Should firefighters be exempt from wearing face masks?

Should firefighters be exempt from wearing face masks?

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    The wearing of masks to prevent the spread of Covid-19 continues to be a contentious issue but should firefighters and other emergency service first responders be exempt from wearing them when carrying out their duties?

    The UK Government along with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that everyone wears a mask in public settings, especially when social distancing cannot be maintained.

    However, there is a very real possibility that a mask could interfere with the work of firefighters or first responders, especially when they are performing tasks that require physical exertion.

    Face Masks may inhibit important communication

    Face masks covering the mouth and nose may also inhibit communication by muffling sound and obstructing facial expressions. Such communication is of paramount importance for firemen working as a team in an emergency, or when they need to give clear directions to the public.

    However, fire and other emergency services also face the same challenges as other businesses and institutions in seeking to remain safe in a communal workspace. Masks are a useful preventative measure for firefighters working together in a communal area or when training or resting.

    Wearing masks in public also allows the emergency services to demonstrate unselfishness and respect for others to the local community.

    While a face covering or mask, whether made of paper or cloth, can help to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus by reducing the dispersion of virus-laden droplets, sufficient flexibility is needed so that the use of masks does not interfere with other lifesaving duties carried out by firefighters and other emergency service responders.


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    Disclaimer

    The information contained within this blog is provided solely for general informational and educational purposes and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Before taking any actions based upon this information, we advise the reader to consult any and all relevant statutory or regulatory guidance and where felt necessary to consult a qualified fire or industry regulation professional. The use or reliance on any information contained herein is solely at the reader's risk.

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