Heysham 1 power station has been thanked for donating firefighting equipment to help a charity to save lives on rescue missions around the world.
The power station has donated a large supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) that can no longer be used by the station to the International Fire & Rescue Association (IFRA).
This will support the charity’s life-saving work in communities with limited emergency response resources across the world.
The donation of dozens of fire jackets and trousers, gloves and helmets will be shipped by IFRA to frontline firefighters in various countries such as Albania, Argentina, Ecuador, Mexico and Paraguay as part of its mission to strengthen emergency response capability in high risk or resource limited regions.
At a nuclear power station, a wide range of PPE is used every day to keep people safe while carrying out essential operations.
Heysham 1, owned by EDF, also has its own firefighting teams and equipment on site, with specialised PPE like flame-retardant suits, fire boots, helmets and gloves, all of which is replaced on a fixed cycle.
While this equipment must be taken out of service once it reaches its designated end of life on station, much of it remains in excellent condition and continues to offer a high level of protection, meaning it can go on to help support other firefighting te ams and emergency services who may rely on donated kit.
“We’re proud that PPE which has reached the end of its operational life at Heysham can go on to protect firefighters working in extremely challenging environments," said Mike Davies, Heysham 1 Station Director.
“IFRA’s work saves lives every day, and we are pleased to support an organisation that shares our commitment to safety, resilience and helping global communities."
Instead of being sent to landfill, this high-quality equipment can provide vital support to charities like IFRA, which equip emergency responders in developing regions around the world.
“We cannot thank EDF enough for this amazing donation," said Gary Johnstone, Director at the International Fire and Rescue Association.
"Even though the personal protective equipment is at the end of life within the UK because of our regulations, it has still got many more years of life left in it. The equipment will be distributed worldwide to continue protecting firefighters and the communities they serve.”
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