BULLETIN

Bulletin No:          052                                     Volume:  20                        Thursday 6 March 2014

To ALL UFU MEMBERS

SAFETY ALERT:

WATER

CONTAMINATION

IDENTIFIED AT

HAZELWOOD

Following UFU members informing the UFU of a series serious safety breaches at the Hazelwood incident the UFU undertook to have its own independent testing of the water being used at Hazelwood in firefighting operations including the H.A.R.A or ash pit area.

This testing was undertaken by a Senior Occupational Hygienist who has provided to the UFU, this afternoon, the initial test results.

The results have indicated that the water contains high levels of coliforms and E.Coli. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was also detected.

Based on the information we have to date the advice to the UFU is that any person with a burn, or cut or any sort of open wound should not come into contact with the water.

The highest level of personal hygiene should also be observed and members should take extra precautions in ensuring hands are fully washed after coming into any contact with any water at the site.

Appropriate PPE in particular gloves should be worn and no water should be ingested or inhaled.

If any member comes into primary contact with the water- i.e. it comes into contact with eyes, nose, mouth or open wound, members should seek urgent medical assistance and please contact the UFU.

Members will be updated more fully as further results of our testing is obtained by the UFU. 

Additionally we request that anyone who has been or is deployed Hazelwood sends an email to their employer seeking that a note is placed on their personal record that they have been deployed and come into contact with contaminated water.

In the meantime the UFU is seeking high level discussion with the Chief Officers of both the CFA and MFB and the Fire Services Commissioner in regards to the results of our testing. 

An urgent Health and Safety Representatives telephone conference has also been held to discuss appropriate measure to be put in place to maximise members protection.

Strength in Unity

READ OUT AT MUSTER AND PIN ON NOTICE BOARD

Authorised by Peter Marshall, Branch Secretary