❓ A WA parliamentary question addresses DFES's response to diesel exhaust risks in fire stations, including assessments, ventilation, and support for local governments. DFES outlines actions taken, including air quality monitoring, ventilation systems, and advice to staff.
AnsweredQoN 840Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to a decision of the World Health Organisation - International Agency for Research on Cancer in June 2012, which declared diesel engine exhaust emissions as a Group 1 carcinogen, and I ask: (a) what actions has the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) taken to assess and understand the risk posed by diesel-based vehicles in the DFES fleet, especially those garaged in enclosed spaces such as fire station; (b) how many DFES facilities garage diesel appliances or vehicles in an encloses space such as an engine room or appliance bay or similar; (c) of those identified in (b) please provide a breakdown of ventilation systems used to mitigate the risks of diesel exhaust emissions on staff and volunteers; (d) what assessment and monitoring has been undertaken at DFES facilities to assess the risk and air quality in relation to these emissions; (e) what support has DFES provided to Local Government in conducting similar assessment of Bushfire Group or Unit (BGU) that fall within their responsibility; and (f) what advice, policy or procedures are provided to staff and volunteers to assist them in mitigating the risks associated with these emissions?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
20 September 2022
Responded by
Minister for Emergency Services
Response time
8 days
a) In 2019, DFES contracted an Occupational Hygienist to conduct static sample air quality monitoring at 11 Fire and Rescue Stations (1 x Career and 10 x Volunteer). As part of a trial, a Localised Extraction Ventilation (LEV) system will be installed at the Brunswick Junction Volunteer Fire Station in September 2022.
b) 155
c) DFES has installed roof-mounted exhaust fans such as whirlybirds, and motorised extraction systems in appliance bays and engine rooms, as well as, louvres and grills in the rear appliance bay doors to enable cross ventilation.
(d) As per response (a)
(e) DFES has received no requests for support from local governments to conduct similar assessments.
(f) DFES station induction manuals state that appliances should not be started or driven until the exhaust fans have been activated and appliance bay doors are open.
b) 155
c) DFES has installed roof-mounted exhaust fans such as whirlybirds, and motorised extraction systems in appliance bays and engine rooms, as well as, louvres and grills in the rear appliance bay doors to enable cross ventilation.
(d) As per response (a)
(e) DFES has received no requests for support from local governments to conduct similar assessments.
(f) DFES station induction manuals state that appliances should not be started or driven until the exhaust fans have been activated and appliance bay doors are open.
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