FIREFIGHTERS across Scotland are receiving extra sets of personal protective equipment (PPE) to help shield them from the potential harm of fire contaminants.

This investment in PPE is part of an overall £3.2 million pounds commitment by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) aimed at protecting firefighters from fire contaminants.

More than 2,000 extra sets of PPE are now being rolled out across Scotland, at a cost of £1.4 million, and this includes tunics, trousers, gloves and fire hoods.

These extra kits will be held in approximately 35 designated reserve stock hubs where they can be requested and accessed by firefighters when required.

The remainder of the £3.2 million budget will enable the implementation of further cleaning and storage solutions at fire stations.

These new processes were trialled at all fire stations in Ayrshire, aiming to minimise the risks to firefighters who could become exposed to potentially harmful fire contaminants.

SFRS assistant chief officer, Craig McGoldrick, said: "The extra PPE will assist crews when they require to send contaminated kit for laundry after attending incidents where fire contaminants have been present.

"Firefighter health is a priority for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and we will continue to work with the Fire Brigades Union to ensure we do everything we can to keep our staff safe."

Firefighters will be trained to follow new processes for ensuring contaminated kit is sent to laundry, with fresh kit available to order through the reserve stocks.

Research shows that firefighters' mortality rate from all cancers is 1.6 times higher than the general public, and firefighters are developing cancer at higher rates and at younger ages.