Municipal Affairs
June 29, 2010Firefighter Fit
Testing Initiative Receives Funding
Firefighters will be able to take advantage of
increased training opportunities with $10,000 in funding provided by the
Provincial Government. Fit testing training is available through the
Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services for the use of
breathing apparatuses worn in the line of duty.
"Firefighters throughout this province are a brave and dedicated group
of individuals," said the Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister for
Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency
Services. "In addition to the increased investments in protective
equipment and firefighting vehicles outlined in this year's budget,
support of programs such as Fit testing helps to prevent injury and
death."
Fit testing is now a requirement of the province's Occupational Health
and Safety Act for anyone using a respiratory mask or self-contained
breathing apparatus. The Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire
Services has already begun a process of training firefighters to perform
testing within their own departments. Firefighter Fit Testing was
offered by the association through Fire and Emergency Services Training
School last month, with many members taking advantage of the
opportunity.
"Our government continues to demonstrate its commitment to firefighter
safety by providing this assistance for such important work," said
Minister Whalen. "Firefighters are called to action in some of the most
dangerous situations possible and it's essential they are properly
fitted for their equipment to protect them from potential harm."
Budget 2010: The Right Investments — For Our Children and Our Future
increased funding for fire fighting vehicles by $800,000, for a total
investment of $2.5 million. Budget 2010 also provides $1 million for
fire fighting equipment, doubling the investment over last year's
funding.
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Media contact:
Cheryl Gullage
Public Relations Specialist
Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-0857, 631-9962
cherlygullage@gov.nl.ca
2010 06 29
11:05 a.m.