Perception of firefighters on risk of exposure to respiratory health hazard: a qualitative analysis in Malaysia
Firefighters are exposed to multiple occupational hazards, where one of the hazards is chemical hazard that can affect the respiratory system. However, little is known regarding the perception of firefighters on the source of exposure to respiratory hazards, particularly in Malaysia. This work ai...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
UKM
2021
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/95910/13/95910_Perception%20of%20firefighters%20on%20risk%20of%20exposure.pdf http://irep.iium.edu.my/95910/ https://www.medicineandhealthukm.com/article/perception-firefighters-risk-exposure-respiratory-health-hazard-qualitative-analysis-malaysi |
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| Summary: | Firefighters are exposed to multiple occupational hazards, where one of the
hazards is chemical hazard that can affect the respiratory system. However,
little is known regarding the perception of firefighters on the source of exposure
to respiratory hazards, particularly in Malaysia. This work aims to explore the
firefighter’s perspective on respiratory hazard exposure and to examine the
compliance of the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). In-depth interviews
were employed among 12 firefighters at Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia
in September 2020. The interview recordings were transcribed verbatim and
of thematic analysis done via the NVIVO 12 programme. All participants were
Malay, male, and married. The respiratory hazard exposure perceived can be
divided into occupational source (e.g. exposure to smoke from firefighting, fire
training, firefight demonstration, commuting, firefight vehicles: chemicals and
dust) and non-occupational source (e.g. smoking). Firefighter recognised both the
importance of wearing PPE and the fact they are still not compliant in wearing
it. They also perceived wearing PPE as burden and having only a limited stock
of PPE. Education and training need to be reinforced to strengthen firefighters’
risk perception, hazard identification, and risk assessment of hazards exposure.
Strict standard operating procedure (SOP) and supervision during firefighters’ task
is crucial to reduce hazard exposure and increase PPE compliance. Systematic and
thorough inventory management is needed to ensure adequate PPE supply. Post
qualitative analysis, the firefighters’ perception on respiratory hazard exposure was
obtained, demonstrating that the analysis is ready for further study. |
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