Funding for the modernisation of personal protective equipment for firefighters is being called for in a question to the European Commission, by Freddy Belleris.

On the occasion of the letter of information from the Panhellenic Federation of Firefighters’ Unions (PDOEFPS) on the recognition through the European framework of the risk of firefighters as carcinogenic to humans, the MEP of the New Democracy and the European People’s Party referred in detail to the risks of the profession.

Belleris pointed out that the World Health Organization (WHO.) through the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which is the competent body for classifying carcinogens, classified the firefighting profession as Group 1 “Carcinogens for humans”, the highest category of carcinogens.

In addition, it acknowledged that firefighters in all EU Member States are daily exposed to extremely high occupational hazards, such as toxic fumes, carcinogens, asbestos, chemicals when burning materials, especially in urban and industrial areas, while in forest fires they face extreme temperatures, psychological stress and prolonged physical exhaustion.

The EPP and ND MEP therefore asks the Commission whether it intends to make a clear reference to the protection of firefighters and rescuers in the new EU Strategic Framework for Health and Safety at Work 2028-2034. Finally, the MEP asks the Commission whether it intends to provide financial support to national, local and regional authorities for the modernisation of personal protective equipment and, more generally, for the actions needed to implement the forthcoming updated Directive 2004/37/EC.

The question

The full text of the question follows:

Firefighters in all EU Member States are daily exposed to extremely high occupational hazards, especially in urban and industrial areas, such as toxic fumes, carcinogens, asbestos, chemicals when burning materials, but also extreme temperatures in forest fires with prolonged physical exhaustion.

The World Health Organization (WHO) (P.WHO) through the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which is the competent body for classifying carcinogens, has classified the firefighting profession as Group 1 “Carcinogens to humans” i.e. the highest category of carcinogens, based on sufficient evidence thatoccupational exposure as a firefighter causes cancer in humans.

The EU Strategic Framework for Health and Safety at Work 2021-2027 and Directive 2004/37/EC set as key objectives the prevention of occupational diseases, the protection of workers from hazardous substances and the adoption of a “Vision Zero” approach to work-related deaths.

In view of the above, is the Commission asked:

1. Will it provide financial support to national, local and regional authorities to modernise personal protective equipment and decontamination of equipment and uniforms;

2. Will provide funding in the MFF 2028-2034 for the implementation of the forthcoming updated Directive 2004/37/EC;

3. Does it intend to include firefighters and rescuers in the new EU Strategic Framework for Health and Safety at Work 2028-2034;