RICHMOND, VA — New vehicle source exhaust capture and removal systems, designed to ensure clean air in the work environment of firefighters, have been installed at several Richmond Fire Department stations (1, 10, 13, and 22) and training to properly use them is underway. The goal is to have these source capture systems installed at all 20 RFD fire stations by May 2022.

The RFD received a $640,000 grant through the United States Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG) Program to fund this project. Air Specialists of Virginia, Inc. has been contracted to install the Plymovent vehicle source exhaust capture and removal systems in the RFD fire stations.

Exposure to vehicle exhaust fumes is a significant cancer health risk for firefighters. The RFD is installing these source capture systems to reduce the risk, create safer working conditions, and control exhaust fumes in the fire stations.

How it works for undercarriage exhaust vehicles:

1. The source capture system features a flexible hose, which follows the vehicle along a high-grade aluminum track and disconnects automatically, with no operator intervention, when firefighters go out on a call.
2. When firefighters get back, the pneumatic grabber on the system connects to the exhaust pipe in one easy step. A firefighter simply pushes the grabber against the tailpipe and presses a button on the hose to seal the system via an inflatable rubber bladder.
3. The pneumatic grabber utilizes a positive seal to ensure virtually no diesel exhaust leaks, while the system is in use (virtually 100% source capture).
4. Hazardous exhaust emissions are then extracted from the apparatus and vented out of the station.