Plans continue to move forward when it comes to improving working conditions for firefighters in stations 2 in Mount Brydges and 3 in Melbourne. This week at Strathroy-Caradoc Council, they heard a report back from an Indoor Air Quality update for both locations. It’s been almost a year to the date when council discussed and decided to move forward on requesting an air quality test and report in all Fire Halls including meeting rooms, and administration offices.
With the decision to build a brand new station 1 in Strathroy, the focus shifted to the other two stations, and as of another report in May of this year, staff reported that there had been significant improvement in the testing at both stations. This week staff recommended installing exhaust fans with timers to monitor the air rate before considering the construction of separate bunker gear storage, with more testing to occur after the installation. Staff also recommended installing showers at Station 2, which currently lack them, and installing personal washers and dryers at both Stations 2 and 3. Council approved all of the recommendations and Acting Fire Chief Stephen Beazley is very pleased with that progress.
Chief Beazley says this added measures really assist firefighters.
He adds it’s a blessing in disguise as this issue has come to the forefront and now being acted on in a very positive manner.
Approved by Council:
Council direct staff to proceed with conducting a Formal Quotation for the installation of the exhaust fan at station 2 along with the appropriate timers, and further;
THAT: Council direct staff to proceed with conducting a Formal Quotations for the complete installation of showers in station 2 as well as washer and dryers for station 2 and 3.
The projected cost for separating the bunker gear from the apparatus bay floor and improving ventilation and providing showers is approximately $412,000.00.
Written by: C. Soares