Title
Fire Services - SCBA Decontamination Washer
Proposed Motion
That Council approve $183,000 for the purchase and installation of SCBA and Equipment Decontamination Washers in the Acheson, West Central, and Tomahawk Fire Stations, funded from Future Capital Restricted Surplus.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motion.
Purpose
To install SCBA and Equipment Decontamination Washing systems in the Acheson, West Central, and Tomahawk Fire Stations.
Summary
Fire Services is requesting approval to fund the purchase and installation of SCBA and firefighting equipment decontamination washers at the Acheson, West Central, and Tomahawk Fire Stations. This request was advanced by the Fire Services Joint Worksite Health and Safety Committee as a priority action item focused on occupational cancer reduction and prevention and is fully supported by Fire Services Administration.
Firefighting occupational exposure is classified as Group 1 carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Approximately 86% of Canadian firefighter occupational fatality claims are cancer-related, with firefighters experiencing significantly higher cancer diagnosis and mortality rates than the general population. These risks are closely linked to repeated exposure to toxic combustion by-products that contaminate SCBA, personal protective equipment (PPE), and firefighting tools during emergency operations.
Currently, contaminated SCBA and equipment are cleaned primarily through manual hand-washing methods, which result in inconsistent outcomes, limited removal of deeply embedded contaminants, increased secondary exposure to personnel performing the cleaning, and accelerated wear on critical life-safety equipment.
Dedicated SCBA and equipment decontamination washer systems are purpose-built for the fire service and provide a controlled, repeatable, and validated cleaning process using calibrated mechanical action, regulated water temperatures, and approved detergents. These systems significantly improve contaminant removal while reducing direct hands-on exposure and supporting manufacturer maintenance requirements, equipment longevity, and safety compliance.
Funding these units in 2026 addresses an immediate health and safety concern within Fire Services, responds directly to a frontline safety committee recommendation, establishes a standardized decontamination model for Fire Services, and demonstrates proactive leadership in protecting firefighter health and reducing long-term occupational cancer risk.
Alternative Option for Consideration
As an alternative to funding all three units in 2026, a second option would be to fund one unit in 2026 for installation at the Acheson Fire Station and requesting funding for the second and third units through the regular 2027 and 2028 budget processes. This option would require additional shuttling of contaminated equipment to the Acheson Fire Station following structure fire events until units are installed in the West Central and Tomahawk Fire Stations in future budget years.
Historical Information:
n/a
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications:
This request aligns with the County’s strategic objectives related to responsible leadership.
Financial Impact:
Cost: $183,000
Source of Funding: Future Capital Restricted Surplus
Other: