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Integrated Clothing Project announces preferred bidder |
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Bristol Uniforms Ltd has been announced as the preferred bidder for The Integrated Clothing Project. Firebuy told FIRE
that this project saw: “The most rigorous and extensive research and evaluation process ever undertaken for a contract of this kind in the history of the Fire and Rescue Service.” They continued, saying that the new firefighting kit will offer: “Comprehensive protection in a range of hostile environments.”
Amongst many other activities, clothing from all bidders was put to the test over two four week periods under strictly controlled scientific conditions at the Health and Safety Laboratories in Buxton, Derbyshire in summer 2006. Sixteen male and female volunteer firefighters from around the UK donned sets of protective clothing – including helmets and gloves – provided by four bidding companies and were tested for levels of heat stress, performance, comfort and durability.
Rigorous physiological and ergonomic tests were undertaken to simulate physical movement, manual dexterity and hearing attenuation – all designed to gauge the relative performance of the clothing under realistic conditions. The tests were specifically designed to make sure that gender and equality issues were addressed, particularly the fit andcomfort of the clothing.
As well as protective gear, Bristol Uniforms Ltd will also provide firefighters’ station and work wear for when they are at their fire stations or providing fire safety advice in their local communities or fitting smoke alarms for the elderly or to homes in deprived areas. Speaking of the project, Liz Barron, Chair of Firebuy said:“I am grateful to the Chair of the ICP Board, Jerry O’Brien, Deputy Chief Fire Officer of Avon Fire and Rescue Service, his Garment Trials Working Group and the wider ICP team whose recommendation to the Firebuy Board has brought the project successfully to its conclusion for the benefit of firefighters. This represents a major milestone for collaboration and is a positive example of the way that the Fire Service will procure its major goods and services in the future.
“FRAs can now be sure that the protective clothing they issue to firefighters is the best available to maximise their comfort, safety and image. As FRAs’ existing contracts for clothing come to an end, they will have the opportunity to buy from the Firebuy contract with Bristol Uniforms Ltd. “Real efficiency savings will be made via the combined purchasing leverage which this contract represents on the whole life costing for protective clothing and station wear.”
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