A better way of working – introducing equipment standards

The Equipment and Logistics Directorate has been developing new equipment standards in sections, starting with recommissioning and functional checks for operational personnel.

The Directorate has been implementing an E&L Strategy Implementation Programme (SIP). This sets out a transformational programme for the directorate, including introducing new equipment standards. 

National Manager, Equipment and Logistics, Charlie Lott says the Implementation Programme is based on how Service Delivery Operations determines the ‘what, when, where, and why’ dimensions of response capability, and leaves E&L to determine the ‘who and the how’ dimensions.

‘Work has begun in earnest to implement several fundamental workstreams: the Asset Management System (AMS), the Asset Management Information System (AMIS) and the Equipment Asset Maintenance Framework, and to develop National Equipment Management Policy Standards.’ 

Charlie says work is progressing well on the national equipment standards. 

‘It is our belief that only specialists should maintain, test, or distribute equipment, freeing firefighters to focus on their core responsibilities (the 4Rs). Only recommissioning should remain part of a firefighter’s role (firefightership). 

‘We have been developing new equipment standards in sections, starting with recommissioning and functional checks for operational personnel. These standards begin to clearly define the tasks that fall under Service Delivery from those that fall under E&L’s management. The recommissioning and functional checks will replace instructions covered in RD5 Standard Tests, which will eventually be removed.’

The first batch of standards cover lighting, power tools, generators, PPV, portable pumps, layflat hose, Thermal Imaging Cameras, and rescue equipment. The checks are in a simple format and are easy to follow. These have been published on the Equipment and Logistics team page on the Portal.