Breathing Apparatus
There seems to be a number of concerns relating to the testing and minor repairs of all Breathing Apparatus equipment including Gas Suits that were once tested in Fire Service B.A. departments by certified technicians.
We have agreed that the changing of batteries and battery maintenance on the new Drager Sets is not classed as minor repairs. The changing of battery maintenance is covered as part of the training package of these new Sets.
Members should not carry out any tests on any B.A. Equipment that they were once certified to do by the appropriate supplier in the past (e.g. this includes Gas Suit testing, Cylinder Valve maintenance, B.A. Sets, Air Purity testing etc.).
If you are not currently certified to test this equipment, notify your AAM to have it tested by a certified company.
The recently released Joint Statement allows ongoing work on how members can regain certification for those who wish to continue to do this work.
Seminar – Managing Firefighter Exposures
Further to NTM No. 7 – 28 June 2013.
The Fire Service (National Notice 62/2013) outlines the Fire Service’s position arising out of this Seminar.
The Notice advises that a comprehensive project is to be set up to address the various issues, and the Union will be directly involved in this project.
