Emergency services

This information is for firefighters and other emergency services workers, including those working in the chemicals industry. It gives information on things in the workplace that could damage the lungs and advice on how to protect them.

What are the hazards?

These are some of the hazards you may come into contact with at work.

  • Smoke

  • Toxic materials

    From fire left on clothes, vehicles and in the fire station.

  • Dust

    From collapsing buildings.

  • Chemicals

    Some chemicals produced or released during a fire can react with lung tissue, causing damage. Newer risks include chemicals released from fires involving lithium-ion batteries.

  • Toxic agents

    Fires can release toxic agents including carbon monoxide, benzene, hydrogen cyanide, asbestos and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

Smoking or vaping harms your lungs

Smoking is the biggest risk factor for lung conditions like COPD and lung cancer.
Vaping also exposes your lungs to harmful chemicals.

Quitting smoking or vaping will help protect your lungs.

Nicotine is addictive, and stopping can be difficult.

Conditions

How can your health be affected?

How to protect yourself

Your employer has a responsibility to ensure the work environment is appropriately ventilated and that you are provided with protective clothing and appropriate safety advice.

Here are some easy things you can do to ensure you’re doing everything you can to protect your lung health at work.

  • Assess Risk

    Do risk assessments to make sure you are doing jobs safely and efficiently.

  • Work carefully

    Follow protective measures strictly – e.g. always wear a mask on site, even if the fire has been put out.

  • Health check-ups

    Get your health checked regularly. If there is a health scheme at your workplace, take part in it. Otherwise, see a healthcare professional regularly and make sure they know about your workplace. Health surveillance might include answering questions about your symptoms or lung function tests. This can help identify problems early.

    If you notice any new symptoms or are concerned about your health, don’t wait. Report them to your doctor or occupational health scheme promptly.

  • Wear the right protective equipment

    Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) can help reduce exposure to harmful substances, particularly when other measures cannot fully control what’s in the air. Depending on your work, this could include masks, gloves, or eye protection. Your employer is responsible for providing the right equipment for your role, as well as training on how to use it correctly.

    When firefighting, continue wearing your protective equipment even after the main fire is out. Exposure often happens while dealing with smaller after-fires or hot spots without PPE.

    Different masks and other PPE are available in a range of sizes and designs. If you are having trouble using a mask supplied by your employer, you should discuss the options for using a different kind.

  • Know what to expect from your employer

    Your employer has a responsibility to reduce your exposure to harmful substances. This can include using safer alternatives where possible, ensuring adequate ventilation, and providing the right equipment, training and safety advice.

    If any of this seems to be missing at your workplace, it is worth raising it with your employer, health and safety representative or union.

More information