Kerry firefighters in health scare following asbestos blaze

KERRY County Council officials are to meet with firefighters in Listowel this Thursday over concerns raised by a group of North Kerry firefighters who were exposed to asbestos while fighting a blaze in Moyvane.

The fire crew has been advised by Kerry County Council, their employers, and Chief Fire Officer Michael Hession to seek medical advice following the incident. In a letter seen by The Kerryman this week, Mr Hession said that the “potential health consequences of asbestos poisoning are most serious” and he added that his main concern was for the health of the officers.

The same letter, dated December 19, outlines complaints from some fire officers which include concerns over the length of time “spent on the roof with asbestos breaking around them” and their “exposure to contaminated materials” – including clothes and equipment – for a number of days.

The Kerryman understands that at least three complaints have been made via the fire officers’ union SIPTU following the fire in November. Concerns have been expressed that proper procedures were not followed and these fears were raised by Cllr Mike Kennelly, Cllr Toiréasa Ferris and Cllr Graham Spring at the monthly meeting of Kerry County Council.

The local authority is investigating the matter and Council Chief Executive Moira Murrell said proper procedures were followed on the night.

“I want to give absolute assurance that there are strong health and safety standards,” she stated, adding: “A review of the matter has been undertaken and any follow-on in relation to that will be taken on by me”.

Director of Services John Breen said that there are standard operating guidelines and they were adhered to.

“We fully understand the concerns of the fire fighters and we will deal with that.”

FIREMEN in North Kerry have been advised by Kerry County Council to attend their local GP for medical advice after they were exposed to asbestos while attending a fire in Moyvane in November.

Kerry County Council has launched an investigation into the incident and is adamant that proper procedures were followed.

Their assurances come as a number of local councillors raised concerns about the incident at Kerry County Council this month. They claim that there are concerns about whether or not proper procedures were followed on the night in question and it is understood that firemen were not aware of the substance they were dealing with.

SIPTU, the union who represents the firemen, is also aware of the situation and Kerry County Council has been in contact with the union and with the firemen involved.

Director of Services, John Breen, said that it is not unusal for fire men or council staff to be dealing with asbestos and that there are standard operating guidelines which were followed on the night.

“They were aware on the night. Standard operating guidelines have been reviewed and all proper procedures were followed on the night,” he told councillors at this months meeting.

An investigation has been carried out by Mr Breen on behalf of the Council and by Assistant Chief Fire Officer in Listowel, Dawn Roberts, and by Chief Fire Officer Captain Michael Hession. In a letter seen by The Kerryman Mr Hession outlined his concern for the health of the fire officers and said that all matters would be raised with Kerry County Council.

Cllr Mike Kennelly said that firemen were concerned about the incident and that there were questions to be answered.

Cllr Toireasa Ferris also questioned procedures and queried where clothes had been properly bagged and tagged and whether it was possible fibres were brought home to houses with young children. She called for a meeting with the chief fire officer. This was turned down by CEO Moira Murrell.

“Operating standards are for me and the Director. A review of the matter has been undertaken and if any issues arise from that they will be followed up.”