Broken zips, sleeve sewn shut: Union raises SA firefighter safety concerns
The United Firefighters Union has lodged a dispute with South Australia's independent workplace tribunal, arguing the SA Metropolitan Fire Serivce is not providing sufficient personal protective equipment.
The Union of South Australian Firefighters has raised serious safety concerns regarding the protective gear provided to Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) firefighters. The union claims that the MFS is not adequately supplying and maintaining the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) for firefighters. Photos provided to the union show faulty gear, including broken zippers and improperly sewn sleeves.
Union acting secretary Peter Russell stated that these issues could expose firefighters to severe injuries or death during firefighting activities. The MFS maintains that all its protective equipment meets industry standards and that there is enough supply to ensure safe response to emergency calls. However, the union argues that delays in laundering PPE, which can last up to six weeks, contribute to shortages and unsafe conditions.
Additionally, the union's investigation indicates that some older PPE sets have been reintroduced into circulation, posing further risks. The MFS has paused its Angle Park training center until further review of the safety concerns, but other training can continue. The Emergency Services Minister, Rhiannon Pearce, acknowledged the government's investment in firefighter equipment and resources, including increased funding for the MFS in 2024-25.
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