Work

Grenfell Tower Fire: Firefighters’ Activities and Their Exposure to Fire Smoke and Heat

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to characterize the smoke exposure of firefighters who attended the Grenfell Tower fire during the initial 20 hours. METHODS: As no compilation of exposure data exists, data were compiled from nine unconnected sources, including the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, firefighters' statements, incident logs, and the UK Firefighter Cancer and Disease Registry. RESULTS: Of the 628 firefighters who attended, information was available from 524. Eighty-nine percent reported exposure to smoke without respiratory protection equipment (RPE), of whom 23% also reported exposure to excessive heat. Common reasons for smoke exposure were assisting casualties (18%), running out of air (15%), and climbing stairs without activating RPE to conserve air (17%). CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of firefighters reported inhaling smoke during the incident with potentially debilitating health effects.

Source: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000003271

Authors: Anna A. Stec, David A. Purser, T Richard Hull

Institutions: London Fire Brigade, University of Lancashire

Language: English

Topic: Occupational Health and Performance

Subfield: Occupational Therapy

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: University of Central Lancashire