Commissioners and FCFD Protect Firefighters from Carcinogens

BLUE RIDGE, GA – Commissioners approved the purchase of a washer extractor machine to remove carcinogens in turnout gear using ACCG safety grant and SPLOST funds.

A washer extractor should assist in removing carcinogens from firefighters’ turnout gear. According to the International Association of Firefighters, 60 percent of firefighters have a chance of dying from cancer compared to 20 percent of the rest of the population.

“We’ve been trying to wash our gear with a regular, standard washing machine, and it does a fair job, but it doesn’t get all the carcinogens out every time,” explained EMA Director Robert Graham, “It’s hard to get the turnout gear spun out properly, and there are special chemicals that we’re supposed to use that we can’t really use in a residential type washer.”

Due to the increased amount of plastics, electronics, and flame retardant materials in homes, properly cleaning turnout gear to remove as many carcinogens as possible is imperative in maintaining the health of Fannin County firefighters.

Turnout gear protects the wearer against heat, but soot can seep into gaps around the hands, face, neck, and legs. As body temperature increases during a fire, pores open and absorb up to 400 percent more than normal which leaves firefighters vulnerable.

By using a washer extractor, the fire department can remove more carcinogens and protect its employees.

Graham presented the lowest quote of $5,441 for the machine. The ACCG grant of $3,000 and the remaining 321 SPLOST funds will cover the outstanding $2,441.

“It has to be bolted to the floor and have larger water and drain lines to supply it all,” commented Graham when addressing the cost of the machine.

The washer extractor should arrive in two to three weeks after purchase and will hold two sets of gear.

Post Two Commissioner Glenn Patterson asked, “How do you know that the carcinogens are still in there?”

Graham explained that no one really knows, but with all the toxic materials in burning buildings, it’s best not to take chances.

Commissioners unanimously approved the purchase.

County Budget

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Robin Gazaway gave the 2019 budget report through Sept. 2019 and stated that the county’s two percent under budget.

Departments were 75 percent into the 2019 budgets, with most reporting in line except for risk management. This budget includes health and liability insurance for the county.

Also, department overages decreased at the end of September. The debt for the courthouse loan is showing as 100 percent, but the county previously paid the entire amount for the year.

The recreation department generated $189,319 through Sept.