FENZ has taken action to address the serious risk of CO exposure on the Nelson fire grounds.

The NZPFU has been notified that FENZ has today purchased 20 new gas detectors which are expected to be available for use on the fire grounds tomorrow. In addition to the monitoring for CO levels, and the level alarm system, these detectors will also log the readings (including those below alarm level) in order for FENZ to be able to determine average levels.

Firefighters will also have CO breath-testing entering and leaving the operational task deployment areas. Members should be mindful of the accumulative effect when being deployed over a series of days/nights. If members have concerns about their possible exposure they should follow that up immediately with a blood test to ascertain their blood levels.

The previous advice to members still applies:

• If being deployed, or being requested to deploy, to perform operational tasks on the Nelson fire grounds ensure your crew is provided with a gas detector.
• If any member suffers any symptom (e.g. headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting) to immediately see a doctor and seek a blood test for CO levels.
• If in doubt – don’t deploy and ring President Ian Wright 021 497 448 or Secretary Wattie Watson 021 928 819 for assistance.

In unity,

Wattie Watson
Secretary