Modernising safety equipment for enhanced protection

Dräger has partnered with the City of Derry Airport to overhaul its personal protection equipment (PPE) and safety protocols.

This initiative aims to better protect the airport’s Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) team from incident-related hazards and the heightened risk of cancer from exposure to carcinogens.

The City of Derry Airport, serving as northwest Ireland’s primary airport, facilitated over 200,000 passenger flights to the UK and southern Europe before the pandemic.

The airport’s fire service is tasked with aircraft protection and emergency responses within the terminal and for on-site collisions.

Addressing the carcinogenic risk to firefighters

Recent findings indicate that modern materials found in buildings and aircraft release carcinogens when burned, significantly increasing cancer risk among firefighters.

In response, the City of Derry Airport and other UK fire services are updating their equipment and procedures.

Among the chosen upgrades is Dräger’s HPS Safeguard helmet, selected for its ease of use and the ability to accommodate various head shapes and sizes, including for users observing cultural or religious practices.

The helmet’s design allows for the attachment of essential devices, facilitating hands-free operation.

Introducing advanced breathing protection

The introduction of Dräger’s PSS AirBoss self-contained breathing apparatus is forthcoming, designed to prevent inhalation of carcinogenic particles.

Highlighting its lightweight and ergonomic design, this equipment is expected to reduce physical strain significantly.

Both the HPS Safeguard helmet and the PSS AirBoss are designed for ease of maintenance, featuring materials that are low-absorbent, liquid-repellent, and suitable for manual or machine washing, in line with current regulations.

Commitment to ongoing equipment care

The airport’s fire service equipment will be supported by Dräger’s TotalCare Agreement, ensuring maintenance, inspection, and preventive care.

Gerard McCloskey, Safety and Fire Officer at Derry Airport, highlighted the advantages of this service, especially the provision of routinely changeable parts to ensure equipment reliability.

Elizabeth Millward, Marketing Manager at Dräger Safety UK, emphasised the significance of their technology in protecting firefighters against the unique risks presented by airport environments.