An article written by Hunter Apparel Solutions Limited (Hunter) and Chris Colgan Former Director of Operations & Assistant Chief Fire Officer of Kent Fire and Rescue Service and Former NFCC PPE lead.

“Health & safety” is a well-known concept within the UK Fire Service and is not only rooted in law but also practice. Many policies and procedures reference the importance of firefighters’ safety, and most should be familiar with the safe person concept and both dynamic and analytical risk assessments. But when you stop and really think about it, the emphasis is on “safety”. We are, understandably, looking to protect from acute injury but, at the risk of being provocative, I would suggest that traditionally “health” does not receive the same focus.

It is fair to say, and important to acknowledge, there have been huge steps taken in terms of wellbeing & mental health support for firefighters. But can the same be said for firefighters’ physical health and protection from long latency disease? “Health & Safety” on the incident ground and within the training environment understandably focuses on keeping firefighters “safe” but, as the complete phrase suggests, there needs to be equal attention on the “health” aspects too.

Anyone who has operated at a strategic level on the incident ground will understand the importance of not only addressing the unfolding crisis but also to anticipate the consequences of the incident – “Crisis Management coupled with Consequence Management”. Although there is greater understanding of the consequences of attending, what were routinely described as, “bread & butter” jobs, there is still a long way to go to further protect firefighters’ long-term health. Policies & Procedures, Firefighting Tactics, Logistics, Health Monitoring and PPE Provision & Service are just some of the headline areas to addressed.

It is great to see most the Fire & Rescue sectors now have an established Contaminant Group to address this major risk but that alone is not enough. A change of culture is needed, which is difficult, especially within the traditional environment of the fire service where behaviours are embedded and reinforced routinely through prescription. There needs to be a real and sustained emphasis on change management principles and behavioural change techniques to eradicate practices that leave firefighters exposed to long latency disease. Change isn’t just about the big symbols and written policies and championed from the top. It has to be evident in all the small practices and in every aspect of the Service, be championed by many and evaluated on outcomes rather than inputs.

The Unseen Threats

Modern fire kits are highly technical garments, and great effort is made to ensure they perform well in extreme environments, but it’s also a potential source of exposure to toxic residues and carcinogens. Studies link contaminated gear and long-term exposure to fireground chemicals with increased incidences of cancer, cardiovascular illness, and respiratory disease. These aren’t hypothetical—they are rising, and they are real (based on research from NFPA).

Provision of high performing PPE is essential but equally important is the service, care and maintenance of that PPE.

“It’s a sad irony that the PPE developed to keep firefighters safe from acute injury on the ground is a major source of longer-term chronic health hazards brought about by handling contaminated PPE. It shouldn’t be a case of health vs. safety.” — says Chris Colgan.

Operational training is thorough but is there equivalent rigour when it comes to health literacy and PPE decontamination? It is essential Fire & Rescue Services hold their service providers to account and assure themselves of the efficacy of their laundry provision?

BS EN ISO 23616:2024—Raising the Bar

Historically there has been very little in terms of standards for cleaning and maintenance of firefighting PPE other than manufactures instructions.

But now, in response to greater awareness and growing concerns about contaminated PPE and the potential health hazards for firefighters, as well as the World Health Organisation, elevating its classification of firefighting to a class one carcinogenic profession, ISO has developed and published BS EN ISO 23616:2024 to provide the:

• Requirements
• Guidance
• Recommendations and
• Established criteria regarding the cleaning, inspection, and repair of firefighters’ personal protective equipment (PPE).

With the intent to consider all technologies for decontaminating and cleaning firefighters’ PPE, including all new technologies such as Liquid Carbon Dioxide (LCO2) processes, which Deconology® provides.

The standard is intended to be used by firefighters and Fire & Rescue Services as well as those who have responsibility for the cleaning, inspection & repair of PPE.

As well as providing clear guidance on both “Routine” and “Advanced” procedures required for inspection, cleaning, drying and repair it states that FRSs shall prevent unnecessary exposure to contaminated PPE and have a ‘Program for Care & Maintenance of PPE’ with written procedures for cleaning & decontaminating fire kit and a post incident management of contaminated PPE policy.

Although ISO standards are not legally binding, they are often used as a reference point for regulation and compliance and are often incorporated into contractual agreements. They are recognised by national regulators as a source of best practice and deviation from them has to be justifiable through the use of an equivalent. Now Fire & Rescue Services across the UK can assure themselves by aligning with international best practice for PPE care and maintenance, At Hunter we can help fire and rescue services comply seamlessly.

Hunter brings Deconology®— Here to Support, Not Scare

New standards can sometimes feel daunting. But BS EN ISO 23616:2024 is not to be feared—it’s an opportunity. At Hunter, we guide and support procurement teams, operational leads, and safety officers to meet the compliance process.

Our Deconology® technology, tested to NFPA standards  – provides validated PPE care and lifecycle management, ensuring PPE not only meets the standard but remains protective throughout its service life.

“This isn’t about criticising what fire & rescue services already do well—it’s about elevating our collective responsibility,” says Chris Colgan.

Building a Health-Literate Fire Service

Creating a culture of lifelong health protection in terms of PPE means:

• Redressing the balance between “Health” and “Safety”
• Embedding toxic exposure awareness in core training with change management principles and behavioural change techniques.
• Placing as much emphasis on the servicing of PPE as is currently applied to the provision of it.

BS EN ISO 23616:2024 is a turning point. It signals a shift away from reactive risk management toward a proactive, moral commitment to firefighter’s welfare.

Reframing the Conversation

At Hunter our mission remains: ‘to protect those on whom society depends’, But the vision must expand—to ensure those who serve, will live full, healthy lives long after retirement.

Firefighter health shouldn’t rest solely on the shoulders of procurement teams or senior managers. While policies and procedures provide the framework, real change happens on the ground. Firefighters themselves have a vital role to play—not only in caring for their own PPE, but in fostering a station culture where conversations about decontamination, cleaning routines, and long-term health outcomes associated with their PPE are normalised.

At Hunter, we are here to help Fire & Rescue Services meet that vision—not just with our products and services, but with knowledge, support, and shared purpose.

Contact our sales team today to get started at sales@hunterapparelsolutions.com or contact us on 02871262542.