 Asset Publisher A National Standard to Protect Those Who Protect Us2011-02-09The release of an unknown substance into one of Toronto’s busiest subway cars causes a rising panic among commuters. A number of people already display various symptoms and it’s clear this possible outbreak could be very dangerous to the rest of the unsuspecting downtown population. Assessing the situation and working to neutralize the threat while extracting innocent civilians is the responsibility of those first on the scene. It must happen quickly before further harm is done.
Canadian first responders (police, fire and emergency personnel) are trained to deal with a range of incidents involving chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) substances that require the selection use and care of very specific protective equipment. While the type of equipment that is selected may vary depending on the role of the responder and the details of the incident, there is clearly a need for consistency across all jurisdictions in Canada for those on the front-line of emergency situations. “Firefighters, police, paramedics and health care workers all need the best personal protective equipment possible when they are working to protect and help Canadians in these extraordinary incidents,” said the Honourable Vic Toews, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety. Canada’s national standard (CAN/CGSB/CSA-Z1610-10) for personnel protective equipment of front-line personnel is a first of its kind*. Available in March, it is the first national standard to address the protective gear used by all those who are called upon to respond to accidental or intentional CBRN incidents, thus enabling them to focus on the work they are trained to accomplish. “The new safety standard will help guide the acquisition of equipment and ultimately enhance our first responders’ ability to work together to respond effectively to incidents, in particular those involving CBRN threats,” added Minister Toews. As a national standard, CAN/CGSB/CSA-Z1610, Protection of first responders from chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear events, is of critical importance to Canada’s efforts to protect those who selflessly protect the general population. Prior to the development of this national standard, first responders relied on a number of standards to guide them in preparing to respond to CBRN incidents. However those guidelines were not national in scope and not comprehensive enough to meet all of the equipment needs of first responders across the country. Although the standard itself cannot ensure that responders will select personnel protective equipment in accordance with its guidelines, it does provide a common platform from which to more effectively address issues of public safety and security. Regulators across jurisdictions in Canada will be relied upon to adopt and enforce its use. According to Toronto Fire Services deputy chief Ron Jenkins, the fire department "wholeheartedly" welcomes the new standard. He described it as a comprehensive new tool to guide them in the selection, use and care of personal protective equipment. “It is essential that CBRN first responders have the right equipment that provides protection and functionality,” he added as he went on to acknowledge and thank the standardization community for this milestone achievement. -30- *In another related first, 2 Canadian bodies, which are accredited by the Standards Council of Canada as standards development organizations (namely CSA and CGSB) came together to work on the development of this standard. |
Since 9/11, scenarios such as the one that was staged as part of a  | |