M1: Research Roundup Work Environments, Occupations, and Industrial Processes

Annual wildfires pose significant risks to firefighters worldwide, including increased incidence of respiratory disease and cancer. In New South Wales, over 70,000 volunteer members of the Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) participate in prescribed hazard reduction burns (PHRB) to reduce fuel loads and mitigate the severity of future uncontrolled bushfires. During these operations, volunteers are exposed to hazardous gases, aerosols, and particulates generated within bushfire smoke.

This field study employed a combination of traditional sampling techniques and novel real-time monitoring technologies to characterise airborne exposures across operational tasks. In addition, self-reported respiratory symptoms were assessed using pre- and post-burn questionnaires to evaluate acute health effects.

Findings revealed that exposures to several airborne contaminants-including carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, respirable dust, and ultrafine particles-exceeded recommended occupational exposure limits. These exposures were primarily driven by short-duration, high-concentration peaks occurring when volunteers were directly within smoke plumes.

Short-term recommendations include the implementation of an enhanced respiratory protection program, incorporating fit-tested respirators and task-specific controls. Longer-term strategies focus on engineering solutions such as clean cabin design, aimed at reducing secondary exposure following fireground operations. 

As wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense, protecting workers from smoke exposure has become a critical challenge. This presentation introduces the Wildfire Smoke Air Quality eMaps-a GIS-based tool that delivers real-time and forecasted air quality data to support safe field operations.

Developed to enhance planning and decision-making, the eMap integrates pollutant monitoring (PM2.5, ozone, NOx, SOx) with Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) scores, enabling teams to anticipate exposure risks and apply appropriate controls. A key enhancement to the platform is the integration of Ambee's hyperlocal air quality data. This data significantly improves the precision of the tool, especially in remote or data-sparse regions. By leveraging Ambee's granular insights, the system enhances predictive accuracy and real-time responsiveness, empowering field teams to make faster and more informed decisions. The inclusion of Ambee data also strengthens the platform's ability to deliver targeted safety recommendations and optimize operational protocols. Attendees will learn how the tool aligns with Enbridge's Exposure to Wildfire Smoke Guide, translating occupational hygiene standards into practical field protocols.

This presentation highlights how data visualization, mobile accessibility, and safety integration can transform wildfire response strategies across industrial operations.