A firefighter in Auckland was seriously injured a few weeks ago while undertaking pressure hose testing. As FENZ placed a ban on high pressure testing and the Auckland Local issued a notice stating all hose testing using a host testing rig should be immediately suspended pending the outcome of the Level 2 investigation.
FENZ has now issued a notice lifting the ban on hose pressure testing despite an ongoing investigation into a serious injury.
The NZPFU does not support the lifting of the ban as it is not in the interests of your health and safety.
The NZPFU recommends members refuse to undertake pressure hose testing until the investigation is complete and any recommendations considered.
The investigation into the incident has commenced but is not completed and a report is yet to be provided.
The NZPFU has not been provided with any reason for lifting the pressure-hose hose testing when an investigation into a serious injury is yet to be completed.
We do not know of any reason which would be paramount to the health and safety of firefighters.
If any member is being required to undertake pressure hose testing please immediately contact your Local or the National President Ian Wright or National Secretary Wattie Watson.
In unity,
Wattie Watson
