This national project was initiated by Communities and Local Government (CLG), the Chief Fire Officer’s Association (CFOA) and Firebuy to examine fire and rescue service (FRS) use of respiratory protection and associated equipment for the future.

The Core programme Team comprises:-

» Programme Director: CFO Paul Hayden
» Senior User: CFO Paul Fuller, CFOA National Procurement Board
» Senior Supplier: Terry Brewer, CEO Firebuy
» Project Assurance: Anna Wadsworth, CLG
» Project Manager: Dr. Claire Millard

The project has examined all aspects of RPE and it was acknowledged from the outset that this would be a complex and multi faceted project, encompassing extensive risk assessment of the operational environment, review of existing systems of work and development of new protocols for the effective use of new technologies. From the procurement point of view it would ensure that frameworks were in place to ensure that the very best equipment could be made available to every firefighter at the very best price.

After evaluating supplier returns against user requirement and procurement specification four suppliers were identified:-

1. Draeger Safety UK Ltd
2. Interspiro
3. MSA (Britain) Ltd
4. Scott Health and Safety

These successful suppliers will be eligible for inclusion in the national framework and individual fire and rescue services will have access to a wide range of scientific and financial data, plus end user feedback to inform their final decision about which product represents best for their local needs.

Feedback Trials

The user feedback trials took place over three weekends in November and December 2007. Each day, two practical exercises were carried out by volunteers from 12 separate UK Fire and Rescue Authorities (FRAs). The evaluations covered all aspects of the wearers’ experience from ease of use when starting up, comfort in use and closed down, and service procedures. Volunteer firefighters from Hereford & Worcester, Surrey, London, West Midlands, Cleveland, West Sussex, Tyne and Wear, Kent, South Wales, Oxfordshire and Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Authorities took part in the trials.

For further information on this project contact christine.tapere@firebuy.gov.uk