Steel BA Cylinders
The Local has been made aware that heavy steel cylinders are being used on appliances to cover a shortfall in the light alloy cylinders. This shortfall is another example of mis-management surrounding the new 300bar cylinders and filling panels.
Members are therefore advised to take extra care when using the heavy steel cylinders operationally and in fact these cylinders should only be used as a last resort, after all light alloys have been exhausted.
Officers and crews are reminded to take care to ensure enough rest time between tasks after fire-fighters have worn these heavy cylinders due to the excess exertion required.
Observers
Members are advised that at a Local committee meeting held today, committee members discussed the practice of ride along’s for prospective recruits. It was agreed that it was an unfair practice, as all prospective recruits should be entitled to the same opportunity. Given that there are some 500 odd applicants for 20 or so jobs, this is not an option.
Members are also advised that if anyone on a crew has concerns regarding ride alongs from people in other areas of the service, the ride along should not continue. All too often it seems that all and sundry are wanting to ride along on a fire appliance, especially in City. Members are reminded of Health and Safety concerns regarding the baby sitting of these people. Officers have enough to worry about at fire-calls without worrying where these people are.
Members should think twice before accepting ride alongs from anyone who is not a professional Fire-fighter and
