Broken zips, sleeve sewn shut: Union raises SA firefighter safety concerns

Adelaide fire trucks have been grounded and some firefighting training temporarily halted, according to the United Firefighters Union, which raised serious concerns about the adequacy and maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE) supplied to firefighters in South Australia. The union has filed a dispute with the SA Employment Tribunal, alleging that the SA Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) has failed to provide sufficient PPE and ensure it is properly maintained, repaired, or replaced. Documents submitted to the tribunal reveal that the MFS has not adequately addressed the condition of its gear, with reports of zippers breaking and sleeves improperly sewn shut. Union acting secretary Peter Russell described the situation as a “massive failure of the PPE system.” He cited instances where gear was found to be non-functional, including a case where a sleeve was sewn shut, potentially leaving firefighters vulnerable to injury or even death during operations. Photos shared with the ABC show examples of faulty zippers and makeshift repairs on MFS gear. Mr Russell stated that quantifying the number of unsafe pieces of equipment was impossible due to the MFS’s inability to provide records. He emphasized that even newly issued gear had issues, with zippers failing under the stress of firefighting activities. This has created a dangerous scenario where firefighters might be exposed to severe burns or fatalities if their gear fails during emergencies. The MFS has defended its position, asserting that all current operational structural firefighting PPE meets industry standards and that there is adequate supply to support safe responses. A spokesperson noted that since 2023, the service has introduced new PPE, underscoring its commitment to maintaining safety protocols. They reiterated that the safety of both firefighters and the public is a top priority. Concerns have also emerged regarding the lengthy delays in returning laundered PPE to firefighters. Mr Russell reported that firefighters had expressed frustration over waiting up to six weeks for their gear to be returned from laundering. This has led to reluctance among some to send their gear in for cleaning, increasing the risk of using contaminated or outdated equipment. These delays have contributed to shortages, impacting the ability of fire trucks at the Elizabeth MFS station to operate during the June long weekend. According to Mr Russell, the union’s investigation revealed that the problem was not confined to the Elizabeth station. He explained that older sets of PPE, some dating back 25 or even 30 years, had been reintroduced into circulation, despite being unsuitable for modern firefighting conditions. This suggests a broader systemic issue within the PFS’s management of its protective gear inventory. While the MFS did not specifically address the Elizabeth station example, it acknowledged that it is not uncommon for fire trucks to be taken offline following high-risk incidents. During these periods, firefighters and equipment undergo decontamination, and PPE is either restored or replaced as needed. The service maintains that established procedures are in place to ensure continuous coverage and meet response times during such disruptions. Additionally, the MFS has highlighted that it maintains reserve stockpiles of PPE strategically located throughout Adelaide. These caches serve to replenish gear sent for decontamination and guarantee that firefighters always have access to suitable protective equipment when responding to multiple incidents. The spokesperson noted that older PPE sets identified in some caches have already been removed from circulation. In a recent memo obtained by the ABC, the MFS chief officer outlined measures being taken to address the concerns surrounding PPE availability and maintenance. While specific details were not disclosed, the memo suggested a temporary pause on certain aspects of structural firefighter training until further assessments can be completed. This indicates that the MFS is aware of the challenges posed by the PPE shortage and is attempting to implement corrective actions.