Carlow County Fire and Rescue Service has become the first fire service in Ireland to attain three ISO standards simultaneously, achieving ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 14001 for environmental management and ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety management under a single Integrated Management System.

According to KCLR 96 FM, the achievements were marked at a gathering attended by Carlow County Council representatives and members of the fire and rescue service, recognising a milestone that sets the service apart from all other fire services across the country.

The Integrated Management System combines all three standards into a cohesive framework for managing quality, safety and environmental performance, reducing duplication across audits, procedures and training while improving strategic governance and regulatory compliance.

Acting Chief Fire Officer Ben Woodhouse said the IMS provides Carlow County Fire and Rescue Service with clearer strategic leadership and consistent processes across all operational activity. "By integrating the three systems we have reduced duplication across audits, procedures, and training, resulting in greater efficiency and better use of our resources," he said. "Culturally it also promotes a consistent focus on safety, accountability, and professionalism across all staff while increasing public trust, political confidence, and organisational resilience."

Initiatives contributing to ISO 14001 certification include the electrification and transition to hydrotreated vegetable oil of the fleet, battery-powered road traffic collision equipment and positive pressure ventilation fans, thermal imaging drones, and environmental impact assessments completed across all fire stations.

Carlow Town fire station now operates with solar panels, improved insulation and an air-to-water heating system, replacing a fossil fuel burning system.

Read the full story to learn more about Carlow County Fire and Rescue Service's integrated ISO achievement and green initiatives.