Refurbishing the Premises of a Fire Station to a Clean Fire Station Concept
Lakkala, Janne (2024)
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024101426441
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024101426441
Tiivistelmä
This thesis addresses the need to improve occupational health and safety at the CERN Fire and Rescue Service fire station. Given the high incidence of cancer among firefighters and the station's outdated infrastructure, the thesis aims to provide a comprehensive background for the proposed structural changes.
The qualitative research methods were used to fulfil the objective. The methods used in this thesis were a descriptive literature review, case studies and expert interview. The purpose is to identify and implement the necessary renovations to transition the fire station to the Clean Fire Station Concept, ensuring improvements to indoor air quality and the overall working environment to improve the health and safety of firefighters.
The proposed improvements are supported by a theoretical framework incorporating knowledge from occupational health studies, architectural design and air quality management. The methodology in the thesis is a descriptive literature review and case studies of fire stations where the Clean Fire Station Concept has been implemented. Expert interview complements these methods to gather practical insights and recommendations.
Key findings show that structural changes such as improved ventilation systems, diesel exhaust extraction in garages and effective separation of clean and dirty areas are crucial to reducing firefighters’ exposure to harmful pollutants. The research shows that these changes will significantly improve indoor air quality and contribute to a healthier and safer working environment. The conclusions and recommendations stress the importance of implementing these structural changes to protect the health of firefighters, improve emergency response capabilities and ensure compliance with modern safety standards. The thesis proposes a phased approach to refurbishment to minimise disruption to operations and recommends further research into the long-term health outcomes and cost-benefit analysis of such measures.
The qualitative research methods were used to fulfil the objective. The methods used in this thesis were a descriptive literature review, case studies and expert interview. The purpose is to identify and implement the necessary renovations to transition the fire station to the Clean Fire Station Concept, ensuring improvements to indoor air quality and the overall working environment to improve the health and safety of firefighters.
The proposed improvements are supported by a theoretical framework incorporating knowledge from occupational health studies, architectural design and air quality management. The methodology in the thesis is a descriptive literature review and case studies of fire stations where the Clean Fire Station Concept has been implemented. Expert interview complements these methods to gather practical insights and recommendations.
Key findings show that structural changes such as improved ventilation systems, diesel exhaust extraction in garages and effective separation of clean and dirty areas are crucial to reducing firefighters’ exposure to harmful pollutants. The research shows that these changes will significantly improve indoor air quality and contribute to a healthier and safer working environment. The conclusions and recommendations stress the importance of implementing these structural changes to protect the health of firefighters, improve emergency response capabilities and ensure compliance with modern safety standards. The thesis proposes a phased approach to refurbishment to minimise disruption to operations and recommends further research into the long-term health outcomes and cost-benefit analysis of such measures.