Thread: Mega fire bears down on Sydney and the Hunter

Expensive! I'll say. I couldn't see the SA Govt. putting their hands in their kick for a couple of thousand of those.


Good olde E.S.L could fund it I suppose. Yeah roight.

Originally Posted by Eevo

its not a p2 filter and it cannot produce enough airflow when the firefighter is working. ive got one mick.
also for the price there are much better options out there that are purpose built.

Yes, it's medical equipment, so not suitable for use in heat. I imagine firefighters would need a powered, filtered respirator.

I read the link below which was interesting.
I think governments may need to fund a better quality of respirator. You can't ask people to risk harm and then not provide adequate PPE - that could leave governments vulnerable to being sued under work safety laws.
It's clear the fire danger is worsening and governments should recognise that.

Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) - worksafe.qld.gov.au

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

I imagine firefighters would need a powered, filtered respirator.

nothing powered thanks.
just another thing that needs to be looked after and can go wrong.

How about a 12 hour lithium battery with auto on -off so the wearer could cause it to turn on automatically just by closing the mouth to get a seal and off by opening the mouth, which would make the battery last longer? That's how mine works.

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

How about a 12 hour lithium battery with auto on -off so the wearer could cause it to turn on automatically just by closing the mouth to get a seal and off by opening the mouth, which would make the battery last longer? That's how mine works.

you only do 12h shifts? hahaha


back to masks, nothing powered thanks.

The auto on-off means the unit would be off most of the time and the wearer would only cause it to come on when it was needed, which might only be a small part of the shift, so the battery should easily last 12 hours.
Anyway, whatever works for the firefighters is what's important. If they want P3 masks, they should be available, I think.
I notice the rescuers on White Island appeared to be wearing masks. I bet they were the best available.

Looking very nasty out there tonight, particularly in the Hawkesbury area. Really feel for those affected.

Homes believed lost in NSW 'mega blaze' as firefighters tackle 70-metre flames
Homes believed lost in NSW 'mega blaze' as firefighters tackle 70-metre flames in windy conditions - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

I notice the rescuers on White Island appeared to be wearing masks. I bet they were the best available.

i read somewhere they were the bomb squad.

u can afford the best when u only have to buy 10 of them
SA has about 10,000 volunteer firefighters.
not sure about nsw. 50,000?, 100,000?