EXTINGUISHING THE DELTA SHAKE AND SHINGLE LANDFILL FIRE
Health and Safety
Issues.
The first step in the firefight was to ensure the protection of
all fire fighters and support staff involved. A comprehensive health
and safety program was developed in cooperation with the Worker's
Compensation Board of BC. (WCB) and implemented before fire fighters
were permitted to enter the fire zone. The health and safety program
involved:
Controlled access and site security;
All persons sign in and sign
out;
Radio communication;
Air horn warning;
Spotter working with all equipment;
On-site first aid attendant;
Warning fences around all trenches;
and
Daily safety meetings.
As illustrated in Photo4,
all workers were required to wear the following protective equipment:
Fit tested respirator fit certified);
Hard hat;
High visibility vest;
Steel shank/toe boots;
Gloves; and
Safety eye wear.
A
key aspect of the health and safety plan was determining whether
it would be necessary for all workers to wear self contained breathing
apparatus (SCBA) in the fire zone. SCBA use would have resulted
in a significant burden on fire fighters and reduced progress.
Fortunately, air composition testing conducted by the Greater
Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) determined that the smoke was
not acutely toxic and that properly fitted respirators would provide
adequate protection to field personnel.
A
key aspect of the health and safety plan was determining whether
it would be necessary for all workers to wear self contained breathing
apparatus (SCBA) in the fire zone. SCBA use would have resulted
in a significant burden on fire fighters and reduced progress.
Fortunately, air composition testing conducted by the Greater
Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) determined that the smoke was
not acutely toxic and that properly fitted respirators would provide
adequate protection to field personnel.
