th, involve nearly 300 firefighters providing blood and urine samples for disease biomarker and toxic chemical analyses. Professor Anna Stec, a renowned expert in fire toxicity from UCLan, leads this initiative with the primary goal to detect early-stage diseases and establish a connection between occupational cancers and exposure to toxic fire chemicals.

Worrying rates of cancer among firefighters

This research follows alarming recent findings that the cancer incidence among UK firefighters aged 35-39 is up to 323% higher than in the general population of the same age. The World Health Organisation’s recent confirmation that occupational exposure as a firefighter is carcinogenic further underscores the urgency of this project. London’s initiative follows similar launches in Tyne and Wear and Greater Manchester, with the objective of testing a total of 1,000 firefighters across the UK.

Firefighters’ voices: A call for urgent attention and action

The FBU National Officer, Riccardo la Torre, conveyed the need for action stating that “firefighters are taking action to address the serious health risks they face at work” and emphasised the necessity for “UK-wide regular health monitoring to catch occupational diseases early and save firefighters’ lives.”

Gareth Beeton, FBU London Chair, echoed this sentiment and asserted that the research project will “undoubtedly save firefighters’ lives,” calling for employers to take the issue more seriously.

Highlighting the implications of the study, Professor Anna Stec from UCLan noted that “firefighters are dying from rare cancers up to 15-20 years earlier than the general public” and that “measures such as health monitoring will go a long way to ensuring that firefighters can be properly protected.”

In support of the initiative, London Fire Commissioner, Andy Roe, stated the necessity of making firefighters “as safe as possible at work” and acknowledged the importance of ongoing research to better understand the impacts of contaminant exposure throughout their careers.

Safety and health organisations form historic alliance

by AmericasFeatured NewsHealth and Safety

New Alliance to Enhance Occupational Safety and Health Management

Major UK safety and health organisations have come together to launch the Occupational Safety & Health Stakeholder Alliance, aiming to provide a comprehensive approach to safety and health issues.

In a historic move, the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS), British Safety Council (BSC), British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF), Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM), the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF) and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish this influential alliance.

Shaping the industry

The combined knowledge and expertise of the member organisations cover the full range of occupational safety and health (OSH) aspects, from education and regulation to policy development and professional standards. The alliance intends to function as a single voice for the OSH industry, leveraging the collective know-how of its members to inform and bolster decision-making at both governmental and corporate levels.

Members said they are thrilled about the formation of this unprecedented alliance, which poised to have a significant positive influence on OSH management across the UK. The group has invited broader involvement in the pursuit of its goals.

Enhancing practices and raising visibility

Committed to promoting prevailing good practice in the OSH sector, the alliance also aims to conceive and enact programmes and activities that augment it. Members will harness their collective influence to deliver unified messaging and stimulate consistent advancement on critical OSH issues.

Part of their efforts will also include raising the profile and worth of the OSH profession, underlining its key role in achieving OSH goals, and broadening the understanding and application of its varied disciplines and practices.

Prioritising mental health in the workplace

The alliance has also pledged to continue to lobby government departments to safeguard crucial UK safety and health legislation, primarily that derived from the EU. Despite the UK’s commendable record in safety, much work is yet to be done, particularly in the realm of health and, more specifically, mental health.

Workplace-related mental health problems constitute over 50 per cent of all workplace incidents, according to the latest Health and Safety Executive data. The alliance is determined to prioritise the mitigation of these issues, which is currently not as well-handled in the UK as it is in several other EU countries.

The adverse consequences of these issues extend beyond the affected individuals and their employers to the already burdened National Health Service (NHS). The alliance has outlined a priority of identifying and implementing measures that enable the OSH profession to more effectively mitigate the risk factors leading to workplace mental health problems.

IOSH advocates for widespread adoption of safe and healthy working conditions

by Featured NewsHealth and Safety

The Institution urges stakeholders to commit to leaving no one behind

In an appeal to delegates at a global conference, the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) insists that the provision of safe and healthy working conditions “must not become a privilege for the few,” in line with International Labour Organization (ILO) principles. This call to action comes as the first anniversary of the ILO’s adoption of safe and healthy working environments as a fundamental right approaches.

IOSH calls for focus on occupational safety and health

During her address at the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Ruth Wilkinson, Head of Policy at IOSH, drew attention to the fact that over half of the global workforce, particularly those in the informal economy, lack regulatory health and safety protection. She urged that the principle of occupational safety and health “must become the lifeblood of our universal aspiration for social justice.”

The ILO’s adoption of a safe and healthy working environment as a fundamental right at work was recognised by IOSH last year as the “most significant moment for workers’ rights in 25 years.” Despite the ratification of two significant conventions related to occupational safety and health, there remains a significant shortfall in their acceptance. Only 76 out of 187 member states have ratified convention 155, with 59 endorsing convention 187 and only 39 accepting both.

Urgent need for greater resources

Wilkinson further emphasised the necessity to “devote the greatest possible financial, political, technical and human resources” towards the implementation of the forthcoming ILO Global Strategy on Occupational Safety and Health 2024-30. She assured the audience that IOSH would contribute to the strategy’s guiding principles and formulation.

Commitment to a safer future

As part of their commitment to safer and healthier workplaces, Wilkinson said IOSH: “Pledges to make available the accumulated experience and knowledge of thousands of individual occupational safety and health professionals worldwide.” This commitment is vital to create workplaces that are not only safer but also more sustainable, thereby promoting social justice.

Firefighters’ Memorial Day sparks call for compensation

by Featured NewsHealth and Safety

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has called on the UK government to introduce legislation that would ensure firefighters with cancer and other diseases linked to their work are eligible for compensation.

The call was made on Firefighters’ Memorial Day (May 4) as firefighters across the country observed a minute’s silence outside their fire stations.

According to the FBU, more than 2,000 firefighters have died in the line of duty. However, if the number included all those who have died of cancer and other diseases associated with firefighting, it would be much higher.

The union is calling for firefighters and their families to have access to compensation when diagnosed with cancer and other diseases linked to firefighting.

The FBU is pushing for the introduction of ‘presumptive legislation’ similar to what exists in the USA, Australia and Canada for many forms of cancer and some other diseases. The World Health Organization declared in July 2022 that firefighting was “carcinogenic to humans”.

Independent research conducted by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) this year revealed that firefighters are dying of cancer at 1.6 times the rate of the general population. Firefighters aged 35-39 are three times more likely to have cancer than the general population.

Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary, said, “The Fire Brigades Union has been forced to run its own campaign of prevention and health monitoring – but the fundamental responsibility lies with the government and the employer. We will not rest until firefighters have access to the compensation they deserve.”

IFSJ Exclusive: PFAS Emergency with Vicki Quint

by Breaking NewsHealth and SafetyIFSJ Exclusives

Vicki Quint looks at the impact of PFAS on firefighter health and the industry plans to phase out the substance

Phase-out plans for PFAS are in process for the State of California and Europe. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances seem to have been in perpetual phase[1]out for decades. A protracted-time span for the transition to non[1]fluorinated firefighting foams is not designed for protecting the public or firefighters.

 Since Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFF) containing PFAS have been contaminating water resources worldwide, it should be noted as stated by the European Environment Agency: “It is not just individual PFAS that are harmful: combined exposure to mixtures of PFAS — also known as the ‘cocktail effect’ — adds to the health pressures as explained in the zero pollution ‘Signal’ on chemical mixtures. Human exposure to PFAS has been estimated to cost €52- 84 billion in annual health costs in Europe.”

 Healthcare costs are an important aspect of PFAS contamination, as according to UPI the resulting economic burden of treating medical Vicki Quint looks at the impact of PFAS on firefighter health and the industry plans to phase out the substance conditions caused by PFAS, a group of more than 4,700 man-made chemicals, could cost Americans a minimum of $5.5 billion and as much as $63 billion.

Based on estimates, the cost of eradicating contamination and replacing this type of chemical with safer alternatives is entirely justifiable when considering the economic and medical risks of allowing them to persist in the environment.

“Human exposure to PFAS has been estimated to cost €52-84 billion in annual health costs in Europe.”

In a US Department of Defense (DoD) Progress Report on PFAS: “These problematic properties include being extremely persistent in the natural environment; potentially presenting human and ecological health risks; bioaccumulating and biomagnifying; and exhibiting physiochemical properties that challenge traditional handling, cleaning, and decontaminating methods.”

Previous transitions of C8 to C6 firefighting foams have shown that the replacement foam will take on the properties of the formerly used foam. According to the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team: “A good indicator that the foam contains PFAS is if it mentions fluorosurfactant, fluoroprotein, C6, or the use of “fluoro.”

However, International Chemical secretariat notes: “The C6 substances have turned out to be just as hazardous as the C8 ones, leading to a plethora of so-called regrettable substitution, which is when you swap one harmful chemical for an equally problematic one. So now, the C6 substances are subject to proposals called the PFHxA and PFHxS restrictions.”

Legal, insurance, regulatory and investment entities are all involved in PFAS chemicals. The implications for continued PFAS use are that: PFAS cannot be removed from blood – but there are on-going firefighter blood studies using blood draws as a method for lowering PFAS levels in individuals; there is inter-generational transfer of PFAS chemicals in humans; and firefighter children are more at risk for cancer.

US states are continuing to remove AFFF from fire departments in buyback and take-back programs. Funds are being allocated but they are not stretching far enough.

According to Fire Chief Joseph McHugh, Connecticut mandated the removal of PFAS from use by fire departments due to the health hazards to people caused by carcinogens in the foam. McHugh said the state had initially been expected to pay for the remediation but that is no longer the case, necessitating the use of town funds.

Whenever a firefighting foam product formulation is changed, it must be re-tested according to Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). If a product passes the same independent fire test, it would be logical to choose the foam product without PFAS or other carcinogens.

Total fluorine testing is a rapid screening method for use in measuring PFAS as testing for total PFAS can provide a more complete picture of PFAS contamination to support remediation, destruction and control efforts. Targeted analytical methods can often underestimate PFAS contamination. Other equipment used with AFFF will need to be replaced. Prevention is key since remediation costs are prohibitive. Costs will only increase with further delay and the prolonged use of PFAS.

The Foam Exposure Committee (FEC) recommends to stop using AFFF immediately. Remove or plug any fire apparatus that contains AFFF and do not use the foam. It will need to be properly removed from apparatus. Obtain F3 product as soon as practical. An external eductor can be used with F3 foam until new fire apparatus can be obtained. US fire departments have no regulations requiring them to use a fluorinated foam product.

The toxic nature of AFFF products has been known since 3M exited the PFOS business in 2000. That exit stretched out for two years. Now, 3M has announced a total exit from the PFAS manufacturing business.

“There are on-going firefighter blood studies using blood draws as a method for lowering PFAS levels in individuals.”

The AFFF Military Specification (MilSpec) has been the only foam product that limited PFAS. The US DoD released the new MilSpec for firefighting foam in early January 2023. The updated Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) FAA CertAlert 139 followed up with their notice on January 12, 2023.

The use of fluorinated foams is no longer a legal requirement. The FAA is now encouraging operators to use a suitable Fluorine Free alternative. They admit, however, that they have yet to identify one that meets the required MilSpec for use of foams in airports.

Fire departments continuing to use AFFF will keep contributing to their community’s PFAS contamination. You cannot clean up a mess until you stop the source. The priorities of an Incident Commander (IC) are: “Life safety, incident stabilization, and property conservation, as taught at the National Fire Academy.”

This article was originally published in the April edition of IFSJ. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.