Class A Recycled Water for Firefighting Purposes
September 2007
Introduction
The information here expresses the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) position in relation to safety aspects associated with the use of Class A recycled water for fire fighting purposes.The position expressed here has been formulated from the findings of risk assessments conducted by the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) and the Queensland Department of Emergency Services.
Full details of the analysis of the risk assessments are outlined in the AFAC Background Paper: Class A Recycled Water Project; Safety aspects concerning the use of recycled water for firefighting purposes.
Purpose
The purpose of this position is to establish an informed stance on whether the use of Class A recycled water poses a health risk to fire fighters and consequently whether it should be used for fire fighting purposes.Scope
This position relates only to issues associated with Class A recycled water purification systems and street water main infrastructure designed to service this technology. It does not include installed fire fighting equipment or water storage facilities within private property lines that may utilize recycled water.A critical consideration in the conclusions drawn in relation to this issue is the expectation and assumption that water authorities will continue to design, operate and maintain the production of Class A recycled water to a quality that minimizes any health risks.
Position
The use of Class A recycled water poses an assessed low health risk to fire fighters. Its use in fire fighting operations, including training, is therefore deemed to be ‘safe’.In dual reticulation areas, operational protocols and guidelines to manage the use of Class A recycled water should be observed by fire fighters.
Supporting Documentation
AFAC Background Paper: Class A Recycled Water Project; Safety aspects concerning the use of recycled water for firefighting purposes,. 2007Schedule 1 – Protocols and Guidelines; AFAC Background Paper – Class ‘A’ recycled water project -2007
Queensland Department of Emergency Services report: Use of Recycled Water for Firefighting Purposes, health risk assessment. Commissioned by GHD – December 2006
Water Services Association of Australia Occasional Paper No 11 Health Risk Assessment of Fire Fighting from Recycled Water Mains – November 2004
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