§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research has been undertaken by his Department's scientific research and development branch into the exposure of firefighters to diesel exhaust emissions from fire appliances in fire stations. [20046]
§ Mr. Nicholas BakerNo research has been undertaken by the Home Office on this topic.
441W
§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance has been promulgated by his Department to local fire authorities and brigades on post-traumatic stress disorder among fire service personnel. [20054]
§ Mr. Nicholas BakerWe have received no requests for such guidance, but it is for individual fire authorities to decide what arrangements—for example, for the provision of professional counselling—might be appropriate in particular circumstances.
§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance has been promulgated by his Department to local fire authorities and brigades on the wearing and use of extended duration breathing apparatus by firefighters. [20052]
§ Mr. Nicholas BakerTechnical and procedural advice to the fire service on the use of breathing apparatus in the course of duty is contained in "Technical Bulletin', 1/1989, and in book 6, "Breathing Apparatus and Resuscitation', of the "Manual of Firemanship'. The guidance is subject to monitoring and review.
§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research has been undertaken by his department's scientific research and development branch into the effects of radiation on firefighters. [20049]
§ Mr. Nicholas BakerNo research has been undertaken by the Home Office on this matter. Comprehensive operational and procedural guidance on the role of the fire service at incidents involving radioactivity is contained in "Technical Bulletin', 2/1993, "Incidents Involving Radioactive Materials', which is published by HMSO, ISBN 0 11 341034 4.