I hate to appear to be negative, but when I see Jamaicans being placed at risk, it gets me very upset with our local authorities. Now this afternoon, there appears to have been a chemical spill in the region of Kingston terminal, which resulted in a number of workers at the Portmore Plaza falling seriously ill and had to be taken to hospital.
The authorities rightly moved in and closed the toll road and sections of Marcus Garvey drive as well as other roads that may have put commuters at risk. As I watch both newscast I was shocked to see members of the police force as well as other emergency personnel wearing what appears to be particulate (dust mask) respirators , which offers ZERO protection to what appears to have been fumes emanating from the spill.
These persons were supposed to have been fitted with the appropiate PPE .which should have included full face respirators with carbon activated filter , which is designed to adequate protect these persons from the fumes and being full face it also would offer protection for their eyes.
In addition to that, full sets of disposable coverall’s should have been provided to the emergency workers and members of the police force who were seen directing traffic in the affected areas.
Now this is basic stuff that I would have expected the ODPEM to have provided or insisted that these be, the minimum level of protection for those persons who would have been expected to have been exposed to some unknown chemical for an extended period of time.
It must be that my expectations are significantly higher than most, why I keep identifying these issues as I go about minding my business. Regardless , its up for persons like myself to not only identify what’s wrong, but also seek to point out solutions for what is wrong, because we are supposed to be our brothers keepers and as such should not allow our people to be exposed to harm, while attempting to carry out their jobs.
Just my views.
Filed under: Environment, Health, Public Information
Jay, Do you know the costs of these PPE’s you talked about???? Why not donate some for the People in authority??
We are not prepared for anything….except for cellphones, we are not even aware that this is 2012.