Michael Duyck’s Post

Firefighter Deaths Fell Slightly in 2023 but Remain High: NFPA Report The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has released a report indicating that firefighter deaths have decreased slightly in 2023. Despite this reduction, the numbers remain high, highlighting the persistent dangers faced by firefighters. The report emphasizes the critical need for ongoing improvements in safety measures and training programs to protect these essential workers. Firefighters continue to encounter significant risks in their line of duty, from hazardous environments to unpredictable fire behavior. The slight decline in fatalities is a positive sign, but it also serves as a reminder that more work is needed. Enhancing safety protocols, providing comprehensive training, and ensuring access to the latest safety equipment are crucial steps in reducing the number of firefighter deaths. The NFPA report calls for a renewed focus on addressing the underlying causes of these fatalities. This includes not only physical safety measures but also addressing factors such as mental health support and fatigue management. The high-stress nature of firefighting can take a toll on mental health, and providing resources to support firefighters' psychological well-being is essential. Overall, while the slight decrease in firefighter deaths in 2023 is encouraging, it is clear that the fight to protect those who protect us is far from over. Continued vigilance, investment in safety, and a commitment to supporting firefighters in every aspect of their work are necessary to bring these numbers down further. #FirefighterSafety #WorkplaceSafety #NASP #NFPA #SafetyProfessionals #FirefighterDeaths #SafetyMeasures #MentalHealth #Training #SafetyEquipment

Did you know that the NFPA 101® Life Safety Code mandates regular tests of Emergency Lights? Check out our blog to learn more today! #CommercialFire #EmergencyLights #FireandLifeSafety https://hubs.ly/Q02TjzzT0

The Health & Safety at Work Act (1974) places an obligation on employers to ensure all electrical appliances are safe, compliant, and fit for purpose. Our Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) can help you assess risks and ensure safety. Use the EICR to identify potential hazards and implement safety measures until remedial works can be completed. Stay compliant and protect your workplace. #WorkplaceSafety #EICR #Firehow

The Health & Safety at Work Act (1974) requires employers to ensure all electrical appliances are safe and compliant. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) helps assess risks and determine the safety of your installation. Use the EICR to develop safety measures and mitigate dangers until remedial work can be completed. Keep your workplace safe and compliant with Firehow. #WorkplaceSafety #EICR #Firehow

Quick review of a monthly fire extinguisher check! NFPA 10 requires fire extinguishers to be inspected when they are initially installed and monthly after that...ASCs need to do this to be in compliance with CMSs' adopted Life Safety Code! Still need help? Let me know! **My mission is to help make ASCs safer and help staff understand the Life Safety Code!** #asc #lifesafety #healthcare

Hospital fires impair operations because they endanger lives, destroy property, and interrupt services. It is a tragic event when someone passes away suddenly from a fire in a building meant to be a symbol of health care. It has been discovered that several hospitals in the National Capital Region are not adhering to fire safety regulations. The building occupants at Hospital neglect to do conduct routine maintenance on the fire protection systems, training, tactical exercises, and have been flouting fire safety norms in their Hospital. It should be required for all hospitals and healthcare facilities to conduct fire safety audits every year. Only fire specialists who understand the origins & Cause of fire occurrences, fire spread potential , fire control extinction strategy and occupant life-saving  techniques should conduct these audits. These days, safety officers, safety stewards, and sellers of firefighting equipment call themselves self-fire specialists, but that's not the best tactic. Fire audits should only be carried out by certified and experienced fire specialists or experts.

Another Successful Solar Panel Safety Class We are excited to share that #MissionCIT recently had the opportunity to present another informative session to the Colchester Fire Department on the realities of operating at locations with solar panels. This class is designed to cut through the technical jargon and focus on the key takeaways firefighters need for safe and effective operations on the fireground. For many first responders, solar panels can present unique challenges. This session aimed to equip firefighters with the critical knowledge to make informed decisions on the scene. We covered a range of topics, including: • Understanding the Basics of Solar Power Systems: A foundational understanding of how solar panels function and generate electricity. • Firefighter Safety Considerations: We discussed the potential hazards associated with solar panels during firefighting operations, such as electrical shock and arc flash. • Strategies for Safe Scene Operations: We explored practical tactics and procedures that firefighters can implement to mitigate these risks and ensure their safety on the scene. We are proud to partner with Fire-Dex to provide these valuable training sessions. By equipping firefighters with the right knowledge, we can all work together to promote fire safety in our communities. #SolarSafety #FirefighterTraining #ColchesterFireDepartment #FireDex

Do you participate in Environment of Care or Life Safety rounds? Then check out 3 focus areas for fire extinguisher compliance. My Why: To grow and educate the healthcare facilities operations community in support of patient care. Video Notes: -Sign up for free access to National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) Codes at nfpa.org -At the time of this video publication, The Joint Commission inspects to the 2012 Life Safety Code NFPA 101 which references the 2010 publication of NPFA 10. If you want a deeper dive, the information I covered is taken from NFPA 10, 2010 chapters 6 and 7. -Monthly fire extinguisher inspections are just one component of a fire extinguisher maintenance program. There are also annual inspections and hydrostatics tests that fall in the 5-12 year range depending on the type of fire extinguishers you have in your facility.  -Consult your hospital’s fire response policy to determine your role during a fire event.  -Links to the OSHA standards for fire extinguishers and OSHA At-A-Glance covering OSHA’s authority is in the comments below. OSHA adopted the NFPA 10, 2010 requirements making fire extinguisher heights a current requirement. #healthcarefacilities #facilitiesmanagement #lifesafety #regulatorycompliance #ASHE #NFPA10

Fire rescue decontamination procedures are a vital component of ensuring firefighter safety and health. By systematically addressing contamination through gross and personal decontamination, and by thoroughly cleaning equipment, fire departments can protect their personnel from the harmful effects of exposure. Continuous improvement through post-incident reviews and medical evaluations further enhances these protocols, reinforcing the commitment to firefighter safety and well-being. 

I've been doing a fair few Health & Safety audits recently and I thought I'd share this one. DSEAR is a piece of legislation that applies to all workplaces with compressed gases on site. It's crucial to ensure they are stored properly. As shown in the picture, these compressed gases are stored correctly in a locked cage but situated next to the building on an evacuation route. Unfortunately, this poses a risk to safety, especially during a fire evacuation. Locked cages containing dangerous substances should be stored away from the building, as well as away from emergency evacuation routes and assembly points. #Dangeroussubstances #Compressedgas #explosive #emergency