SA firefighting uniforms exposed to carcinogenic diesel exhaust, union claimsBy Kathryn BerminghamTopic:Emergency Services42m ago42 minutes agoThu 1 May 2025 at 11:44pmThe United Firefighters Union is concerned Metropolitan Fire Service firefighters are being exposed to diesel particulate matter. (ABC News: Che Chorley)In short:The firefighters union has raised concerns about carcinogens contaminating Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) uniforms.The MFS said it has conducted an audit of all worksites and found levels were "well below the relevant industry standard".What's next?The union has lodged a case in the SA Employment Tribunal requesting the MFS take "immediate steps" to store the gear elsewhere.abc.net.au/news/firefighting-uniforms-in-storage-exposed-carcinogens-union-says/105239366Link copiedShareShare articleFirefighters are having to wear clothing contaminated by carcinogens because their equipment is being stored alongside trucks emitting diesel exhaust, according to their union.The United Firefighters Union (UFU) said personal protective equipment at older fire stations is being stored in fire truck engine bays, exposing it to diesel particulate matter (DPM).The union has launched a case in the SA Employment Tribunal, requesting an order that the Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) take "immediate steps" to store the gear elsewhere.Documents lodged with the tribunal by the UFU said exposure to diesel exhaust and particulate can have "potentially fatal consequences".The union said it had written to the MFS on "multiple occasions over months" urging it to act on the concerns."The SA MFS has failed to take relevant reasonable steps to address the risk," the union said.The MFS said it has conducted an audit of all worksites where DPM may have been present, and found levels were "well below the relevant industry standard".Concern raised by union membersUFU SA secretary Max Adlam said union members had raised concerns about their worksites."Our members are showing us the equipment is visibly coated in exhaust particulate," she said."It's a gross neglect of the state government's work health and safety obligation, as the employer."The UFU says at least 10 stations have concerning uniform storage arrangements. (Supplied: United Firefighters Union SA)Ms Adlam said it was disappointing that the matter had not been resolved earlier."It's very frustrating that we have to litigate and spend members' money on this," she said."It's very well-known what the dangers are of that particulate these days and, of course, the consequences can be fatal."The union said at least 10 stations had concerning storage arrangements — including O'Halloran Hill, Angle Park, Port Pirie and Mount Gambier.The International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organisation, classifies diesel exhaust as carcinogenic to humans.MFS 'committed to zero diesel'Emergency Services Minister Emily Bourke said most MFS stations that required storage upgrades have either already been completed or work is underway.The MFS says it is exploring new portable changing rooms until purpose-built facilities can be constructed. (ABC News: Will Hunter)"Works at remaining stations are due to start next financial year and I am advised the MFS has taken immediate steps to support frontline crews," she said.The MFS said an assessment of ventilation systems was conducted in addition to the DPM audit."An occupational hygiene consultant was engaged to collect positional samples and measurements for DPM and diesel exhaust gasses," a statement said.It said all monitoring results for DPM recorded concentrations of < 0.003 mg/m3 — below recommended guidelines — but added: "The MFS is committed to achieving zero diesel exhaust emissions.""The MFS is currently conducting a trial of an exhaust audit and extraction system, and is exploring interim solutions such as portable changing rooms until purpose-built facilities can be constructed," it said.Posted 42m ago42 minutes agoThu 1 May 2025 at 11:44pmShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)Top Stories'Pandemonium' on the M1 as metal shards shred tyres Topic:Road Accidents and IncidentsPhoto shows A hand holding bits of scrap metal.Corflute wars: Hundreds of election signs destroyed or removedTopic:VandalismPhoto shows a blue corflute that's been burnt and attached to a poleHow housing affordability could swing votes on SaturdayTopic:Property PricesPhoto shows A man outside his Qld home standing next to the fence at the front of the houseLabor and Coalition paths to victory mappedTopic:Australian Federal ElectionsPhoto shows A stylised map shows Australia's 150 federal electorates as clusters of hexagons, with an animated change of colourDutton says 'we're in for the fight of our lives' as leaders begin final push LIVEPhoto shows Peter Dutton drinks juice at a factory wearing hi visRelated storiesBob survived cancer after a lifetime breathing fumes. 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