Innovation is key theme for user group

摘要

Protection and innovation were key themes to the event, in which the LHD team and other PPE specialists shared the latest developments and legislative requirements. Discussions focused on developments in PPE and station wear layered solutions to best meet the changing profile of the Fire Service and protecting against adverse physiological conditions faced during the varied activities of the modern day firefighter. Dave Matthews, Managing Director of Fire and Industrial PPE Ltd and Chairman of a number of protective clothing standards committees for BSI, CEN and ISO, set the scene with an outline of the process for the development of standards. Dave highlighted the need for every FRS to undertake PPE risk assessments prior to selecting PPE, which will be required in the case of an incident or injury. He identified the importance compatibility testing and urged a collaborative approach to PPE procurement that avoids duplication and examines whole life costs, recognising that cheapest is not necessarily best value.